Top 10 Places to Run in Western North Carolina (WNC)
Asheville Marathon and Half running along the French Broad River
You voted and the results are in. Here are your top 10 places to run in WNC, including Asheville, Hendersonville, Pisgah Forest…and a few other gems.!! Here are the top 10 places to run in WNC as polled by you, the WNC runners! There will be several links throughout using the All Trails app which is an excellent resource for locating running routes and trails. You can download it to your phone and never get lost again. Enjoy the new variety of running routes!
Asheville, NC & surrounding areas
The Greenway is accessible from multiple different starting points. The River Arts District is a cool place to visit post run to grab a cup of coffee. It’s also a portion of the RAD half-marathon and 10k Race in June so excellent race practice as well.
Biltmore Trails are scenic and beautiful, but require a paid Biltmore grounds pass to get onto the estate.
You can get a nice 3 mile loop starting at Carrier Park along the river. Pet friendly as long as they are on leases. This one is considered “easy” with flat terrain and many variations available.
Fletcher Park, nice easy 2 miles with an out and back path that can be made into multiple loops. Safe, flat and easy!
Black Bear Half in Hendersonville
Hendersonville, NC
Through town to Lake Osceola makes a great loop and lots of ways to add on miles. A nice 4-5 mile loop starts downtown, runs down 3rd or 4th Avenue then over to the loop around the lake and back.
Lake Imaging Trail is a popular route in DuPont with several different routes to make it longer or shorter. Although you may find quite a few more bikes out on these trails as it’s a popular bike route as well.
Park at the Hendersonville Visitors Center downtown for early morning runs, since it’s well-lit and you can take different routes depending on mileage goals. You can run a loop down Main Street to the fire station and back for a short trip, or take a right into 5th Ave. on the way back from the fire station and head into Laurel Park for a longer run before heading back toward the visitors center.
Brevard Greenway at the Depot
Pisgah Forest/Brevard area
Estatoe (or Exercise)Trail This trail is convenient and easily accessible. Park at Lowe’s and use the crosswalk at the light to hit the trail. Running out and back to the campground will get you a nice 5k. Or you can park at the Davidson River campground and get a few miles around the campsite if you prefer trail mixed with some road. There are several loops you can make.
Brevard Greenway This path is accessible from multiple locations including the Lowe’s parking lot, the ball fields gravel lot off of Ecusta road, and the newer Depot Building with plenty of parking and restroom facilities available on Railroad ave. You can get a few miles (about 3-4 miles. Although you can extend this by running a loop in the town of Brevard, looping the college for a mile, and/or continuing in the forest on the Estatoe trail if you’d like some trail miles as well) in on this but will require a traffic light stop and/or road crossing at a few points. Here’s a map courtesy of the city of Brevard: Brevard Greenway Map.
Black Mountain, NC
Park by the Fire/Police Dept in Black Mountain. Safe place for the car to be parked and for starts/finishes early morning. A sidewalk for a big loop around town. Running up Montreat Road and Down Flat creek you’ll find a lower elevation change.
Where are some of your favorite places to run?
Email support@idaph.net or send us a DM on our IG and let us know, we would love to add more of the local favorites to the list!
We hope this short list gave you some fun, fresh running route ideas! Keep running and moving friends.
Meet Jessika, aka Jess, a local athlete who has run some of our very own iDaph events and hiked the entire east coast! Check out her brave story below from dieting and exercising for “show” to living a life full of vitality and strength.
“Running is a slippery slope…”
That it is, Jess. We couldn’t agree more! What started out as a bodybuilding fit journey to lose weight morphed into endurance running for performance vs standing on a stage for a show to hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2021 which brought her to tears a few times with the iconic views and enjoying road races along the way. Her journey is anything but dull. Her story is full of adventure, big dreams, goals, and advice on how you can set out to do anything you dream up.
What got you started on the path of running? Have you always been a runner?
