The Pacolet Area Conservancy (PAC) recently completed a federally-funded Natural Resource Protection & Appreciation Comprehensive Study Report for the Pacolet Valley Scenic Byway, Highway 176, between Tryon and Saluda.
The result of 14 months’ intensive study, PAC’s 138-page report noted, “The goal of this study is to determine how best to maximize the visual, emotional – and to some – spiritual natural resource experience afforded the Pacolet River Byway traveler.”
The scientific focal point of the overall study is a biological comprehensive baseline assessment which details the plants and wildlife coexisting along this peaceful stretch of country road.
The overall purpose of the baseline is to have a record of habitats, species and waterways that are vital to the total natural resource experience along the valley stretch of the Pacolet Byway. By knowing what exists there today, the conservancy can make recommendations and plans for future preservation efforts.
The Pacolet Valley Byway corridor runs relatively parallel to the Pacolet River. Two of the significant natural properties along the byway corridor include PAC-owned Wilder Forest and the Tryon Garden Club’s Pearson’s Falls.
The study states, “The Pacolet Valley Byway gives the traveler the impression of a private, non-intrusive drive through a natural resource living museum. The byway area is its own ecosystem with trees, plants, water, wildlife, fish and birds coexisting because they are virtually undisturbed.
Breathtaking mountain backdrops, dense forest and rock outcroppings frame waterfalls and trillium springtime outbursts, ancient trees, endangered species such as white irisette, and other exotic flora, fox dens and wildlife habitat that are fast disappearing throughout the United States.

“Each element of the ecosystem is interdependent, adding up to the whole of rich natural resource corridors running along both sides of the byway and extending upward through the watershed. Considered one of the United States’ ecological treasures hosting many species which only flourish here, this area has been visited, valued and documented by envious naturalists and botanists from many geographical areas.”
PAC received $37,000 for its work chronicling the natural wonders of the PacoletValley Scenic Byway. The land trust has subsequently submitted an acquisition grant in partnership with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy to protect the natural resource areas identified by the comprehensive study.
For more information about PAC’s preservation work along the Pacolet River, its Saving Horse Country initiative, or conservation in general, contact the PAC Office at 850 N. Trade Street, Tryon, call 828-859-5060 or visit PAC’s website at www.pacolet.org.