ecusta trail - Welcome To Hendersonville, NC

Coffee, Cycling & Community at Cognative Café

Cognative Café offers more than a quick coffee stop—it’s a vibrant community hub where quality, conversation, and local pride converge. Founded by Andrea and Austin, this welcoming space combines thoughtfully crafted beverages and food with a retail experience powered by their outdoor lifestyle brand, Cognitive MTB.

A Warm Welcome & A Focus on Quality

Meet Andrea and Austin, the dynamic duo behind Cognative Café. Andrea is part owner and operations manager, also overseeing the custom apparel program, while Austin is co-owner and leads the Cognative MTB apparel brand and retail operations.

Together, they’ve created more than just a café—they’ve built a vibrant community hub where quality coffee, fresh food, and locally crafted outdoor apparel come together in one welcoming space just steps from the Ecusta Trail.

“At Cognative Café, we feature high quality, fresh coffee, light eats, pastries, and lunch items,” Andrea explains. “We focus on quality and consistency in all of our offerings—from our food and beverage to our retail apparel.”

Recently, they expanded their menu to include sandwiches, salads, and gourmet toasts that bring fresh, bold flavor combinations. “We definitely invite you to come out and plan your lunch here and let us know what your favorite was,” Andrea adds.

Learn More About Cognative Café

Cognative MTB: Apparel Made for the Trails and Beyond

Austin highlights the café’s unique twist: “One of the things that makes our store really unique is that we have a retail space for our apparel brand, Cognative MTB. Our apparel is mainly focused on cycling, but a lot of it crosses over to everyday outdoor use and activewear.”

This local apparel line was born from the mountain biking culture that defines Western North Carolina. “This area has become a destination for mountain biking. It’s definitely the place to go east of the Mississippi,” Austin says. The apparel is rigorously tested in the diverse WNC climate to ensure high performance rain or shine.

Since launching Cognative MTB in 2017, Austin and Andrea have woven giving back into their business model. “We donate 2% from our top line revenue back to public land through volunteer trail organizations, through our 2% for the Trails program.” Austin shares. “By the end of this year, we’ll have donated over $100,000 to groups like Friends of DuPont and Pisgah Area SORBA who maintain and advocate for our trails.”

Learn more about Cognative MTB

Cultivating Community — One Cup at a Time

Community connections are at the heart of Cognative Café. Andrea notes, “We want everyone who steps foot in here, whether you’re a first-time coffee drinker or a total coffee connoisseur, to feel comfortable and at home.” The café welcomes a diverse crowd — from bikers and families to folks working remotely or meeting friends. “It’s really just a great place where you can come and relax,” Andrea says.

Supporting local businesses is part of that community ethos. “Our commitment to partnering with local vendors is an extension of our ethos of cultivating community,” Andrea explains. “We offer local beans through Cooperative Coffee Roasters and partner with multiple local bakeries. We’re really proud of the relationships we’ve built right here in our community.”

Austin echoes this passion: “Western North Carolina is unique because of its culture, small businesses, and incredible public lands. By partnering with local vendors, it feels like an extension of the greater community here — it’s just who we are.”

The Ecusta Trail — A Game Changer for Hendersonville

A standout feature for both locals and visitors is the newly opened segment of the Ecusta Trail, a Rails-to-Trails program that turns an old rail corridor into a beautiful multi-use trail.

“It’s beyond exciting,” Austin says. “It opened this summer from Hendersonville to Horseshoe right here across the street from us. It offers a safe, six-mile-long biking and walking path with stunning mountain views and a stream running alongside.”

With the trail’s proximity, Cognative Café is perfectly positioned as a rest stop or meet-up point for trail users.

learn more about the ecusta trail

More Than Just a Café — A Hub for Visitors & Locals

Connecting face-to-face with customers is one of the favorite parts of the Cognative Café journey. Andrea shares, “We love surprising someone by remembering their favorite drink or hearing about their plans for the week. It’s great to connect with our local and visiting community every day.”

Austin hopes visitors experience not only the friendly service but also a slice of WNC culture. “We live in such a beautiful area, and we want visitors to connect with our mountains, communities, and local businesses. This area’s natural beauty and culture are something everyone should experience.”

Ready to plan your getaway?

Ready to fuel your next ride, relax with friends, or discover locally made outdoor apparel? Cognative Café is waiting to welcome you — with a great cup of coffee and a warm smile, right on the doorstep of the Ecusta Trail.

When you’re ready to stay a while, the Cognative Ridehouse just next door offers the perfect home base for your Hendersonville adventure.

Head to our Lodging Page to explore all your options. Need a little inspiration? Check out our curated list of unique stays: Stay Your Way.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hendersonville!