I started running when I did my first obstacle course race in 2014 (Tough Mudder) with my sports medicine class. No, I have NOT always been a runner. When I was out of shape at the age of 21, I focused more on nutrition, weight loss and began weightlifting and lost roughly 30 pounds of alcohol and poor diet weight. In 2016, I competed in my first bodybuilding show and realized I loved performance sports and endurance instead of aesthetics and only looking good on a stage. I wanted to eat well and perform at my maximum potential so quickly fell in love with the process of marathon training! To date I have completed one road marathon - Next in March for the iDAPH Asheville Marathon - five ultra marathon distances, and hiked the entire east coast from Georgia to Maine along the Appalachian Trail! I love feeling strong and powerful!
I see you complete the full hike on the Appalachian Trail! That is an incredible feat. Do you prefer trail to road running?
Both! I like to switch up my training and incorporate both road and trail runs. If I had to pick, I’d probably pick the road because it is less technical and I can always pump more miles out.
“I love feeling strong and powerful!”
What one major (or minor or both!) life lesson did that experience (hiking the AT) teach you?
“…never take myself too seriously.”
The Appalachian Trail taught me to never take myself too seriously. We are on a floating ball of rock in the universe and NOTHING is as serious or important as they feel in the moment. Breathe and find stillness in your body in order to find peace to connect back to your purpose. One step at a time (literally) is all it takes to reach your goals and that we all have setbacks.
What are you most excited about for the rest of 2022? Any fall races coming up?
Very excited about the Asheville Off Road Duathlon (my first race ever incorporating the bike) and the Oktoberfest Half Marathon. I will be completing the Spartan Beast and Sprint in North Carolina, as well as the Trifecta weekend in December in Florida.
You’ve run quite the number of distances now. Which your favorite race distance? I’d have to say my favorite distance is a half marathon. Long enough to feel warmed up and get into a groove, but short enough to get on with my day yet feel accomplished.
Speaking of races, which iDaph event has been your favorite to date and what made it so special?
The RAD Half Marathon. I signed up the night before and was happy to see that although it wasn’t a PR, I still had it in me to cruise into a half marathon. The course was marked beautifully and clearly, the medals were AWESOME, and the post race festivities at Wedge Brewery were so fun !!
What advice would you give to anyone dreaming about doing something epic like quitting your job and hiking 2,000+ miles!?
“One sentence- JUST DO IT.”
One sentence- JUST DO IT. There will always be excuses you can think of “I can’t afford it, I’m too old, I’m not in shape”.. Etc etc, and there is no time like the present to live your dream and get outside. Do something epic that WILL change your life and learn more about yourself.
Do you feel you’re intrinsically motivated? And if so, where does that inner drive originate from?
I am still learning to pinpoint where this drive comes on. I’d say it’s a mix between two of my grandparents. My Oma is reaching her 94th year and is a stubborn, independent woman who has taught me a lot about being self sufficient. As well as my grandfather was a Boston Marathon-er and dedicated runner.
Fun short facts
Music or no music when running? Playlists? Yes music- Only one earbud in order to stay alert of surroundings I love all genres! I like running to anything upbeat- examples: Odesza, hippie sabotage, post malone, A R I Z O N A, Taylor Swift, MGK, Imagine Dragons, Lizzo
Favorite way to give back to the running community? I love attending running groups that are local to support small businesses as well as promoting on social platforms different races in the area in order to spread awareness.
Where can folks connect with you? Social handles? Instagram : @ Tapsandtrail
Thank you for sharing your journey with us Jessika! We can not wait to see you crush the Asheville Marathon with us next year. Until then, we look forward to following your rad journey.
Athlete Spotlight: Shelby on Making the Resilient Comeback from Pregnancy and Running with Drop Foot
“I was going home with a newborn and was unable to walk. It was a road I had to learn to navigate.”
Meet Shelby, a resilient runner working her way from not only learning how to navigate new motherhood but also navigating that first postpartum year with no feeling suddenly in her left leg. She could have tossed her ambitions aside and given up but instead, she continues to do the work necessary to inch her closer to her goals of not only getting back to her fastest self but also crossing 50 states off her bucket list. Her resolve to get back up and keep running is incredibly inspiring. Read her story below and be encouraged. If your life has taken a turn off the beaten path to the unexpected, Shelby’s story offers us all hope.
