Visit WebsiteThe Ecusta Trail is a game changer for outdoor enthusiasts in Western North Carolina. The six-mile paved route follows the old railway line from downtown Hendersonville to the crossroads in Horse Shoe.
Officially opening July 18, 2025, the multi-use trail is wide, flat and connects to several shops, eateries, breweries and coffee cafes.
Outside the city limits, the landscape changes to pine forests, bamboo groves, pastoral settings and the rippling waters of Shaw Creek, with the peak of Mount Pisgah visible in the distance.
The Hendersonville Welcome Center is an official trailhead, where folks can park, use the restroom, and learn more about places and things to do along the trail. The trail will eventually extend 19 miles, connecting the downtowns of Hendersonville and Brevard.
Currently, the western terminus of the trail (end of Phase I), is located at The Crossroads, which is home to Root + Bone restaurant and an adjacent rock-n-roll themed bar with outdoor deck.
The following businesses are adjacent to the Ecusta Trail:
- Hendersonville Welcome Center
- Dry Fall Brewing Co.
- Trailside Brewing
- Ecusta Market & Café
- Southern Streams CoffeeHouse
- Crate Wine Market
- Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
- Guidon Brewing Outpost 1
- Horse Shoe Gap Village
- Packa’s Place
- Root + Bone
- The Crossroads
These businesses are within a block or two of the Ecusta Trail:
- Blue Ridge Beer Garden
- HVL Pedal & Brews
- HenDough Chicken & Donuts
- Whit’s Frozen Custard
- Dixie Diner
- Tequilas Bar & Grill
- Tooley’s Cafe
- Uncle Scott’s Pizza
- Sol Y Luna Cali-Mex Grill & Bar
- Taco Fiesta Mexican Kitchen
- Hustle Wing Co.
- China Dynasty
- Cognative Cafe
For a list of trail etiquette and regulations, click this link.