6 Western NC, Asheville spots for a perfect picnic on Memorial Day weekend

Iris Seaton, Asheville Citizen Times

The Asheville area is full of perfect picnic spots. From city parks to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the area's options are diverse and perfect for a festive Memorial Day Weekend.

Several Asheville businesses are well aware of WNC's ample picnicking opportunities. Previous reporting from the Citizen Times covered several picnic companies that provide luxurious premade picnic baskets including the Asheville Picnic Company. Many natural areas in WNC feature picnic shelters, and plenty more are perfect for spreading out a blanket.

Whatever your preference for picnicking practices, here are seven choices for this Memorial Day Weekend and all season long.

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Picnic spots in Asheville area

French Broad River Park

A pair and a small group float down the French Broad River past the French Broad River Park in rented tubes on July 17, 2020.
A pair and a small group float down the French Broad River past the French Broad River Park in rented tubes on July 17, 2020.

With views of the French Broad, swaths of green space to lay down a blanket, paved walking paths, a gazebo, picnic tables, grills, restrooms and more, the River Park is an option within the city that still allows for plenty of nature appreciation.

The area is more accessible to wheelchairs and strollers than some, with paved walking paths throughout the park. If you're looking to host a larger event, reserve a picnic shelter online or at 828-259-5800.

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N.C. Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is just minutes from downtown Asheville
The North Carolina Arboretum is just minutes from downtown Asheville

Picnicking is allowed at the N.C. Arboretum, though they also have an on-site bistro with fresh ingredients and made-to-order food if you don't feel like packing a meal.

Regardless, with 65 acres of gardens, over 10 miles of hiking and biking trails and a variety of nature activities for the whole family, the arboretum is a perfect place to learn, explore and, yes, eat.

Mount Mitchell

A view from Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, on March 6, 2022.
A view from Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, on March 6, 2022.

About 30 miles northeast of Asheville, this 6,684 foot mountain is the highest point east of the Mississippi River. Stunning views from the observation deck, restrooms, a concession stand and picnic shelters make Mount Mitchell a perfect place to picnic and take in the natural beauty of WNC.

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Linville Falls

Linville Falls originates in the Linville Gorge area of Pisgah National Forest.
Linville Falls originates in the Linville Gorge area of Pisgah National Forest.

Called "one of the most impressive waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway" by the National Park Service, Linville Falls flows from headwaters on Grandfather Mountain into two falls, a nearly 2,000 foot descent through the deep, picturesque gorge.

Linville Falls provides not only a spectacular view and some excellent hiking, but also a 70-site campground and a picnic area open year-round.

Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway a little more than an hour’s drive north of Asheville.
Crabtree Falls is a popular hiking destination off the Blue Ridge Parkway a little more than an hour’s drive north of Asheville.

Crabtree Falls is a great spot for a hike and picnic lunch. Explore the scenic 2.5-mile loop that leads to the base of 60-foot Crabtree Falls and refuel at a picnic table. The area also features a 92-site campground. Unlike some of these locations, Crabtree Falls is a bit more "rugged." Keep in mind that there is no visitor center or bathroom available

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Craggy Gardens

Craggy Gardens, famous for its scenic views and variety of rare flowers, also has a wide variety of picnic area options to choose from. The NPS webpage describes full shade, partial shade, grassy open areas and steep hillside perches as choices for picnicking visitors.

The area is colorful almost year-round, from fall leaves to spring and summer wildflowers and Catawba rhododendrons.

Leave No Trace

When picnicking in natural areas, it's important to be respectful of your surroundings and the vulnerable wildlife that may share them. The seven Leave No Trace principles are intended to minimize impact from humans visiting natural areas, from national parks to your own backyard.

Here are the principles picnickers should observe when enjoying the great outdoors:

  1. Plan ahead and prepare

  2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces

  3. Dispose of waste properly

  4. Leave what you find

  5. Minimize campfire impact

  6. Respect wildlife

  7. Be considerate of others

For more information on exactly how to best observe these principles, visit the NPS webpage for their suggestions.

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Picnic spots in Asheville, Western NC: Arboretum, Craggy Gardens, more

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