Before summer end, take the family or gather some friends and go for a walk on the trails to Pearson’s Falls. You will see it is easy to lose oneself in the natural beauty of the canopied forest, sculptured-like rock formations and the rushing cool waters of Colts Creek before you reach one of western North Carolina’s most magnificent waterfalls. 

 

Our gatekeepers faithfully walk the trails twice each day making your walk to the Falls both safe and relaxing. Before the gate is opened in the morning, the gatekeeper confirms the trails are clear of any storm debris that may have occurred during the night. At the close of the day, the gatekeeper picks up litter, empties trashcans and makes sure nothing has been left behind by visitors. 

 

The gatekeeper keeps the trails clear of some of nature’s invasions such as stinging nettle or creeping ivy. We are supported in providing this careful attention to the trails thanks to the Pearson’s Falls Trail Maintenance Fund of the Kirby Endowment Grant. This grant also covers the addition of mulch and pebbles, as well as handrail and fence repair materials. The grant comes to us through the Polk County Community Foundation, and it clearly helps to heighten the Pearson’s Falls experience of our visitors. 

 

Learn more about the role the Gatekeeper plays in the August issue of Life in Our Foothills magazine. 

 

For more information about Pearson’s Falls, go to our website: www.pearsonsfalls.org or call the gatekeeper at 828 749-3031.

 

Submitted by Janet Peterson