You may not know it, but the extraordinary Saluda Mountains straddle the Carolinas with several notable summits as high as 3,258 feet. As part of the Blue Ridge Province of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, this range is a destination in two places with at least 10 significant summits. Just to name a few of the highest — Big Top (3,048), Mackeral Mountain (3,038), and Pruett Mountain (3,022) — sit in Greenville County, South Carolina, and Henderson County, North Carolina. Some other impressive peaks are also in Transylvania County, North Carolina.
The glorious Saluda Mountain range is a destination in two states.
The range begins at Standingstone Mountain near Caesars Head State Park. Symmes Chapel "Pretty Place" is one of the most magical ways to see it, just past the YMCA camp in Cleveland, South Carolina.
This impressive mountain is located in Greenville County, South Carolina, and Henderson County, North Carolina, and peaks at 3,209 feet.
Another one of the highest summits in the Saluda Mountains is Grassy Top Mountain.
Also located in Greenville County, South Carolina, and Henderson County, North Carolina, this lovely mountain summit stands at 3,258 feet
One way to plant your feet in both states at the same time is by hiking the Palmetto Trail: Saluda Mountain Passage.
You'll find the trailhead at Talisman Camp on the North Carolina/South Carolina state line on Old Highway 25 in Zirconia, North Carolina.
Drive approximately .2 miles down Gap Creek Road and turn right on Anders Road. The parking lot is on the left.
The 9.1-mile wooded point-to-point trail is a moderate to strenuous route.
While running along the borders of South and North Carolina, it also borders private property, so be sure to follow the yellow blazes.
And while there aren't any big summits here, keep your eyes open along the route for some long-distance views above the ridge line.
As you can see, these extraordinary Saluda Mountains straddle the Carolinas in more than one place. Put some time aside to discover parts of this gorgeous mountain range. For more information about this mountain range, visit the U.S. Geological Survey webpage.
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