Ellenboro Rail Trail, Feasibility Study

McAdams is conducting a study to determine the feasibility of extending the Thermal Belt Rail Trail (TBRT), an existing 13.5-mile-long shared-use path, from Forest City to the Town of Ellenboro in eastern Rutherford County along a former rail corridor. The proposed 6.5-mile trail extension from Forest Hunt Elementary to the proposed Colfax Gin Park stands to bring benefits in recreation; safe pedestrian access between communities and schools; and support for the development of tourism and hospitality interests in the area. The study includes stakeholder and public engagement (led by TPD); existing conditions analysis (including determination of legal status and review of current land uses along the former rail line); alternative routing scenarios; preferred route development; and the development of a final study document with implementation action steps and funding resources.