Local Guides World
Top Parks in Asheville, United States
Top Rated Parks in Asheville
Top Reviewed Parks in Asheville
Blue Ridge Recreation Park
Pinchot Forest
Azalea Park
Lake View Park
Bull Mountain
Asheville Recreation Park
Blue Ridge Parkway
Forest Park
Mountainside Park
Murray Hill Park
Griffing Blvd Rose Garden
Pack Square Park
Reviews
Pack Square Park was named in 1903 after the land was donated by philanthropist George Pack in 1901. It's had a long history.
The modern park now hosts restrooms, a splash pad, and stage located in front of the City Hall and County Courthouse. The park continues on to the former location of the Vance Monument which the city removed but oddly left the base of it remain. They really should think things through and finish a project in such a central location.
The stage portion of the park is often used for events, concerts, and etc. The park is a great area in which to relax when downtown. There is street parking and a city parking garage nearby. Many restaurants border or are in close walking distance from the park.
The modern park now hosts restrooms, a splash pad, and stage located in front of the City Hall and County Courthouse. The park continues on to the former location of the Vance Monument which the city removed but oddly left the base of it remain. They really should think things through and finish a project in such a central location.
The stage portion of the park is often used for events, concerts, and etc. The park is a great area in which to relax when downtown. There is street parking and a city parking garage nearby. Many restaurants border or are in close walking distance from the park.
Beautiful downtown area with a water feature for the kids.
A beautiful venue for our wedding. The city staff were easy to work with and attentive. Also, unlike most of the other places in town, it was actually not an arm, leg, and firstborn to rent. No complaints
Great pool in the summertime and super cheap go to the nature center and the playground to make for a full day of fun!
Private owned park and you must pay $100 for a permit to walk your dog
Great walk around Lake with good views and nice Bird Sanctuary. The only complaint is they need bathrooms and more parking
A great "in town" trail off the Blue Ridge Pkway and Haw Creek neighborhood in East Asheville- a great place for dog walkers in the woods.
The trails are nice and easy for most people. The center has a cool history about the origin of the parkway. Its worth going to if you like hiking or the mountains.
Lots of benches to sit down on
Nice park, but it is clearly in town. I much prefer getting a bit more out of the suburban areas to walk or bird.
Not a safe place. Had barely parked and was immediately harassed by a couple creepy men
I love fishing here you catch trout catfish bass largemouth small mouth cart brim
Beautiful place for an afternoon walk and great fishing
Great venue for Blue Ridge Pride! Many steps, but there are ramps for accessibility. Public restrooms. Beautiful trees. Great access to downtown shops and restaurants.
Came to a festival here at this park. First time visiting. It’s a nice park with a lil amphitheater with concrete benches but enough space to bring your own chairs or blankets. They do have a restroom facility but I admit they needed some TLC while I was there. Plenty of garages nearby for parking, I parked in the buncombe county garage and it was just a short walk up and total was $6 on a Saturday.
Clean and open park that has two dog parks (for small and large dogs). We went today to kill time while waiting for the nature center to open. We had a good time walking around the park but there isn’t much else to do.
Awesome!!! With plenty, I mean plenty of room for our dog to sprint!!! He can play with the other dogs and run for ever chasing cars, safely along the fence.
Nice short trail, many wild berries, eat at your own risk leave it for local wildlife too.
I came for the fireworks show. It was great to have food trucks, music and services while waiting for the main event. Prices were also reasonable.
Saw the fireworks, lots of vendors, and some live music. Fireworks were OK, but tbh I've seen better in smaller cities, still some pretty cool ones. I heard a few talking about how 'boring' they actually were. Lots of people.
One of the more modern and larger playgrounds in Asheville but it's a little difficult to find so not typically very busy or many children here. It's near a football/soccer field so leave the emotional animals at home. Also, not much shade or any places to sit and don't see any restrooms or drinking fountains nearby.
Highly recommend. We’re gonna explore. Life is a series of decisions. The air was fresh. People go to those oxygen bars, they should just hike Bull Mountain. People were energized. Friendship.
Another outstanding morning, around 7:30, I caught another bass 8.4 pounds ‼️ It's that time of year, and I've seen bigger bass , and I'm trying to catch them too 😀 So come and join me in the search for the biggest bass hunt at Beaver lake, my name is Daryle and thanks for reading this post 👍🏿
Do not go here!!! There is no park. The roads leading to it are ridiculous, there is nowhere to park and the so called "park" is nothing but a patch of grass that I'm assuming local dogs use as a bathroom. Don't bother.
