Ecusta Trail

The Ecusta Trail (opening Summer 2025) will connect Downtown Hendersonville to Downtown Brevard. Following what used to be freight train route, this flat greenway only sees about 300 feet of elevation gain along its entire 19 miles! Pretty impressive for being in the mountains of Western NC! The Ecusta Trail, which is the longest Greenway in Western NC, is being built in phases, and phase 1, which goes from South Main Street in Hendersonville all the way to Horse Shoe and very nearly to the French Broad River, is expected to be open to the public in or before December 2024.

Many businesses exist or have opened along the route or within a few blocks of the Ecusta Trail:

• Dry Fall Brewing Co
• Hot Dog World
• Blue Ridge Beer Garden
• HVL Pedal & Brews
• HenDough Chicken & Donuts
• Whit’s Frozen Custard
• Taqueria Gonzalez
• Trailside Brewing
• Ecusta Market & Café
• Southern Streams CoffeeHouse
• Dixie Diner
• Tequilas Bar & Grill
• Tooley’s Cafe
• Uncle Scott’s Pizza
• Sol Y Luna Cali-Mex Grill & Bar
• Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
• Guidon Brewing Co. Outpost 1
• Sharewell Coffeehouse
• Horse Shoe Gap Village
• Taco Fiesta Mexican Kitchen
• Hustle Wing Co.
• China Dynasty
• Cognative Cafe
• Packa’s Place
• Root & Bone Hendersonville

Be sure to follow the Ecusta Trail Rules and Etiquette:

1. Stay on the trail and respect private property.
2. The trail is open at all times, except for dangerous weather events or repairs.
3. Pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted.
4. Speed Limit 15 mph unless posted otherwise. Wheels yield to pedestrians.
5. Keep right except to pass. Give audible warning before passing.
6. Stay alert/Listen for approaching traffic; Decrease the volume of audio devices and keep one ear open.
7. Trail users should only park in designated areas.
8. Helmets are recommended for everyone on wheels but required for anyone 16 years of age and under.
9. Bicycle light-use is required from dusk to dawn (both front and rear lights are recommended).
10. No devices shall be left on the trail unattended, unless parked in appropriate parking places.
11. Do not block the trail. Pull off the trail when stopped.
12. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under control. Clean up after your pet.
13. Call 911 to report any emergency or suspicious activity.
14. Please report any vandalism, storm damage, or unsafe conditions immediately to Henderson County Parks and Recreation Department by calling 828-697-4884.

Prohibited Activities:

1. Littering and vandalism
2. Tobacco use of any kind
3. Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or any intoxicants
4. Killing, trapping, or harming wildlife
5. Fireworks
6. Selling, soliciting, or exhibiting materials without a Parks and Recreation Issued Permit
7. Collection, removal, damage, or disturbance of any trail property, natural or cultural object
8. Horses
9. Camping
10. Prohibited vehicles include, but not limited to: ATVs, UTVs, 4-wheelers, golf carts, and tagged vehicles (including motorcycles, scooters or mopeds)
    Note: Individuals with a mobility disability have the right to use an OPDMD (Other Power-Driven Mobility Device)