Pearson's Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pearson's Falls |
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Pearson's Falls
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 Pearson's Falls
Location in South Carolina
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| Location | Polk County, North Carolina |
| Nearest city | Saluda, North Carolina |
| Governing body | Tryon Garden Club |
Pearson's Falls is a beautiful natural area in the mountains of Western North Carolina. It is located off Highway 176, between the towns of Tryon and Saluda. This special place is a wildlife and bird sanctuary. It covers 268 acres of native forest, granite rocks, and streams fed by springs.
A short trail, about a quarter-mile long, leads to a 90-foot waterfall. This area is home to over 200 types of rare wildflowers and plants. You will also see many mosses, lichens, shrubs, and trees. This type of forest is called a "deciduous climax forest." This means it is a mature forest where trees lose their leaves in the fall. The Tryon Garden Club owns and takes care of Pearson's Falls. This club is a non-profit group dedicated to protecting this amazing spot.
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Discover Pearson's Falls!
Pearson's Falls is a wonderful place to explore nature. It is a protected area for wildflowers and wildlife. It also serves as an outdoor classroom. Students from colleges and universities often visit for botany and biology field trips. Local science classes also come here to learn.
This special glen is recognized in several ways. It is a North Carolina National Heritage Site. It is part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. It is also a North Carolina Birding Trail Site. This means it is a great place for birdwatching. The Smithsonian Institution has also included it in its Archives of American Gardens.
A Special Place in Nature
The botanical preserve at Pearson's Falls is made up of spring-fed streams. It also includes 268 acres of native forest. This wildlife preserve is home to more than 200 types of plants. You can find ferns, algae, flowering plants, and mosses here. It is a true treasure for plant lovers.
History of the Falls
Pearson's Falls was named after a young engineer. His name was Charles William Pearson. He explored the mountains for the Southern Railroad. Captain Pearson was a military man, a farmer, and an engineer. He bought this glen as part of a large area of land for his family.
In 1931, the Tryon Garden Club bought the property. They wanted to save this unique mountain glen. Even though it is open to the public, the Tryon Garden Club still owns and protects it. More than 17,000 people visit Pearson's Falls every year.
Exploring the Trail
The water for the waterfall comes from Colt Creek. The trail that leads to the waterfall is about three-tenths of a mile long. The trail is considered fairly easy to walk. On a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being very easy, its difficulty is a 3. Please note that the waterfall trail is not set up for wheelchairs.
