Presented by Mission Foundation`s Community Health

Presented by
Mission Foundation’s Community Health Enhancement Program,
Tortoise & Hare, and Quality Forward
About the Walking Guide to
Asheville & Buncombe County
T
he Walking Guide to
Buncombe County was
created to provide for you a
comprehensive guide to
Buncombe County’s walking
trails. These many trails offer
opportunities for healthful
recreation and appreciation of
culturally, historically, and
environmentally significant
areas. They are valuable for their
enhancement of the community,
both aesthetically and
economically, and as a means to
bring people together. These
walks provide ample
opportunities for recreation and
exercise. In addition, they offer
transportation alternatives that
influence our personal wellness
and the wellness of our
environment by reducing traffic
congestion and improving air
and water quality.
This guide is by no means an
all-inclusive list of the walks that
Buncombe County has to offer.
We have chosen to highlight
17 walks that are easy to access
and that showcase some of
Asheville’s beautiful parks and
neighborhoods. Pedestrians are
encouraged to strike out and
explore other walks in the area,
tailoring each excursion to fit
their needs. We wish you the
best in your walking adventures!
Pedestrian Safety Tips
BE VISIBLE. The more visible you
are, the safer you will be. Wear
light-colored or reflective
clothing, especially in stormy
weather or at night. Carry a
flashlight at night to see and be
seen.
BE ALERT at intersections. Make
sure that motorists have seen
you before you step off the curb.
Do not assume that a motorist
will stop – you have a lot more to
lose! Cross streets at
intersections.
Driveway and alley crossings
require extra attention. Often
motorists do not expect or
anticipate pedestrians. Be
cautious at path intersections.
BE CONSIDERATE on multi-use
paths. These paths are available
for many uses and many users –
including runners, in-line skaters,
bicyclists, and pedestrians. Walk
to the right side of multi-use
paths, allowing room for others
to pass you on the left. Dogs
must be on a leash. When
separate pedestrian paths are
available, use them.
Look for unusual obstacles.
Uneven sidewalks and debris are
sometimes difficult to see,
especially at night or in stormy
weather.
Health Benefits
of Walking
Strengthens your heart
Increases the efficiency
of your lungs in using
oxygen
Improves endurance for
coping with everyday
activities
Cuts down on your risk
of heart disease
Lowers your resting pulse
rate as well as your
blood pressure
Burns calories
Relaxes tense muscles and
increases the production
of endorphins
Reduces stress and anxiety
Promotes better
sleep habits
Strengthens bones,
decreasing your chance
of osteoporosis
1
2
3
4
5
6
Riverside Cemetery
Urban Trail
Lake Louise
UNCA’s Botanical Gardens &
Weaver Blvd.
Kimberly Ave. & Griffing Blvd.
Rose Garden
Beaver Lake & Bird Sanctuary
7
8
9
10
Big Ivy Community Club
Lake Tomahawk
Charles D. Owen Park
Warren Wilson College
Trails
11 Lake Julian
12 Swannanoa River Greenway,
Thompson St.
Other Walks
Walks Through
Scenic Neighborhoods
Beverly Hills Subdivision
Kenilworth Neighborhood
Malvern Hills Subdivision
West Asheville Neighborhoods
Biltmore Forest
Montford Neighborhood
Kimberly Neighborhood
Grove Park Neighborhood
Walks with Historical Sites
AB-Tech Community College
Downtown Urban Trail
Montford Community
Walks for Aerobic Pacing
Asheville Mall
River Ridge Shopping Center
UNCA Track
Biltmore Square Mall
Area high school tracks
13 Bent Creek Experimental
Forest, the North Carolina
Arboretum and Bent Creek
Park & Garden
14 Buncombe County Sports Park
15 French Broad River Parks
16 Malvern Hills Park
17 Leicester Elementary School
*This location map is not to scale
and is only intended as an
approximation for the locations of
the walks. For more detailed
directions, consult a local map or
call Quality Forward at 828.254.1776.
Buncombe County’s
Walking Associations
& Park Contacts
Asheville Amblers
c/o Dennis Michele
828.628.4343
Asheville Track Club
c/o Wayne Stanko
828.253.8781
Mall Walkers
c/o Amy Smialowicz
Care Partners
828.277.4800 x4640
Carolina Mountain Club
c/o Donald E. Walton
828.298.5084
Healthy Buncombe
c/o Terri March
828.250.5047
Strive Not to Drive
c/o Linda Giltz
Land-of-the-Sky Regional Council
828.251.6622
Asheville Parks & Rec
c/o Katy Palombi
828.254.5561
Bikeway & Pedestrian
Task Force
c/o Jeff Burns
828.259.5534
Buncombe County Parks
& Recreation
828.298.6118
Riverside Cemetery
Urban Trail
Riverside Cemetery offers the
walker a stroll through history as
well as beautiful views of the
mountaintops. Located in the
Montford Historic District,
Riverside boasts magnificent old
trees and monuments, dating to
the early 1800s, strewn about the
grassy hillsides. The cemetery
has ample shade, stone benches,
and paved pathways winding
through 87 acres. Be on the
lookout for the gravestones of
Isaac Dickson, O. Henry, Thomas
Wolfe, and many other notable
historic figures!
