Dog walking in Woodfin

Montford Historic District

The historic Asheville neighborhood of Montford is due south of Woodfin and adjacent to UNC-A. The neighborhood itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to the impressive 1890s – 1920s homes built during Asheville’s Vanderbilt glory days. None of these 600 buildings is quite as impressive as Biltmore House, but they capture the various architectural styles of the era, from Victorian to Arts and Crafts. Montford is also home to lovely Montford Park, where the amphitheater hosts outdoor Shakespeare festivals in summer (and the lawns and walking trails perform year round). Though leashes are officially required, the neighborhood has a relaxed attitude about well-behaved dogs.

Five Points

The UNC-Asheville campus is directly south of Woodfin and next to the Five Points neighborhood. The UNC-A mascot isn’t the Bulldog for nothing! A network of pup-friendly trails and footpaths wind through campus. Download a “Trails for Everyone” map with routes ranging from 0.25 to 2.1 miles, or you can just stroll the shops and restaurants of Five Points. The pawpular disc golf course at Mullins Park might also give your furry friends some fun. The lawns and woods are also good for a stretch, plus the Reed Creek Greenway trail leads in both directions from the south end of Mullins Park, heading south into Five Points and east towards Weaver Park.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Ever wished you could enjoy a ride in the car as much as your furry friends? Try the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic road from Cherokee, NC to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia passes through Asheville and provides unrivaled views of the Appalachians and lots of places to get out and walk. If you hop on heading towards Black Mountain, look for the Craven Gap Trailhead at milepost 377.4. Craven Gap Trail is part of the statewide Mountains to Sea Trail, but the 4-mile roundtrip from the parking pull-out to Bull Gap is a more reasonable day trip. Or, drive to Bull Gap along the Parkway instead; park there and catch the Rattlesnake Lodge Trail for a 2-mile there-and-back trip to the ruins of the historic Rattlesnake Lodge. You can also truck on to Black Mountain and catch the Craggy Pinnacle Trail.

West Asheville

On the west bank of the French Broad River just south of downtown is a doggy hotspot for all of Asheville: the French Broad River Park and Dog Park. The fenced off-leash play area provides a waste station, but note that there is no separate space for smaller pups. Who cares? You’re going to want to explore the whole park! The waterfront views and shallow swimming access in the river are pretty puptastic, so bring a towel or three. If you want to walk off the water, hit the trail: The 2 mile French Broad River Greenway connects to Carrier Park to the west.

Biltmore Village