The Best Waterfall Hikes in Saluda, NC | Saluda Waterfalls
Looking for Saluda waterfalls? There’s nothing quite like the payoff of a waterfall at the end of a hiking trail. There are some great waterfall hikes in Saluda, ranging from toddler friendly to more adventure suited. Read on for our suggestions on the best waterfall hikes in Saluda, NC.
1. Pearson’s Falls and Glen
The spectacular 90-foot waterfall in a botanical preserve is a favorite with visitors and the most popular of the Saluda waterfalls. In fact, more than 30,000 people visit the park annually. Owned by The Tryon Garden Club, a non-profit organization, the Glen is classified as a deciduous climax forest, and boasts more than 300 species of wildflowers and plants on its 300+ acres. The 1/4 mile trail to the waterfall is well groomed and suitable for young children and or those who don’t normally hike. To help maintain the property, there is an admission fee of $5 for those over 13, $1 for kids aged 6-12, and children under 6 are free. Note that they are closed the month of January.
Unlike some trails where you don’t really see a lot other than trees until you reach the waterfall at the end, Pearson’s Falls starts paying off from the time you leave the parking area. The river side trail presents plenty of photo opportunities the entire way to the waterfall. It’s the reason we’ve listed it first in our list of best waterfalls hikes in Saluda. It is a peaceful way to start your day, because to avoid the crowds you’ll want to get there as soon as the gates open.
2748 Pearson Falls Road, Saluda
www.pearsonfalls.org
*PLEASE NOTE THAT PEARSON’S FALLS IS CURRENTLY CLOSED AS THEY WORK TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE HELENE. THEY ARE CONTINUING CLEAN UP EFFORTS AND HOPE TO START WELCOMING VISITORS AGAIN SOON. CHECK THEIR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.
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Nestled along the Green River in Saluda, Bell Park is Henderson County’s newest treasure. This 69-acre preserve is filled with forested trails, rushing water, and a sense of mountain peace. Named in honor of Frank and Calla Bell—beloved leaders of Camp Mondamin and Camp Green Cove—the park carries forward their legacy of helping people connect with the outdoors.
Visitors will find 1.8 miles of gentle woodland trails for walking, hiking, or running. A highlight of the park is the observation deck, perched beside a lively waterfall. The walk to the deck is a short 0.3 miles each way, but does include several stairways. At the bottom, a quiet bench invites you to pause and soak in the sound of the falls and the beauty of the forest.
Bell Park also plays an important role in protecting natural habitat. The land stretches from the dam at Lake Summit all the way to the Green River Game Lands, creating a vital wildlife corridor of more than 14,000 acres. Conserving Carolina first purchased the property in 2015, later partnering with Henderson County to make it a public park for all to enjoy.
You’ll find Bell Park on Spartanburg Highway (176) in Saluda, just south of the bridge over the Green River Gorge. A small parking area makes it easy to begin your adventure into this serene mountain escape.
Melrose Falls trailhead is directly on Hwy 176 in between the two bridges that cross the Pacolet River. You can park on the side of the road or there is a gravel path with a locked gate on the other side where you can park. This moderately challenging trail leads to a massive waterfall that crosses under the old railroad trestle, making for some pretty spectacular photo ops. Parts of the trail near the waterfall are steep and riddled with roots, and there are some cliffs with vertical dropoffs, so use caution, particularly if you have kids with you.
Located in the Melrose Falls Preserve, the trail is home to native sweet white trillium flowers, along with a host of other flora and wildlife. Early spring is a great time to visit as the blooming trilliums put on a show.
*HELENE UPDATE: HWY 176 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED IN THE SECTION WHERE MELROSE FALLS ARE LOCATED. YOU CAN ACCESS THE ROAD BY FOOT, AND YOU CAN SEE THE FALLS AT THE ROAD. THE TRAIL INTO THE FALLS IS NOT OFFICIALLY OPEN AND IS PARTIALLY OBSTRUCTED IN PLACES BY LANDSLIDES AND FALLEN TREES. THERE IS NO DATE GIVEN FOR WHEN THAT SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY OR THE MELROSE FALLS TRAIL MAY REOPEN.
The trailheads for these two different trails are across the road from one another. Little Bradley Falls is the easier of the two. Considered moderately challenging, this popular trail has a big payoff with a 50-foot waterfall at the end. The trail is an out and back and you do have to cross the river in a couple different places, so wear appropriate shoes.
The Bradley Falls Overlook Trail also requires a river crossing, and depending on the time of year and the amount of recent rainfall, it may be likely that you will get wet or won’t be able to cross. Either wear appropriate water shoes or plan on taking them off. Heed the signs and stay on the main trail to get to the overlook.
All that hiking is sure to work up an appetite! Head over to our blog, The Ten Best Restaurants Near Saluda, NC, to see our favorite local spots.
