Hominy Creek Greenway

The Hominy Creek Greenway is a small section of a natural greenway for you to enjoy in the heart of West Asheville. The hike here is under a mile and proceeds through a variety of plants and trees. Walking along the side of the creek, you will forget that you are so close to busy Asheville streets. Well maintained by the "Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway," this trail is a great option for your lunch break or to sit and enjoy the surrounding nature with a book or instrument. There is some historical significance of this section of greenway. Established in 2011, the protection of this area has been made possible by a coalition of local citizens and businesses. It was the site of a hydroelectric dam that once stood 30 feet in the air and spanned 250 feet across Hominy Creek. Built in 1892 by Edwin Carrier, it flowed to the Hominy Power Plant a bit downstream. Today you will see the remains of the dam where it once stood. It powered 150 arc lights and 4,000 incandescent bulbs in Asheville and the Belmont Hotel in Sulphur Springs. In 1892 there was also the world's first hydroelectric-powered, 300-horsepower trolley car that traveled where the greenway now sits. At that time there were less than 1,000 people living in Asheville. The dam was dismantled in 1934, and now some of the bricks are being repurposed on the greenway. Overall this trail is a good example of a community using a piece of land for its citizens. This trail offers a natural environment close to the mountain city of Asheville. Within walking distance from major restaurants and bars, this trail offers a glimpse into the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains that surround Asheville. Note that there are some swimming options on this greenway.