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.

Trail Etiquette
Trail Map

1939

Ecusta Corp. opens a paper mill in Brevard, North Carolina, on the rail line along the Davidson River.

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 12, 2021. EcustaRails2Trails, LLC, purchases the rail corridor for $7.8 million.

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.
The trail is open at all times, except for dangerous weather events or repairs.
Pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted.
Wheels yield to pedestrians.
Keep right except to pass.
Give audible warning before passing.
Stay alert & listen for approaching trafic. Decrease the volume of audio devices and keep one ear open.
Trail users should only park in designated areas.
Helmets are recommended for everyone on wheels but are required for children 16 years of age and under.
Bicycle light-use is required from dusk to dawn (both front and rear lights are recommended).
No devices shall be left on the trail unattended, unless parked in the appropriate parking places.
Do not block the trail. Pull off the trail when stopped.
Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under control. Clean up after your pet.
Call 911 to report any emergency or suspicious activity.
Please report any vandalism, storm damage, or unsafe conditions immediately to Henderson County Parks and Recreation Department by calling 828-697-4884.
Follow all posted regulatory signage.

Prohibited Activities

Littering and Vandalism
Tobacco and vaping use of any kind
Possession or consumption of open alcoholic beverages or any intoxicants
Killing, trapping, or harming wildlife
Fireworks
Selling, soliciting, or exhibiting materials without an appropriate permit.
Collection, removal, damage, or disturbance of any trail property, natural or cultural object
Horses
Camping
Prohibited vehicles include, but are not limited to: ATVs, UTVs, 4-wheelers, golf carts, and tagged vehicles, including scooters or mopeds. Note: individuals with a mobility disability have the right to use an Other Power-Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD).

None of these rules, regulations, or etiquette are to supersede state or federal law, infringe upon the rights of those protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion or gender.

Trail Map

Download Trail Map

FAQ

What sections of the trail are open?

In Henderson County, the first 6 miles from Hendersonville to Horse Shoe are under construction. The trail is closed in both Henderson and Transylvania Counties.
When will construction on the first six miles be completed?

Due to the delays and damage caused by Hurricane Helene, construction on the first 6 miles is expected to be completed by June 2025.
When will the rest of the trail construction be completed?

The remaining 5 miles in Henderson County and 8 miles in Transylvania County are currently being designed, with an estimated construction completion by the end of 2027.
What is the status of the $45.9 million in federal funding awarded to complete the trail in Henderson and Transylvania counties?

The Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Transportation Projects Program (NSFLTP) and Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants are currently under review because all USDOT grants are under review. The two grants are for construction of approximately 8 miles of trail in Transylvania and 5 miles in Henderson. The engineering and design for these sections is currently underway and construction is scheduled to start later next year. We have no reason to think that these funds are in peril and our federal elected officials support the project. All work on the trail is proceeding as planned.
How are the funds from the “Making the Dream Real” capital campaign being used?

The nearly $3 Million generously donated for construction of the Ecusta Trail has been set aside for required matching funds for our grants. Any funds not used as a match for the federal grants will be used for future trail amenities.
How long is the trail?

The purchased rail corridor for the Ecusta Trail is 19.4 miles long.
Where will the Ecusta Trail begin and end?

In Henderson County, the terminus will be at the Hendersonville Welcome Center at 201 S Main St. In Brevard, the terminus will be at a yet-to-be determined location on Main St.
Who can use the trail?

Bikers, runners, walkers, skateboarders, dog walkers (dogs should be on a leash no longer than 6ft)
Are E-Bikes allowed?

Pedal-assist e-bikes are allowed.
Are horses allowed?

No.
Are motorized vehicles allowed?

No, except for mobility devices such as motorized wheelchairs.
What are the trail rules?

Rules & Etiquette
What is the trail surface and how wide will the it be?

The trail will be 12 -14 feet wide and paved so it is usable by all ages and abilities (ADA compatible). On each side of the pavement, there will be 2 foot wide, sloped gravel sides.
Will restrooms and water facilities be available?

Trailheads are planned at each end of the trail with restrooms and water facilities. Additionally, trail partners will be sought from businesses abutting the trail every mile or two along the trail. These trail partners financially benefit from trail users shopping at their business while using their facilities.
Why is it called the Ecusta Trail?

“Ecusta” in Cherokee translates to mean ‘rippling waters’ or ‘place of origin’. The name was also used by Ecusta Paper Mill, which operated between 1939 and 2002, employing 3,500 workers at its peak.
Beyond construction funding, is there a need for fundraising?

Yes. Limited funding of trail amenities may be paid for by our funding sources but many trail amenities are not covered. These may include rain shelters/rest stops with built-in benches, signage, water fountains, trash cans, and bike rack/repair stations, public art, thresholds (i.e. distinctive porticos over the trail at both major trailheads), pocket parks (playgrounds, exercise/fitness stations, bike parks, dog park(s), gardens) to name a few. There will be future fundraising and naming opportunities associated with these donations.
How can I support the trail?

You can support the trail as a volunteer and as a donor.

Volunteer Donate
How do I report an emergency, problem, or maintenance issue?

If you have an emergency, dial 911. If there is a problem related to the Trail, call 828-490-1854 or email [email protected]

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Trail Etiquette

Ecusta Trail Rules

Prohibited Activities

None of these rules, regulations, or etiquette are to supersede state or federal law, infringe upon the rights of those protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion or gender.

Trail Map

FAQ

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