Asheville Dog Friendly | Adventure Guides

Explore Montreat Trails (Black Mountain)

// March 16th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Asheville Dog Friendly

The trail system above Montreat College boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails on 2500 pristine acres. With so many trails to choose from we suggest stopping at the Montreat Conference Center to pick up a trail map. A suggested 5 mile moderate hike with access to water would be the Greybeard Trail to Pot Cove Gap to the Trestle Trail to Walker’s Knob (4780 feet) back down Greybeard.

Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 E to I-40 E to Exit 64 (Black Mountain), Turn left off exit and continue on Hwy 9 through Black Mountain through the stone entrance into Montreat. The Montreat Conference Center will be 1 mile on your left.

North Mills River Recreation Area (Mills River)

// March 16th, 2009 // No Comments » // Asheville Dog Friendly

The vast Mills River area is part of Pisgah National Forest opposite Bent Creek just across the Pisgah Ridge. We like this area for the many camping options and rivers to explore. Head up to the Trace Ridge trailhead which gives you access to the Trace Ridge, Fletcher Creek and North Mills River trails. This area is vast so we highly recommend a trail map. Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 W to I-26 E to Exit 40/Airport Rd. Turn right on to Airport Rd./NC 3526 for 3 miles to North Mills River Rd./NC 1345. Turn right and follow for 5 miles to the recreation area. To get to the Trace Ridge trailhead make a right onto Wash Creek Road/FR 479, follow this for several miles. Turn left onto the first un-gated gravel road which has a concrete low-water bridge, follow this 0.5 mile to the Trace Ridge trailhead and parking lot.

Pisgah National Forest Online Map

Warren Wilson College Trails (Swannanoa)

// March 16th, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Asheville Dog Friendly

Bust out on Jones Mountain at Warren Wilson

The trails at Warren Wilson College are numerous and our personal favorites. Your best bet for dog friendly adventure is the River Trail. The payoff is that it runs parallel to the Swannanoa River with lots of opportunities to get wet.

Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 E to I-40 E to Exit 55. Turn left off exit to Tunnel Rd./US 70. Turn right for 2 miles on US 70 E to the first stop light. Turn left at light onto Warren Wilson Rd. Go about 1.5 miles to parking on left at the river.

Azalea Park (City)

// March 16th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Asheville Dog Friendly

Enjoying some goodness at Azalea Park

Azalea Park, Asheville’s newest park, along the Swannanoa River in east Asheville has several dog friendly options. The real gems of the park are the Swannanoa River and great mountain views. There is a trail that runs along the river that is ideal for a flat, easy walk with your dog. The hidden gems of the park are the numerous river “beaches.” To access the beach and other river spots, drive past all of the soccer fields, park on the right side of the road and head down to the river to explore the various access points. If you are feeling really adventurous, cross over the river and explore the trails on the other side. If Fido needs some social time, then head to the dog park about 1/4 mile past the park.

Directions from Asheville: Take I-240 E to Exit 8. Left on Fairview Rd., right on Swannanoa River Rd./Hwy. 81— pass the golf course on the left — right on Gashes Creek Rd. Continue straight onto Azalea Rd. to the park on the right.

Alexander Mountain Bike Park (Alexander)

// March 16th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Asheville Dog Friendly

Located adjacent to the French Broad River about 15 minutes north of town, this seldom used mountain bike park offers a variety of sweet singletrack for you and your pooch. Combine the two loops for an intermediate ride of an hour and a half. There is not much water along the trail so either bring some water for your dog or hit the French Broad River after the ride.

Directions from Asheville: Take I-26 W/ US 19-23 N to Exit 19A Marshall/Hot Springs. Take Hwy 25/70 toward Marshall to the second light. Turn left onto Monticello Rd. to River Rd. Turn right on River Rd. for several miles to the signed parking area on the right.