Tryon offers a lot of things to do for such a small town (population 1,700). It’s home to an impressive arts community with several galleries downtown and a big equestrian community with many horse-related events. Imagine yourself hiking to a gorgeous waterfall or soaking in the charm of the nearby small towns. We would love to hear about any of your discoveries! Contact the business directly for current hours and pricing.
Explore the Nearby Towns
The area boasts not one but four charming small towns that are worth exploring, none are more than a 15 minute ride from the Red Bird Cabin. They are each unique but have plenty of good food, shopping and enough charm to rival the Hallmark channel.
Tryon, NC – www.exploretryon.com
The quaint Village of Tryon is located on the first rise of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Downtown Tryon has a nice selection shops, art galleries and restaurants along Trade Street. Morris the Horse, a well loved landmark standing on the corner of Trade and Pacolet Streets, has proudly represented Tryon since 1928.
Saluda, NC – www.saluda.com
Saluda, a tiny town of 700 residents, boasts a picturesque Main Street packed with an impressive selection of longtime restaurants, shops and galleries surrounded by beautiful scenery. It’s been a popular mountain tourist town since the late-1800s. Most of the buildings on Main Street are on the National Register of Historic places. Saluda is at the crest of the Saluda Grade, the steepest mainline standard-gauge track in the eastern United States. For rafting, kayaking and ziplines, book a trip with Green River Adventures in downtown Saluda (111 East Main) and they will provide shuttles.
Columbus, NC – www.columbusnc.com
In the historic downtown, see one of the oldest courthouses in North Carolina and grab lunch or dinner at a number of restaurants. The four-block downtown area has some great local restaurants and shops for browsing. Stop by the First Peak Visitor Center at 20 East Mills Street for plenty of local information.
Landrum, SC – www.visitlandrumsc.com
The City of Landrum, South Carolina, is home to a number of locally owned and operated shops and restaurants. Antiques make up a substantial portion of Landrum’s downtown commerce and the variety of antique merchandise is incredible. There are many other shops offering a variety of goods and services along with numerous restaurants offering fine dining for every taste and price range.
Equestrian
Tryon International Equestrian Center – 4066 Pea Ridge Rd, Mill Spring, NC – https://tryon.coth.com/
This world-class equestrian competition campus, internationally known for hosting the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018, continues to expand. Each year, they host 40 weeks of competition with Olympic-level riders and horses in the country, in additional to many events. Most competitions are free for the public to watch! If it’s your first visit, this site does a great job of breaking down the visitor experience: https://www.romanticasheville.com/tryon_equestrian.htm
FENCE – Foothills Equestrian Nature Center – 3381 Hunting Country Road, Tryon, NC – http://www.fence.org/
The Equestrian Center comprises three lighted show rings with all-weather footing (including a covered arena), stabling for over 300 horses in eleven barns, and spectator seating. The nationally-famous Block House Steeplechase, sponsored by the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club, is run each Spring over an eight-furlong course which encircles the equestrian area. Hunter/Jumper competitions, cross-country events, dressage and carriage driving are among the equestrian disciplines which make use of the Center. The FENCE Nature Center offers 384 acres of hardwood forest, meadow, and wetland for hikers, birdwatchers, gardeners, astronomers. The entire property is protected by a conservation easement, so it will always be available for future generations.
Tryon Horse Country – Mobile Audio Tour – https://app.ugotour.com/tour/oCRfJlUVdp/tryon-horse-country-equestrian-tour
The Town Of Tryon invites you on a journey through time to see the places and hear the stories about the incredible people who built and created “Tryon Horse Country”.
Parks
Harmon Field – 117 Harmon Field Road – https://tryon-nc.com/services/parks-recreation/
Harmon Field was founded in 1927 with an initial 10-acre parcel and has grown to over 47-acres and evolved to become an important recreational venue for the region. The scenic beauty of the mountains that surround Harmon Field, along with the area’s temperate climate, attract a number of regional and national events, including an annual bluegrass and barbecue festival that attracts participants from all over the country. Harmon Field has also hosted numerous music events, antique auto shows, and is a regular venue for local equestrian training and competitions, including the Blue Ridge Hunter Jumper Association.
Its amenities include equestrian facilities, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, a quarter mile track, walking trails, a putting green, enclosed playground, picnic areas, fishing deck, horseshoe pits, food service stands, and a log cabin that is used for social and civic events. To check Log Cabin availability contact the Harmon Field office at 828.859.5784.
Roger’s Park
Located across from the Tryon Fire Department, Roger’s Park has an amphitheater that seats 200 people with reception and gathering areas. A small creek and short trails meander through the park. Includes rock walls and native plant landscaping. Roger’s Park is the home of SUMMER TRACKS, a free summer concert series.
Hiking, Waterfalls and Adventures
Below are a few hiking trails near the cabin, www.polktrails.org is a good site to find even more options in the area.
Melrose Falls
Melrose Falls is just a few minutes down the road from the Red Bird Cabin in Tryon off US176. The land that this waterfall is on is owned and protected by the Pacolet Area Conservancy. There’s a nice ½ mile trail from a very small parking area along 176 that leads to a cliff side viewing area of this 50-60′ waterfall. In the winter you can see the impressive waterfall from your car as you travel down US176.
Pearsons Falls – 2748 Pearson Falls Rd, Saluda
Pearson’s Falls is located on a 268 acre botanical reserve. The trail itself is a 1/4 mile of moderate hiking to a beautiful 90 foot waterfall. This lush forest is home to some 200 species of wildflowers and plants. For this reason, Pearson’s Falls is classified as a deciduous climax forest There’s a small fee – $5 per person 12 years of age and up, $1 for kids 6-12, kids under 6 are free. Sorry no dogs allowed.
