On Tuesday, master naturalist Dan Whitten will guide a wildflower walk up through Pearson’s Falls glen to the 90-foot waterfall.

Currently the wildflowers are at their peak. There are many varieties of trillium and violets, as well as foam flower, giant chickweed, Jack-in-the-pulpit, Solomon’s seal, yellow Mandarin and hepatica, to name a few. 

There is a walk from 10:30 a.m. to noon, which is repeated from 1:30-3 p.m. Group size is limited so all participants can see, hear and ask questions. Registration is required.

Whitten specializes in pointing out surprise wildflowers many of which are edible or medicinal. He is past president of the upstate chapter of the South Carolina Native Plant Society. In 2014, he earned the title of South Carolina certified naturalist.

He teaches forest ecology at Table Rock State Park for the Discover Carolina program, and leads adventure hikes for Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation.

The rain date for this walk is Thursday. There is an admission fee to Pearson’s Falls, and a charge for the guided walk. All proceeds go to trail maintenance.

An annual pass to Pearson’s Falls is available. Group tickets are also available.  Admission is free for Tryon Garden Club members.

For more information and to register for the guided walks, contact the gatekeeper at Pearson’s Falls, 828-749-3031. Pearson’s Falls is located at 2748 Pearson’s Falls Road, Saluda.

Follow the signs on Highway 176 North from Tryon or 176 South from Saluda. Also, visit our website, www.pearsonsfalls.org.

– Submitted by Lucy Brannon