photo by JustinAsheville.com

The French Broad River flows through 25 municipalities in Western North Carolina, but it gets the most love in Asheville.  Over the past decade, a burgeoning river culture has emerged around the [...]

With a new year, many strive to make a commitment to get outside more often to be active. Asheville's surrounding mountains offer great escapes from the everyday, however some its parks are the perfect place to clear your head during a lunch or evening break away from the office. With smart phones increasing the constant noise around us, we wanted to share some of our top favorite afternoon parks to escape the daily grind.

Beaver Lake: Take a stroll through the bird sanctuary or if you are a runner it's a great place to run around this small lake located in North Asheville. It's picturesque and quaint, and is the perfect place to get a few minutes of fresh air. 

Carrier Park: Known as one of Asheville's top park locations, this park offers volleyball, a playground, roller-hockey rink, basketball court, track, a paved trail, a multi-use field, great for baseball or soccer, and a picnic pavillion. Connected by a 2.8 mile bicycle and pedestrian trail known as the French Broad River Greenway, Carrier Park is connected to Hominy Creek Park, a popular spot for Asheville tubers to get in the river. 

Richmond Hill Park: This large wooded park is great for trail running, mountain biking, and paying disc golf. Dogs are often seen on the trails with their owners, and it is a beautiful place to take in serenity within Asheville city limits. 

Azalea Park: Well known in the soccer community, Azalea Park is located along Swannanoa River and has soccer fields, picnic pavilions, and a running/walking trail. It is home to competitive soccer HFC, as well as an adult league. Also home to the Azalea Dog Park. To reserve a field, go to the Asheville Parks web site. 

Montford Park: With tennis courts, a playground, and green space, this park has much to offer. Located in the Asheville neighborhood of Montford, it has convenient access to/from the highway. 'Shakespeare in the Park' by the Montford Park Players during the spring, summer, and fall adds a magical charm to this park. 

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 11AM-­-5PM The Grove Park Sunset Mountain Neighborhood will hold its annual Tour of Homes Showcasing 11 unique stops. Come see a remarkable variety of homes this year from all situated in the beautiful Grove Park district.

Click here to see current listings of homes for sale in Grove Park

 CAN YOU HELP SUPPORT THIS GREAT GREEN PROJECT? Connecting the French Broad River Greenway to the Farmer's Market, Arboretum & Bent Creek Trails and Biltmore Park!