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New park features 1.8 miles of walking trails, observation deck overlooking waterfall

 

SALUDA—On Friday, Bell Park opened in Saluda at the edge of Henderson County, featuring 1.8 miles of walking trails and an observation deck overlooking a rushing waterfall. Conserving Carolina acquired the land from Yorke and Barbara Pharr in 2015 and collaborated with county officials to create the park, preserving the space for future generations.

Named in honor of summer camp pioneers Frank and Calla Bell, the park continues their legacy of fostering outdoor experiences. Bell Park spans 69 acres and connects the High Bridge near Lake Summit with the Green River Game Lands, which cover over 14,000 acres.

Conserving Carolina Executive Director Kieran Roe expressed enthusiasm about the park’s opening.

“At a time when many trails are closed after Helene, we’re glad to announce that there are now new trails to explore in Bell Park,” said Roe. “This is a part of the county where there aren’t as many places to get out in the woods, so we see Bell Park as a valuable addition to our local parks and trail systems.”

Located at 4360 Spartanburg Highway, Bell Park can be accessed just south of the bridge over the Green River Gorge. There is a small parking area on the north side of the road. From there, a short walk and several flights of stairs lead to an observation deck with a bench next to the waterfall. 

According to Conserving Carolina, Frank “Chief” Bell, Sr. founded one of the first summer camps in Western North Carolina over 100 years ago, in 1922—Camp Mondamin, a boys camp. He went on to found Camp Green Cove for girls in 1945. His wife, Calla Bell, became the director of Camp Green Cove starting in 1952. Both camps remain in the Bell family and are located near Bell Park on the shores of Lake Summit.

Bell is also known for a legendary canoe trip in 1923 when he led a group of young people on a paddling trip from Henderson County all the way to the Mississippi River. Along the way, he made the first known run of a Class IV rapid near Hot Springs, now known as Frank Bell’s Rapid.

Signage at the new park celebrates it as a “Gateway to Henderson County.” It offers information on Cherokee history, the Kingdom of the Happy Land, the Saluda Grade, the High Bridge, the Lake Summit Dam, the historic cypress flume, and the Green River. 

The park’s funding came from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund and local donations. As part of its mission, Conserving Carolina has preserved nearly 49,000 acres of land. For more information, visit conservingcarolina.org.