presented by Blake Boyd, Realtor, The Buyer’s Agent of
Asheville
Located about 15 minutes north of downtown Asheville, this mountain bike park is well worth the trip. This ain’t no Bent Creek when it comes to amount of trails or variety. Nonetheless, you can get a solid, intermediate ride in on some sweet singletrack if you combine the two loops for a total ride of about an hour and half. The rolling trails are in a wooded buffer zone around the Buncombe County Landfill-yes-some days there can be a bit of stinch. The trails range from smooth and fast to tight and twisty (more common). Overall, Alexander Park gets an intermediate/more difficult rating with a moderate technical challenge and aerobic workout. Likewise, there are some sweet views of the French Broad River and surrounding mountains from several spots on the trail. Be sure to build in some time after the ride to chill by the French Broad River which is just across the street from the parking lot. Finally, this park gets very little traffic so if you want to beat the Bent Creek crowd or need quality “me” time then Alexander Park is your place.
Directions: From Asheville take US 19-23 North/1-26 West to the Marshall/Hot Springs exit. Take this exit (US 25-70) and drive to the second light. Turn left onto Monticello Rd. and follow this until it ends at River Rd. Turn right; it is several miles to the signed parking area on the right.
Related Resources:
Local Bike Shop: BioWheels http://www.biowheels.com/
81 Coxe Ave./ 828-236-BIKE
Azalea Park, Asheville’s newest park, along the Swannanoa River on Azalea Road in east Asheville has several family friendly options. The main attraction of the park is the numerous soccer fields. However, the playground has plenty of fun for kids of all ages including a toddler section. 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 dog walking, running or walking. The hidden gem of the park is the river “beach”. 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.
Directions: From Downtown Asheville head East on I-240 – exit 8 – turn left on Fairview Rd. – turn right on Swannanoa River Rd./Hwy. 81 – pass the Buncombe County Golf Course on the left – turn right on Gashes Creek Rd. and continue straight onto Azalea Rd. – continue on Azalea Rd. until you see park on right.
Shut In Ridge climbs 3,000 feet from the mouth of Bent Creek to the base of Mount Pisgah in 16 miles. It’s one of the steepest hikes and runs in the Asheville area, but tackle the first three miles of the trail and you’ll be rewarded with a view of the mountains skirting Asheville from the Walnut Cove Overlook.
If you do attempt to run this trail be prepared for a very strenuous, up-hill run. Bring water and lots of fortitude. Also consider this: runners tackle this trail each year in the prestigious Shut In Ridge Run. The winner comes in at around 2 hours 20 minutes.
Directions: Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway South and look for Mile Post 393.6.
Related Resources:
Local Running Store: FootRx/ http://www.footrxasheville.com/ 828-277-5151
Blue Ridge Parkway
http://www.nps.gov/blri/
828-271-4779
BRP Destination Center 828-298-5330 MP 384
This is your chance to summit the highest mountain east of the Rocky Mountains…from the bottom up. The Mount Mitchell Trail starts at the Black Mountain Campground on the banks of the South Toe River (excellent trout fishing) and climbs steeply to the top of the 6,684-foot mountain, ascending through a typical mixed hardwood forest at the base of the mountain to a high-elevation ecosystem stacked with spruce evergreens at the summit. The trail is rugged, climbing 3,600 feet in 5.6 miles through a series of steep switchbacks over rocky terrain. But the view from the ridge of the mountain at the summit is worth the work. Just ignore the fact that everyone else enjoying that view drove to the top.
Tip: Leave a vehicle at the top of the mountain in the parking lot at Mount Mitchell State Park. The last thing you want to do after climbing Mount Mitchell is hike back down.
Sidetrip: Take the .2-mile alternate trail to Higgins Bald about half way up Mount Mitchell. The view from the bald provides a unique perspective on the climb you’re undertaking.
Directions: From Asheville, take 1-26 West to US19 East through Burnsville. Take a right on NC 80, then turn right on Forest Road 472 and follow the signs to Black Mountain Campground.
Related Resources:
Local Outdoor Store: Mast Store Outfitters/ mastgeneralstore.com / 828-232-1883
Mount Mitchell State Park/ ncparks.gov/visit/parks/momi/main.php / 828-675-4611