Dog Walking in Asheville

After three new puppies, its high time to decide where and when to walk your dog in Asheville. Considering we live in a giant chili bowl of nature, this list could be much longer. But enclosed is the favorites that have been found to date:

Andrews Geyser - In Old Fort which is just over the continental divide west of Black Mountain. Really great park with a 60 foot tall water fountain. Andrews Geyser and park is great for dogs. A river runs through it too, so water dogs find this a major score. Get to Andrews Geyser by Exit 72 which is the first exit after you come down the big mountain. Follow the Exit into Old Fort (North). Cross and bridge and the sign for Andrews Geyser points you to the left. Follow that road roughly three miles and turn right onto Andrews Geyser road. Free parking, benches, picnic table. Also, there is a forest service picnic area before the road which leads into Andrews Geyser. This has a great nature trail with some hills and groomed terrain. The same river runs into this park and is also fun for dogs.

Pisgah National Forest/Old Fort Picnic Area - Wonderful place to hike with stream, picnic tables and grills. Trails are easy to difficult depending on agility. Exit 72 which is the first exit after you come down the big mountain. Follow the Exit into Old Fort (North). Cross and bridge and at the sign for Andrews Geyser, on the left, you will see the sign for the picnic area to the right. Turn right into the picnic area. These trails close at dust.

Beaver Lake on Merrimon Avenue - Probably one of the most popular places for dog fans. Beaver Lake has a mile marked trail running alongside beautiful Beaver Lake. There are plenty of big fields, a hand-powered boat rental dock, Doggie bad stations, a large family of ducs, and immediate dog access to the lake from anywhere on the trail. Beaver Lake also just added an additional parking facility on the Asheville side of the lake too. Park is open all day and sports a lot of traffic throughout the day. Probably pre sunset and early morning will bring the most company to the shore. Lunch time is the best time if your dog is new to folks and anti-social.

North Carolina Arboretum - The Arboretum is open year-around, for all biking and hiking trails. The Arboretum is pet friendly! Your dog is welcome as long as they are kept on a leash. MORE

The Dog Park of Asheville - Runs alongside the French Broad River on the west side of town. Find the dog park down in the warehouse district across the river on the West Asheville side. The dog park is made for dogs so expect plenty of four-legged company. plenty of free parking and skirts the river. Keep your dogs out of the river though.

The Blue Ridge Parkway from milemarker 216.9 to 412 - Well this doesn't really narrow it down though does it. The parkway is best discovered in person. We will be adding a few mile markers we deem worthy in the next couple of weeks.

Article Date: Sat Oct 1 2005

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