WALK CASHIERS, a collaborative initiative led by the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce, Jackson County and Vision Cashiers, has announced a major expansion of the Cashiers Greenway Ramble. The project marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to create a safer, healthier and more walkable community.
Construction is underway on several new trail segments, including connections from U.S. Highway 64 at the Cashiers Area Chamber of Commerce to Frank Allen Road, from N.C. Highway 107 to Frank Allen Road, and along Frank Allen Road. The expansion will also add a connector from the trail near the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library to the new Cashiers Lake development.
In addition to extending the trail network, the project will introduce bollards equipped with downlighting and internet access, aimed at improving safety and accessibility for residents and visitors.
“We’re excited to see bollards going in. These will ‘light the way’ to the CGR trails and the many rich experiences and discoveries we’ll all get to enjoy,” said Irv Welling, chairman of Vision Cashiers.
The expansion is a community effort. Ben Riddle of Cashiers Construction is overseeing rough pathway construction; Miguel Mireles of Mireles Landscaping Services is directing finish construction; Arielle McIntyre of Kintyre Design is leading landscape design and plantings; and Bobby Botev of Highland Mark is managing lighting and internet infrastructure. Each contractor has agreed to perform their work at cost in support of the initiative.
The project is made possible through cooperation with Jackson County and several private landowners, including Cashiers Lake, who have granted permission for the trail to cross their properties.
The expansion supports WALK CASHIERS’ goal of creating a five-mile, interconnected trail system and establishes a critical connection to Cashiers Lake. Future trail segments within Cashiers Lake will become part of the Greenway Ramble and ultimately connect to Summit Charter School.
Once completed, the combined trail segments will allow Summit Charter School students to walk safely from campus to the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library and the Boys & Girls Club of the Plateau.
WALK CASHIERS expressed appreciation to every contractor, landowner, public partner, donor, volunteer and stakeholder whose collaboration is helping make a walkable Cashiers a reality.
For more information or to support future phases of the Cashiers Greenway Ramble, visit cashiersgreenwayramble.com.