10 Best Places To Do Yoga in Asheville
As you thaw out from the Western North Carolina winter and move toward spring and summer, it is the perfect time to take your yoga practice outside of your comfort zone. To help you get started and inspire your next practice, we’ve listed 10 of our favorite places to practice yoga — outside of the classroom.
NC Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is 434 acres of public gardens that’s teeming with lush foliage, especially in the summertime. From 8 am to 9 pm every day, you can explore the glorious gardens of the North Carolina Arboretum, where more than 10 miles of picture-perfect hiking connect to some of Asheville’s premiere outdoor attractions including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest.
Address: 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
Beaver Lake
Let go of your stress and take in a deep, cleansing breath of fresh air at scenic Beaver Lake, a picture-perfect escape in North Asheville. The scenic trail along the beachside offers a stunning view of both the lake and the mountains to keep your drishti as you flow through your practice.
Address: 1292 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804
French Broad River Park
The French Broad River flows directly through the beautiful city of Asheville, and you can practice yoga alongside the gentle current at the French Broad River Park. The French Broad River Park trail is 2 miles long, and connects the French Broad Greenway with Carrier and Hominy Parks. Take a stroll along the paved sidewalk until you find a grassy spot that suits you, then park your mat and let your practice begin.
Address: 220 Amboy Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Go Now: French Broad River Greenway
Botanical Gardens of Asheville
Explore 10 incredible acres of lush foliage at the Botanical Gardens of Asheville. This not-for-profit garden is nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, and with more than 600 species of plant and animal life, it’s one of the most biodiverse sites in North Carolina. Stroll along the well-kempt trails until you find a clearing for your practice, then enjoy the sense of peace and oneness with nature with each and every breath.
Address: 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Asheville NC 28804
Go Now: Botanical Gardens of Asheville
Southern Raft Supply – SUP
Ready to put your balance to the test? Head to Southern Raft Supply, rent a stand-up paddleboard for $12, and flow through your favorite vinyasa on the French Broad River. We don’t advise trying paddleboard yoga if you are a newbie, and we suggest practicing with a partner for safety reasons. It’s a great way to connect with nature and refresh your practice on a beautiful sunny day!
Address: 2000 Riverside Dr. #3B, Asheville, NC 28804
One of Asheville’s Many Wonderful Yoga Studios
Over the years, Asheville has blossomed with a diverse array of yoga studios to suit yoga practitioners of all skill levels and interests. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting Asheville, be sure to stop by the following studios:
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Fancy a hike or a bike ride before your practice? Head to DuPont State Recreational Forest and hike out to one (or three) of the many stunning waterfalls in the 10,000-acre park.
Address: 1300 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718
Go Now: DuPont State Recreational Forest
At Your Desk
Even if it’s as simple as taking a minute to stretch your neck in the middle of your workday, adding yoga to your workday can greatly improve your mood, posture, and overall health. If you can, step away from your desk for 15 minutes and flow through a sun salutation or two to reinvigorate your body and mind.
At Your Home
If you haven’t already established an at-home yoga practice, now is the time to start! By adding yoga, meditation, and mindfulness practices to your daily routine — even when you can’t make it to the studio — you are setting yourself up for a positively radiant summer, rain or shine.
Yoga in the Park
Yoga in the Park with Asheville Yoga Center is back! Starting on June 2, AYC’s incredible instructors teach free outdoor yoga classes at 10 am on select Saturdays at Pack Square Park. It’s an exceptional excuse to get outside and experience for yourself why people love Asheville, and why yoga practitioners love the instructors at AYC.
