Episode Summary: Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate
Special Guest: Laura Rice, Executive Director, Friends of the Ecusta Trail
In this episode of Living Local with Frisbee Real Estate, Ed sits down with Laura Rice, the first full time Executive Director of Friends of the Ecusta Trail, to talk about one of the most exciting community projects happening in Western North Carolina.
Laura shares the story behind the Ecusta Trail, a vision that began back in 2009 with local leaders from Henderson and Transylvania Counties working to transform an unused rail line into a multi use trail. Fast forward fifteen years, and that vision is becoming reality. The first six mile stretch opened in July, running from Main Street in Hendersonville to Horseshoe, and it is already seeing incredible daily use from walkers, runners, cyclists, families, and visitors from out of town.
The conversation covers what it has taken to get the trail off the ground, how multiple counties, cities, volunteers, and funding partners came together, and what is next. Laura explains that an additional five miles in Henderson County and eight miles in Transylvania County are currently in design, with a target completion date of late 2027, eventually creating a continuous connection from Hendersonville to Brevard.
Ed and Laura also dive into how the trail is maintained, how funding works through a mix of federal and state grants along with local fundraising, and how the Friends of the Ecusta Trail nonprofit fills important gaps by supporting amenities like benches, signage, and trail features that make the experience even better.
Listeners will learn how to get involved through volunteering, donating, or becoming a Trail Ambassador, as well as how to stay up to date through the Ecusta Trail newsletter and website. Laura also shares her favorite trail adjacent stops for coffee, food, and local flavor, along with must see outdoor spots in the area like Jump Off Rock, DuPont State Forest, and the Carl Sandburg Home.
The episode wraps with a preview of an upcoming community wide trail event scheduled for April 19, inviting everyone to walk, stroll, roll, or ride in support of the trail.
This episode is a great listen for anyone who loves the outdoors, cares about community driven projects, or wants to understand why the Ecusta Trail is already becoming a game changer for the region.
Learn more at ecustatrail.org and keep living local.
