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The closure of Pearson’s Falls this past spring offered our staff and volunteers the time and opportunity to achieve significant repairs and improvements to the trails and the property.

All the wind and rain we have experienced brought down copious amounts of limbs and debris which required removal from the trails. The drains and ditches were cleaned and sticks, and leaves were blown from the roofs of the gate house, garden house and picnic shelter. A portion of the fence along the trail to the falls was also in need of repair from fallen limbs.

Tons of gravel were added to the driveway and parking lot, and a new senior parking area was designated close to the picnic shelter and trail head. Thirty-six bags of concrete were used for various projects including the repair and addition of trail steps.

Many roots and rocks were removed from the trails before two truckloads of chips were spread out to make the trails to the waterfall smoother and safer. Benches and picnic tables have been cleaned, sanded and water sealed.

As if all this were not enough, vandals defaced benches and rocks with spray paint, so this graffiti had to be cleaned, which was a challenging task.

Although Pearson’s Falls has suffered a loss of revenue during this period of closure, we are fortunate to have the assistance of the Trail Maintenance Fund of the Kirby Endowment Grant which comes to us through the Polk County Community Foundation. The Tryon Garden Club, owner of Pearson’s Falls, is grateful to PCCF for helping the Club enhance the Pearson’s Falls experience of our visitors.

Pearson’s Falls is now open and ready to welcome you. Bring your family and friends for an outdoor experience you won’t forget.

For more information about Pearson’s Falls and our State and CDC visitor guidelines, go to pearsonsfalls.org or call 828 749-3031.

Submitted by Janet Peterson