Last Updated on October 2, 2025
Saluda, NC is a peaceful mountain oasis with a picturesque historic downtown surrounded by wilderness and endless adventure. Main Street is a pedestrian’s dream with much to choose from, including working art studios, restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, gift shops, bakeries, and more. The area is also a known destination for road biking in the Southeast. The surrounding mountains have world-famous whitewater, amazing fly fishing, and hundreds of waterfalls within striking distance.
Saluda residents are pulled to enjoy all the amenities their area has to offer. Here are just five local attractions within a few minutes of Saluda, NC.
Bradley Nature Preserve
In addition to preserving nature, this nine-acre parcel of land helps preserve the story of the Overmountain Men. The rag-tag group of area militiamen chased down a British general during the Revolutionary War and won a pivotal battle at Kings Mountain. In fact, the main trail at the preserve is believed to follow the exact path of their trip. Today, Bradley Nature Preserve is a popular trail location. Much of the preserve is dog friendly. However, dogs are not allowed on the lower loop sections of the trail. The preserve is maintained by the Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT).
Esseola Drive, Saluda | saludaclt.org
Green River Adventures
Eat, shop, and go on an adventure! Since 2006, Green River Adventures has provided unforgettable outdoor experiences built on kayak instruction. They have evolved into a full-adventure business, providing everything from inflatable kayak trips, stand-up paddleboarding, and ziplining to their unique Big Bradley Waterfall Rappel. Looking for something low impact and family friendly? They even offer a 1.5-mile swimming hole hike through historic Game Lands. Your guide will show you the way.
150 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 749-2800 | greenriveradventures.com
Local art galleries
Saluda is home to an ever-growing list of fine artists and galleries to showcase their work. If you love local art as much as we do, you should definitely spend some time perusing the local art galleries in Saluda. Among them, Saluda Moon Glass Studio and Gallery specializes in kiln-formed fused glass art and doubles as a teaching studio, offering a range of workshops. Since 1985, Heartwood Gallery has offered 100% American craftwork that is designed for function as well as beauty. The gallery boasts one of the best collections of pottery in the region.
Various locations around Saluda.
M.A. Pace General Store and Thompson’s Store
Technically, these are two distinct businesses. But they both have one thing in common: they trace their histories back to the late nineteenth century! In fact, Thompson’s Store is the oldest continually run grocery store in North Carolina. Step inside either establishment and get a whiff of oil-stained heart pine floors stirring up memories of times gone by. Today, Thompson’s sells fresh produce and cheeses, gourmet foods, fine wines, local beer, and more. M.A. Pace’s has retained the look and feel of an older hardware and general store. Browse around, and you’ll find essential items for mountain life—everything from local jams and honey to rakes and paint.
M.A. Pace: 60 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 749-2401 | facebook.com/M-A-Pace-General-Store
Thompson’s: 24 E Main Street, Saluda | (828) 769-9051 | facebook.com/Thompsons-Store
Saluda Historic Depot and Museum
Saluda is famous for sitting at the top of the Norfolk Southern Railway’s Saluda Grade, the steepest mainline standard gauge railroad line in the country. The three-mile route dropped 600 feet in elevation for every mile, and included 50 curves, some horseshoe.
Built in 1903, the town’s historic depot now serves as a modern icon of Saluda’s beginning and subsequent prosperity from the train line. Since 2016, a train and heritage museum has occupied the depot, offering visitors a chance to tour the restored structure and learn its history. Stop in for exhibits and events that preserve and promote Saluda’s heritage, celebrate its culture, and showcase its natural resources.
32 W Main Street, Saluda | (828) 769-9016 | saludahistoricdepot.com
Looking for more to do in Saluda, NC?
Thousands of visitors flock to the area’s foothills each season to enjoy the rich history, culture, crafts, vast natural areas, and unique culinary traditions. Click here for a list of our ten favorite annual festivals and events in Polk County.
Live near these fun attractions and more in Saluda, NC!
Saluda, NC is an historic Victorian mountain village at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The town is famous for sitting at the top of the Norfolk Southern Railway’s Saluda Grade, the steepest mainline standard gauge railroad line in the country. At the turn of the 20th century, Saluda became a favorite mountain destination to escape the sweltering summer heat of lower latitudes. Since the 1960s, Saluda has experienced a steady growth of people seeking simpler, more peaceful lives. Today, the town of less than 1,000 is home to many artists and craftspeople, and the downtown area is recognized as a National Historic District.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Saluda, NC!
