Pearson's Falls

Saluda, North Carolina, USA

About Pearson’s Falls

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Waterfall Safety and Common Sense

Pearsons Falls (or Pearson’s Falls) was a pretty, lacy, cascading 90ft waterfall at the end of a tranquil, family-friendly stroll owned and maintained by the Tryon Garden Club since 1931.

It was said to be named after an engineer named Charles William Pearson who scouted the area for the Southern Railroad.

Pearsons_Falls_022_20121020 - Pearson's Falls
Pearson’s Falls

Because it was a private waterfall, we had to work with their opening hours while also being prepared to pay the admission fees.

Visiting Hours and Fees

As of our visit on a Saturday in October 2012, they didn’t open until 10am, and that actually forced us to change up our plans for the day.

Fortunately, there were plenty of other waterfall sights (we actually started the day going to the Great Smoky Mountains instead) before coming here.

We paid $5 per adult ($10 total), which we thought was fair considering the amount of work they put in to keep this place as accessible and family-friendly as it was.

Pearsons_Falls_009_20121020 - Context of Julie on the tranquil trail to Pearson's Falls surrounded by Autumn scenery
Context of Julie on the tranquil trail to Pearson’s Falls surrounded by Autumn scenery

Indeed, we shared this trail with numerous families with kids and elders.

Since times and admission rates may vary over time, we’ve provided a link so you can literally hear/see it from the horse’s mouth.

Experiencing Pearson’s Falls

We followed the paved 0.3-mile trail that meandered for its entire length alongside the brook responsible for the Pearsons Falls.

Julie described this hike as tranquil as we were constantly serenaded by the lapping waters of the brook while hearing the bird songs of the forest.

Pearsons_Falls_002_20121020 - A wise sign seen along the trail to Pearson's Falls
A wise sign seen along the trail to Pearson’s Falls

Further adding to the atmosphere were the rustling of the leaves moving with the breezes above us.

Perhaps that was no accident considering this place was said to be considered as a botanical garden emphasizing native species.

However, it was easy to forget that and think of this place like a larger Nature Reserve.

We noticed a few interpretive signs as well as benches to allow us to take our time and relax while learning about the area.

We especially liked a sign near the trailhead that said, “to linger not to litter, to rest but not molest, to enjoy but not destroy.”

Pearsons_Falls_013_20121020 - Pretty much the entire walk followed along the brook downstream of the Pearson's Falls
Pretty much the entire walk followed along the brook downstream of the Pearson’s Falls

After a bridge over the brook, the trail terminated at a couple of viewing areas.

The main Pearsons Falls was in shadow during our visit so long exposure photos with a tripod were doable, especially considering this was one of those long exposure-friendly waterfalls.

Barricades were put to discourage off-trail scrambling to both protect life and limb as well as to protect the ecosystem here.

Authorities

Pearsons Falls resides near Saluda in Polk County, North Carolina. It is administered by the Tryon Garden Club. For information or inquiries about the area as well as current conditions, you can visit their website.

Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.
Tagged with: saluda, polk county, north carolina, waterfall, asheville, tryon, charles william pearson, southern railroad



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Johnny Cheng

About Johnny Cheng

Johnny Cheng is the founder of the World of Waterfalls and author of the award-winning A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls. Over the last 2 decades, he has visited thousands of waterfalls in over 40 countries around the world and nearly 40 states in the USA.
Read More About Johnny | A Guide to New Zealand Waterfalls.