You don’t have to leave town to find a peaceful trail, garden path, lake loop, or greenway. These Asheville area walking spots are close to downtown, easy to fit into a morning or afternoon, and ideal for stretching your legs between meals, shops, galleries, and mountain-view drives.
Where are the best walks in Asheville?
Where can I take a garden walk in Asheville?
Less than 10 minutes north of downtown Asheville, you'll find an urban oasis. The 10-acre Asheville Botanical Gardens at the University of North Carolina at Asheville provides a half-mile loop trail that highlights 600 species of plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Many times, you'll see students here writing in journals, people doing yoga or kids playing in the creek.
Pro Tip: The garden grounds are open sunrise to sunset daily, with the Visitor Center and restrooms typically open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
Where can I walk along the French Broad River?
Situated along the French Broad River, Carrier Park is the city’s largest public park. The 32-acre park has trails and river overlooks in addition to volleyball courts, sports fields and a picnic pavilion. Dogs are welcome on the trails and in the dog park at the connected French Broad River Park. Carrier Park is also home to the Velodrome, a bicycle racing track.
PLEASE NOTE: French Broad River Park is currently closed while the Metropolitan Sewer District upgrades the Carrier Bridge Pump Station. For your safety and to help crews finish on schedule, please avoid the park and construction areas. At times, river access points may also be closed. For the latest updates, visit the MSD website. Until the park reopens, you can enjoy other trails, parks, and activities with the help of our guide to Asheville's great outdoors.
What is a quick paved greenway walk near downtown Asheville?
The Reed Creek Greenway connects the historic Montford Neighborhood to the trails at the University of North Carolina – Asheville. The Greenway is less than five minutes drive from downtown Asheville. At a little less than one mile each way (.7 miles), the Reed Creek Greenway makes the perfect place for a quick walk or jog. This paved path is also used by bicyclists.
Where can I go birding on an easy walk in Asheville?
Just two miles from downtown Asheville, the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary offers a great place to see resident and migratory birds. The 10-acre sanctuary features a nearly half-mile boardwalk with two lake overlooks and benches for relaxing. A chapter of the National Audubon, the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society manages the area. Blue Ridge Audubon typically hosts first-Saturday bird outings at the sanctuary, with walks beginning at 8 a.m. April through September and 9 a.m. October through March. Check their events calendar before you go.
Where can I take a scenic lake walk near Asheville?
Soak in the views of the Seven Sisters Mountains as you take a stroll at Lake Tomahawk in nearby Black Mountain. The park features a level half-mile walking trail around the lake. There are benches along the way perfect for a rest or to watch the birds on the lake. Lake Tomahawk is pet friendly (on leash). The park is just a couple miles from downtown Black Mountain, home to a variety of local shops and restaurants.
