How to Get Around Asheville | Exploring Asheville's Greenways

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Asheville's Current Greenway System
• Wilma Dykeman Greenway
• French Broad River
• Hominy Creek River Park
• Greenways in West Asheville
• Reed Creek & Glenn's Creek Greenways
• Wilderness Trails & Future Plans
• Proposed Greenway Projects
• FAQ

Introduction

Asheville, North Carolina is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and thriving community. One of the city's most noteworthy features is its extensive Greenway system, which offers a perfect blend of recreation and transportation for residents and visitors alike. These Greenways provide a safe and scenic route, connecting various neighborhoods, parks, and attractions throughout the city. Join us on an exploration of Asheville's Greenways to discover the beauty and fUNCAtionality of these paths.

Asheville's Current Greenway System

As of now, the city of Asheville maintains over 10 miles of Greenways, with ongoing plans to expand and enhance these existing routes. The Wilma Dykeman Greenway, completed in 2021, stands as one of the most iconic stretches, offering breathtaking views and recreational opportunities. From scenic riverfront paths to convenient access points, the current Greenway system provides an array of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and urban explorers.

Connecting various neighborhoods, the Greenways serve as vital links between communities, fostering a sense of unity and accessibility. The existing Greenways such as the Reed Creek Greenway and the Glenn's Creek Greenway provide vital connections between North Asheville, Montford, and UNCA, offering residents convenient and safe routes for commuting, exercising, and leisure activities.

Furthermore, the Greenways also play a significant role in facilitating community events and activities. For instance, the Asheville Marathon and Half Marathon have integrated the Greenways into their race course, showcasing the versatility and scenic appeal of these paths. Additionally, the Greenways have become popular spots for recreational activities, such as dog walking, yoga sessions, and outdoor concerts, further enhancing the vibrant and active lifestyle of Asheville.

Looking ahead, city planning initiatives have outlined numerous proposed Greenway projects, aiming to expand the network and create new connections across different regions of Asheville. These upcoming developments hold the promise of establishing seamless links between neighborhoods, parks, and attractions, making the Greenway system an integral part of Asheville's urban landscape.

Asheville's Gem: Wilma Dykeman Greenway

The Wilma Dykeman Greenway, completed in 2021, offers a picturesque stretch with stunning views and recreational opportunities. Located under the Captain Jeff Bowen Bridge, this iconic Greenway provides convenient access to stroll, bike, skate, or walk along the French Broad River. The Greenway extends all the way to Amboy Road and Carrier Park, where you can explore the surrounding areas and enjoy the scenic beauty of the riverfront paths.

Not only does the Wilma Dykeman Greenway offer a recreational space, but it also connects to other attractions such as the Hominy Creek River Park. The park serves as a popular spot for outdoor activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing on the French Broad River. Additionally, the Greenway passes through the Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, providing a peaceful and scenic camping experience along the river.

The Wilma Dykeman Greenway is a vital link in connecting neighborhoods, parks, and attractions, contributing to the vibrant and active lifestyle of Asheville. With its completion, the Greenway has become an integral part of Asheville's urban landscape, offering both residents and visitors a unique and enjoyable way to explore the city's natural beauty.

Asheville's French Broad River Path

The French Broad River plays a significant role in the scenic appeal of the Greenways in Asheville. The Wilma Dykeman Greenway provides a mesmerizing route along the French Broad River, offering breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts. As you stroll or bike along the Greenway, you'll be captivated by the natural beauty of the river and its surroundings.

In addition to the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, other proposed Greenway projects aim to further enhance the connection to the French Broad River. The French Broad River West Greenway, for instance, loops back into the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, creating seamless links between different sections of the river and other attractions. These developments hold the promise of establishing a continuous Greenway along the river, providing residents and visitors with expanded access to the scenic beauty and recreational opportunities it offers.

With ongoing plans to expand the Greenway network and connect various regions of Asheville, the French Broad River continues to be a central element in the city's efforts to create a comprehensive and inclusive Greenway system. The allure of the French Broad River serves as a driving force for the development and expansion of the Greenways, ensuring that residents and visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural charm and tranquility of one of Asheville's most iconic landmarks.

Hominy Creek River Park

Hominy Creek River Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing on the French Broad River. Nestled in the scenic beauty of the riverfront paths, the park provides a peaceful and serene environment for visitors to enjoy water-based recreational activities.

In addition to water activities, the park also features the Wilson's Riverfront RV Park, offering a picturesque camping experience along the river. With camping spaces for both RVs and tents, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings while enjoying the tranquility of the riverfront.

The Hominy Creek River Park serves as a vital link in connecting neighborhoods, parks, and attractions, contributing to the vibrant and active lifestyle of Asheville. Whether it's paddleboarding along the river, camping by the water, or simply taking a leisurely stroll, the park offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences for individuals and families to enjoy.

Discover West Asheville's Greenways

Greenways in West Asheville play a significant role in connecting different neighborhoods and areas of interest, providing safe and accessible routes for commuting, exercising, and leisure activities. One of the recently finished stretches is Greenway West 2, which connects to Haywood Road, offering residents convenient access to recreational and commercial areas.

