Pearson's Falls
Polk County, North Carolina
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- 89 ft (27 m)
- Location
- Polk County, North Carolina
- Access status
- Advance reservation required
- The walk
- About ¼ mile one way
- Ground & access
- The owner rates the trail easy to moderate, with inclines, steps and bridges.
Follow the rebuilt glen trail to the falls. All visitors must reserve admission online.
Plan your visit
Preserve entrance to Pearson’s Falls
The owner measures a quarter mile from the entrance to the falls. A half-mile return is calculated; any parking approach is additional.
The owner rates the trail easy to moderate, with inclines, steps and bridges.
Where to start
The preserve address is 2748 Pearson Falls Road, Saluda. The exact parking arrangement is not published in the opened FAQ. Road repairs can change the vehicle approach; follow the owner’s current directions.
Timing & water
The owner reports reopening on July 24, 2026 after restoration. Check for weather closures and local road detours.
Before you go
Online reservations are required, including for annual passholders. General admission is Friday through Sunday; leave by the 5pm gate closure. Pets are not permitted.
Visitor informationMore waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Pacolet FallsHenderson County, NC1.2 miW
- Leland FallsHenderson County, NC1.2 miW
- Big Fall Creek FallsPolk County, NC2.0 miE
- Upper Melrose FallsPolk County, NC2.0 miE
- Melrose FallsPartial guide: open trail, but road access affected by the US 176 closurePolk County, NC2.1 miE
- Hemlock ShoalsPolk County, NC2.2 miE
- Bell Park FallsCounty park trail and stairs to an observation deckHenderson County, NC3.5 miNW
- Little Bradley FallsPolk Trails marks the trail open; creek crossings required.49 ft (15 m) · Polk County, NC3.6 miNE
- Fishtop FallsPartial: short game land path; access road status after Helene unconfirmedPolk County, NC3.6 miN