Surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC provides many opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors. This includes its extensive park system, which offers a nearly unlimited number of things to see and do. Here’s a look at a few of the community’s amazing parks.
1. French Broad River Park
Located on 508 Riverview Drive, this picturesque park is definitely one of the best spots in the city for enjoying views of the French Broad River. Its trail that runs alongside the river connects with the 2.83-mile-long French Broad River Greenway and features a series of boardwalks and sitting areas. If you’re taking advantage of your Ford Maverick’s versatile truck bed to bring your bike, the park also provides biking paths for visitors.
Throughout French Broad River Park, you’ll find picnicking areas with grills, a playground, and a dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. Whichever part of the park you’re in, there’s lush vegetation, including a lovely wildflower garden, and plenty of shade.
2. Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary
Whether you’re a serious birdwatching enthusiast or just have a passing interest in the hobby, Beaver Lake on 1056 Merrimon Avenue is well worth a visit. This wildlife sanctuary park sits on the eastern side of Beaver Lake and features densely wooded areas, attracting a wide variety of bird species. Here, you may encounter several types of heron, vulture, osprey, hawk, and woodpecker. Waterfowl species include the Canada goose and bufflehead sea duck.
The 0.38-mile boardwalk at the sanctuary will take visitors over wetlands and close to the edge of Beaver Lake. Sitting areas along the way provide opportunities to relax and take in the sights and sounds. In addition to avian wildlife, the park is home to turtles, catfish, dragonflies, and lightning bugs.
3. Azalea Park
Azalea Park on 498 Azalea Road is one of Asheville’s largest recreation areas at over 150 acres. That size lets it serve as a home to an impressive number of facilities and attractions, including four soccer fields, a large dog park, and covered picnic shelters. There’s also a fishing pond and a swimming hole, complete with a beach area, that have become popular with locals.
Those interested in local literature and history will want to stop by at the Thomas Wolfe Cabin, a log cabin located in Azalea Park where the famed novelist spent his last summer in the city.
When you’re living in Asheville, you’ll never have to go far to experience outdoor fun with destinations like these nearby! After a day at the park, stop by at Asheville Ford and browse our huge selection of cars, trucks, and SUVs!
Image via Pixabay
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