In her words:
“My name is Shelby, and I am 27 years old. Little did I know this would be the best and the worst year of my life. At 27 years old, I gave birth to my daughter, Oakley Rae. She is quite the blessing, a blessing that caused me an injury I never knew was a possibility. After delivering Oakley, I was in awe of her and really did not pay much attention to myself or my health, but at 4 am when I went to use the restroom for the first time after delivering her, I realized that I could not feel or move my leg from the knee down on the left side. I am asked constantly if I was scared or angry, but honestly, I was not scared or upset at that moment because I was so consumed by the birth of my daughter. I do not know if it was the birthing of Oakley that caused the nerve damage or if it was the epidural, and I probably will never know. What I do know is that I was not scared at that moment, but boy did the overwhelming fear come later. I was going home with a newborn and was unable to walk. It was a road I had to learn to navigate.”
From All-American collegiate to Motherhood to Drop Foot
A little background information to put things in perspective: I was an All-American collegiate runner. My specialty and love was the 5k. My personal best in the 5k was 18:44 (5:59 minute per mile!). This was a time I never expected to reach but continued to work for. When I graduated, I continued running, and that is how I met my husband. We fell in love rapidly and raced together weekly. We competed in 5k’s, 10k’s, and half marathons. We had a goal to run a race in every state. You could imagine when this injury happened, I had no idea how I was going to accomplish this.
What is foot drop exactly?
“Foot drop, sometimes called drop foot, is a general term for difficulty lifting the front part of the foot. If you have foot drop, the front of your foot might drag on the ground when you walk. Sometimes foot drop is temporary, but it can be permanent. If you have foot drop, you might need to wear a brace on your ankle and foot to hold your foot in a normal position.” Sourced from Mayo Clinic
How do you run with foot drop?
Despite drop foot, I was going to run again and complete this goal. 7 months postpartum, I am back running in races weekly. It’s different now but so much more rewarding. I run with foot drop, while pushing my 7-month-old baby girl in her stroller. I want to inspire, but ultimately, I want people to LIVE no matter their circumstances. As my dad says, ‘There’s no crying in baseball,’ so when I found out I had sciatic nerve damage, I made a plan, I pushed myself, and now I am back competing. When I feel like I can’t, I just remember this quote:
‘Resilience is accepting your new reality, even if it’s less good than the one you had before. You can fight it, you can do nothing but scream about what you’ve lost, or you can accept that and try to put together something that’s good.’
-Elizabeth Edwards
Interview with Shelby
I see you’ve been running since school years! What got you started in the very beginning as a runner?
I began running my junior year of high school when I got injured. Since I was struggling with my softball career I wanted a change. I had always ran to stay in shape but had never run to compete. My junior and senior year of high school I committed myself to running and decided I was going to make sure I was going to run fast enough to be able to run in college. I knew I wanted to be a collegiate athlete, I just always thought it would be for softball, boy was I wrong.
Do you run with a stroller often?
I train 5 days a week with the stroller. As a stay-at-home mom I have the luxury of training when it’s best for Oakley. Training with the stroller does not always go as planned though, often I go out for longer mileage runs and need to cut it short because of a toddler tantrum.
My husband and I switch off who races with Oakley. It typically depends on competition and who’s feeling a personal record or who needs a recovery run.
“Try to schedule your runs around the child’s schedule. Yes, this may not always work for you, or be your ideal time to run, but if you want an enjoyable run with your child, make them as comfortable and happy as possible.”
“Let go of what you HAVE to do and enjoy what you GET to do.”
Try to schedule your runs around the child’s schedule. Yes, this may not always work for you, or be your ideal time to run, but if you want an enjoyable run with your child, make them as comfortable and happy as possible.
Also, expect toys and snacks to be thrown out of the stroller. Expect long runs to become short runs, expect recovery runs to become sprints just to get it over with because your child is crying. Let go of what you HAVE to do and enjoy what you GET to do.
