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The public will have two opportunities next month to weigh in on the Saluda Grade Trail.

The first meeting is scheduled for October 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Inman Library, and the second meeting will be held at Polk County High School on October 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The public is invited to drop in and learn more about the proposed trail and share any ideas or concerns. 

“We are excited about the opportunity to meet with the community to discuss the next phase of use for this iconic rail corridor,” says Conserving Carolina Trails and Greenways Coordinator Kristin Cozza. “We want to ensure that this project reflects the community’s vision and priorities.”

The Saluda Grade Trail is a proposed 31-mile rail trail that would follow the route of the historic Saluda Grade rail line. Along the way, it would run through Campobello, Inman, Landrum, Tryon, Saluda and Zirconia. The Saluda Grade Trail is being spearheaded by a coalition of nonprofits in NC and SC—Conserving Carolina; PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well; and Upstate Forever.

The meetings will be held drop-in style, so people can come on their own schedule, and it isn’t necessary to stay the entire time. Participants will be able to visit various information stations, where they will have opportunities to give input on various aspects of the trail. This input will inform the overall vision for the trail.  

The proposed trail is still in its early stages and there are still a lot of questions to explore. The Saluda Grade Trail coalition has engaged the firm Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. to conduct an economic impact and feasibility study, which began earlier this year. 

After the public meetings, there will also be an online survey. To get updates on the trail, including opportunities for future public input, sign up for emails at saludagradetrail.org. RSVP for the public meetings is encouraged but not required. You can RSVP at saludagradetrail.org.