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Rail corridor now officially under contract

 

FOOTHILLS—The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy recently announced that it is officially under contract with Norfolk Southern to purchase a 31-mile rail corridor for the proposed Saluda Grade Trail. The proposed recreational trail that will run from Inman, S.C, to Zirconia, N.C., was spearheaded by a coalition of three non-profit organizations.

In a press release shared Monday, the group also announced that a study is underway to assess the feasibility of managing a portion of the rail line in North Carolina as an excursion railroad, potentially offering scenic train rides alongside the trail. 

The Conservancy, formed by Conserving Carolina, PAL, and Upstate Forever, now has one year to complete due diligence and secure remaining funds needed for the purchase. 

“Working with the talented professionals at Norfolk Southern and with the equally talented and committed teams at Conserving Carolina, PAL, and Upstate Forever has been incredible,” said Glenn Hilliard, the founder and chair of the Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy. “Without each and every one of these leaders this agreement would not have been possible.”

The proposed Saluda Grade Trail will travel through Inman, Campobello, Landrum, Tryon, Saluda, and Zirconia, and will be open for walking, running, biking, birding, and other forms of outdoor recreation.

Kieran Roe, the executive director of Conserving Carolina, said, “We see this trail as a huge asset for our local communities—a place where kids can play safely, where it’s easy to get outside and exercise, where people of all abilities can enjoy the outdoors. It’s an amenity that will strengthen local businesses so they can offer more opportunities for the people who live here.” 

Cliff Garner, of Norfolk Southern AVP Real Estate & Facility Services, says Norfolk Southern is committed to helping the communities touched by its rail network thrive. 

“We appreciate the partnership from Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy and we look forward to seeing the conservancy’s plans come to fruition,” Garner said.

Over the course of a year the Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy gathered public input from landowners, local governments and business owners, and planned to present the results in two meetings. The first was set to take place at Polk County High School on Tuesday, August 6, and the second at Gramling United Methodist Church on Tuesday, August 13 at 6 p.m. The Saluda Grade Trails Conservancy states that there will be additional opportunities for public input throughout the design process. 

To learn more, visit saludagradetrail.org.