Welcome to the Ecusta Trail

All journeys begin with a single step. Grateful ones begin here.

Hendersonville’s next big thing is the Ecusta Trail. Ultimately, the trail will stretch 19.4 miles from Hendersonville to Brevard, but as of July 18, 2025, the first six miles are open and ready to explore. 

 The Ecusta Trail is a game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts in Western North Carolina, showcasing both urban and rural settings and connecting with several eateries. stores, breweries and coffee shops. Outside the city limits, the landscape changes to pine forests, bamboo groves, pasture land and the rippling waters of Shaw Creek, with the peak of Mount Pisgah visible in the distance.

 The trailhead is conveniently located at the newly renovated Welcome Center on South Main Street in Hendersonville, where you’ll find parking, restrooms, a place to fill water bottles, and helpful info about trail features and nearby attractions.

 From the Welcome Center, the wide, paved path (12 to 15 feet across) winds through town and heads west toward the Horse Shoe community. Treat yourself along the route with a quick bite or beverage before arriving at The Crossroads, home to Root + Bone, a rock-and-roll themed bar with an outdoor deck. 

The Ecusta Trail began in the early 20th century as a railway line that carried passengers and freight through the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Now, after years of planning and community collaboration, this once-forgotten corridor has found new life as a scenic greenway — leading to unforgettable journeys you’ll want to experience again and again.

 More than just a walking and biking path for all ages and abilities, the Ecusta Trail is a new way to experience what makes Hendersonville a wonderful place to visit. Start your day in our charming downtown, then let the trail lead you into the beauty of Western North Carolina — where every step is an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and experience Gratitude at Altitude™.