HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — After nearly two years of restoration, the Ecusta Trail is set to officially reopen Friday, July 18, marking a major milestone for Hendersonville and surrounding Western North Carolina communities.
The six-mile paved greenway — once a key Southern Railway corridor — connects downtown Hendersonville to Horse Shoe and will eventually extend 19.4 miles to Brevard. Local leaders and outdoor enthusiasts are calling it a “game-changer” for recreation, tourism and community connection.
Originally constructed in the early 1900s to transport Appalachian freight and passengers, the corridor was long abandoned before its conversion into a multi-use trail. But in August 2023, Hurricane Helene delivered a major blow, causing flash floods that wiped out bridges, trailheads and access points — rendering much of the trail unusable.
In the aftermath, Hendersonville officials, Henderson County and conservation groups across Western North Carolina joined forces with FEMA and private donors to restore the trail. The project included infrastructure upgrades, flood-proofing, and realignment to help prevent future storm damage.
The public is invited to celebrate the trail’s grand reopening at 2 p.m. Friday at the Hendersonville Visitors Center, 401 N. Main St. Events will begin at 2 p.m. with a community blessing and remarks from local officials. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will follow at 3 p.m., with festivities continuing through 6 p.m., including a “celebration walk,” local vendors, live music and family-friendly activities.
Stops along the trail highlight urban and rural character, with coffee shops, breweries and restaurants accessible along the route. Businesses along the trail will participate in the festivities, including music at Trailside Brewing and Packa’s Place, artisan booths from the Blue Ridge Artisan Market, and an after-party at Root & Bone.
Organizers say the reopening isn’t just a celebration of a trail — it’s a celebration of resilience.
More information is available at ecustatrail.org.