All About Asheville's Greenways
Asheville is a city with plenty of greenways! Greenways are great for walking, biking, hiking, or running. You can enjoy them with your family, meet up with friends, or enjoy some quiet time alone. They are also great for birding, photography, and other nature activities.
These trails are easy enough for anyone, while others will leave you breathless! Before you go, be sure to research each trail and make sure you have the proper shoes, clothing, and gear for the conditions. Many trails close in the winter, so check the dates!
These trails are easy enough for anyone, while others will leave you breathless! Before you go, be sure to research each trail and make sure you have the proper shoes, clothing, and gear for the conditions.
French Broad River Greenway
Buncombe County's first Greenway, developed in 1988, is a popular path along the French Broad River frequented by bikers and runners alike. The river follows from French Broad River Park to Karen Kragnolon Park, which is the future home of this trail. This wide-open space offers trees great for climbing or hanging out with your hammock-enjoy!
This Greenway links three of Asheville's parks: Hominy Creek River Park, Carrier Park, and French Broad River Park. The trail follows the river through a wooded strip of land covered by towering trees that stand on both sides. It gives you amazing views of residential neighborhoods and various commercial sites along its course.
Indoor rock climbing is just one of the many things to do at the Smoky Mountain Adventure Center. You can also grab a bite to eat at Homegrown West and take your furry friends out for some fresh air on their turf by checking out Beaucatcher Dog Park, with spaces designated for small dogs and bigger ones! The newest section of this Greenway borders New Belgium Brewery right next to the French Broad River, which you can enjoy now without getting too close, thanks to an unofficial dirt path laid down between these two sites. It will either become finished gravel or paved in full; until then, we'll have no trouble enjoying a nice walk here nevertheless!
Hominy Creek Greenway
Connecting Carrier Park to Hominy Creek River Park is easy for bikers and runners alike. The Greenway alone is enough reason to come here, but there are plans in place that will make it continue up until Bent Creek! The French Broad River views almost through it, making it an excellent place for a half-day tubing trip.
Reed Creek Greenway
This is a lovely, short but sweet path that connects downtown Asheville and the beautiful University of North Carolina campus. The paved pathway parallels the riparian corridor of Reed Creek on one side and developing neighborhoods in Broadway Avenue on the other. Due to nearby development, it can't be considered serene, but it does make for an off-street commute to UNCA.
Start at Magnolia and Young St, then head North for about .75 miles until you reach the Botanical Gardens. The trail goes to Reed Creek through Mullen Park (another mile) before reaching Weaver Park, the turn-around point. Your total mileage will be 3.8 out and back, but with various opportunities to add more if desired by going straight or taking a detour on Asheville University's campus grounds along your way there!
Glenn's Creek Greenway
Glens Creek Greenway is a one-mile shared-use trail in Asheville, North Carolina. It stretches between Weaver Park and Broadway St., connecting to destinations including Weaver Park, Botanical Gardens, schools, and the USDA Research Station. The short trail can be walked or biked by people of all ages!
The Asheville Greenways network is part of a growing city effort to make the community more welcoming for walkers and cyclists alike. There are many greenways to enjoy in this metropolitan area, including French Broad River Greenway, Riverbend Park Greenway, and Reed Creek Parkway- which picks up at Broadway St where Glens Creek ends.