4/21/25

A Trail for All: Health and Community Benefits
of the Jackson County Greenway

Author Leah Maness, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-CH

The Jackson County Greenway is more than a paved path alongside the Tuckasegee River—it’s a community asset that supports physical, mental, and social health. With accessible design, scenic views, and a wide range of activities, the Greenway welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds. The Greenway is just one of the many parks and trails facilities in the county that are accessible to the public. As local leaders and partners continue to invest in its growth, the Greenway also plays an important role in supporting Jackson County’s health priorities—such as improving physical activity, promoting mental wellness, and reducing chronic disease.

Health Benefits for All Generations

Greenways support well-being across the lifespan. For older adults, regular walking or biking on accessible trails like the Jackson County Greenway helps maintain mobility and balance, reducing fall risk and preventing chronic disease (Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 2020). Time spent in nature is linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, better sleep, and even cognitive benefits such as memory retention and attention (Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 2020). In Jackson County, 35% of adults have high blood pressure and 33% have high cholesterol—conditions that can be managed through regular physical activity (Jackson County CHA, 2021). However, only 23% of adults meet the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week (Jackson County CHA One-Pager, 2021).

For children, access to green spaces plays a critical role in physical development and emotional well-being. Outdoor play supports healthy weight, improves concentration, and helps build emotional resilience. A UNICEF report emphasizes that urban greenspaces can be crucial for early childhood development, encouraging imaginative play, motor skill development, and social interaction (UNICEF, 2021). Greenways also provide a safe environment for unstructured play, helping children form positive relationships with nature and movement.

For pregnant women, the Greenway can promote prenatal wellness. In Jackson County, 28% of pregnant women were classified as overweight and 29% as obese in 2019. Thirteen percent reported smoking during pregnancy—higher than the statewide average (Jackson County CHA, 2021). Access to outdoor spaces that encourage low-impact physical activity and stress reduction can help promote healthy pregnancy outcomes.

Greenways promote health through multiple pathways, including physical activity, reduced stress, improved air quality, and increased social connection (van den Bosch & Sang, 2023). These benefits are especially important in rural communities where access to recreational infrastructure may be limited.

A Hub of Outdoor Activity

The Jackson County Greenway offers something for everyone—from solo walkers to families enjoying time outdoors. Its variety of activities and amenities make it a true community destination.

Popular Activities Include:

Walking and jogging are among the most common uses of the trail, thanks to its flat, one-mile paved path that is fully accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility aids. Cyclists of all ages and skill levels enjoy the smooth surface, which makes it especially welcoming for beginners and children. The Greenway’s natural habitat draws birdwatchers hoping to spot songbirds, wading birds, and native pollinators. Pet owners also take advantage of the shaded trail for dog walking, supported by pet waste stations and resting areas. The Greenway’s proximity to the Tuckasegee River adds even more value—visitors can fish, paddle, tube, or simply relax beside one of North Carolina’s prized blue ribbon trout streams, which is also part of the Jackson County Fly Fishing Trail.

A Greenway Participant Survey conducted from October 2024 to April 2025 found that the most popular activities among users included walking, jogging or running, exercising a pet, and birdwatching.

In addition to these recreational opportunities, the Greenway is equipped with several key amenities that enhance the user experience. These include clean and accessible restrooms, trash and recycling receptacles throughout the trail, benches and shaded rest areas for relaxation, and clearly marked mile markers for tracking distance. Ample parking ensures easy access, while designated river access points offer a launch for water-based activities. Families appreciate the children’s bike park, and cyclists benefit from an on-site bicycle repair station that supports maintenance on the go. Together, these features make the Greenway not only functional but welcoming for all.

Free, accessible outdoor spaces were identified in the 2021 Jackson County Community Health Assessment as one of the community’s most valuable assets—especially for residents who may not have access to private gyms or wellness facilities (Jackson County CHA, 2021).

Restorative Experiences on the Forest Therapy Trail

By the end of 2025 a Certified Forest Therapy Trail will be added to the Greenway, offering a unique self-guided nature immersion experience. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing,” the trail encourages visitors to slow down, observe nature with all senses, and foster a sense of peace and presence (ANFT, 2022).

The trail will include benches, rest areas, and QR-coded prompts like “Gaze at the Sky” or “Find Your Tree,” helping users of all abilities to experience the mental and physical benefits of nature. Forest therapy has been associated with reduced stress hormones, improved mood, and strengthened immune function (ANFT, 2022). These benefits are especially valuable in Jackson County, where 24% of residents were unable to access needed mental health care, and 12% reported suicidal thoughts—the highest rate in the Western NC region (Jackson County CHA, 2021).

Investing in Greenways: A Smart Move for Communities

Greenways are more than amenities; they are strategic investments with long-term returns. Local governments that prioritize greenspace development see significant cost savings and economic benefits over time.

Healthier populations mean reduced public health expenditures. When people have access to safe, inviting places to walk, bike, or be active outdoors, rates of chronic disease decline. According to a report from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (2024), every dollar spent on greenways can return $3–$4 in direct economic benefits through improved public health, tourism, and increased local spending.

Greenways also foster community engagement and public trust. They provide gathering spaces that are inclusive and accessible, supporting social cohesion and civic pride. In rural communities especially, investing in greenways can address health inequities by bringing wellness infrastructure directly into neighborhoods that may lack recreational facilities.

Moreover, trails contribute to local economic development. Increased foot traffic can benefit nearby businesses, while trails boost real estate values and attract tourism. Families, retirees, and remote workers increasingly look for communities with accessible outdoor amenities—making trails a key component of smart, sustainable growth (Goodwin University, 2023).

 A Shared Space for a Healthier Future

The Jackson County Greenway reflects the values of equity, inclusion, and well-being. It is free, open to all, and increasingly essential for residents navigating stress, financial limitations, or health challenges. In a county where 18.7% of residents live in poverty—and nearly 25% of children—having safe and welcoming public spaces is not a luxury; it’s a necessity (Jackson County CHA, 2021). The Greenway provides a space where children ride bikes, seniors walk for health, and neighbors reconnect. The combination of structured and unstructured recreation makes it one of the county’s most valuable public spaces.

As Jackson County continues to expand and maintain the Greenway, it is not just building a trail—it is investing in a healthier, more vibrant future. Through partnerships, thoughtful planning, and community support, the Greenway will continue to grow as a space of equity, wellness, and joy for generations to come.

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