The park is situated along one of the oldest rivers in the world, the French Broad, which flows northward through the Appalachian Mountains.
The onsite dog park is divided into two separate sections to accommodate both large and small dogs.
The park’s design prioritizes connectivity to the wider Asheville greenway system, allowing non-motorized travel to multiple districts.
The facility serves as a primary access point for recreational watercraft users launching or landing along this stretch of the river.
The park features public art installations that are rotated periodically in collaboration with local community organizations.
French Broad River Park is a riverfront public space in Asheville featuring an enclosed off-leash dog park and access to the French Broad River Greenway. The park spans approximately 8.7 acres and serves as a key segment of the city's larger greenway network. Visitors have access to a riverside observation deck, public restrooms, and several picnic areas. The grounds include an extensive open lawn frequently used for recreation and informal gatherings. A notable feature is the park’s mature tree canopy which provides significant shade. The site is connected to the Carrier Park system via the multi-use greenway trail. Native landscaping is incorporated throughout the grounds to manage stormwater and support local ecology. The riverbank path is paved, facilitating accessibility for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
The wooden observation deck overlooking the French Broad River provides the clearest sightlines of the water and surrounding tree canopy.
Bring a portable water bowl for your pet, as communal water stations can be busy or seasonally disabled.
The greenway gets highly congested on weekends; cyclists should signal clearly when passing pedestrians.
Combine your visit with a trip to the adjacent Carrier Park to extend your trail time by several miles.
Do not attempt to swim in the French Broad River at this location due to unpredictable currents and fluctuating water quality reports.
Dogs must be leashed while outside of the designated off-leash fenced area; owners are required to clean up waste immediately.
