Notice: Ecusta Trail in Transylvania is Not Open to the Public
Since the purchase of the Ecusta Trail corridor in Hendersonville and Transylvania Counties, some people have begun using the rail corridor for recreational purposes, such as walking, running, walking dogs, or riding horses. This is a reminder that the Ecusta Trail corridor in Transylvania County is NOT yet open to the public. Recreational use of this corridor is prohibited at this time.
Rebekah Robinson, Assistant Director for Programs at Conserving Carolina, says, “We are all looking forward to the day that the Ecusta Trail is fully constructed and open to the public. However, we need everyone to be patient and respect the community along the trail. Unauthorized use of the trail is counterproductive to our goal of completing the trail.”
The Ecusta Trail corridor is open to the public in Henderson County. However, the corridor consists of an unimproved rail line, which people may use at their own risk. Bridges and trestles on the corridor within Henderson County are also closed to the public as they have not been evaluated for safety. If you are using the trail in Henderson County, please respect neighboring landowners’ private property. Stay on the trail and keep dogs on leash.
The land for the Ecusta Trail was purchased in August of 2021 by EcustaRails2Trail, LLC, a subsidiary of Conserving Carolina. Conserving Carolina and the Friends of the Ecusta Trail are currently raising funds to pay for the construction of the trail, so that it can be open for recreational use. The trail will span 19 miles, from Hendersonville to Brevard and is expected to become a destination rail trail, a major economic driver, and a treasured amenity for local residents.
Learn more at conservingcarolina.org/ecusta or at ecustatrail.org
Conserving Carolina is a local land trust that has protected nearly 46,000 acres, primarily in Henderson, Polk, Transylvania and Rutherford counties in N.C. and the Landru6, S.C. area. The mission of Conserving Carolina is to protect, restore and inspire appreciation of the natural world. Learn more and become a member at conservingcarolina.org.
Friends of The Ecusta Trail was founded in 2009 as a volunteer organization to study, educate and advocate for the acquisition and development of the proposed Ecusta Trail. Their efforts over the past 12 years have included garnering endorsements for the trail from local governments in addition to nearly 50 other non-profits and organizations throughout western North Carolina. www.ecustatrail.org