For over a decade, people in Western North Carolina have dreamed of transforming the unused Ecusta rail line into something exciting — a rail trail inviting people out into vibrant communities and beautiful countryside.
The objective is to create a 19-mile greenway connecting Hendersonville and Brevard, passing through Laurel Park, Etowah, Horseshoe, Penrose and Pisgah Forest and linking other greenway and trail systems in Western North Carolina. Drawing people of all ages and abilities to get outside—on foot or by wheelchair, bike, stroller, or scooter. The Ecusta Trail will meander through fields and forests, beside streams, pastures, and country churches, and into thriving business districts—offering visitors the best of Western North Carolina. This new cultural main street will undoubtedly be the premier destination greenway in the southeast.
The Ecusta Trail will meet The Oklawaha Trail in Hendersonville, which connects Jackson Park, Patton Park and the Park at Kimberly Clark (about 4 miles in total length). Plans are underway to soon extend it to Carolina Village. The 3.5 mile Oklawaha Greenway winds through wetlands, meadows and forests to connect four parks. The Greenway currently has two birding “hot spots” designated by eBird because of the wide variety of birds it attracts. Wildflowers, native trees and small mammals abound. The fully paved Greenway is a five-minute drive from downtown Hendersonville and easily accessible from five convenient parking areas. Learn more here: https://www.friendsofoklawaha.org.
