Best parks in Asheville – Lonely Planet – List of State Parks Near Asheville

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Enjoy the best parks in Asheville, NC for walks, lakes, and recreational activities. Or, relax and picnic in these gorgeous Asheville gardens. Asheville is famous for its plethora of breweries, eclectic music scene, the largest home in America, and endless trails and waterfalls. We love spending an early morning walking French Broad River Park and watching people float down the river at Carrier Park.

Skatepark at Foundation and RAD Riverwalk are staples in the River Arts District, ensconcing visitors in vibrant street art, youthful vibes, and crafty culture. Even better, the gardens in Asheville, NC are filled with gorgeous wildflowers that attract Monarch butterflies and countless species of birds. So, what are the best parks in Asheville, NC? If you only have a short time, which Asheville gardens should you stroll through first?

And, if you are looking for a park in Asheville for the dogs, where should you go? How about that boat launch or ice hockey rink? Plus, explore a beautiful Victorian-style cemetery where you might want to have a penny or a pen on hand. Keep reading for the top Asheville parks and gardens as well as a few brief mentions of State and National Parks near Asheville.

This post may contain affiliate links that earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. This is one of the most popular parks in Asheville for locals and a great option if you wish to spend a relaxing day by the water. For dog owners, on the far side of the grounds, find a divided dog park for big and little dogs. This area is fenced in so your dog can run around off-leash. French Broad River Park features picnic tables, benches, river observation decks, public restrooms, and a gazebo.

Mostly paved walking trails loop through the park and to other areas along the French Broad River Greenway Trail. However, if you continue onto the other parks, you may have to cross packed dirt paths with some mud and standing water puddles.

Find parking lots before the entrance along with a large map near the restrooms. Parts of this area are under construction; the city is creating longer connecting trails. If you are looking for a park in Asheville with everything you could ever need recreation-wise, Carrier Park is it. Skate in the roller hockey rink, play basketball and baseball, picnic at the pavilion, catch views at numerous French Broad River observation decks, and stroll the walking paths.

There are sprawling greens for frisbee games too. It gets steamy out this way in the late spring and summer. To access the park, either use the lots at French Broad River Park — for a 3-mile walking loop — or directly at Carrier Park.

Park Square, located in Downtown Asheville, is perfect for a stroll after dining at the nearby restaurants or a morning touring the museums. In fact, start at the Asheville Art Museum and enjoy chocolate and dessert at French Broad Chocolate Lounge before heading across the square.

This is a popular area for Asheville events , including festivals like the VeganFest, concerts, and Art in the Park. For Asheville parks, enjoy green spaces, water pads, water fountains, a concert and performance stage, local sculptures, and street art. Please note that as a symbol of the Confederacy, Vance Moment has been removed.

Pack Square has been a part of the city since about and was originally positioned at the intersection of ancient trading paths. Explore the foot wide, 2-mile greenway filled with swinging benches, picnic areas, and the River Arts District breweries, artist studios, and galleries. Watch people launch boats and tubes from the dock, and stroll along the French Broad River. People walk their dogs, rollerblade, and take advantage of the new on-street bike lanes.

Pass by shops and restaurants and even walk all the way to Marquee, pleb, and Foundation Studios. We prefer the lots under the bridges around Riverside Drive. Also located in the River Arts District, you cannot miss passing through Foundation Skatepark, especially if you are headed to pleb urban winery, Wedge Brewing at Foundation, or touring the brilliant street art.

Summit is a fantastic coffee shop. Located in one of our favorite Asheville neighborhoods , Montford Park is smaller than some of the other Asheville parks on this list but boasts of tennis courts, picnic spots, and a basketball court.

OK, and maybe a sinkhole or two. Tired of generic Asheville travel itineraries? Experience Asheville like a local with our free Asheville Favorites checklist, including restaurants, breweries, and hiking. Plus, get local updates — including events and hidden gems — straight to your inbox. Sign up here. Walk over 3. While some claim that Riverside Cemetery is haunted, the intricate stonework on many of the graves is quite beautiful and less spooky. Most notably, Asheville literary masterminds like Thomas Wolfe and O.