When I was a kid Rec Park was the place to be with carousels, bumper cars and games. Now it's not as busy except perhaps in the summertime when the pool is open. It's a great place to walk down by the river or show kids the spillway when the water is higher. The soccer fields are just next door and are always filled with kids and events. They also have swings and a jungle gym on the far end of the park. Pavilions are scattered as well with cover, charcoal grills and picnic tables. Check 'em out-
We always enjoy our walks here. Good location. Gr8 views. Friendly people.
A nice medium sized playground with a few swings. There are unfortunately no benches near the playground for parents. There appears to be a well maintained one mile loop trail that ascends the forested hillside.
There's a nice 2 mile loop that connects to the MTS here. The visitor center is worth a stop.
My favorite getaway drive. The clean air and trees help clear my head. From pounding mill overlook to craggy gardens, this is my happy place.
Drove it during fall color season. Awesome around Asheville.
At 10a.m. on Tuesday the 12th of October 2022 I observed a solo staff member working to remove fallen leafs from the pool. It looked so clean, almost meditatively calm. Thank You, Parks and Rec for caring for all the facilities throughout the calendar year.
Great location for a picnic
It was awful. I saw a guy get hit across the face with a pistol.
Nice place for a short dog walk
Pretty trail around the lake. However they want $100 a year for a dog permit, good luck with that.
This park has a lot of potential but is in need of some updating. The playground is in good shape, there's a big pool (that can get busy), outdoor basketball courts, and some nice seating near the Swannanoa River. The Nature Center is located just above the park and John B. Lewis Soccer Complex is just down the road.
Nice park conveniently located in downtown Asheville. The park offers a nice playground, open space, and a network of trails that climb up parts of Beaucatcher mountain. You can reach some nice views in-between the trees or if you follow the trails up to McCauley Drive, you can get a nice view of South Slope, River Arts to West Asheville.
The main trails (old roads) through the park can get wet, especially in places. I enjoy taking some of the smaller trails that meander up the mountain along creeks and small rock outcroppings.
The main trails (old roads) through the park can get wet, especially in places. I enjoy taking some of the smaller trails that meander up the mountain along creeks and small rock outcroppings.
Best hours to go for maximum dog exposure is around lunch time weekdays. Arrived today at 11:30 am and just 2 other dogs. By 12 the park was full of dogs and people (~20 dogs). All were getting along great.
Unfortunately it only takes one bad apple to spoil it for everyone else.
A large mastiff/mix maybe arrived who was not well socialize and his size made it difficult to continue the gentle play that had been happening.
Sometimes the owners of these “problem pups” don’t see their dogs as the problem even after several conversations with other owners.
I ended up just leaving at that point.
Unfortunately it only takes one bad apple to spoil it for everyone else.
A large mastiff/mix maybe arrived who was not well socialize and his size made it difficult to continue the gentle play that had been happening.
Sometimes the owners of these “problem pups” don’t see their dogs as the problem even after several conversations with other owners.
I ended up just leaving at that point.
Nice small park with a fishing pond and trails. Large gravel parking lot shared with the dog park located at the far end of the lot. There are a few benches around the pond and a trail that leads up into the woods. There's not a lot of room but a nice place to bring the kids
Trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway that connect to the Mountains-to-Sea Trail located just north of the Folk Arts Center. Trails are relatively easy to moderate and well maintained. Parking can be difficult on busy days but parking is available along Bull Mountain road.
Nice walking trails at soccer fields. Not much else going on here.
Home of the Southern Highland Folk Art Center, a great folk art museum and site for demonstration classes. I also is the starting point for a pleasant short hike (~1.5 mile one-way and ~3 miles round trip). Ample free parking, free admission and a well-stocked gift shop featuring local craftspeople. The National Park Service has a small shop and information center.
Loved all the mushrooms! Great place to walk with the kids or dogs. Close enough to the city if you’re right on time but feels completely peaceful out there.
The place has a clear water river and open space for you to take your dogs on a adventuring day. Unfortunately there were some people there that were partying that had trash everywhere above the river. Thankfully it seemed pretty clean in the water. But be REALLY CAREFUL OF GLASS IN THE WATER. I didn't step on any but I did pull some pieces of glass bottles out of the river while walking in it.
Such a beautiful and peaceful place to walk, lots of bunnies and lovely flowers
Terrible, roses and boxwood bushes, this "garden's" design is devoid of creativity, lacks color and does nothing for the pollinators. Baby boomer dendritis
Great place
A most wonderful drive. Don't miss it.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is not like any other parkway, like the Blue Grass Parkway, I have driven in my life. This is a 2 lane road that zigs and zags through the mountains. We entered the park SE of Asheville and exited the parkway near Sylva, NC.