Learn more about cognative ridehouse

Explore the Ecusta Trail: Your Complete Guide

The Ecusta Trail is officially open — and the first 6 miles are ready to explore in Henderson County. This newly completed stretch begins at the Hendersonville Welcome Center, the proud trailhead. From there, the paved, multi-use path travels westward through Hendersonville, Laurel Park, and into Horse Shoe, offering an exciting new way to connect with local businesses, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm

Trail Overview

This first segment of the trail winds past Laurel Green Park, stretches of open fields, and runs parallel to some of the area’s favorite craft beverage locations, coffee houses, boutique shops, and vacation rentals. Whether you’re commuting by bike, walking with friends, or enjoying a peaceful solo run, the Ecusta Trail offers a safe, scenic, and social way to move through the community.

The trail is fully paved and accessible for all — including walkers, joggers, cyclists, strollers, and mobility devices — and is designed to eventually extend all the way into Brevard, transforming the old rail corridor into a regional greenway system.

learn more about the ecusta trail

Must-Visit Businesses on the Trail

One of the best parts of exploring the Ecusta Trail is the variety of local stops just steps off the path. Whether you’re craving a cold craft beer, a scoop of homemade ice cream, a fresh cup of coffee, or a full sit-down meal, you’ll find plenty of spots to refuel, recharge, and enjoy the local flavor. The trail also connects you to bike rental shops, cozy markets, and other locally owned gems that make the journey just as exciting as the destination.

(Listed in order of distance from the Trailhead Pavilion)

Boodas Brewing Company
Hot Dog World
Marino’s Pizza
Dry Falls Brewing Co.
Hendersonville Cycle Specialist
Taqueria Gonzalez
HenDough Chicken & donuts
Whit’s Frozen Custard
Trailside Brewing Co.
Appalachian Coffee Co.
Ecusta Market + Café
Venture Ecusta Bike Rentals
Southern Streams Coffeehouse
Laurel Green Park
Dixie Diner
Crate Wine Market
Tequilas Bar and Grill
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Guidon Brewing Outpost 1
Cognative Café
Root & Bone
Packa’s Place

Plan Your Visit

What To Bring: Water, sunscreen, helmet (if biking), comfortable shoes, and cash for local shops. Be sure to always have pets on a leash, with proper disposal bags. Need gear? Stop by Cognative Café for all your bike apparel, accessories, and last-minute essentials before hitting the trail.

Parking & Restrooms: Parking and restrooms are available at the Trailhead Pavilion parking lot.

Hit the trail

The Ecusta Trail is more than just a path — it’s a new way to experience the energy, flavor, and creativity of Henderson County. Whether you’re riding, walking, or stopping in for a local pint or pastry, the trail invites you to slow down, explore, and support the community along the way.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Trailhead Passport! This free program lets you check in at participating businesses along the Ecusta Trail, earn points, and redeem them for prizes at the Hendersonville Welcome Center. It’s a fun way to explore more, support local, and score some great trail-themed rewards.

view trail etiquette and rules

Father and son ride bikes on the Ecusta Trail, Hendersonville, NC

Ready to plan your getaway?

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy cabins, charming inns, or modern hotels, we’ve got you covered!

Head to our Lodging Page to explore all your options. Need a little inspiration? Check out our curated list of unique stays: Stay Your Way.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hendersonville!

A Warm Welcome on the Ecusta Trail: Ecusta Market & Café

Meet Robert and Emily Gunn, the husband-and-wife team behind Ecusta Market & Café, a cozy and community-driven business built around local goods, trail-side relaxation, and strong coffee. We spoke with them about their journey, their inspiration, and what visitors can expect when they visit.

A Dream Rooted in Community

Robert and Emily both come from long careers in the service industry, but their goal was always to create something of their own.

“We wanted to create the kind of life where we could blend our home and work lives together,” Emily says. “And opening the Ecusta Market & Café was a way to do that.”

The idea took shape during one of their many trips to Greenville, SC. It sparked a vision: with the Ecusta Trail on the horizon in Hendersonville, why not build a place that captured that same spirit?

Learn More About Ecusta Market & Cafe

Built for the Trail

Located just steps from the Ecusta Trail, the Market & Café feels like it was meant to be here. The trail’s emphasis on healthy living and connection to the outdoors aligns perfectly with the Gunns’ vision for a welcoming, nourishing community hub.

“The reason we chose this location was simple—we wanted to create a spot where people could gather, enjoy good food, discover local products, and feel like they’re part of something.”

Robert and Emily are looking forward to welcoming even more visitors who might discover the market not by car, but by bike or on foot.

“We’ve had locals finding us through the parking lot,” Robert says. “Now people will be able to walk right in from the trail.”

