Walking in Asheville

I walked many many miles in Asheville. It is a beautiful place to walk. I put in 3-5 miles most days, and more like 8 on some days. There are so many good spots.

1. Downtown, anywhere: The streets are easy to follow and there are interesting brick buildings to look at, with plenty of green and flowering trees. Combined with nice spots to sit and enjoy the city on a nice day, I couldn't get enough of these walks.

2. Reed Creek Greenway: This is a wonderful walking and biking trail. I was lucky to stay right across the street, so I walked it often. There are so many birds singing and nesting, plus some historic markers, a bubbling creek, majestic trees, and you can continue to...

3. UNC Botanical Gardens: Although they do not occupy a huge piece of land, the botanical garden paths meander enough along the creek and over tiny bridges, with amazing trees and grassy areas with benches. There was a big hawk, lots of wildflowers, ducks, and a happy vibe. One morning I continued across the street up to a residential street, which made a great loop around to the gypsy wagon coffee spot (yes!)

4. Beaver Lake Sanctuary: Another small but powerful piece of land, this Audubon preserve is well set up to allow the maximum wandering in the minimum space. There is a boardwalk, benches, lots of wonderful little birds, and even beaver, chimney swifts and a butterfly area. I enjoyed this walk even in the rain.

5. Montford Historic District: It seems that everyone in this area keeps a beautiful yard with less grass than I've seen in most neighborhoods. There are rock gardens and native plants and flowers, ornamental plants, bamboos, trees, and more. Many of the houses are tidy bungalows or well-preserved Victorian homes. It is simply pleasant, just be ready for hills.

6. River Walk Arts District: For me, the best part of this was along the river. Although I enjoy a good industrial district, I felt like I came at a quiet time and didn't see as much of the active arts community as I would have liked. But there are ample paths and areas to sit down at the river.

7. Laurel Creek Trail: I didn't have time to do the whole thing, but this is a really nice easy path out near the hot springs. The mossy cliff rises on one side, with native plants and a rocky creek happily splashing on the other side. A perfect spot in the woods.