The views, hikes, waterfalls, and naturally beauty is simply stunning. You will not regret your time spent on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Before you go, research the route you are going to drive so you know where the hikes are at and what they lead to. Cell service is hit or miss which makes “researching in the fly” difficult.
Also worth noting...this is a steep (up and down) and windy drive. Make sure your vehicle is ready (tires, brakes, etc.) and properly maintained. Drive conservatively. It is not a bad idea to throw a first aid kit, a case of water, some food, and a change of clothes in the car. It never hurts to be prepared.
The views, hikes, waterfalls, and naturally beauty is simply stunning. You will not regret your time spent on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Before you go, research the route you are going to drive so you know where the hikes are at and what they lead to. Cell service is hit or miss which makes “researching in the fly” difficult.
Also worth noting...this is a steep (up and down) and windy drive. Make sure your vehicle is ready (tires, brakes, etc.) and properly maintained. Drive conservatively. It is not a bad idea to throw a first aid kit, a case of water, some food, and a change of clothes in the car. It never hurts to be prepared.
Nice park to let kids or dogs play. Has a restroom on site. They hold several public things here throughout the year with music, food trucks, and other vendors. Was a nice place to watch the 4th of July fireworks.
Gorgeous area with lots of trails to explore. Dog friendly too!!! You won't run out of trails or new spots to explore! My first time visiting the area it was the first place, most visited place, and last place during my 3 month trip!
Had a lovely time walking the park. Everyone was happy that the park is open and the animals were out and looking good. Glad Asheville has such a well-run place of this type. Great for folks of all ages -- all access was handicap accessible. Everyone was wearing masks and the park had hand sanitizer stations and clean restrooms.
Great place to take a dip in the river. Bring some trash bags please and help keep it clean
That first picture with trash strewn about and a toy abandoned car is pure gold. Also, if that picture worries you then you probably won't want to be here.
Great spot! They have a pool in the summer, kid playground open year round, and you can rent the picnics shelters on the city website and hold events that range from small to large gatherings of 100 people. We rented a bounce house for the kids, which doesn't come with the park rental but is only another $100 or so.
Please be bear aware on this trail. Mother bears raise young here often and can be dangerous. Keep dogs close and preferable on leash to insure your and your dog's safety.
One of my kids favorite spots to swim. This area is just right for smaller kids too. We've been there when there's been a good amount of people yet it's never been too crowded and we've never run into a problem with any of the people being too rowdy Etc. Always a good time.
Was not in bloom just out of season I think
A nice short jaunt through the woods. Paved trail with no view per se, but nice none the less
The parkway is our go to spot for hiking. We can go as far as you can imagine and make the hike as tough as you want..it is beautiful and something different with every season..we are SO lucky to live here and have the Blue Ridge as a playground..please stop and check it out..worth the visit.
Beautiful road though the Appalachian mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. So nice to drive and just see the beauty of the mountains without any commercial eyesore.
My 6 year old son & I decided to go after my appt at the Asheville VA hospital. It was beautiful scenery & peaceful. It was definitely a long trek but beyond worth it. He can't wait to go back.
Nice, quiet, during daylight hours, not recommended at dark or later.
Our favorite park, very hilly but great for playing Frisbee in the warm months and when it snows its the best sledding park in Asheville. As things are being rapidly developed all around us, our neighborhood cherishes this green space. It's a jewel of this greater neighborhood.
Not much to this park, but it's one of the best spots in town to go sledding! Check it out next time we have some snow.
Covered pavilion with seating, not child's park,best for dog walking or family gathering it has a grill and picnic table near river art district
A very nice area if you catch the flowers in bloom.
This place is so beautiful! Me and my husband went while on our honeymoon. If you are a serious hiker, I highly recommend! If you don't hike often, then I suggest you get into shape a little before going because it is too beautiful to miss. We went on a roughly five mile hike and I about died. It was mostly uphill too. But there were some beautiful sights and it was worth it. There is also a beautiful bridge to hike under. Even though I about died, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I also loved the fact that this place has a gift shop and little museum type of thing. It was very interesting to learn about the different wildlife and the history of the land and the people who settled and lived here. Like I said, I highly recommend to everyone!
Just a really cool place. I didn't know was there. It's a great way to get kids outside and walking. It's a nice nature walk, but lack snacks or drink spots. Also the petting zoo is a few goats and a couple donkeys who have a beware of biting sign. They should get some rabbits or chickens. At least that'd be a bit more interesting.
This is a very quiet place for a nice walk