Learn more about the Ecusta Trail

Local First, Always

The heart of the market is its dedication to local products. Shoppers will find goods from over 500 local vendors, including produce, meats, dairy, pantry staples, gifts, and eco-friendly household items. Everything is clearly marked with color-coded shelf tags—blue for North Carolina-made, red for regional, gold for special handpicked items, and WNC-stamped tags for hyper-local goods.

“We wanted to give vendors a place to sell outside of farmers markets,” Robert shares. “Somewhere their products could live on the shelf and be discovered every day.”

Visitors consistently express their gratitude—not just for the great selection, but for the experience of being part of a space so deeply rooted in local values.

The Café: From Brown-Butter Lattes to Sunset Snacks

Step into the café side of the business and you’ll find craft espresso drinks, scratch-made pastries, and a menu of breakfast and lunch plates that rotate with the seasons. House-made syrups elevate every drink—honey lavender, vanilla, and the fan-favorite brown butter caramel are among the highlights.

“We actually make the brown butter and caramel from scratch and combine them for a latte that people really love,” Robert says.

Expect a warm and welcoming vibe, whether you’re grabbing a quick burrito before a ride or winding down with a glass of wine after a walk. The café’s counter-service style makes it approachable for both locals and first-time visitors, and the full patio seating area is perfect for lingering over a meal or drink.

A Place to Gather

More than just a place to shop or eat, Ecusta Market & Café has quickly become a true community hub. Visitors often mention how friendly and engaging the staff is—and how easy it is to strike up a conversation, whether at the coffee bar or while browsing the market shelves.

“People come for a lot of reasons,” Emily says, “but our staff is number one. They create this warm, welcoming, unpretentious space.”

And for families? There’s even more to love. A fenced-in children’s play area is in the works, featuring a whimsical playhouse, chalkboards, and space for kids to safely enjoy themselves while parents relax nearby.

The Start—and End—of Your Trail Day

With its unbeatable location, the Market & Café is designed to be both a launch pad and a landing place for trail users.

“We imagine people starting their day with us—getting coffee and breakfast, then heading out on the trail. And when they return, maybe they grab a beer, relax, let their kids play, and enjoy the evening.”

Whether you’re a visitor passing through Hendersonville or a local who loves to support small businesses, Ecusta Market & Café is a must-visit—where community, good food, and trailside charm meet.

Ready to plan your getaway?

Whether you’re dreaming of cozy cabins, charming inns, or modern hotels, we’ve got you covered!

Head to our Lodging Page to explore all your options. Need a little inspiration? Check out our curated list of unique stays: Stay Your Way.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Hendersonville!

Art By The Trail

Celebrate the grand opening of the Ecusta Trail with an action-packed afternoon of community fun! Kick things off with a welcome and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Hendersonville Welcome Center and trailhead. Then hop on your bike or walk the trail between Lennox Station and Horse Shoe, with exciting happenings at multiple stops along the way.

Enjoy live music, browse over 40 local makers and artists, and visit Horse Shoe Gap Village for unique arts and crafts. Festivities include food trucks, sweet treats, face painting, a bike maintenance station, and even a DIY flower bouquet station. It’s a celebration for cyclists, art lovers, and community supporters alike!

Trailside Brewing: Craft, Community, and Adventure in Hendersonville

Trailside Brewing Co. is more than just a brewery—it’s a vibrant community hub rooted in adventure, hospitality, and a love for great beer.

From Hosiery to Hops: Breathing Life into Lennox Station

Meet David—part-owner and general manager of Trailside Brewing Co.—and Colleen, the brewery’s communications manager and events coordinator. Together, they help shape the welcoming spirit, strong sense of place, and packed calendar of events that define Trailside Brewing in Hendersonville, NC.

The brewery sits in the historic Lennox Station, a former hosiery mill built in 1913. Over the years, the space has seen many uses—from a box company to one of the original Lowe’s hardware stores—but its latest chapter is full of fresh energy.

“We really liked this space,” David says. “Some of the buildings we utilize were built in 1913… We like using something that’s already there and bringing new life to it.” That thoughtful reuse of space mirrors the spirit of Trailside: honoring the past while creating something new for people to enjoy today.

Learn More About Trailside Brewing Co.

Brewed with Intention, Backed by Experience

Trailside is part of a group of four sister breweries that work together to refine recipes, share ideas, and deliver exceptional beer. With multiple brewers on staff, each one brings their own expertise to the table.

“We pride ourselves on having really great beer,” David shares. “That was the only way we wanted to do this—not just to be a cool place to hang out, but to offer some of the best beer you can find in Western North Carolina.” That philosophy extends beyond the brews themselves—the team also serves cocktails made with just as much care. “We sent many of our staff off to bartending school,” he adds. “And they came back with an amazing selection of specialty drinks.”

