Crossroads
in the Mountains
From
its earliest days of settlement, Asheville has been
a major transportation hub for the Southern Highlands.
Two centuries ago, drovers would herd livestock from
Tennessee to markets in the Carolinas along the French
Broad River valley, with Asheville as an important
stop along the route. Later, the railroad came through
Asheville as one of the most important (and very few)
east-west lines through the Appalachians, and bringing
generations of summer vacationers. A century of highway
construction highlighted by the completion of the
Blue Ridge Parkway is now culminating with the extension
of I-26 through Asheville (and connecting with the
major east-west route I-40) to connect with I-81 at
Johnson City. Our Asheville-Hendersonville Municipal
airport provides connections to several national hubs,
and is served by several airlines.
Once
here, it is also easy to get around. Downtown Asheville
and its nearby residential neighborhoods are very
walkable. From the Asheville Urban Trail to the Mountains
to Sea and Appalachian Trails, numerous opportunities
abound to get around on foot. Mountain bikes are also
a popular mode of transportation.
Of
course, the most common mode of transport is by automobile.
With I-40 running east-west and I-26/US-19/23 running
north-south, most residential areas within Buncombe
County fall within a relatively short commuting distance.
Even the most remote locations are rarely more than
a half-hour drive from downtown Asheville. Because
our winter climate is relatively mild, there are only
a few days each year when driving becomes difficult
or hazardous due to icy or snow-covered roads. For
those who would rather not drive themselves, both
taxicab and bus services are available.
Getting here is easy, as is getting around.
Useful
Transportation Links:
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