Saluda is a small city in Polk and Henderson counties in North Carolina. As of the 2010 census, the population was 713. You can do whitewater tubing and tobogganing, go boating, and check out the historic depot. For more information, read on!
Whitewater tubing
There are a variety of places to go whitewater tubing in Saluda. While the Saluda River is relatively calm for the most part, there are a few rapids in the middle. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced river runner, Saluda is sure to have a place that suits your skills.
Wilderness Cove Campgrounds is a good place to start your tubing adventure. The park is surrounded by beautiful landscape, which can make for a memorable trip. Make sure to bring water and sunscreen. You’ll also want to bring a water bottle with a clip on it.
Green River Cove Tubing Company is located at 5200 Green River Cove Road in Saluda. The company is open weekends through Memorial Day. Afterward, they’re open seven days a week until the end of the season. They offer three-mile trips for $10, and six-mile trips for $15.
The Lower Saluda River is a popular destination for water sports in South Carolina. The scenic river stretches from Lake Murray Dam to the confluence with the Lower Broad River. The river was designated a state scenic river in 1991. For more information about the Lower Saluda, visit the Congaree Riverkeeper website. However, you should be aware of the hazards of river tubing. Because of the dam operations, the river can become very rapid.
Tobogganing
If you want a romantic activity for two, river tubing is a great idea. Choose a tube that fits you and your partner, and let the current of the river carry you. To make it even more romantic, tie your tube together. If it gets too hot, you can jump out.
Boating
If you want to go boating in Saluda, SC, there are a few places that offer access to the water. The Lower Saluda River has several public boat launch locations, including Hope Ferry Landing on the south bank and Saluda Shoals Park on the north bank. You can access these boat ramps from Bush River Road or St Andrews Road, which both offer access to the river.
The Columbia section of the Saluda River features rapids ranging from Class II to Class V. You can also take a shuttle from the Saluda Outdoor Center to reach the river. The park also has a tubing loop, which allows you to float downstream for about a quarter mile. To float down the river, you must wear a floatation device.
For a family-friendly activity, you can also take a zip line canopy tour at the Riverbanks Zoo. The “ZOOm the River!” tour includes a cargo net, rickety bridge, and three zip lines. The final zip line is 1,010-ft long.
The Saluda Lake is a 331-acre reservoir located in Greenville, SC, on the Saluda River. It supplies drinking water for the nearby towns of Easley and Greenville. The lake is a great place to take a boat, and it offers plenty of opportunities for recreation.
Historic Depot
The Historic Depot in Saluda, NC, is a local museum that will showcase the local history of the community. The primary focus of the museum will be Saluda Grade, but it will also highlight other historical areas of interest. The museum will have many interesting exhibits on display, so it will be worth visiting.
The Saluda Depot was a retail space until Clark Thompson listed it for sale in 2015. Since then, the local community has rallied behind the project and organized a 501(c)3 organization. The nonprofit was able to raise funds through corporate sponsorships, memberships, and gift station sales. The group is also able to receive incentive grant funds from the Polk County Community Foundation.
The Saluda Historic Depot is open to the public Thursday through Sunday, from noon to 4 pm. During these hours, you can view the museum’s rotating exhibits and watch running videos of the Saluda Grade trains. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are welcome.
Saluda was founded in 1881, and the town was named after the group of mountains surrounding the town. The town’s first train depot was located on Main Street. In 1887, eight passenger trains a day were passing through. Eventually, the town was home to 3,000 visitors a year. However, the mountain railroad route became notorious for runaway freight trains, claiming the lives of twenty-seven people.
The Saluda Historic Depot is located on the historic Main Street. The Saluda depot is a National Register of Historic Places contributing structure. It is listed in the Saluda Main Street Historic District.
Shopping
Downtown Saluda offers a plethora of shopping options. Whether you’re looking for antiques, clothing, or home decor, you’ll find it here. The town’s historic Victorian buildings still stand, and Main Street has a mix of distinctive contemporary stores and art galleries. The area is also home to a century-old grocery store and a charming, 1950s-style restaurant, the Thompson’s Store.
Aside from antiques, there are also many nurseries and farmer’s markets. The town’s wealth of farmers fuels the local economy. It’s also home to many hidden gems in the food and wine industries. Saluda has something for everyone, from foodies to history buffs. It’s easy to get around the area, and parking is free, so you can enjoy the local scenery while you shop.
The town’s rich history dates back to the early twentieth century, when the Spartanburg and Asheville Railroad rolled into town. This railroad built the steepest standard-gauge track in the eastern U.S., and you can take a trip back in time by visiting the town’s historic Diorama. Another interesting stop on the town’s Main Street is Pace’s General Store, which was founded in 1899. The old general store still sells everything from jams to hardware.
