Walk down Depot Street in Waynesville today and you’ll find craft breweries, art galleries, coffee shops, and people enjoying the Richland Creek. But if you rewind a few decades, Frog Level looked very different.

A railroad-era district

In the early 1900s, Frog Level was the industrial heart of Waynesville. The railroad brought goods and passengers, and the low-lying streets filled with warehouses, mills, and mercantile shops. The nickname “Frog Level” came from its low elevation — when heavy rains came, water pooled so deep that frogs were said to hop right along the street.

Decline and neglect

When the railroad slowed and industry shifted, Frog Level’s buildings sat empty. For years, the district was neglected, with vacant storefronts and crumbling brick.

Arts and brewing bring new life

In the early 2000s, entrepreneurs and artists saw opportunity. Frog Level Brewing Company became an anchor, and artists opened studios; the district began to thrive again.

Frog Level’s story isn’t over yet

Tropical Storm Helene hit Waynesville and much of Western North Carolina in 2024, causing flooding and destruction in the riverside district and forcing many small businesses in Frog Level to close. But with Main Street just a short stroll away, Frog Level isn’t forgotten. When Waynesville hosts its downtown festivals, people naturally wander over, curious to see what’s happening in the old rail district. That steady flow of foot traffic brings fresh attention — and hopefully, the spark Frog Level needs to come back to life again.