Hominy Creek Greenway — Attraction in Asheville

Hominy…is it a minor hike area? A shortcut? A dog park? A habitat for people, animals, and totems? It is all that, and more.

Brotherhug Barlow saw the value of the wooded area and knew that green areas positively impact a local environment. He envisioned turning the unused land into a greenway. Barlow pitched his idea to the Ashevillian bigwigs (Brotherbig), they loved it; some rich homies (or “hominies”, if you will) chipped in, and Hominy was born.

I was introduced to Hominy by my husband and daughter, who are fully cliqued up. Hominy is the exact opposite of the local arboretum, our other haunt. It is urban and chaotic, tranquil and arboreal. It quite reminds me of the park I grew up in, Millcreek Park. Hominy would be just like it if Hominy’s commanders added a toothpaste-hued Futuro.

Hominy is a trail that runs behind a neighborhood. It has threeish parking lots- a traditional one, and two smaller ones at either end of the path. There are walkers and joggers of all types. Some are seasoned; some just discovered Led Zeppelin. Some hog the path with their friend who is hopefully listening to their use of “juxtaposition” and “ennui”. Some are solitary and silent.

There is a creek that runs parallel to the path. There is even a small “beach” area that is always claimed. Actually, it isn’t, as it is public, so feel free to march down to it and blame me if a dog or a human gets huffy.

There is a small pond there, fully inhabited by creatures that do not bank on safety while on the bank.

I live too far away to be a volunteer there, but I do pick up old trash here and there. I was lucky enough to find that rat bottle in the photo accompanying my review. I hid it in a different spot. Hurricane Helene probably moved it, but one can hope. That bottle is sacred to someone.

The dogs are semi out of control there. You have to watch out for poop. A majority of dogs there are under strict manners. They are either leashed, which is a universal law, or they are unleashed, but obeying commands with stunning manners while adjacent humans are having heart attacks.

Once, I passed a huge, stoic Great Dane and his companion, a doggified Joe Pesci. They were leashed. When we later traversed the path back, my daughter approached a secluded spot, only to have the smaller dog rush her, barks flying. He was unleashed; I presume that the Hulk-Hound was as well. I started to walk towards the commotion, thoughts rushing, yet curiously disassociated. The owners secured Young Yeller and co., and the night went on, for that moment devoid of its inherent sufferings.

I respect what Brotherhug Barlow brought to life and then saw through to preserve life. The wildflowers, frogs, songbirds, and hawks would not be there if they did not have that natural environment. And...

Great place except NO ONE obeys the dog leash ordinance posted at either entrance so wear clothes you don't mind a dog jumping up on and getting muddy. And if your balance is iffy, bring two poles to keep the dogs at bay so they don't knock you off your feet. I love animals, dogs in particular and I volunteer at two separate rescue facilities, but there ARE dog parks in the area specifically set aside for dogs to run loose. This is NOT one of them but you must treat it as though it is due to people who feel that their pet's comfort is more important than their neighbors right to enjoy a peaceful place without being knocked down by...

What could be a nice walk near the creek is dominated by arrogant and rude dog owners who insist on keeping their dogs unleashed despite red & white signs to keep them on leashes. And if you have the audacity to be annoyed when the dogs charge at you? Vile owners swear and argue, as though they're not in violation of the law. I've started taking pictures of the dogs, owners and license plates since nobody patrols the area to enforce the law. Next time your dog charges at me, I will...