NCDAC to begin gradual closure of Craggy Correctional Center

The North Carolina Department of Adult Correction is beginning work to wind down operations at Craggy Correctional Center in Asheville, in preparation for closing in late summer 2026.

The prison's population of about 250 incarcerated men will gradually transfer out to other state prisons over the next few months. The 77 employees at Craggy CC will be offered positions at other NCDAC facilities or work locations in western North Carolina. The agency does not expect to lay off any employees.

For many years, Asheville's high cost of living has made it difficult for Craggy CC to recruit and retain employees who cannot afford to live in the county.

Since 2019, Craggy CC has closed its minimum-security unit and converted the remainder of the prison from medium to minimum custody, which requires fewer staff. The prison has operated for the past two years with reduced staff at less than half of its full offender population. Despite great efforts, the prison has been able to hire only three correctional officers in the past two years.

Most of the staff commutes in from surrounding areas with lower living costs. There are hundreds of vacancies at other nearby state prisons in western North Carolina that are available to be filled by Craggy CC staff.