Upcoming Hike on Thursday, February 26:
Ecusta Trail
On Thursday, February 26, we will enjoy our fourth annual "urban" Holy Hike. This year we will explore a portion of the Ecusta Trail that opened in July 2025. Ecusta is a Cherokee word that translates to “rippling waters” and refers to the Davidson River area. It was also the name of a paper mill that was located in Transylvania County and used a spur rail-line to transport raw materials and products between Brevard and Hendersonville. The rail-bed was originally built in 1895. When the Ecusta Mill closed in 2002, rails-to-trails efforts began to create a paved, flat walking trail that will eventually allow hikers and cyclists to travel between Henderson and Transylvania counties. For more information about the trail, click here.
The Holy Hike will consist of a total of 3 miles of paved trail and is rated easy with almost no elevation gain. Holy Hikers will meet at 11:00am in Laurel Park at the First Congregational Church parking lot (1735 Fifth Ave West, Hendersonville, NC 28739). We will walk eastward towards downtown Hendersonville then loop back around at Main Street and head westward to Lennox Station and Trailside Brewery/Ecusta Market and Cafe for a restroom break. The hike then continues to Laurel Park’s "Laurel Green Park and Gazebo" for Morning Prayer and lunch. After the liturgy, we will hike westward toward Laurel Park Village and loop back from Daniel Drive, returning to the parking lot. Dogs are allowed but must remain on leash.
Our sincere thanks to the First Congregational Church for giving us permission to park. The First Congregational Church also welcomes you to visit their labyrinth, which is open to the public from dusk to dawn.
Save the Dates: 2026 Holy Hikes
January 14
February 26
March 26
April 23
May 21
June 25
July 23
August 16
September 24
October 25-28
(Retreat)
November (TBD)
December (TBD)