Grant Awarded for Saluda Grade Trail

The Saluda Grade Trail was awarded a $450,000 grant from the federal Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies, announced today. The 31-mile Saluda Grade rail trail was one of four projects throughout Appalachia to be selected for its outstanding potential to strengthen local economies.  

The Saluda Grade Trail is being spearheaded by a coalition of three nonprofits in North and South Carolina: Conserving Carolina; PAL: Play, Advocate, Live Well; and Upstate Forever. The rail trail would travel through picturesque Piedmont countryside before climbing into the mountains along the route of the historic Saluda Grade railway. It would pass through Inman, Campobello, Landrum, Tryon, Saluda, and Zirconia. 

The trail is expected to be an economic catalyst that will increase revenues for local businesses, lead to more vibrant downtowns, and create more opportunities for young people to live and work in the communities where they grew up.  

Steven Orr, the City Manager of Saluda, says, “The Saluda Grade Rail Trail will provide existing businesses and the outdoor recreation industry in our communities the economic driver for entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration to prosper for many generations to come.” 

Allen Smith, President & CEO of One Spartanburg, says, “The Saluda Grade Rail Trail has already provided measurable economic impact to the area. The amenity was key in recruiting TIME Bicycles to build the nation’s largest carbon fiber bicycle factory in Spartanburg County, and in Boyd Cycling’s decision to locate Munich Composite’s North American production facility here.  We look forward to seeing the trail’s continued impact on our economic development efforts.” 

A 2024 study by Clemson University finds that the local economic impact of the Saluda Grade Trail during the construction phase will be over $130 million. The trail will have approximately $240-325 million in local economic impact, during an estimated three-year construction phase and the first ten years of active trail use. The study also notes that the trail will provide additional economic benefits by improving health, thus avoiding medical expenses. 

Rebekah Robinson, the Assistant Director for Programs at Conserving Carolina, says, “We are deeply grateful for this investment in the Saluda Grade Trail, which will pay for itself many times over in the economic benefits for people in our local communities. At the same time the trail will offer people of all ages and abilities an attractive and accessible place to exercise and enjoy the outdoors.”  

The grant comes through the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies, which is part of the federal Appalachian Regional Commission. 

 To learn more about the Saluda Grade Trail, sign up for emails, or make a donation to the trail, go to saludagradetrail.org.