French Broad River Dog Park is closed. Tropical Storm Helene severely damaged the fenced dog park at 508 Riverview Drive in September 2024. Asheville Parks & Recreation says rebuilding the city’s permanent dog parks may take multiple years, so do not travel here expecting an operating off-leash area.
Current closure and alternatives
- Status: Closed because of storm and flood damage.
- Former location: 508 Riverview Drive, Asheville, NC 28806.
- Parking: The city lists the French Broad River Park lot as closed.
- Temporary option: Riverbend Park, 100 Bleachery Boulevard, has a fenced temporary dog park.
- Another temporary option: Aston Park, 300 Hilliard Avenue, also has a temporary dog park.
Find the former dog park and follow recovery
The former dog park sits within French Broad River Park near Riverview Drive and the riverfront greenway. The city says the greenway section through French Broad River Park remains closed because of extensive storm damage. Respect barriers and posted instructions around the recovery area.
View the former dog park location, then check the city’s official French Broad River Park page and riverfront parks recovery project before visiting. The official pages provide the current map and closure information; no separate static park map is available for this listing.
What the dog park offered before the storm
Before the 2024 closure, visitors used fenced areas for large and small dogs on a wood-chip surface. The existing exact-park photo shows several dogs playing inside a fenced enclosure with benches and mature trees. These features describe the former park and should not be treated as a promise of current access or condition.
What park visitors said
Reviews posted before the closure often praised the separate dog-size areas, social atmosphere and riverfront setting. Some visitors mentioned drinking-water fixtures and waste bags, while others warned about crowding and rough or debris-prone ground. Those reports describe the pre-storm park and do not confirm today’s conditions.
Use an open temporary dog park
Asheville opened temporary fenced dog parks at Riverbend Park and Aston Park while permanent facilities are rebuilt. Check the official pages for current hours, access instructions and any temporary notices before leaving home.