If you have a hankering for a road trip loaded with interesting details, then follow the Pacolet River along this scenic drive through North Carolina. Starting at the South Carolina state line, this byway parallels U.S. Route 176 through the Tryon “Thermal Belt”, intersects the Pacolet River many times, and traces the Saluda Grade. Some of your discoveries along the way include an old railroad depot; breathtaking waterfalls; a bronze, memorial sculpture; and a log cabin. But the sky’s the limit when adding the unlimited stops of your choosing along your way. Or take it slow, walk along a wooded path, and breathe in the natural beauty this scenic route has to offer in North Carolina.

A tributary of the Broad River, the Pacolet River is about 50 miles long in northwestern South Carolina and a small portion of western North Carolina.

NCDOT.GOV The 11-mile Pacolet River Byway runs through Polk County. Follow US. Route176 or Trade Street for 1.6 miles, and turn left at the traffic light.

Continue for about a mile to Harmon Field Road. You can opt for an extension by turning right onto this road and continuing 0.7 miles to N.C. State Route 108, or Lynn Road, to add about another mile to your trip one way. Turn left and go 0.5 miles to where the extension ends at the Pacolet River.

Janet Gray, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons Take a stroll on the quarter-mile Harmon Field Walkway in Tryon. This picturesque park sits on 36 acres of soccer and ball fields, tennis courts, a picnic shelter, equestrian facilities, and yes — even a log cabin. Or remain on the main route if you like, by driving straight on U.S. Route 176. Harmon Field, 117 Harmon Field Rd, Tryon, NC 28782, USA

Here you will find a relaxing park, too, offering lots of options to stretch your legs and run around, and play in the beautiful space.

Michael T/TripAdvisor To return to the main byway, backtrack on N.C. State Route 108 and Harmon Field Road to U.S. Route 176, and turn right.

If you make a stop here, be sure to bring your camera, as there are multiple photo opportunities at Pearson’s Falls nature preserve, near Saluda.

Barbara B/TripAdvisor Check out these waterfalls near me in North Carolina. Pearson’s Falls, North Carolina 28773, USA

Especially in the fall when the leaves are crunchy and kicking them up around you brings that familiar musky smell, building a craving for a bonfire with marshmallows.

Ospreygrad/TripAdvisor

Only about a quarter-mile in the big reward comes with the dramatic vision and tranquil sounds of the cascading 90-foot falls on the Pacolet River.

Gary Stevens from Asheville NC, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Then sit a spell along this 275-acre botanical preserve, look around and enjoy the breathtaking wildlife sanctuary.

cheryl h/TripAdvisor

Continue driving on U.S. Route 176 for the next 7.5 miles through Saluda to the Henderson County line. This is where the byway ends. If you need a place to sleep once you’ve explored Tryon, this charming riverfront cabin offers an unforgettable stay!

Updated Tryon Cabin on Pacolet River/VRBO

But your trip doesn’t have to end with so much to see in this charming town.

Carl H./FourSquare The Nina Simone Project honors the extraordinary life and legacy of this Tryon, North Carolina native, originally named Eunice Waymon. The international star made a major contribution to late-20th-century American popular culture through her comprehensive discography, original compositions, and arrangements. Nina Simone Plaza, 60-74 S Trade St, Tryon, NC 28782, USA

And lots more history can be found at the Saluda Historic Depot & Museum.

Anne M/TripAdvisor What makes this place so interesting is the Saluda Grade which peaks at the top of this small mountain village and wears the crown as the steepest, mainline, standard gauge railroad in the country. Saluda Historic Depot and Museum, 32 W Main St, Saluda, NC 28773, USA

Here is evidence that navigating the Saluda Grade was challenging and sometimes fatal. From 1880 to 1894, there were four tragic wrecks as the trains plunged down the mountainside crippling and killing some of the men.

Saluda Historic Depot/Facebook

Hopefully you are inspired to gather up the gang or just go solo and enjoy the beautiful Pacolet River along this scenic drive through North Carolina. And if you find yourself wanting more, try out this list of 10 beautiful byways in North Carolina that are perfect for a picturesque day trip. Have a great time and don’t forget to share some of the details.

NCDOT.GOV

The 11-mile Pacolet River Byway runs through Polk County. Follow US. Route176 or Trade Street for 1.6 miles, and turn left at the traffic light.

Janet Gray, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Take a stroll on the quarter-mile Harmon Field Walkway in Tryon. This picturesque park sits on 36 acres of soccer and ball fields, tennis courts, a picnic shelter, equestrian facilities, and yes — even a log cabin. Or remain on the main route if you like, by driving straight on U.S. Route 176.

Harmon Field, 117 Harmon Field Rd, Tryon, NC 28782, USA

Michael T/TripAdvisor

To return to the main byway, backtrack on N.C. State Route 108 and Harmon Field Road to U.S. Route 176, and turn right.

Barbara B/TripAdvisor

Check out these waterfalls near me in North Carolina.

Pearson’s Falls, North Carolina 28773, USA

Ospreygrad/TripAdvisor

Gary Stevens from Asheville NC, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

cheryl h/TripAdvisor

Updated Tryon Cabin on Pacolet River/VRBO

Carl H./FourSquare

The Nina Simone Project honors the extraordinary life and legacy of this Tryon, North Carolina native, originally named Eunice Waymon. The international star made a major contribution to late-20th-century American popular culture through her comprehensive discography, original compositions, and arrangements.

Nina Simone Plaza, 60-74 S Trade St, Tryon, NC 28782, USA

Anne M/TripAdvisor

What makes this place so interesting is the Saluda Grade which peaks at the top of this small mountain village and wears the crown as the steepest, mainline, standard gauge railroad in the country.

Saluda Historic Depot and Museum, 32 W Main St, Saluda, NC 28773, USA

Saluda Historic Depot/Facebook

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