The Urban Trail is a walk through
downtown Asheville that
highlights architecture, historical
sights, and lively public spaces
unique to the area. Take note of
the sculptures and plaques that
define the trail and honor the
people and events that have
shaped Asheville’s history. Pink
granite markers embedded in
the sidewalk display icons for
five periods of the city’s
social history.
Length 1 mile
Difficulty Moderate
Directions Heading away from
downtown on Montford Ave.,
take a left onto Chestnut St. Take
a right onto Pearson and then
take a left onto Birch St. This will
take you through the gates.
Length 1.7 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions Strike out on your
own downtown and look for the
markers or purchase an Urban
Trail map at one of these
locations: the Arts Council Office,
(11 Biltmore Ave.), Pack Place,
the Asheville Art Museum, the
Chamber of Commerce, or
Quality Forward.
Lake Louise
On the North end of Buncombe
County, in Weaverville, lies
beautiful Lake Louise. A gravel
path leads you around the shores
of the entire lake as well as
through the picnic and play area.
On any given day, you will see
people fishing and enjoying the
family picnic and playground
facilities while a host of others
walk and jog on the sunny path.
A fountain in the middle of the
lake sprays a continuous stream
of water that the ducks seem
to love!
Length .6 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions Go north on Hwy. 25
(Merrimon Ave.) – it will turn into
Business 19-23 out of town – all
the way to Weaverville. Lake
Louise will be on your left about
a mile from the town limits.
UNCA’s
Botanical Gardens
& Weaver Boulevard
The Botanical Gardens at
UNC-Asheville are on a 10-acre
preserve south of campus.
Featuring thousands of labeled
plants and trees native to the
Southern Appalachians, the
gardens are a refuge for wildlife
and a source of enjoyment for
community walkers. Much of the
10 acres is landscaped with
native flora displayed in their
natural setting. During your
walk, you can stroll over wooden
bridges and rest on the shaded
benches or at the picnic tables.
Along the length of Weaver
Boulevard runs a paved
multi-use trail that joins the
Botanical Gardens with
Merrimon Avenue.
Length .5 mile loop in
Botanical Gardens, .5 miles
along Weaver Blvd.
Difficulty Easy
Directions Head north on
Hwy. 25 (Merrimon Ave.) out of
downtown. Take a left at a light
onto Weaver Blvd. Along the
right side of Weaver Blvd. runs
one walking trail. After the traffic
circle in front of UNCA, the
Botanical Gardens will be on
the right.
Kimberly Avenue &
Griffing Boulevard
Rose Garden
Located just north of downtown,
this walk takes you through one
of Asheville’s oldest and most
beautiful neighborhoods. You will
catch glimpses of the Grove Park
Inn and golf course, beautiful
architecture, and hundreds of
rose bushes that bloom
brilliantly in spring and summer.
The sidewalks of Kimberly
Avenue, often bustling with avid
pedestrians, are lined with large
trees that provide shade.
Length 2.1 miles
Difficulty Moderate
Directions Park along Kimberly
Ave. (heading north). Begin your
walk by taking a right on
Country Club Rd., a right on
Grovewood Rd., left on Lynnwood
Rd., right on Griffing Blvd., left
on Blackwood Rd., cross
Kimberly Ave., left on Manetta
Rd., left on Gracelyn, and right
on Kimberly Ave.
Beaver Lake
& Bird Sanctuary
Just north of downtown you will
find Beaver Lake, a 67-acre lake
that has provided recreational
opportunities in the Lakeview
Park neighborhood since the
damming of Beaver Creek in
1921. The walk around this lake
will afford you beautiful views of
the surrounding mountains,
sunny, grassy picnic spots, and
the company of people fishing
and canoeing. A gravel path will
take you part of the way around
the lake and the Hwy. 25
(Merrimon Ave.) sidewalk will
take you south to the bird
sanctuary. The adjoining Beaver
Lake Bird Sanctuary offers
opportunities to spot many birds
in the area. With some luck, you
may spot a Warbling Vireo or
hear its raspy song.
Length .7 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions Head north on
Hwy. 25 (Merrimon Ave.). The
lake will be on your left after the
road turns to two lanes. The bird
sanctuary will be on the left just
before you reach the lake. Look
for stone pillars at the entrance
of two driveways. Here you will
find the sanctuary parking lot.
