Pearson's Falls is a gorgeous 90-ft. tall waterfall that cascades down a staircase of rock. It is accessed via an easy 1/4-mile hiking trail that follows the brook, with several picnic tables along the way. It's located near US 176 between the charming small towns of Saluda and Tryon (check them both out while you are there).
There are many spots along the short trail to stop. This idyllic spot with a bench by a cascade is just below the main waterfall.
The beautiful hike through the lush forest reveals a botanical preserve with 200 species of rare wildflowers, plants and trees. Pearson's Falls is designated as a Blue Ridge National Heritage Area site, a North Carolina Birding Trail Site and is included in the Smithsonian Institution's Archives of American Gardens.
The waterfall is named for the young engineer, Charles William Pearson, who scouted the mountains for what was to become the Southern Railroad. In 1931, the Tryon Garden Club bought the property in order to preserve this unique mountain glen.
Unlike most waterfalls in the North Carolina mountains, this one is privately-owned, so you need to enjoy during their operating hours! No pets allowed. They do have restrooms and two lovely picnic areas.
- March-October: Every day 10 AM-6 PM (Gate closes at 5 PM).
- November, December & February: Every day 10 AM-5 PM (Gate closes at 4 PM).
- Closed the month of January, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Admission:
- Adults: $5 each
- Youth 6-12: $1 each
- Under 6: free
All proceeds go toward the preservation and protection of this beautiful waterfall area. Phone: 828-749-3031
It's 38 miles south of downtown Asheville (15 miles south of Hendersonville) just five miles from Exit 59 on I-26. It's only 40 miles from Spartanburg, SC.
Directions: On US Highway 176, 4 miles north of Tryon and 3 miles south of Saluda. Address for GPS: 2748 Pearson Falls Road, Saluda NC 28773.
Pearsons Falls Virtual 360 Hike & View
See the following videos filmed by our friends at Namaste In Nature! These videos were filmed using 360º 5.6K resolution so you may need to adjust your youtube streaming quality to a higher setting for the best experience. These videos work on a desktop but seem to stream better on a mobile device.
See our Waterfall Drives & Maps. Just 10 miles away is the 150-ft. tall roadside Shunkawauken Falls.
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