TRYON, N.C. — Joyce Kimpton doesn't want to see the construction of a 31-mile rail trail on the inactive Saluda Grade railroad line.
She fears she could lose much of the backyard of the home on Whitney Avenue where she has lived for the past 46 years.
She's not alone. Several property owners in Polk County, N.C., just north of Spartanburg County and the South Carolina state line are against the project.
Three nonprofit groups including Conserving Carolina, Upstate Forever and PAL: Play. Advocate. Live Well., continue to negotiate with Norfolk Southern to purchase the railroad property for a future rail trail.
The line was active from 1878 to 2001. Sixteen miles of the rail line are in South Carolina and 15 miles are in North Carolina. The trail would pass through Inman, Campobello and Landrum in South Carolina, and through Tryon, Columbus and Saluda in North Carolina.
"They can legally, once they purchase the right-of-way, take up to 100 feet on both sides from the center of the railroad," Kimpton told The Post and Courier. "That would take up my whole backyard. I hope the plan goes away."
A proposed 31-mile rail trail could pass through Tryon, N.C., connecting South Carolina and North Carolina communities. The Norfolk Southern railroad at Whitney Avenue in Tryon. Chris Lavender/Staff
Kimpton also believes the proposed rail trail would disrupt the area's natural setting, where residents enjoy watching wildlife. If the rail trail is developed, she is afraid wildlife will disappear.
A purchase agreement could be reached with Norfolk Southern by the end of the first quarter of 2023. PAL Executive Director Laura Ringo said final details of the agreement are being discussed.
"We think we have a final price and are working on some details of a signed agreement and hope to have something finalized," Ringo said. "We just released some RFPs (requests for proposals) on a feasibility study to look at what the economic impact would be and what it would take to complete the project."
Construction on the rail trail could begin within five years if negotiations with Norfolk Southern are successful. The rail line in North Carolina presents more challenges with mudslides in recent years along the Saluda Grade washing out some of the areas.
"Depending on where it is, it looks different in North Carolina," Ringo said. "It is bad in some places. The kudzu will be quite a feat to clear."
The rail line passing through Tryon heading toward Saluda crosses Country Club Road. In many places, the rail line is covered with kudzu. Trees have also grown through the railroad tracks. Some bridges have washed away, leaving some of the line hovering in mid-air.
If a purchase agreement is reached, Norfolk Southern will go through a federal transportation board to abandon the rail. The process would likely take about 18 months to complete. Construction of the new rail trail could begin as soon as mid-2024.
Gary Walker of Tryon is among property owners who don't want to see the rail trail developed. The property at Country Club Road has been in Walker's family since 1901 when his grandfather Mark Burrele purchased it. Walker said if the rail trail is developed it would alter a way of life for those who moved to the area to enjoy its natural rural setting. The property is also used for hunting, Walker said.
Negotiations continue with Norfolk Southern to purchase a railroad line stretching 31 miles connecting North Carolina and South Carolina communities. The railroad could be converted into a new rail trail. Chris Lavender/Staff
"What is the guarantee people will stay on the trail?" Walker said. "My top concern is that it goes through all that property that we use for hunting. I guess my biggest think is that I don't like the fact of some outside group taking it and telling you what you can do and can't do with it."
As part of the feasibility study, public meetings will be held. Ringo said working with property owners the goal is to make the proposed rail trail beneficial to everyone. She said a survey would be conducted to determine the right-of-way easements as part of the process. Environmental assessments would also be needed along the rail line corridor.
The S.C. Legislature has earmarked $5 million for the trail project. Kieran Roe, Conserving Carolina executive director, told The Post and Courier the project has the potential to transform communities along the rail corridor.
"We know right now the defunct corridor is not bringing any kind of public benefit and isn't being used for rails," Roe said. "This would be a way to bring back some use that I think visitors would be attracted to and enjoy. Residents along the corridor and wider surrounding areas would enjoy having this a safe area for exercise."
Roe pointed to the successes of the 19-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville County and the 35-mile Virginia Creeper Trail in southwestern Virginia as examples of what the Saluda Grade Rail Trail could become.
"These trails have attracted people to visit from far and wide to spend multi-day visits and patronize businesses," Roe said.
Kudzu vines have grown over a section of the Norfolk Southern railroad in Polk County, N.C. The section would be part of the proposed 31-mile Saluda Grade Rail Trail. Chris Lavender/Staff
Patty Otto, The Hare and Hound owner, is hopeful if the rail trail is developed it will bring new business to downtown Landrum in northern Spartanburg County along North Trade Avenue and East Rutherford Street. The Hare and Hound opened for business in downtown Landrum in December 2002.
"I think it is a wonderful project and will be good for all communities for many different reasons," Otto said. "It will be good for business and for residents and bring communities together."
Otto said rail trails in other parts of the country including Florida have been a success and believes a new rail trail connecting South Carolina and North Carolina will attract new visitors to the Upstate and foothills of western North Carolina.
"I am just happy to see something moving forward with the tracks that have been empty and not used since I have lived here," Otto said.
PAL estimates the new rail trail could attract up to 125,000 people annually. The new rail trail could also generate up to $11 million combined for area towns along the route, according to Upstate Forever.
Gary Walker of Tryon, N.C., walks along the proposed Saluda Grade Rail Trail on Jan. 19. The railroad owned by Norfolk Southern passes through his property near Country Club Road. Chris Lavender/Staff
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