Spend The Night In An Historic Train With Accomodations Near This Little-Known Historic North Carolina Railway Grade
Saluda, North Carolina, offers residents and guests ample opportunities to enjoy its charm, from historic downtown shopping and dining to exploring nature along the winding Green River, or biking the challenging mountain roads. And while there is a lot to experience here, be sure to immerse yourself in the town’s interesting railroad history, by staying in a bright red historic train car with overnight accommodations and learning about the Saluda Grade at the Saluda Historic Depot.
Eventually taken out of service in 2001, the Saluda Grade was the steepest operating mainline grade in the country.
The railroad employees had critical jobs navigating this grade as between 1880 and 1894, four horrifying crashes occurred killing and disabling men, while a carload of cattle was killed when number 559 careened down the Saluda Grade landing in a heap of metal and coining the name Slaughterhouse Curve.
Now, efforts are alive to purchase the railroad property, turning it into Saluda Grade Rail Trail.
Pictured is Saluda Grade at Pearson Falls Gate House looking west.
To learn more about the fascinating railroad history, visit the Saluda Historic Depot, built in 1903, on U.S. Route 176, which was eventually relocated to Main Street.
Saluda Historic Depot and Museum, 32 W Main St, Saluda, NC 28773, USA
This heritage museum and visitors' center preserves and celebrates the railroad history and the Saluda Grade through exhibits, art, and special events.
The kitchen has all stainless-steel appliances, a refrigerator, a full oven featuring an air fryer, a microwave, a combo coffee/Keurig maker, and all the cooking tools and utensils needed to create a nourishing meal.
Sleeping up to four people, a master suite offers a spacious king bed, a large bathroom with double sinks, a 65-inch HDTV with cable service, and a walk-in closet.
