Saluda Grade Trail Guiding Plans
The Saluda Grade Trail Guiding Plans, developed in 2026, are the result of a yearlong community engagement and planning process funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission's ARISE grant. Shaped by more than 1,200 residents, business owners, and community leaders along the corridor, the roadmap translates local input into a strategic framework for the trail's future. The specific outcomes of the work were shared at the Saluda Grade Trail Community Information Session and include:
- One-on-one interviews, site walks, roundtable listening sessions, public forums, and a community-wide online survey.
- A Community Engagement Plan with three pillars: regional coordination, partnerships and communication, and community-based programs.
- An Economic Development Plan covering market analysis, community assets, local business growth, activation zones, and implementation.
- A Destination Marketing Plan defining the trail's brand system, key messages, and audiences.
- Recommendations for governance, branding, and regional marketing.
Use the buttons below to access the three plans.
READ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN HERE
Saluda Grade Trail Feasibility Study
The Saluda Grade Trail Feasibility Study, completed in 2024, evaluates the viability of converting the 31-mile rail corridor between Zirconia NC and Inman SC to a multi-use trail. The specific outcomes of the study include:
- Analysis of site conditions along the corridor.
- Input from community members, stakeholders and landowner along the corridor.
- Technical recommendations for bridge rehabilitation, trail width and materials, road crossing and overcoming challenges such as steep grades washouts and narrow corridor section and protecting habitat.
- Funding and phasing scenarios for building the trail.
- Estimated costs for design and construction.
- Economic impact analysis of the project.
Use the button below to access the full study or view a summary of the findings here.
Read Feasibility Study Report Appendix
Ecusta Trail to Saluda Grade Trail Connector Study
The Ecusta Trail to Saluda Grade Trail Connector Study, completed in 2024, identifies potential alignments to connect the future Saluda Grade Trail from its northern terminus in Zirconia, North Carolina, to the Ecusta Trail in Hendersonville, North Carolina. The Ecusta Trail will ultimately link Hendersonville to Brevard and is expected to be constructed by 2027.
The Daniel Morgan Trail System to Saluda Grade Trail Connector Study, completed in 2025, identifies potential alignments to connect the future Saluda Grade Trail from its southern terminus in Inman, SC to the Daniel Morgan trail system in Spartanburg, SC. The successful connection of these two trail systems would provide a critical link for creating a more connected upstate South Carolina. PAL is leading this effort in collaboration with Spartanburg County Parks, the City of Spartanburg and community partners.
DNCR Saluda Grade Rail Line Feasibility Study
Per the legislative requirement in Session Law 2023-134, The North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation studied the feasibility of combining a hiking trail and a multipurpose active tourism rail line in the former rail corridor between the state line and Zirconia, NC.
Help Us Realize the Saluda Grade Trail
Across the United States, inactive rail lines have found new life as vibrant rail trails. Now, we have the opportunity to create a beautiful new trail along the historic Saluda Grade rail line!
A new rail trail that travels from the rolling countryside of Upstate South Carolina, through historic and vibrant small towns, and into the spectacular mountain scenery of Western North Carolina.
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