Ecusta Trail Transforming Life and Business in Hendersonville
ecusta trail
With its official ribbon-cutting on July 18, the Ecusta Trail is already making waves in Hendersonville and Horse Shoe. This 5.5-mile rail trail conversion is much more than a scenic route for walkers and bikers—it’s quickly becoming a vibrant corridor of activity, drawing crowds and boosting small businesses with every step and pedal. If you’re considering a move to Hendersonville, this new development shines a spotlight on why so many people are falling in love with the lifestyle here.
A Community Connector
The Ecusta Trail, stretching from downtown Hendersonville to Horse Shoe, is breathing new life into businesses and creating fresh energy along its path. Modeled after successful regional greenways like Virginia’s Creeper Trail and South Carolina’s Swamp Rabbit Trail, Ecusta is not only a scenic gem but also an economic catalyst.
The U.S. Department of Transportation projected the trail would draw over 20,000 users per year, delivering up to $9.4 million in combined economic impact. With more visitors exploring this peaceful trail on foot or two wheels, local business owners are preparing for a new era of opportunity.
Boosting Local Businesses
Take Packa’s Place in Horse Shoe, for example. Owners Sam and Steelie Runion have seen a noticeable uptick in customers since the trail opened. What was once a quiet beer garden with seasonal gourds is now buzzing with trail-goers enjoying a cold drink and live music after their outdoor adventures.
Southern Streams Coffeehouse has also experienced an influx of new customers. Owner Lori Rodriguez shared plans to paint a vibrant mural on the trail-facing side of her building, a colorful invitation to those discovering her location for the first time thanks to the trail. “We’re starting to see the fruit of that,” she says of the increased foot traffic and visibility.
Similarly, Sol y Luna Cali-Mex Grill and Bar in Hendersonville has seen more young people and late-afternoon diners. Management is making trail-friendly improvements like adding bike racks, echoing a broader trend among local businesses adapting to this new audience.
Creating a New Lifestyle Hub
Living in Hendersonville has always meant proximity to natural beauty, community charm, and cultural richness—but the Ecusta Trail adds a new layer to the lifestyle. It promotes outdoor recreation, healthy living, and community engagement. Entrepreneur Austin Bankert of Cognative Café and Cognative MTB has already expanded his café’s offerings with a lunch menu tailored to bike riders and is planning a bike repair station and more outdoor seating. It’s businesses like these that are redefining what it means to live, work, and play in this charming part of Western North Carolina.
Visitors and locals alike are now seeing Hendersonville not just as a lovely mountain town, but as a forward-thinking community ready to embrace eco-tourism and healthy, active living. As Nathan Ramsey, executive director of the Land of Sky Regional Council, puts it, the trail is a real “game changer” for economic and community development.
Preparing for Growth
Of course, growth brings its own set of challenges. As more people utilize the Ecusta Trail, small businesses are feeling some pressure around infrastructure needs like parking and public facilities. But with this comes opportunity—forward-thinking solutions, partnerships, and community planning are set to smooth those edges so everyone can benefit from this momentum.
Local advocates, including Bankert, are calling for safer crossings, dedicated bike lanes, and better trail access to center Hendersonville as a bike- and pedestrian-friendly destination. These enhancements will not only benefit trail users but also boost the appeal for those looking to relocate to Hendersonville for its increasingly vibrant lifestyle.
Thinking About Making the Move?
If you’re wondering what it’s like living in Hendersonville, the buzz around the Ecusta Trail tells you a lot. This is a place where community spirit meets outdoor adventure, where mom-and-pop businesses get a boost from modern trends, and where scenic beauty flows directly into everyday life. People walking, biking, and gathering on the trail are rediscovering our towns with fresh eyes—and that energy is contagious.
Whether you’re sipping cold brews at a trail-side café or meeting new neighbors on the walking path, the Ecusta Trail is redefining what it means to be part of Hendersonville. If you’re thinking about making a move, now’s a wonderful time to explore the possibilities.
Plan Your Visit and Explore
Whether you live here or are considering making the move, take a day to explore the trail and visit the local gems along the way. You’ll find charming stops like:
- Packa’s Place: A laid-back destination with local brews and live music.
- Southern Streams Coffeehouse: Specialty coffee with a view of the trail and a welcoming porch.
- Cognative Café & MTB: A hub for mountain bike gear, good eats, and outdoor gathering.
- Sol y Luna Grill: Flavorful Cali-Mex cuisine perfect for refueling after your ride.
As the Ecusta Trail grows to eventually connect with Brevard, it’s likely to elevate Hendersonville’s regional profile even further. Whether you’re an adventurer, small business supporter, or future homebuyer, this trail is worth checking out.
Ready to enjoy the trail or take the leap to relocate to Hendersonville? Let the scenery, small-town warmth, and entrepreneurial spirit welcome you home.