Do you ever get frustrated out on a run and how do you get past that if so?
“What keeps me going is I know that I will feel better at the end, I will feel ACCOMPLISHED!”
I get frustrated often on runs. I train with the stroller but also I run with an AFO (ankle foot orthotic) because I have paralysis from the knee down. My ankle has zero dorsiflexion which makes running a little difficult. I have practiced enough that it feels natural again, but I still have days that my leg is really tired and my baby is screaming and I just want to quit. What keeps me going is I know that I will feel better at the end, I will feel ACCOMPLISHED!
What are you most excited about for the rest of 2022? Any fun races coming up? 🙂
My husband and I run a race every weekend, and sometimes find mid week races. Each weekend is fun for us because we race and then celebrate with a good brunch and likely a good beer. It’s our date morning plus Oakley. My step son also has started running more with us, so sometimes it’s a family affair which is awesome. My family means the world to me.
Speaking of races, which iDaph event has been your favorite to date and what made it so special?
The Running of the Goats 5K. I raced this run without the stroller and knew the beginning would be difficult with the stroller. My husband had the luxury of racing with the stroller at this 5K. I loved the course, it was an honest course, and also loved the family feel of the race. The awards were unique and awesome. I love a race that has good medals and awards as memorabilia.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling to get back into running after a surgery or new physical limitation?
BE RESILIENT! As much as I hate being paralyzed, when I race, especially if I win, I get to say “I did that, and I did that paralyzed” like come on! How many people get to say that!
Stick with your goal, as little or as big as it may be.
Music or no music when running?
Music during training for Oakley and also when I race with Oakley, but as racing without a Oakley, NO MUSIC, it’s the collegiate runner in me.
Favorite running shoe?
Saucony Speed Endorphins (they fit my AFO the best and have the best support for my leg I have to compensate on)
Shelby is a source of inspiration for all of us. If there is one thing for certain in this world it’s that change is a guarantee in our lives. It’s not what happens to us but rather how we respond to the changes. Thank you Shelby for showing us all that we can still achieve great things in spite of some not-so-great things being thrown our way. We are cheering you on!
Meet our very own iDaph Ambassador. She is a champion for others to find their finish no matter what level they find themselves at. Below she offers a few tips for getting started (or started again!) such as linking arms with a running friend to help keep you accountable to signing up for some races to give yourself something to work towards. Read her story below and see if you can relate to starting and stopping then finding that motivation again!
In Betsy’s Words
About 3 years ago my friend and I were doing a walk for JDRF through our work and I mentioned that it was on my bucket list to do a half-marathon. She went home that day and found the one that was at the Biltmore House in March. We trained for about 6 months and did the half-marathon. I immediately signed up for another and did that one a few months later. Then we stopped doing anything at all for the rest of the year…
We both felt absolutely awful and missed the way we felt while we were training for the half so we decided we would have to sign up for races throughout the year to keep us going.
Over the past few years, the majority of events I have done (mostly running and triathlon) have been put on by iDaph.
I absolutely fell in love with iDaph Events!! They are geared towards everyone at every fitness level from the folks that are lightning fast to people like me who struggle to make it to the end. They are so well organized and so much fun I decided this year that I wanted to play an even bigger role which is how I became an Ambassador. Oh and I won’t lie…I have signed up for a couple of them just because of the awesome finisher medals!!!
Interview with an iDaph Ambassador
So you started running later in life. Is that right? Or did you run any during your school years?
Yes, I started later.
What is your favorite part of the triathlon: swim run or bike?
Swim
What are you most excited about for the rest of 2022? Any fall races coming up?
Now that you’ve run a few half-marathons do you plan on running the Asheville full marathon in 2023?!
No! lol
Speaking of races, which iDaph event has been your favorite to date and what made it so special?
My favorite has probably been the Hendersonville Triathlon and the Trick or Trail because my daughter ran that one with me and I won the costume contest. I’m a slow runner so I have to take the wins where I can get them. Lol
What advice would you give to anyone struggling to get back into running after a running hiatus? Sign up for more races!?
