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.
From the article:
“Cliff Garner, NS assistant vice president of real estate, said …. This project aligns with our commitment to supporting initiatives that help build thriving communities.”
Initiatives such as frequent and vibrant rail transportation service would do much to help support and build thriving communities also! Rather than abandoning rail lines all over the NS system.
I wonder who salvages the track. Does NS take up the track before the sale is finalized, or does the Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy do that? 31 miles of track has a significant salvage value.
Too funny Charles!
Since this grand 147 year old historical RR RoW is still in tact, instead of tearing up the tracks, why not simply pave over it with economical tar based (from the Tarheel State 🙂 ) macadam for a hiking path. That could save a lot of money in the waste of labor tearing up the track and perhaps leave the option open some day for some sort of light rail or doodlebug operation for the tourists and the locals.
I’m reminded of the above from the current footpath sidewalk along the golfcourt street in Deming, NM, where the rails from the the old WWll industrial park shortline branch, connected formerly to SPRR, are used to contain the asphalt (or macadam?) for the sidewalk surface. One can still see the rails.
There are SIGNIFICANT Washouts along this stretch of track. MUCH rebuilding of the profile, sub-grade, and grade will have to be accomplished before any trail can be safely built here.
NS gave a nice “Green Light To Innovation” for this project. Wish the various groups well on the the funding quests.
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…………….
JOHN — You could be the man sitting in a little shed who throws the switch to the run – away – bike path if the downbound bicyclist gives the whistle signal that he/she has lost control.
That little shed at Melrose was always super warm at all times in the cold despite being wide open. This was in the 90s when I was able to railfan the grade.