HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. — A coalition of nonprofit groups has officially completed its purchase of Norfolk Southern’s Saluda Grade line for conversion into a hiking and biking trail.
The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy announced today (June 24, 2025) that it had finalized purchase on June 17 of the 31.5-mile trail between Zirconia, N.C., and Inman, S.C. The purchase price was $28.5 million, less than had been previously reported [see “Saluda Grade to sell …,” Trains News Wire, Jan. 14, 2025]. The Conservancy and NS had entered into a contract last summer, with one year to complete the purchase [see “Groups sign contract …,” News Wire, Aug. 7, 2024].
“For many years, people have looked at the unique communities and spectacular scenery along this rail corridor, and hoped that one day it could be transformed into a rail trail with recreational and economic benefits for the entire area,” Glenn Hilliard, founder and chair of the Conservancy, said in a press release from Conserving Carolina, one of the Conservancy members. “Closing the purchase of the Saluda Grade is a wonderful achievement, and we owe our appreciation to the many partners and contributors who made this possible.”
Along with Conserving Carolina, the Conservancy includes the groups PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well; and Upstate Forever. With the purchase completed, the groups will now shift to tasks including raising the millions of dollars needed for trail construction, as well as outreach to the communities along the route to engage in planning and design. The time needed to open the trail will depend on factors including the availability of state and federal grants for construction.
Cliff Garner, NS assistant vice president of real estate, said the railroad is “proud to have played a role in the transformation of the historic Saluda Grade railroad into a vibrant rail trail. This project aligns with our commitment to supporting initiatives that help build thriving communities. We look forward to seeing the positive impact the Saluda Grade Rail Trail will have on the regions it connects.”
The former Southern Railway line was once the steepest mainline railroad in the U.S., with a 4.7% grade including a brief stretch at 5.1%. Opened in 1878, the route last saw through service in 2001. The plan to purchase the route for a trail was first announced in 2023 [see “Norfolk Southern to sell Saluda Grade …,” News Wire, March 16, 2023]. More on the project is available at its website.
Can you imagine todays hedge fund driven, ratio obsessed Class 1’s trying to use the Saluda to push a 3 mile long train up and down that grade? 3 to 4 engines in the front, 2 in the middle and 2 at the end. It would bust all the beancounters spreadsheets.
I hope they keep the run-away-track(trail) in place just in case my feet get away from me going down grade…………….