Pearson's Falls

Saluda, North Carolina, USA

About Pearson’s Falls

For Subscribers Only. See Membership Options.

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.

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

We followed the paved 0.3-mile trail that meandered for its entire length alongside the brook responsible for the 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 as well as 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 botannical garden emphasizing native species, but 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. 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.”

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

Maps and Routing Content are for annual subscribers. See Membership Options.
Content is for subscribers. See Membership Options.

Related Top 10 Lists

No Posts Found

Trip Planning Resources


Nearby Accommodations

This content is for subscribers only. See Membership Options.

Tagged with: saluda, polk county, north carolina, waterfall, asheville, tryon, charles william pearson, southern railroad



Visitor Comments:

Got something you'd like to share or say to keep the conversation going? Feel free to leave a comment below...

No users have replied to the content on this page


Share your thoughts about what you've read on this page

You must be logged in to submit content. Refresh this page after you have logged in.

Visitor Reviews of this Waterfall:

If you have a waterfall story or write-up that you'd like to share, feel free to click the button below and fill out the form...

No users have submitted a write-up/review of this waterfall


Have you been to a waterfall? Submit a write-up/review and share your experiences or impressions

Review A Waterfall

Nearest Waterfalls



How To Build A Profitable Travel Blog In 4 Steps