The greenway is the first all-accessible certified forest therapy trail in North Carolina and the United States. As a gentle, paved pathway with numerous places to pause and connect with nature, the greenway provides a user-friendly location to experience forest therapy. Self-guided brochures are located at the Locust Creek and Monteith Branch trailheads. Users can also find the self-guided brochures on the Friends of Jackson County Greenways’ website.

A grand opening celebration will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, at the Locust Creek Trailhead.

Support for the certification of the greenway as an all-accessible forest therapy trail was made possible by the Jackson County Parks & Recreation Department and the Friends of the Jackson County Greenways.  

These are trails which are designated pathways within natural environments, intentionally designed and maintained to facilitate experiences of healing and wellness through interaction with nature. Benefits of certified forest therapy trails include stress reduction, improved mental well-being, physical health enhancement and fostering a deep connection with nature and our environment.

For more information about the certification, forest therapy and the grand opening, contact Debby Singleton at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For more information about the Jackson County Greenway, contact: Trevor Brown (Outdoor Recreation Manager-JCPRD) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..