Pearson's Falls of the Tryon Garden Club
A military man, farmer, and an engineer, Captain Pearson bought the Glen as part of a large tract of land
that he wanted for his family.  For years he and his heirs allowed generations of young people to picnic on
the great stone table-rock that you will see at the foot of the Falls.  Botanists and bird-fanciers from all over
the country have come to discover and catalogue the wonders of this Glen area.

In 1931, the Tryon Garden Club bought the property in order to preserve this unique mountain Glen.  
Through the generosity of an honorary member and careful planning of the group, the club members
purchased the several hundred acres of this wildlife preserve.  Although open to the public, the property
remains under the ownership and protection of the Tryon Garden Club.

Over 15,000 people visit the Tryon Garden Club property each year.  It is also a wildlife preserve, and
outdoor laboratory for the botany departments of the surrounding colleges and universities, and the site of
frequent field trips for local science classes.  

A book written by Dr. Donald C. Peattie called “Pearson’s Falls Glen” is for sale from the Gatekeeper and
lists over 200 of the ferns, flowering plants, algae and mosses found in the Glen.  

Improvements to the buildings, the pathway and the picnic facilities are made possible through generous
contributions of friends and visitors to the Glen and through memorials to club members and benefactors.

Today the Tryon Garden Club members actively participate in maintaining the property so that they and you
who are visiting may enjoy this unusual gift of nature.  Please stay on the paths, and remember….

TO LINGER
NOT TO LITTER
TO REST
BUT NOT MOLEST
TO ENJOY
BUT NOT DESTROY
Many millions of years ago a smile began to crease the face
of the continent that was to be called America, and the Blue
Ridge was raised from the sea and plains.  (from
Natural
History of Pearson's Falls
by Donald C. Peattie, 1933)

Pearson’s Falls Glen is the remarkable botanical wonderland
that lies hidden in these great Blue Ridge Mountains.  It was
named for the young engineer, Charles William Pearson,
who scouted the mountains for what was to become the
Southern Railroad.

Pearson's
Falls
Giles William, son of
Charles William Pearson
House on land when
purchased in 1876 by
Charles W. Pearson
Pearson Falls' and Colt
Creek
The sun on the falls