Norman Wilder Forest
Norman Wilder Forest is a 185 acre protected forest on the slopes of Little Warrior Mountain. It is composed of mature third growth mixed hardwoods managed by Conserving Carolina. This forest is home to a wide variety of wildflowers, birds, and mammals. Drip Falls also provides a unique environment and is a haven for Salamanders. There are multiple trails offering several miles hiking of varying difficulty to explore on the property. You will find the entrance to Norman Wilder Forest only a mile down the road from the Red Bird Cabin in Tryon. See Norman Wilder Trail Map Here
Vaughn Creek Greenway
One of Tryon’s newest additions to the park system, the Vaughn Creek Greenway features an easy walking trail of approximately 3/4 mile along picturesque Vaughn Creek, offering many woodland views and beautiful cascades, including Sillar’s Falls near the trail head. The trail ends at a large tunnel that Vaughn Creek flows through. There has been the addition of numerous benches along the greenway and a picnic shelter along New Market Road. On our last visit, it was a little muddy due to a recent storm but was otherwise perfect. Great trail for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors can access the trail head at 884 New Market Road. Parking for this trail is in a small, open field about 300 feet from the trailhead. It requires crossing and walking alongside the road, so be careful of cars!
Shunkawauken Falls Scenic Drive – https://www.romanticasheville.com/shunkawauken.htm
Shunkawauken Falls is a roadside 150-foot tall waterfall just outside Columbus on the twisting, scenic White Oak Mountain Road. Along the way, see some panoramic vistas as you climb 2,000 in elevation in five miles to the top of the mountain. Continue past the waterfall to complete a 11-mile loop drive.
Green River Gorge
The rugged, deep Green River Gorge is located near Saluda. Find old-growth forests, steep ravines and some great whitewater fun as the river drops rapidly down the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The river is a top spot for tubing and rafting.
Green River Game Lands
The Green River Game Lands is a state-owned 10,000-acre section for wildlife conservation for hunting, fishing and trapping per regulations. Most of the hiking trails are rugged and only recommended for experienced hikers. The Green River offers a variety of whitewater fun, from high adventure on big rapids to drifting calm sections on a tube. The three main sections of the Green River are The upper Green, The “Narrows” section and the lower Green. Most visitors go for the tamer fun on the Lower Green with a six-mile section of class II rapids.
The Gorge Zip Line Canopy Adventure – https://thegorgezipline.com/
Ride America’s steepest and fastest zip lines with 1.25 miles of airtime via 11 lines that descend 1,100 vertical ft., all connected by a gravity-defying sky bridge.
Green River Adventures – http://greenriveradventures.com
For rafting, kayaking and ziplines, book a trip with Green River Adventures in downtown Saluda (111 East Main) and they will provide shuttles.
Theatre and Arts
Tryon Fine Arts Center – 34 Melrose, Tryon – https://tryonarts.org/
Tryon’s pride-and-joy! The Tryon Fine Arts Center (TFAC) is a nonprofit organization established to foster the arts in Polk County and the surrounding areas. Music, dance, live theater and more can be found at TFAC. Check the website for a detailed list of upcoming performances.
Tryon Theatre – 45 S. Trade Street, Tryon – www.tryontheatre.com
The newly-renovated Tryon Theatre is an independent-minded cinema offering a mix of blockbusters and art house fare to our smart and good-looking audiences. Located just down the street from Morris the Horse in Historic Downtown Tryon. Beer, wine, fountain drinks, fresh organic popcorn and a variety of candy and concessions are available.
Tryon International Film Festival – Polk County Film Initiative – https://www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.org/
The Polk County Film Initiative sponsors occasional film premieres and runs the Tryon International Film Festival each fall. Check organization’s website for updates and offerings.
Tryon Arts & Crafts School – 373 Harmon Field Rd, Tryon – https://tryonartsandcrafts.org/
TACS is a year-round nonprofit school promoting heritage and contemporary art-making practices. The school offers education and public programs with established artists visiting from across the United States, as well as ongoing opportunities with devoted regional instructors.
The school’s main facility is housed in a retrofitted public school building, with a regional artist shop, multiple exhibition spaces, and advanced technological studios in fiber arts, glass, lapidary, ceramics, jewelry, and wood. Separate facilities on TACS’ campus house a welding and flame-work studio and a traditional blacksmithing forge.
Other Sites and Attractions
Nina Simone Plaza – Downtown Tryon, NC – http://ninasimoneproject.org/
The Eunice Waymon Nina Simone Memorial Project (NSP) exists to honor the remarkable life and legacy of a native Tryon daughter, who achieved international recognition for her unique talent and her formidable contribution to the musical arts. While you may not know her name, you’ve probably heard her music. She was born in Tryon in 1922 and became one of the most extraordinary artists of the twentieth century, an icon of American music. Ultimately, her career would lead her to be recognized worldwide as an artist and activist, transcending genres and generations.
House of Flags – 33 Gibson Street, Columbus – https://houseofflags.org/
This unique educational museum was opened on September 8th 2001 in response to a local citizen’s desire to instill respect and etiquette for the flag of the United States of America. As the flag collection grew to over 300 different flags the history education role of the Museum also grew. All flags are full-size faithful reproductions accompanied with detailed descriptions of their story. And, every flag has a story to tell. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged.
Looking for more adventures? – Check out our page on Lake Lure which is only about 30 minutes from Tryon: Activities Near Lake Lure
