Saluda, North Carolina, is a hiker’s paradise with its lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and scenic trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a pleasant walk in nature, Saluda offers something for everyone. This guide will introduce you to some of the best trails in the area, providing details on each trail’s features, distance, and directions.
***Potential closures due to Hurricane Helene damage. Please click more information for updates on each trail.***
Bell Park
Bell Park offers 69 acres of tranquil forests on the edge of the Green River Gorge, with lush forests, waterfalls, and wildflowers.
Total distance: 1.8 miles
Trail Type: Trail with two connected loops
Features: This trail leads to a stunning 90-foot waterfall, accessible via a scenic path adorned with wildflowers, mosses, boulders, and spring-fed streams. The site is managed by the Tryon Garden Club. Note that no dogs are allowed and there is a small fee for adults.
Directions: From Saluda Visitor Center, drive 2.7 miles west on Main St./Hwy 176 towards Hendersonville. There is a small parking lot on your right just before the bridge.
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Pearson’s Falls and Glen
An easy, out-and-back trail featuring a 90-foot waterfall.
Total distance: 0.5 miles
Trail Type: Out and back
Features: This trail leads to a stunning 90-foot waterfall, accessible via a scenic path adorned with wildflowers, mosses, boulders, and spring-fed streams. The site is managed by the Tryon Garden Club. Note that no dogs are allowed and there is a small fee for adults.
Directions: From Saluda Visitor Center, drive 3 miles east on Main St./Hwy 176. Turn right on Pearson Falls Road, go 1 mile, and the preserve is on the left. Alternatively, take Pearson Falls Road from Saluda (just past Wildflour Bakery), travel 2.8 miles on a gravel road, through a one-car tunnel. The preserve is on the right.
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Missing 40
A loop trail set in the Pacolet River Gorge.
Total distance: 1 mile
Trail Type: Loop
Features: This trail begins at the convergence of Joels Creek and the North Pacolet River, follows the river, and includes two ankle-high water crossings. The trail is marked with white blazes and maintained by the Saluda Community Land Trust.
Directions: From Saluda Visitor Center, travel east on Main Street for 0.2 miles and turn right on Pearson Falls Road. Continue for 1.7 miles on a gravel road through a one-car tunnel. The trailhead is on the right side of the road, 0.2 miles from the tunnel.
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Bradley Nature Preserve/Lazy Girl Loop
An easy out-and-back trail near downtown Saluda.
Total distance: 2 miles
Trail Type: Out and back
Features: This easy walk through the woods near downtown Saluda connects to the Lazy Girl Loop and Laurel Drive. There are two shallow stream crossings. The land is maintained by the Saluda Community Land Trust.
Directions: From Saluda Visitor Center, travel 0.75 miles to the intersection of Esseola Street and Substation Road. Park along the road or walk from downtown.
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Judd’s Peak Overlook
A moderate loop trail with mountain views.
Total distance: 0.3 miles
Trail Type: Loop
Features: This trail offers beautiful mountain and foothill views atop Judd’s Peak. Descend the Summit Trail to an old forest and return the same way. The property is maintained by the Saluda Community Land Trust.
Directions: From Saluda Visitor Center, turn right on Greenville Street, which becomes Mountain Page Road at the county line. Turn right on Pace Mountain Road, immediately turn right on Judd’s Peak Road, then right on Orchard Hill and slightly left into “Judd’s Peak Overlook.” The total distance from the Visitor Center is 2 miles.
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Little Bradley Falls
A moderate out-and-back trail with two stream crossings.
Total distance: 2 miles
Trail Type: Out and back
Features: This trail leads to a 50-foot, multi-tiered waterfall. The path includes two stream crossings and some scrambling over downed trees and boulders, with steep drop-offs. The trail ends at the falls, and the land is part of the Green River Game Lands owned by the State of North Carolina.
Directions: From Saluda Visitor Center, travel 4.7 miles east on Main Street for 0.5 miles and turn left on Ozone Drive. Continue for 1.1 miles to Holbert Cove Road. Travel 3.1 miles on Holbert Cove Road.
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Palmetto Trail – Saluda Mountain Portion
A beautiful out-and-back trail, especially scenic in the fall.
Total distance: 3.3 miles
Trail Type: Out and back
Features: This segment of the Palmetto Trail offers a scenic hike through dense forests, highlighted by vibrant fall foliage. The well-marked path provides opportunities to enjoy local wildlife and serene natural surroundings. Part of the larger Palmetto Trail system, it connects to various other scenic trails.
