Dog walking in Lake Junaluska

West Asheville

A 25-minute drive east of Lake Junaluska takes you to Asheville, North Carolina, and the French Broad River Dog Park. This gorgeous park is built along the French Broad River, and during your visit to the park, you'll get to experience a lush green space with gazebos, a wildflower garden, playgrounds, a paved trail, and more. The dog park is a one-acre area that is entirely fenced in, but it does not separate dogs by size. The surface is comprised of wood chips, and there are waste bags and water stations at your disposal in the park, too. There are also trails nearby with access to the river so your pooch can take a dip if they'd like!

Downtown Asheville

Another dog-friendly spot in western Asheville is just over a 20-minute drive from Lake Junaluska, and it's called the Patton Avenue Pet Company and Dog Park. Patton Avenue Pet Company owns three stores in Asheville, and the Patton Avenue location even has a dog park attached that's free for customers! This dog park isn't a huge one, but it's a convenient place to let your dog get some off-leash activity while stocking up on pet supplies at the same time. The dog park has a bin of toys that your dog can try out, and if they find one they love, you can purchase one in the store!

Azalea

The Azalea Park Dog Park in eastern Asheville, North Carolina is a half-hour drive from Lake Junaluska, and it's a pawesome spot to go for some off-leash fun! Azalea Park is a 155-acre park with sports fields, walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and an excellent dog park! The spacious dog park includes a section for dogs under 25 pounds, as well as an area for bigger dogs. The large dog area has a gazebo, and both areas have fresh drinking water for dogs and waste disposal items. Your dog is also welcome to join you in other areas of the park, but they must be on a leash if they're not in the dog park.

Vance Street

Waynesville, North Carolina is a town of around 10,000 people, and it's home to its very own dog park. The Waynesville Pepsi Dog Park is only a five-minute drive from Lake Junaluska, and it's sure to become a favorite of yours and Fido's! The Pepsi Dog Park is a large, mulched, fenced-in space that includes separate areas for big and little dogs. The park is open from dawn to dusk each day, and it's got a reputation for being clean and well-maintained. You'll find shade and seating in the park, but there isn't a water supply, so be sure to bring your own. There are also walking trails and a creek just outside of the dog park that you can explore with your pet, too!

North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is in southwest Asheville, and it features 434 acres of gardens and more than 10 miles groomed trails that are lovely to explore with your dog on a leash! You can drive there in less than half an hour from Lake Junaluska, and it's worth every minute of the trip. One of the many trails you can take here is called the Carolina Mountain Trail. This 2.4-mile trail is an easy hike, which makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk with your pooch. If you're looking for something more challenging, you and your dog can take the Owl Ridge Trail. This trail is less than a mile, and it's open to dog walkers, hikers, and bikers.