There’s hardly a better city in which to slake your thirst for both running and beer than Asheville. At last count there were 50 breweries in the western North Carolina area. It’s also got just as many, if not more, great trails and urban running routes. Read on to see some of our top picks for places to run and reward yourself with a frothy drink amid the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Bent Creek
There are about 30 miles of trails to choose from just south of Asheville in Bent Creek. Many of the trails are open to mountain bikes and horses so keep your eyes and ears open. There are also numerous forest service roads for those who want to go for a run with a little less of a technical challenge. Pro tip: Bring a map and compass as cell phones don’t work in Bent Creek.
12 Bones Brewing
The beers at 12 Bones are cleverly named (Love and Haight Pale Ale, I Can Sleep When I’m Dead Coffee Stout and So It Gose, to name a few) and just as fun to drink. Can’t commit to just one beer? You can get a flight (four 4-oounce tasters) for $10. Oh and if you get hungry, pop on over to the restaurant and pick up some ribs or one of their daily specials.
Hominy Creek Greenway
Lace up your trail shoes and set off on the Hominy Creek Greenway trail in West Asheville. The path is mostly dirt singletrack and it’s relatively flat. Though it’s only 2/3 of a mile long, it goes through a beautiful section of forest and along Hominy Creek. It’s a great place for some speed work, especially in the summer due to the shade. If you want to level up, there are great neighborhoods on each side of the trail to add additional miles.
One World Brewing
One World Brewing actually has two locations. Both are cool, but for post-run beers, we recommend heading to the one in West Asheville (the other one is downtown) because they have a fun outdoor space with hammocks and cornhole boards. The atmosphere is laid back, so you can come as you are without having to think twice about changing. Oh and the beer is divine — lots of options to choose from.
Group Run from New Belgium
Looking for a little bit of community to spice up your workout routine? Meet up with the group that runs to and from New Belgium (the route varies from week to week) at 4 p.m. on Mondays. It’s open to runners of all abilities and ages and isn’t overly competitive. You can expect a warm welcome and a lot of smiles and laughter. Location meet-up: in the grassy area in front of the brewery.
New Belgium Brewing
After getting a few miles in with the group, you can get your fill of Fat Tire inside the Tasting Room or bring your beer out onto the back lawn that overlooks the French Broad River. Dogs on a leash are welcome out back, there are free tours daily (yep, the tour includes free samples), and there’s always at least one food truck parked out front of the brewery. Don’t be surprised if you spend more than a few hours here.
Reed Creek Greenway, Botanic Gardens and UNCA
Located in North Asheville, the Reed Creek Greenway is great place to go for an urban run. You can pick up this path in the Five Points neighborhood (there’s a small parking lot at the trailhead) or jump on near the Botanical Gardens near the University of North Carolina – Asheville. There are also a few soft surface trails near the Botanical Gardens that will give you several options for additional miles. If that’s still not enough, you can continue on into the nearby upscale Grove Park neighborhood.
The Beer Stop: Zillicoah Beer Company
Zillicoah Beer Company just celebrated its second birthday in October. Though they’ve only been open for two years, they’ve quickly made a name for themselves on the local and national beer scene. Their specialty is in open-fermented farmhouse ales and lagers, which essentially means that whatever you try will be delicious and unique. The best part? You can take your favorite beer home with you. We can’t think of a better Asheville souvenir than a big bottle or can of fresh, locally made beer.
Downtown
Running in downtown Asheville (or any city for that matter) will give you a good feel for the place. There are sidewalks on almost every section of downtown as well as a few hills that’ll get your heartrate up. There’s also a ton of places to eat and drink, so make a mental note of what looks fun and smells good—then plan to return post-run. Pro tip: Make a point to run down Chicken Alley because it’s lined with a bunch of cool murals.
The Greenhouse
Brought to you by the people from Noble Cider, The Greenhouse is a space that feels good to be in. It’s got a couple of cozy corners that you can relax in post-run, a vintage-style bar with super friendly staff, and even an indoor-outdoor area which is a great spot for people-watching. Though they’re known for their ciders and have several on tap including some unique small-batch ciders, they’ve also got six local beers on draft. Oh, and one thing you won’t have to stress about? The parking. There’s a garage just steps away from The Greenhouse and it’s free after 6 p.m. Monday – Friday and free all day on Sundays.
Erin McGrady and Caroline Whatley are based in Asheville, North Carolina, but are currently traveling the country in their van. You can follow along with their adventures at Authentic Asheville.
