Pacolet River Byway

Overview

Beginning at the South Carolina state line, the Pacolet River Byway traces US 176 through the Tryon “Thermal Belt”, a unique weather phenomenon where a microclimate is created that is ordinarily free of dew and frost. This valley road crosses the Pacolet River several times and parallels the Saluda Grade, the steepest standard-gauge mainline railway grade in the United States. Opening in 1878, the section is 3 miles long and is said to be between 4-5% grade. Old railroad depots, log cabins, a vaudeville/movie theater, and several other historic buildings are in the towns of Saluda and Tryon ready to be discovered.