Saluda, North Carolina, a tiny town of a little over 500 fulltime residents, is a mountain oasis with a Historic Downtown surrounded by rugged and accessible wilderness. The 18,000 acres of the Green River Game Lands and the Greenville Watershed have served as natural buffers, helping to preserve and protect the authentic character of this mountain town.
But don’t let Saluda’s size fool you. Saluda has a bustling downtown with fabulous restaurants, unique shops, a vibrant art and music scene, and a hub for outdoor adventure. The one-street downtown hasn’t changed much over the years, and that’s a good thing! Most buildings on Main Street were added to the National Register of Historic places in 1996, and the pride that long-time residents and decedents of Saluda have for this place runs deep.
In this episode we’ll discover how Saluda’s unique history begins with the downtown district, perched at the top of the steepest standard-gauge mainline railroad grade in the United States, and how the lush mountains and forests, mountain streams and rivers, and breath-taking views, provided solace for people trying to escape sweltering summer heat. And, we’ll learn about world famous whitewater, amazing fly fishing, hiking in luscious forests, and stunning waterfalls that are within striking distance of downtown Saluda.
Mentioned In This Episode
Saluda Visitors Center
Historic Saluda
Visit Saluda
Saluda Outfitters
Pearson's Falls & Glen
Green River Adventures
The Gorge Zipline
Green River Cove Tubing
Pisgah Map Company (Green River Gamelands)