Welcome to Your Second Home

Creating a warm, welcoming space is at the heart of what Trailside does. “We wanted to create a space for people to hang out, have a great beer, share stories, enjoy the outdoors, and just have a place where they’re always welcome,” David says.

Much of that hospitality starts with the staff. “They are customer service oriented,” he continues. “They know the customers’ names, they know what beer they’re going to have when they walk in… They work hard, they love beer, and they love providing a great experience.”

Trailside’s flexible event space also opens the door to all kinds of gatherings, from weddings to nonprofit meetings to casual community hangouts.

A Hub for Adventure Seekers

Positioned beside the Ecusta Trail, opening July 18, Trailside has become a natural gathering spot for outdoor enthusiasts. “Trailside is an adventure hub,” says Colleen, the brewery’s communications manager and events coordinator. “We have a Blue Ridge Bicycle Club that meets Tuesday mornings, a Hendersonville Run Club on Thursday nights, and races that start and end here.”

The brewery offers a full calendar of events, including trivia, bingo, paint nights, and daily live music. “This is a place for the public to gather,” David emphasizes. “Every single day there’s a local group or club meeting here.”

Trailside is always thinking about how to make space for more connection, more creativity, and more fun.

Fuel for Connection and Community

Being in Hendersonville means being surrounded by beauty, creativity, and people who love the outdoors. “What makes Hendersonville so unique,” Colleen says, “is the fact that it offers so much for an outdoor enthusiast. You can go to Pisgah, DuPont, Ride Kanuga… We’re just so thankful to be located in Hendersonville where hopefully it draws people into Trailside after a wonderful day of adventure.”

Whether it’s hikers and cyclists stopping in for a drink or musicians sharing their talents, Trailside is woven into the fabric of the local community.

The Trailside Spirit

At the end of the day, Trailside Brewing is about connection—through craft, through community, and through the shared joy of being together. “We do hope that every single person who walks through these doors feels loved, feels welcomed, and knows that we’re glad they’re here,” David says.

Whether you’ve just biked the trail, wrapped up a meeting, or are gathering with friends for live music, Trailside is where connection and craft come together—one pint at a time.

Don’t Forget Your Digital cheers! trail Passport

The new Cheers Trail Passport makes it easier than ever to explore and enjoy local breweries, wineries, cideries, and distilleries. Simply check in at participating locations like Trailside Brewing Co. using your phone and unlock points to win prizes!

Ecusta Trail Ribbon Cutting

Join us for the Grand Opening of the Ecusta Trail!
Friday, July 18 | A Community Celebration of Connectivity, Wellness & Outdoor Adventure

Henderson County, the City of Hendersonville, Downtown Hendersonville, the Tourism Development Authority (TDA), and Friends of Ecusta Trail invite you to a landmark day as we celebrate the official opening of the Ecusta Trail!
This exciting event will bring together residents, outdoor enthusiasts, and community leaders to mark the beginning of a new chapter in recreation and regional connection.

Schedule of Events
2:00 PM – Opening Ceremony
Join us at the TDA Trailside Pavilion on Main Street for a festive kickoff featuring guest speakers, community recognition, and special announcements.
3:30 PM – Trail Opens!
It’s time to ride, walk, or run! The trail is officially open to the public—bring your bikes, lace up your shoes, and be among the first to enjoy this scenic route.

Activities All Along the Trail
Explore events and happenings taking place throughout the day along the trail. Whether you’re a cyclist, runner, or casual walker, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
This is more than a ribbon cutting—it’s a community milestone. Bring you entire family and join us as we experience the beauty and potential of the Ecusta Trail firsthand.
Stay tuned for more details, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

1st Annual Hendersonville Ecusta Trail Craftbeer Run

Hendersonville Run Club and the Blue Ridge Craftbeer Club are co-hosting the 1st Annual Hendersonville Ecusta Trail Craftbeer Run!

Plan to start at Dry Falls Brewing at Noon sharp. We will run (riders welcome too) along the Ecusta Trail with our first beer stop at Trailside Brewing. We will then continue on to our next beer stop at the Guidon Brewing Outpost by Elijah’s Gem Mine. Our third beer stop will be at the 6-mile (halfway point) at Packa’s Place in Horse Shoe. We will hang out there a little while before we head back along the Ecusta Trail towards Hendersonville. Our next stop will be Southern Streams Coffee for a beverage of your choice (beer preferably). Then we take the final leg back to Dry Falls Brewing for food and you guessed it – another beer to wrap things up and celebrate! The course is 12 miles total (6 out and 6 back) and includes 5 local drinking establishments.