Big Ivy
Community Club
In Barnardsville, at the Big Ivy
Community Club, is a dirt
walking path that leads you by a
swimming pool, picnic area, ball
field, resource center, and a
playground that Quality Forward
helped build. You may also catch
a glimpse of the restored Carson
Cabin from the path.
Length .3 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions Take 19-23 north to
the Barnardsville/Jupiter exit.
Make a right onto Hwy. 197 and
drive about 6 miles. Make a right
onto Dillingham Rd. Go 1.5 miles.
On the left will be the resource
center.
Lake Tomahawk
Lake Tomahawk, in Black
Mountain, offers a well-lit level
path for safe strolling in the
evening or daytime. Adjacent to
the lake are open, lighted tennis
courts and a children’s
playground. You will also find a
covered picnic pavilion,
horseshoe pits, an outdoor stage,
and fishing piers. Benches along
the path invite you to rest after
your walk and identify the peaks
of the spectacular Seven Sisters
mountains.
Length .55 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions Head east on US 70.
Just before Black Mountain, take
a left onto Craigmont Rd. near
the CVS pharmacy. Take a right
onto Tomahawk Rd. The lake will
be on your right and parking is
just beyond the lake.
Charles
D. Owen Park
Warren Wilson
College Trails
This facility provides a scenic
walk around a pond in the
beautiful Swannanoa Valley. Part
of the walk runs along the dam
between the pond and the
Swannanoa River, an ideal spot
for bird-watching. In addition,
you will find baseball fields,
basketball courts, restrooms, a
playground, picnic tables, two
large pavilions with fireplaces
and grills for your excursion.
These trails offer the walker a
variety of exercise opportunities,
from challenging hikes to easy
strolls. They will lead you
through 1,000 acres of woodland,
managed forests, pastures, and
streams. You can also catch
glimpses of the bustle of college
life. There are a few marked
multi-use trails for bikers. Pick up
a trail map at the administration
building for details on trails and
directions to trail heads.
Length .3 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions Take I-40 East to
exit 55. At the end of ramp, turn
left and travel to US 70 East.
Turn right on US 70 East, go
1.7 miles and take a left onto
Warren Wilson College Rd. Travel
2.5 miles. You will see the sign
to the park on the right.
Length Over 25 miles of trails,
all varying in length
Difficulty Easy, Moderate, and
Difficult
Directions Drive east on US 70.
Take a left onto Warren Wilson
College Rd. Several trail heads
begin off of this road and some
embark from campus.
Lake Julian
Located in South Asheville,
Lake Julian offers the walker an
opportunity to wind around the
lake among countless pine trees.
Follow the road that loops
around the park. Many local
residents are attracted to Lake
Julian because of its fishing
opportunities–the lake abounds
with bass, catfish, brim, and
crappie. Try taking out a
paddleboat, sail boat, or canoe.
Enjoy outdoor games or have a
picnic in the covered pavilions
after your walk.
Length .5 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions Take I-26 East to
exit 6. Turn left off of ramp onto
Long Shoals Rd. At the light
where Overlook Rd. intersects
with Long Shoals Rd., turn right.
The park entrance will be in front
of you.
Swannanoa River
Greenway,
Thompson Street
A short jaunt from Biltmore
Village is a lovely walk along the
Swannanoa River. Quality
Forward has worked to
landscape and clean up this
greenway for the well-being of
the river and for
the community’s aesthetic
enjoyment. A mulched trail runs
along part of the greenway.
Walkers can continue to walk the
length of the greenway on the
grass or road after the trail ends.
Length 1 mile (entire greenway)
Difficulty Easy
Directions From downtown
Asheville, take Hwy. 25 South.
Just before you reach Biltmore
Village and the train tracks, take
a left onto Thompson St. The
greenway trail and river are
immediately on your left.
(1) NC Arboretum
(2) Bent Creek
Experimental Forest
(3) Bent Creek Park & Garden
The North Carolina Arboretum has
its own landscaped paths that will
immerse you in the botanical
heritage of the Southern
Appalachians. Bent Creek
Experimental Forest, located within
Pisgah National Forest, offers many
wooded multi-use trails for the
outdoor enthusiast. Lake Powhatan
is also located within this forest and
has a sandy beach. Nearby, you will
find a one-mile wood-mulched path
in Bent Creek Park and Garden.
Neighbors have worked with
Quality Forward to put a walking
path around a new playground.
Length Miles of walking spread
over 20 trails
Difficulty Easy, Moderate, and
Difficult
Directions From I-26, take Hwy. 191,
(1) 2 miles past Biltmore Square Mall,
turn right into the NC Arboretum
entrance at the Blue Ridge Parkway.
(Parking Fee) (2) 1.5 miles from the
Mall, the parking areas (free) for the
Bent Creek trails are along Wesley
Branch Rd. (off of Hwy. 191) heading
towards Lake Powhatan. (3) For the
Bent Creek Neighborhood Park and
Garden, from Hwy. 191, take a right
on Wesley Branch Rd., right on
Bent Creek Ranch Rd., left on
Summerglen, and left on
Donnybrook. The park will be on
your left.
