Bell Park is a new Henderson County park, opened in November 2024, in partnership with Conserving Carolina. Bell Park is located in Saluda on Spartanburg Highway (176) on the slopes above the Green River Gorge. This park offers an observation deck with a bench beside a waterfall and 1.8 miles of rolling trails through the forest. The trails are open for walking, hiking, and running.

Bell Park was named in honor of summer camp pioneers Frank and Calla Bell and continues their legacy by creating a new place for people to connect with nature.

Trail Length: 1.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Great For: Running, Walking, Dog Walking, Peaceful Time in Nature

Observation deck in Bell Park
Observation deck in Bell Park

About Bell Park

Bell Park offers 69 acres of tranquil forests on the edge of the Green River Gorge, with lush forests, waterfalls, and wildflowers including beautiful rhododendrons and mountain laurel. The park forms a key link in an expansive corridor of natural habitat. It extends from the High Bridge near Lake Summit, following the banks of the Green River, until it reaches the 14,000+ acre Green River Game Lands. Conserving Carolina acquired this land in 2015 and then worked with Henderson County to make it a public park. 

Parking Area

There is a small parking area off of Spartanburg Highway on the north side of the road. There are no bathrooms at this facility. 

Observation Deck

Enjoy your perch in the forest, next to a rushing waterfall. The trail to reach the observation deck is only 0.3 miles each way, although there are several flights of stairs to reach the deck. There is a bench where you can sit and experience the forest and the river.  

Nature Trail

Take a hike on this moderate 1.5-mile trail with two connected loops. This trail follows the contours of the mountain as it passes through beautiful woodlands with mature trees and wildflowers.  

Woodland trail in Bell Park
Woodland trail in Bell Park

Where is Bell Park Located?

Bell Park is located at 4360 Spartanburg Highway in Saluda, NC, just south of the bridge over the Green River Gorge. Look for a small parking area on your left if you are coming from Hendersonville or your right if you are coming from Saluda.

Bell Park Trail Map

You are invited to enjoy 1.8 miles of rolling trails through the woods and down to the observation deck by the waterfall.

Park Rules

Please respect this park and other people by following these rules and warnings. 

  • Pack out your trash.  
  • Hike on blazed trails only 
  • Keep pets on leash 
  • No mountain biking 
  • No camping 
  • No fires 
  • Caution: steep and uneven terrain 
  • Beware of sudden weather changes 

Honoring Frank and Calla Bell

Bell Park is named in honor of Frank and Calla Bell, summer camp pioneers who headed Camp Mondamin for boys and Camp Green Cove for girls. Frank Bell founded Camp Mondamin over 100 years ago in 1922. He went on to found Camp Green Cove for girls in 1945. Franks’s wife, Calla Bell, became director of Camp Green Cove in 1952. These camps have remained in the Bell family ever since. They are located near Bell Park on the shores of Lake Summit. 

Frank Bell was passionate about his lifelong calling of connecting children and teens with the outdoors. He said, “The wilderness can be a magnificent playground and a great university.” 

Frank 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.

Frank Bell

Thank You for Making Bell Park Possible!

Conserving Carolina acquired the land in Bell Park in 2015, thanks to a generous bargain sale from landowners Yorke and Barbara Pharr. Funding to purchase the land for Bell Park came from the NC Land and Water Fund and NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

Local donors made it possible to develop the trails and parking area, with major contributions coming from:

We hope you enjoy this new addition to parkland and trails in southern Henderson County!

Waterfall in Bell Park
Stream in Bell Park