Discover the Parks of Asheville: Nature and Culture Combined
Flanked by the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Asheville is a vibrant hub celebrating art, architecture, music, and culture alongside stunning outdoor experiences. Festivals such as LEAF festival and Art in the Park bring life to the city’s outdoor spaces during the summer.
Pack Square Park
Anchoring downtown, Pack Square serves as a perfect starting point for your exploration. Here, you can enjoy live music, public art, or simply relax on the lush green lawn. The Asheville Urban Trail, featuring 30 sculpture stations that illustrate the city’s rich history, begins beside the park. Most Saturday nights during summer feature Shindig on the Green, a delightful celebration of Southern Appalachian culture filled with fiddle, banjo, and dancing. Families can cool down at the Splasheville splash pad, recently renovated in 2021. A visitor center in the park pavilion operates from 9 am to 5 pm.
Moreover, be sure to check out the Oculus, a 15-foot window inside the newly renovated Asheville Art Museum, which provides an impressive, elevated view of Pack Square. Don’t miss the Friday night drum circle at nearby Pritchard Park.
Carrier Park
For a scenic exercise destination not far from downtown, visit Carrier Park. This expansive 32-acre park sits along the French Broad River in West Asheville, featuring interpretive trails that navigate wetland areas. These trails connect to the multi-use French Broad River Greenway, which meanders past vibrant public art and local businesses.
Cyclists can enjoy the velodrome, affectionately called the “mellowdrome,” while children can explore a large playground located centrally within the velodrome track, accessible via a wheelchair-friendly sky bridge. Additionally, volleyball and basketball courts are available for added recreation.
Richmond Hill Park
Richmond Hill Park boasts a new bike skills trail that cuts through the serene forest, offering 15 obstacles for biking enthusiasts, including a rock pile and log pile rollers. Designed for both beginners and intermediate riders, this trail represents collaborative efforts between the city and the Pisgah Area Southern Off-Road Biking Association (SORBA).
Furthermore, this 180-acre park features five miles of biking trails, described as “tight and twisty” by MTBikeWNC.com. these trails are also open to hikers. Families can enjoy the park’s disc golf course, making it a versatile outdoors destination just four miles northwest of downtown.
Peace Gardens & Market
Situated in Asheville’s oldest historically Black neighborhood, the urban gardens promote community building through art, education, and peace initiatives. These gardens, co-created by DeWayne Burton and Safi Martin, respond to both the War on Drugs and the second Iraq war, featuring sculptures, portraits, and found-art installations.
Visitors will find meditation spaces, a farmstand, and produce delivered to neighborhood elders. The volunteer-supported gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk, hosting workdays on Saturdays from 10 am to noon. Check the Peace Gardens & Market Facebook page for updates on farmstand hours and live music events.
French Broad River & Dog Park
Traveling with a furry friend? The riverside park in West Asheville features an off-leash dog area divided for large and small dogs, along with picnic tables, a playground, and scenic riverside overlooks. Additionally, you can explore the greenway west along the river towards Carrier Park.
Western North Carolina (WNC) Nature Center
The WNC Nature Center is home to sixty animal species native to the Southern Appalachians, including black bears, river otters, and American red wolves. Many of these animals have been rescued or are endangered. Visitors can experience educational programs and even howl at the moon during the renowned Wolf Howl evenings, which tend to sell out quickly. Note that an admission fee applies (approximately $15 for adults and $10 for children).
North Carolina Arboretum
Located ten miles south of downtown, the North Carolina Arboretum celebrates Southern Appalachian culture within its themed gardens. Although not a city park, it is surrounded by an experimental research forest within the greater Pisgah National Forest. Visitors can explore the Heritage Garden, admire quilt-style flower patterns in the Quilt Garden, and discover the Bonsai Exhibition Garden.
The arboretum features hiking and biking trails across its expansive 434 acres. Designed by celebrated landscape architect Frederick Olmsted, the arboretum remains a tribute to his vision, completed decades later by the state. Admission is free, but parking incurs a fee (around $16). Access is easy from the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 393.6.
Foundation Skate Park
Nestled just off the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, the Foundation Skate Park is a local treasure that attracts skaters from all over. It offers a gritty yet welcoming atmosphere and is free to the public. Located on the site of a demolished building off Foundy St in the River Arts District, visitors can watch or join skaters before exploring nearby galleries, studios, and shops. Local highlights such as 12 Bones Smokehouse and Wedge Brewing add to the area’s charm.
This content was updated to reflect the latest attractions and information about Asheville’s parks and outdoor activities, ensuring you have the best insights for your next adventure.
