Hominy Creek Greenway

This is one of the best little pockets of nature in the Asheville area.

I’m come out here for peace it’s peaceful no one bothers you people come and go pep walk there dogs and people walk and some run some have there dogs with them some take there dogs down to the creek and they get in the water to cool down some throw tennis balls it’s very peaceful out here

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 neither would I.

The place has been a day saver for me over years! Right in West Asheville, 40 mins to one end & back. It's a lovely way to step into nature without having to drive more than 10 mins. & despite how horrible Helene was, the workers (paid & volunteer) have done incredible work pulling it back together to be enjoyed by everyone. 💪✨️💗

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 call the police.