Henry are buried here. Drive through the gates and park anywhere alongside the paved roads. Triangle Park is a small Downtown Asheville park with vibrant murals, a small patch of grass, benches, and picnic tables. Today, visitors will find murals spanning Sycamore Alley and South Market Street that pay tribute to the residents, figures, stories, and business owners of The Block.

Over volunteers — led by local artist Molly Must — helped paint the murals. You might also know Must from her Chicken Alley artwork. Visiting is free, and parking at the Bird Sanctuary and dirt lots around the lake are donation-based. Beaver Lake requires a permit for your pooch.

Or, stroll the 2-mile perimeter trail and loop around Beaver Lake. Lake Julian Park features a playground, sand volleyball court, and horseshoe pits. Play disc golf on their course, rent paddle boats, lunch in a picnic shelter, and walk the trail. The county supplies the lake with catfish, bass, and bream for fishing. You will need both an NC fishing license and a lake permit to fish here, though. Around Christmastime, Lake Julian has a small holiday light drive-thru display — a fantastic activity if you are visiting Asheville with kids.

Snag a picnic table or bench along the water. Lake Louise Park features a playground and outdoor fitness equipment along with catch and release fishing with a valid North Carolina fishing license. One of the most quaint gardens in Asheville, the Botanical Gardens At Asheville is perfect for a lazy day of reading and enjoying a picnic.

Fall off the grid with 10 acres of protected and endangered wildflowers along with nature trails, bridges, and birds. The Asheville Botanical Gardens also have a Visitor Center and shop filled with locally published books and nature knickknacks. Weaver Boulevard, Asheville, NC We always recommend The North Carolina Arboretum for nature seekers. In fact, we are members of The NC Arboretum for their gorgeous nature, hiking, and biking trails , beautiful gardens, and special events.

Spy Bonsai trees, check out a special exhibit — one year, they had nature-themed LEGO sculptures — or attend a festive holiday event such as Winter Lights. The NC Arboretum also boasts of short and easy hikes perfect for the entire family. Out of all of the Asheville gardens on this list, though, while the Arboretum is a public space, you will have to pay a small parking fee to enter or become an annual member.

Whether you are a traveler or a local, it is hard to miss Biltmore Estate. We are annual passholders here too. Italian, spring, shrub, azalea, and walled gardens along with a Conservatory keep visitors busy for hours. The Biltmore blooms are truly an attraction. Biltmore at Christmas is magical. National Park Service. While we could write posts upon posts about the BRP for its scenic overlooks, endless hikes, and cascading waterfalls, all you need to know is that the Blue Ridge Parkway is an Asheville must.

Learn more on the BRP website. Please keep in mind that the BRP has gate closures for weather, especially in the winter, and can also grow incredibly foggy. Think Cliffs of Moher. Explore even more unforgettable waterfalls around Asheville. Watching the pink and purple sunset over these beauties is one of our favorite parts of living in WNC.

Mingo Falls is a short but pretty waterfall hike. There is so much to explore. North Carolina is home to hawks, osprey, herons, vultures, kites, sparrows, woodpeckers, ducks, wrens, swallows, warblers, and bluebirds — just to name a few well-known species.

Stainless Steel Water Bottle — If you are hitting some of the walking trails at the parks in Asheville, NC, you definitely want to carry some water. Certain areas are less shaded than others. Explore the best places to stay in Asheville. A few of our top suggestions:. Do you have favorite spots in Asheville that you frequent to escape the city life? What is your favorite park in Asheville? Let us know in the comments! I am sold on the Blue Ridge Parkway! It is now 2 on my Asheville bucketlist behind the Biltmore.

Looks amazing. I feel like the Great Smokey Mountains is also a must see becuase they are so popular and I’ve been hearing about them since I was a kid.

 
 

 

Best Public Parks & Playgrounds in Asheville & Black Mountain, NC.

 
Established in the depths of the Great Depression by generous local communities, wealthy philanthropists like John D. There was other kids for them to play with as well.