Directions: From the Saluda Visitor Center, head east on W Main St 200 feet, then turn right onto Greenville St for 1.1 miles. Slight left onto Old Mountain Page Rd for 1.3 miles. Finally, turn left onto Mountain Page Rd and continue for 1.1 miles to your destination on the left, there is a small parking lot, trail head is across the street.
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Saluda Community Land Trust
For more information on the conservation effort, trail information and guided walks, you can visit Saluda Community Land Trust Website This nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving Saluda’s rural character by preserving farm and forest land in and around Saluda. The mission of the Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) includes protecting natural resources, supporting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing the quality of life for current and future generations. Join them for their community-led hiking series on the first and third Sundays of each month from mid-March to mid-November, weather permitting. More Information
Trails Outside of Saluda
This portion of the guide features trails located within a 45-minute drive of the Saluda Visitor Center that offer a convenient way to explore beyond Saluda.
Carl Sandburg Home – Glassy Mountain Trail
This wooded climb leads to a granite outcrop with sweeping mountain views. Located at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, the trail combines hiking with a visit to the historic home and working goat farm.
Location: Flat Rock, NC – 15-minute drive
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Trail Distance: Approximately 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
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Norman Wilder Forest
Explore forested trails that wind through mature hardwoods, boulder fields, and vibrant understory plants in a quiet, lesser-known preserve
Location: Tryon, NC – 20-minute drive from Saluda
Trail Type: Network of intersecting trails
Trail Distance: Approximately 2 miles round trip (varies)
Difficulty: Moderate
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Chimney Rock State Park Trails
RESERVATION AND ENTRY FEE REQUIRED
Location: Chimney Rock, NC – 35 to 40-minute drive
Trail Type: Out-and-back and loop options
Trail Distance: 0.5 to 3+ miles
Difficulty: Easy to Strenuous
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Chimney Rock is a 535-million-year-old monolith offering 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Reach the summit via the dramatic Outcroppings Trail or ride the elevator for easier access. Other trails explore waterfalls, forests, and rocky vistas:
- Outcroppings Trail (~0.5 miles, Strenuous): Climb nearly 500 steps through dramatic rock formations to reach the summit of Chimney Rock.
- Hickory Nut Falls Trail (~1.5 miles, Moderate): A forested out-and-back trail leading to the base of a stunning 404-foot waterfall.
- Exclamation Point Trail (~0.6 miles beyond Chimney Rock, Strenuous): A steep extension to the park’s highest peak, with panoramic views from Exclamation Point and the Opera Box.
- Four Seasons Trail (~0.6 miles, Moderate): A quiet wooded trail featuring rhododendron, mountain laurel, and seasonal wildflowers.
- Great Woodland Adventure (~0.6 miles, Easy): A family-friendly loop with whimsical animal sculptures and educational discovery stations along the way.
Jump Off Rock
A favorite for sunset viewing, Jump Off Rock features well-marked, wooded trails with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge and Pisgah ranges. Benches and an overlook make this an accessible and rewarding stop for hikers of all ages.
Location: Laurel Park, NC – 35 minute drive
Trail Type: Multiple short loop trails
Trail Distance: 0.2 to 0.5miles
Difficulty: Easy
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Bearwallow Mountain Trail
A grassy bald summit with panoramic mountain views and a picturesque fire tower. Great for sunrise or sunset hikes.
Location: Hendersonville, NC – 40 min drive
Distance: 2 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
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DuPont State Trails
Location: Cedar Mountain, NC – 40 to 45-minute
Trail Type: Network of trails and loops
Trail Distance: Varies from ~1 mile to ~4.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
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Features: Spanning more than 12,500 acres, DuPont offers a rich mix of waterfalls, forested paths, lakes, and granite domes. These five trails highlight the very best of the forest:
- Triple Falls Trail (~1–1.2 miles, Moderate): A dramatic three-tiered waterfall with scenic overlooks and access stairs.
- Hooker Falls Trail (~0.9–1.4 miles, Easy): Leads to a 14-foot waterfall and swimming hole, perfect for families.
- High Falls Loop (~2 miles, Easy to Moderate): Visit the tallest waterfall in the forest with viewpoints from above and below.
- Bridal Veil Falls Trail (~4.4 miles, Moderate): A peaceful forest hike to a graceful, two-tiered waterfall.
- Big Rock & Cedar Rock Loop (~4.5 miles, Moderate): Cross granite domes with sweeping mountain views and open ridgelines.