Mills River Park
Riverside loops around a fenced dog park and kayak-friendly French Broad access
About this park
A large riverfront park with a fishing pier, kayak launch, inclusive playground, and the standout Mills River Dog Park tucked inside. The loop system lets owners chain a dog-park session with a riverside walk that runs close to a mile front-to-back.
Amenities
Mills River Park reviews
What visitors consistently sayReviewers rave about the upgraded accessible playground for kids with mobility devices, the well-kept fishing pier, and the easy combo of dog park plus riverside loop. The paved pathways make it one of the few Asheville-area parks genuinely usable for strollers and wheelchairs.
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Before you go
Run the front loop around the soccer fields (~.25 mile) and back loop near the river (~.6 mile) for a natural cool-down after the dog park. Back-of-park trails near the French Broad were still recovering from Helene as recently as late 2025, so check conditions before planning a long walk.
Frequently asked
- Is there an off-leash area?
- Yes, the fenced Mills River Dog Park sits inside the larger park, with riverside loops running around it.
- Can I pair the dog park with a walk?
- Chain the front loop by the soccer fields with the back river loop for close to a mile total.
- Is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs?
- Paved pathways make it one of the few area parks genuinely usable for both.
- Are any trails ever closed?
- The back river loop has been closed at times for work and was still recovering from Helene into late 2025, so check conditions before a long walk.
Nearby parks in Asheville
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Mills River Dog Park
The regional go-to after Helene, with agility ramps and multiple water bowls
Bill Moore Community Park
A 1.2-mile paved loop through open fields, with a dog area off to the side
Fletcher Parks & Recreation Dog Park
Fenced double yard with a creek for cool-downs a short walk away