New Developments in the Saluda Grade Rail Trail Project in Spartanburg County

Spartanburg County, S.C.

In a thrilling advancement for local outdoor enthusiasts, the Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy recently came closer to realizing their dream of transforming an unused rail line into a vibrant trail. This development is a significant milestone for the eagerly anticipated Saluda Grade Rail Trail project.

A Significant Step Towards Completion

Situated in South Carolina’s Spartanburg County, the Saluda Grade Rail Trail project is a proposed rail-to-trail conversion spanning 31 miles. Upon completion, the path will traverse Inman, Campobello, Landrum, Tryon, and terminate in Saluda, North Carolina. The project is managed by a conservancy group composed of Play. Live. Advocate. Live Well (PAL), Conserving Carolina, and Upstate Forever.

According to Laura Ringo, the executive director of PAL, the group has recently signed an agreement to purchase the disused rail line from Norfolk Southern. She described this development as a critical step in advancing the project, revealing a 12-month deadline to complete due diligence processes. Once this process wraps up, the organization will own the rail line and proceed with the first phase of construction.

Potential Impacts of the Trail

Billy Dunlap, the chief tourism development officer with OneSpartanburg, voiced his enthusiasm about the project. He commented, “It’s a tremendous project. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where you get 31 miles of a trail system, not only for South Carolina but going into North Carolina. It will be a true destination, it will be a place people just don’t want to come for the day but they will come for the weekend.”

Moreover, the trail holds the potential to greatly impact the local economy. Industry experts predict that its completion could stimulate retail development and hospitality growth, including the establishment of new restaurants, breweries, and bars. Dunlap also emphasized how the trail could attract visitors to the area, benefiting local businesses and fostering community growth.

Providing a Sneak Peek into the Future

The Saluda Grade Rail Trail’s construction will likely resemble the design of the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail found in Spartanburg. Despite the comparison, the Saluda Grade Rail Trail outshines the former in terms of magnitude, given its lengthy 31-mile stretch.

An engineering and economic impact study for the trail was conducted over a year. The results, which forecast a promising future for the project, were shared with the public at a presentation at the Gramling United Methodist Church near Inman on August 13th.

As the Saluda Grade Rail Trail moves a step closer to becoming a reality, the local community awaits the availability of a new recreational space that will simultaneously invigorate the economy and enhance lifestyles.