Connecting areas along Patton Avenue and extending to Biltmore Lake, the proposed Greenways in West Asheville aim to create seamless links between various regions, allowing for expanded access to scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. These developments hold the promise of establishing a comprehensive Greenway system, enhancing the overall connectivity and accessibility of the area.

With ongoing plans to better connect neighborhoods and eliminate traffic, the Greenways in West Asheville not only promote an active lifestyle but also contribute to the city's efforts in creating a more sustainable and vibrant urban landscape.

Reed Creek & Glenn's Creek Greenways

The Reed Creek and Glenn's Creek Greenways provide vital connections between North Asheville, Montford, and UNCA, offering residents convenient and safe routes for commuting, exercising, and leisure activities. Reed Creek Greenway runs all the way down Broadway Street, while Glenn's Creek Greenway starts right on Merrimon in Weaver Park. Both these Greenways contribute to the vibrant and active lifestyle of Asheville, creating seamless links between neighborhoods, parks, and attractions.

These Greenways serve as a perfect option to bike, run, or walk dogs, offering a safe and enjoyable experience away from busy streets. The connection between these Greenways and the existing ones in Asheville enhances the overall connectivity and accessibility of the area, fostering a sense of unity and convenience for residents.

Furthermore, the Reed Creek and Glenn's Creek Greenways also play a significant role in facilitating community events and activities. Their proximity to popular spots such as Grove Park, UNCA, and Montford makes them an integral part of the city's urban landscape, providing a diverse range of outdoor experiences for individuals and families to enjoy.

Wilderness Trails & Future Plans in Asheville

Off the Greenways, you'll often find wilderness trails right in the center of Asheville, typically around UNCA. These trails offer a serene and natural escape for hikers and nature enthusiasts, providing a perfect blend of urban and wilderness experiences.

Looking ahead, city planning initiatives have outlined numerous proposed Greenway projects, aiming to expand the network and create new connections across different regions of Asheville. The goal is to build a Greenway all along the Swannanoa River, connecting neighborhoods like Kenilworth, the Asheville Mall area, Beverly Hills, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. These proposed projects hold the promise of establishing a comprehensive Greenway system, enhancing the overall connectivity and accessibility of the area, while providing residents and visitors with expanded access to scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.

In the west, proposed projects aim to better connect areas along Patton Avenue all the way out to Biltmore Lake and farther south to Bent Creek. This expansion would mean the elimination of traffic, increased opportunities for exercise, and a safer environment for biking and physical movement. These developments align with the city's efforts to create a more sustainable and vibrant urban landscape, ensuring that the Greenway system remains an integral part of Asheville's natural charm and tranquility.

Proposed Greenway Projects

The city of Asheville has outlined numerous proposed Greenway projects to expand the network and create new connections across different regions of the city. These proposed projects hold the promise of establishing seamless links between neighborhoods, parks, and attractions, making the Greenway system an integral part of Asheville's urban landscape.

• French Broad River West Greenway: This completed project loops back into the Wilma Dykeman Greenway, creating seamless links between different sections of the river and other attractions.
• Bacoate Branch Greenway: This stretch of Greenway starts near Aston Park Tennis Center, connecting North Asheville, Montford, and the river Arts District.
• Nasty Branch Greenway: This wooded off-road experience begins at the Dr. Wesley Grant Senior Southside Center and extends Eastward to the memorial stadium, providing a unique recreational trail for the community.
• Beaucatcher Greenways: These proposed projects aim to create a wooded corridor below the crest on the western side of Beaucatcher Mountains Bridge with commanding views of downtown, offering a serene and natural escape for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The city is constantly working on the greenway proposals, aiming to create a comprehensive and inclusive Greenway system that enhances the overall connectivity and accessibility of the area, while providing residents and visitors with expanded access to scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.

Greenway FAQs: Answers for Asheville Explorers

1. What are Asheville's Greenways?

Asheville's Greenways are an expansive system that provides safe and scenic routes for recreation and transportation, connecting various neighborhoods, parks, and attractions throughout the city.

2. How long are the current Greenways in Asheville?

The city of Asheville currently maintains over 10 miles of Greenways, with ongoing plans to expand and enhance these existing routes.

3. What are some popular activities along the Greenways?

Popular activities along the Greenways include dog walking, yoga sessions, outdoor concerts, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, and camping.

4. What are the proposed Greenway projects in Asheville?

Some proposed Greenway projects in Asheville include the French Broad River West Greenway, Bacoate Branch Greenway, Nasty Branch Greenway, Beaucatcher Greenways among others.

5. How do the Greenways contribute to Asheville's urban landscape?

The Greenways play a significant role in creating a comprehensive and inclusive urban landscape, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and attractions, while providing residents and visitors with expanded access to scenic beauty and recreational opportunities.

Captivated by Asheville's charm?

If you're considering calling this vibrant city home or want to explore it firsthand, reach out to schedule a tour of the area. Let us show you why Asheville could be the perfect place for your next adventure.