“…sign up for a new (longer, harder, different) race. One that you are questioning if you can even do it. That will force you to really feel like you have to work hard to achieve it. And when you do (which you will) it’s so worth it!!!”
Well, that is my own personal struggle so it’s hard to advise on that one. I would definitely say sign up for a new (longer, harder, different) race. One that you are questioning if you can even do it. That will force you to really feel like you have to work hard to achieve it. And when you do (which you will) it’s so worth it!!!
What made you want to be an iDaph Ambassador?
I love the events so much I really wanted to help out and be behind the scenes as well as an iDaph Ambassador!
Music or no music when running? Definitely need music!!!
Favorite running season? Winter! I’m an odd ball. I love a cold run!!
Favorite running shoe? I still love Brooks even though I have been trying out others recently.
Running solo or with friends?
“…it definitely helps knowing she is there and striving to catch up. It goes both ways. When she is having a bad run day I motivate her by not allowing me to pass or catch up to her.”
I typically run solo because my running partner is faster than me but it definitely helps knowing she is there and striving to catch up. It goes both ways. When she is having a bad run day I motivate her by not allowing me to pass or catch up to her.
We are cheering you on Betsy! Thank you for working behind the scenes as an iDaph Ambassador. Keep up the good work!
When you think of competing in a race you’d probably think: run to win! However, for Gina, the goal was the opposite. Running to lose weight was her original mission but through the course of her 100-pound weight loss journey what she gained was more than just a new, lighter frame. Read our interview with Gina below and be inspired by her journey from her first 5k to now being a regular weekender warrior!
“At the time it seemed like a challenge. After running a few 5ks and actually enjoying it, things escalated quickly…”
Meet Ambassador Gina Stanley
Where can we find you outside from running?
During the day you can find me working as a salon coordinator for a busy salon downtown. In the afternoons you may find me doing home renovations or hiking. Some weekends I may be doing a Spartan race.
How long have you been running and how did you come to love running?
I started running in 2018, my goal was to complete my first Run Disney 5k. At the time it seemed like a challenge. After running a few 5ks and actually enjoying it, things escalated quickly and I began trying longer distances.
How were you able to fit running into your schedule?
Fortunately my kids are older and I would go to the gym after work.
How did your life change after running?
“The more I ran the more I enjoyed it…the sense of accomplishment after every race.”
Running became a huge focus. The more I ran the more I enjoyed it. On weekends we tried to find any event we could to run in. There also was the sense of accomplishment after every race.
Which iDaph race are you most excited about?
I just completed the Jump Off Rock Half Marathon and shortly I will be doing the RAD Half Marathon. The Black Bear Half in the fall is one of my most favorite.
Which iDaph race has been your favorite to date?
Last year’s Jump Off Rock was my favorite. I finally ran an under 2 hour half.
What about the events make it fun for you?
I love the race atmosphere, watching people challenge themselves. The look of accomplishment people have when they cross the finish line.
What brings you back to the iDaph event races each year?
iDaph races are by far the most organized and fun. Most races have levels for all abilities.
What advice would you give to anyone struggling to get into running or fitness?
“Just start!”
Just start! I first started walking 3-4 times a week and eventually it turned into running. Also, I suggest the 10,000 steps a day goal. I try to have 10,000 in every morning before 10am.
Personal race day mantra?
“Just keep going. Don’t give up; Don’t ever give up.” (Jimmy Valvano)
Music or no music when running?
Music, yes! Got to have a good playlist.
Running with a group or solo?
I run both.
Favorite running shoe?
By far Hoka Bondi or Rincon
“My biggest advice to motivate someone is just give it a try. Do it a few times before you decide you don’t like it. If someone had told me five years ago that I would have been running marathons I would have thought they were crazy. Once I started running I found out I loved it and the challenge.”
Asheville Marathon and Half running along the French Broad River
Black Bear Half in Hendersonville
