Western North Carolina may be back on the rail map.
A proposed Amtrak passenger route would restore service between Asheville and Salisbury, with three daily round trips and stops in smaller mountain towns like Old Fort. The state estimates a $650M investment, more than 300 jobs, and roughly $60M in economic impact tied to tourism and related activity.
When rail returns, the effects tend to extend well beyond the platform:
- Easier access to mountain markets
- Increased visibility for small-town destinations
- New pressure on lodging, retail, and mixed-use near stations
- Long-term implications for land use and redevelopment
- Tourism that supports both visitors and local economies
Rail doesn’t just move people. It reshapes how places are experienced—and valued—over time.
