Hikes of WNC: Beaver Lake Perimeter Loop

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — One of the most popular outdoor recreation spots in town is Beaver Lake. The North Asheville lake features a 2 mile trail around its perimeter, a popular, simple and scenic walk for all ages.

Fast facts

• Parking for the Beaver Lake Perimeter Loop is located at the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary, 1056 Merrimon Ave.
• While hikers can hike around the lake in either direction, starting on the Beaver Lake South Trail on the left-hand side of the parking lot might be easiest.
• No hiking is permitted after dark, so be sure to be in and out of lakefront property by dusk

Beavers and birds

After parking at the Bird Sanctuary, which is a picturesque destination itself, head to the left side of the parking lot and take the path marked by the “Beaver Lake South Trail” sign. The dirt walkway will run underneath the North Asheville Library and curve around the Bird Sanctuary.

The beginning of the Beaver Lake Perimeter Loop.

A wooden bridge along the Beaver Lake Perimeter Loop.

Downed trees inside the BIrd Sanctuary.

Two Bird Sanctuary visitors look out on a drained portion of Beaver Lake.

Right away, hikers might notice the bird houses hung up high on the trees of the trail. These begin around the Bird Sanctuary but are scattered around the entire lake. How many different birds can you spot?

Bird houses around Beaver Lake.

Bird houses around Beaver Lake.

Bird houses around Beaver Lake.

Like many outdoor spaces in Western North Carolina, Beaver Lake was scarred by Tropical Storm Helene, the destructive hurricane which swept through the region in September 2024. Much of the Bird Sanctuary, which the start of the trail runs alongside, is cluttered with fallen trees and sawed logs. When the trail winds at the base of several North Asheville homes, the embankments are often covered with construction plastic and exposed earth. However, as spring approaches and time passes, Beaver Lake gets greener and brighter every day.

There are a few cute additions to the path which mitigate its Helene wounds. In one spot on the south side, a “Peace-Love-Kindness” rock garden invites guests to pick up or contribute colorful stones and shells. A short while later, a brightly painted Little Free Library offers a similar deal for literature.

A rock garden on Beaver Lake Perimeter Loop.

Rocks and shells are both welcome as garden contributions.

The Beaver Lake Little Free Library.

While the trail is straightforward – when in doubt, follow along the edge of the lake – the south side of the path eventually intersects with Lakeshore Drive. Keep to the grass on the side of the road, which eventually morphs into Edgewater Lane. Take a right down the dirt path at the fork between the trail and Edgewater.

When in doubt, follow the trail closest to the edge of Beaver Lake.

The waterfront views are sweeping.

When possible, stay on the grass path alongside Lakeshore Drive.

Take the fork downhill from Edgewater Lane.

Though the north side of Beaver Lake offers benches and grassy spots perfect for taking a rest, there is only one solid bench of the south side. Look for the plaque on the wooden bench marking the Eagle Scout Project of Jack LaSure.

As the trail loops around Beaver Lake’s west end, be mindful of a dirt path weaving up leftward toward a nearby house. Keep to the right along the water.

Dog walkers are common along Beaver Lake. If you decide to bring your pooch along for a stroll, be careful to keep them on leash and away from the lake. The algae can make the water dangerous for pets to drink.

Swooping around the west end of the lake, depending on trail traffic, hikers may need to stray onto the cement of Glen Falls Road. Be mindful of car traffic, too. Continue down Glen Falls Road until you hit the stop sign, then take a right across the stone bridge and head north toward Merrimon Avenue.

Glen Falls Road can be crowded with hikers.

Take a right at the stop sign.

The walk up to Merrimon Avenue.

The north side of Beaver Lake is bookended by a small parking lot and a sign welcoming hikers to Lake View Park. Note that no swimming is allowed and that fishing and boating require a permit. Find the full list of rules on the green park signs.

Walking through Lake View Park offers a couple of options for the Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail. Regular forks will give hikers the choice between keeping close to Merrimon Avenue or staying close to the lake. Both paths wind up at the same place, and if you decide to sample both, a quick stroll across the grass will get you from one to the other.

A fork in the path in Lake View Park.

The trail alongside Beaver Lake.

A wooden bridge running alongside Merrimon Avenue.

A many-limbed tree along Beaver Lake.

A tall tree leans toward the right, my preferred route through Lake View Park.

Benches are scattered through Lake View Park.

One unique landmark at Lake View Park is the boathouse, featuring a colorful assortment of canoes, a small parking lot and a couple of docks on the water.

Canoes at the Beaver Lake boathouse.

Docks on Beaver Lake.

“Do not litter,” requests a Beaver Lake sign.

At the east end of Beaver Lake, the Beaver Lake Perimeter Loop will take its leave of the lake itself. The spot is marked by a dog waste disposal station and the transition to a Merrimon Avenue sidewalk. Head on the sidewalk until you reach a series of trees along a wooden fence. Take that dirt path and exit out into the Beaver Lake parking lot. Be sure to snap a picture with the butterfly wings for a fun memento!

The Merrimon Avenue exit on the east end of Beaver Lake.

Another view of the Bird Sanctuary from the north side of the lake.

Walk along the dirt path, keeping close to the fence.

The return to the Beaver Lake parking lot.

The entrance to the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary.

Butterfly wings waiting for their photo op.