1939
Ecusta Corp. opens a paper mill in Brevard, North Carolina, on the rail line along the Davidson River.
About the Trail
The Ecusta Trail has a rich history that reaches back nearly a century. Its modern development has been a collaborative effort of community volunteers, nonprofit partners, and local and state governments who share a vision of a corridor that will connect us all. The trail’s story continues to this day.
1983
Congress establishes “railbanking” to allow a voluntary agreement between a railroad company and a trail agency for interim use of an out-of-service rail corridor.
2002
Ecusta Paper Mill in Brevard closes (last railroad activity on the 19-mile spur line)
March
2008
Group of rail-to-trail advocates meets to discuss rail corridor use via railbanking
May
2009
May 7, 2009. City of Hendersonville passes resolution in support of the rail-trail (followed in following years by Flat Rock, Laurel Park, Brevard, and numerous other organizations)
April
2010
Steering committee forms nonprofit named Friends of the Ecusta Trail (FOET).
April
2011
Trail study and economic impact analysis commissioned by City of Hendersonville
April
2012
Series of open meetings held to share information about FOET and the project
April
2014
Kansas-based Watco (Blue Ridge Southern Railroad) acquires 19-mile Brevard spur line
March
2015
March 2, 2015. Henderson County Commissioners support the Ecusta Trail “in concept”
April
2015
The Henderson County TDA votes to set aside 0.25% (percent) of all occupancy tax revenues for 5 years for the Ecusta Trail. Subsequently, a total of $540,782.74 was set aside in the fund.
October
2015
October 1, 2015. Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy (now “Conserving Carolina”) endorses Trail.
April
2019
Henderson County Commissioners adopt a Greenway Master Plan.
August
2019
The Henderson County TDA unanimously awards Conserving Carolina a $90,000 grant for the Ecusta Trail.
August
2019
N.C. Board of Transportation awards a $6.4 million grant to Conserving Carolina to acquire proposed Ecusta Trail rail corridor ($1.6 million local match required).
November
2019
Transylvania County Commissioners approve a Comprehensive Bicycle Plan which includes the development of the Ecusta Trail.
March
2020
The Henderson County TDA unanimously awards Conserving Carolina a $273,700.00 grant for the Ecusta Trail.
March
2020
Transylvania County TDA pledges $100,000 to develop the Ecusta Trail.
August
2020
The French Broad MPO approves a $5 million construction grant covering the first 5¾ miles of the Ecusta Trail in Henderson County.
April
2021
Apr 7, 2021. Blue Ridge Southern Railroad files for abandonment of the 19-mile Ecusta line with the Surface Transportation Board.
May
2021
May 25, 2021. The Henderson County TDA passes a resolution of intent to further support the Ecusta Trail. The ensuing agreement is for at least $2,500,000 over five years (providing occupancy tax revenue is available), with additional funding possible.
June
2021
June 21, 2021. Brevard City Council becomes the lead agency to secure funding and oversee design and construction for the 8-mile portion of the Ecusta Trail in Transylvania County.
July
2021
The Henderson County TDA unanimously awards the remaining fund balance set aside of $190,175.74 to the Ecusta Trail project.
August
2021
August 16, 2021. Ribbon-cutting held in Hendersonville to celebrate Ecusta Trail project launch.
September
2021
September 17, 2021. Ribbon-cutting held in Brevard to celebrate Ecusta Trail project launch.
November
2021
November 1, 2021. Conserving Carolina leases Henderson County the 11-mile portion of the rail corridor for 150-years to build and operate the trail as a linear park.
November
2021
November 17, 2021. Nine-member Henderson County Trail Advisory Committee is appointed by County Commission; first meets on 11-29-21.
November
2021
November 18, 2021. North Carolina approves state budget with $600,000 in additional greenway funding for the Ecusta Trail
December
2021
December 6, 2021. Henderson County selects Vaughn & Melton to design the first three phases of the Henderson County portion of the rail trail.
March
2022
The Transylvania County TDA pledges $1,000,000 over 5 years.
September
2023
NC DOT contracts with TPD to design and and engineer the Transylvania County segment.
October
2023
Ecusta Trail East groundbreaking at Veterans Healing Farm.
December
2023
NHM is awarded contract to construct the first 6 miles of trail from Hendersonville to Horseshoe with completion set for December 2024.
Trail Etiquette
Ecusta Trail Rules
- Respect private property. Stay on the trail.
- Pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted.
- Speed limit is 15 mph unless posted otherwise. Wheels yield to pedestrians.
- Helmets are recommended for everyone on wheels but required under the age of 16.
- Keep right except to pass. Give audible warning before passing.
- No headphones. If you wear ear buds, keep one ear open to hear other trail users.
- Single file when passing or being passed.
- Do not block the trail. Pull off of the trail when stopped.
- Use caution when crossing roads and driveways.
- Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under control. Clean up after your pet.
- Keep the trail clean. Properly dispose of all trash.
- For non-emergencies dial 828-490-1854. For emergencies, dial 911 and indicate the nearest mile marker
Prohibited Activities
-
Unauthorized vehicles of any kind.
- Tobacco use of any kind.
- Hunting, camping or fires.
- Posting of signs without permission.
Trail Map
FAQ
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