Buncombe County
Sports Park
French Broad
River Parks
A new addition to Asheville, this
extensive sports complex has a
gravel walking path that runs
along the perimeter of the
facility and throughout. The flat
path will lead you by a covered
pavilion, volleyball court,
multiple soccer fields, a
playground, and all of the sports
action! Quality Forward has
worked with local schools,
churches, and scout troops to
landscape the complex with trees
for shade, beauty and erosion
control.
These three adjacent parks are
some of Asheville’s newest and
most frequently used. The
14-acre French Broad River Park
is located along the banks of the
river and offers paved walking
paths and a quarter-mile track
for both pedestrians and
bicyclists. In addition, within the
boundary of the track, there is a
roller hockey rink, full basketball
court, sand volleyball courts, and
a fenced playground. The paved
walking path winds by the
baseball and soccer field, an
open grassy area for Frisbees and
kite-flying, and a lawn-bowling
court. Just a quarter-mile east of
this park is the Amboy Road
Park. Here you will find a paved
walking path that runs along the
river. Shaded grassy areas and
wooden piers overlooking the
river make this an ideal picnic
location after your walk. At the
east end of this park, and just
across Amboy Road, is the Dog
Park, an extension of the French
Broad River Park. Here you can
continue your walk or let your
dog get some exercise. This area
also has covered picnic pavilions
and river overlooks.
Length .6 miles around outer loop
Difficulty Easy
Directions Take I-40 West to the
Enka-Candler exit. Take a right off
exit ramp. Go through next light
just before McDonald’s. Take a right
onto Acton Circle, a left at 4-way
stop onto Sand Hill Rd., and a right
into the park between Sand Hill
Venable School and the Buncombe
Community School West.
Length Approximately 3 miles of
paths between the three parks
Difficulty Easy
Continued
Continued from previous page
Directions From Hwy. 25, take
Meadow Rd. near Biltmore
Village. Turn left on Amboy Rd.
at light. The Dog Park will be
Malvern Hills Park
This lovely park in the heart of
West Asheville has a wide, paved
path winding among its other
recreational features. Children
will love the playground and
open grassy spaces. The whole
family can enjoy the pool and
recreation house in the summer,
two lighted tennis courts, one
large covered picnic pavilion,
grills, a wooden bridge, and large
trees that provide ample shade.
Length .5 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions Heading west on
Patton Ave. (Business 19-23), take
a left onto Rumbough Ave. After
crossing Sulphur Springs Rd., the
park will be on your right.
immediately on the right.
Parking for the Amboy Rd. Park
will be your first left, and parking
for the French Broad River Park
will be 1 mile down on your left.
Leicester
Elementary School
West of Asheville, off of Leicester
Highway, you will find a paved
walking path at Leicester
Elementary. This walk is located
in an open, grassy field that
allows ample sunshine to warm
you throughout your stroll. The
path wraps around the new
playground that Quality Forward
volunteers helped construct.
Length .25 miles
Difficulty Easy
Directions From downtown
Asheville, head west on Patton
Ave. (Business 19-23). Take a right
onto Leicester Hwy. at the light by
Ingles. Follow this highway
8.5 miles and take a right on
Gilbert Rd. The school will be on
your left.
Sponsors
Quality Forward would like to thank
Mission Foundation’s Community Health Enhancement Program
and Tortoise & Hare for sponsoring
The Walking Guide to Asheville & Buncombe County
Suite 145 • One Town Square • Asheville, NC 28803
Take I-26 E to exit 37 (old exit 6) • Biltmore Park
828.681.5325
www.thrunning.com
Our qualified staff will take the time to fit you with the proper shoe.
Working For a Clean & Beautiful Buncombe County
Even if you haven’t heard of
Quality Forward, chances are you
have stood under the shade of
our many trees, admired our
flower plantings and driven past
miles of our orange bags filled
with the litter that our volunteers
picked up.
Your city and county have
diverted tons of materials from
our landfill thanks to our waste
reduction efforts. Your neighbors
have had their junk cars towed
away for free through our junk
car program.
Our members support a wide range of programs and strive for a
better quality of life in Asheville and Buncombe County.
Litter Clean-Ups
Anti-Litter Education
Clean Streams Day
Adopt-A-Stream
Arbor Day
Tree & Flower Plantings
Environmental Education
Treasured Trees Project
Memorial Tree Program
Big Sweep River Clean-Up
Strive Not to Drive Week
Landscape Partners
Recycling
Seed Money Fund
Playground Construction
Join Quality Forward
Send tax-deductible donation to:
Quality Forward • 29 Page Avenue • Asheville, NC 28801
828.254.1776
www.qualityforward.org