Beaver Lake — Attraction in Asheville

We’ve lived in Asheville for 5 years and we’ve driven past Beaver Lake many times,but we’d never stopped. Our senior rescue dog recently developed a serious medical problem and a vet on North Merrimon treats her. We took her in today for a blood draw, then they administered a medication, and she had to be back in an hour for a second blood draw to see if the medication was working. To kill some time before her second blood draw, we drove to Beaver Lake to let her walk around. We parked on the north end of the lake. The lone sign said you couldn’t park there past a certain time, but that was it. We walked down to the canoe storage area and back. As we got to the car, a ranger pulled up next to us and said he wanted to see Maggie’s tag. I said we live outside the city limits and dogs aren’t required to have tags. He said where’s her Beaver Lake tag and I said she didn’t have one. He said tags are $100, it’s private property, and when he saw us he knew we weren’t supposed to be there. It appears we were in the wrong, but there was nothing to warn us we weren’t welcome there until the condescending ranger rolled in on us. I know he had a job to do, but he didn’t have to be a jerk about it. We’ll look at Beaver Lake in a different light...

My absolute favorite fishing/lounging spot nearest downtown Asheville. One of my personal favorites outdoor locations. A true gem that makes you forget how close to the city you are. If Mr. Jenkins still works as the park ranger he's amazing and friendly. Great guy to chat to or ask fishing advice. He works hard to keep the park immaculate especially for outdoorsman and women. Good shade spots for hammocks and a trail that loops the lake for walking, running, dog walking, or just ambling. Have caught great bass, crappie, and bream. Had to purchase a day pass on top of a regular fishing license from the gatehouse. Not sure about kayaking rules but have seen many stored there and out on the lake. Also a separate bird sanctuary and trail within walking distance a few min south if you follow Merrimon Rd. road back toward the Ingles, it's on the right and...

Signage everywhere reminding you that you’re in a private park. Signs everywhere reminding you that you must obtain a permit in order to walk you dog, that you cannot be anywhere near the “park” after sundown. Death stares from every person I encountered while running. A woman who scoffs every time I passed her while she was walking her dog. None of the “trail” is marked other than a sign telling people to not enter the bird sanctuary unless you plan on walking. Do everyone a favor and just make this whole thing private…you obviously don’t want anyone near your precious...