Skip to main content

COVID-19 Update

Stay up to date

Recreation Services Notice

Most parks are open with limited hours and specific guidance from Buncombe County Public Health. Learn more here.
Playgrounds, restrooms, picnic shelters, and some other areas remain closed or restricted.

Thank you for helping prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Buncombe County.

Charles D. Owen Park

Fishing ponds, walking trails, and baseball fields located in Swannanoa, North Carolina

Located next to the Swannanoa River, Charles D. Owen Park offers two large fishing ponds, picnic areas, a fitness trail, basketball courts, softball and baseball fields, walking trails, covered picnic shelter rentals, and more.

Notice: Charles D. Owen Park is open 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. except for the following holidays:
Thanksgiving Day - Christmas Eve - Christmas Day - New Year’s Day

Available Rental Facilities

  • Picnic Shelters

Charles D. Owen Park has picnic shelters available to rent. Please call (828) 250-4260 for rental information.

Amenities

  • Outdoor Fitness Course
  • Three Softball/Baseball Fields
  • Two Outdoor Basketball Courts
  • Playground
  • Covered Picnic Shelters
  • Fitness Trail
  • Picnic Tables & Grills
  • 1-mile “Figure Eight” Walking Trail

Fishing

The Swannanoa river is a fish hatchery supported river, and the two lakes at Owen Park are open for lakeside fishing.

A North Carolina fishing license is required in all Buncombe County Rivers and Lakes.
[Where to Get an NC Fishing License]

Park Rules

  • Littering is prohibited
  • Destruction of plants, animals, and wildlife prohibited
  • Swimming prohibited in lakes and ponds
  • Vehicles on grass or foot trails prohibited
  • Maximum speed is 15 mph
  • Parking prohibited in non-designated areas
  • Vending of goods or merchandise prohibited
  • Park signs shall not be removed
  • Persons may not enter any facility from which they may have been prohibited
  • Permit required for certain use of parks
  • Dogs must be on a leash
  • Possession of weapons prohibited
  • Alcoholic beverages prohibited
  • No dumping garbage in county parks
  • Violators subject to prosecution pursuant to NCGS Section § 153A-123(B) & § 14-4

Hours & Events Calendar

Subscribe to the calendar and stay up-to-date with all Charles D. Owen events


Locate & Contact

Charles D. Owen

Contact

Charles D. Owen Park
P: (828) 250-4260

Physical Address:
875 Warren Wilson Road
Swannanoa, NC 28778

Mailing Address:
46 Valley Street
Asheville, NC 28801

Picnic Shelter Rentals:
P: (828) 250-4260

Social Outlets

Email Us