Mills River – To celebrate National Park and Recreation Month, the Town of Mills River has planned many activities for those in the area in July. These will be held at the 48-acre Mills River Park, located at 124 Town Center Drive, just off Route 191 (Haywood Road).
Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail
On July 13th, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail at Mills River Park will be opened at the boat launch ramp. This is one of ten pilot sites opened by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Snorklers of any age will be able to see all sorts of aquatic life in the French Broad. “River snorkelers will get to experience our rivers through the fish’s eyes and explore all of the unique and beautiful species that are hidden just under the surface.” Snorkeling is quickly becoming a popular alternative to the traditional uses of rivers and lakes, and participation has increased dramatically over the years with different businesses and organizations leading groups of people on guided trips. According to the Western Region Aquatic Wildlife Diversity Coordinator, Luke Etchison, Ph.D., of the Wildlife Commission’s Inland Fisheries Division, “You’ll get the chance to see crayfish, mussels, aquatic snails, salamanders, aquatic insects, and fish you don’t normally see, even if you fish.”
Wednesday Professional Showcases
Each Wednesday in July, beginning July 12 to August 2, the following professionals will bring the equipment they use for guests to learn more about that profession. Kids of all ages love to meet and interact with the firemen and their fire trucks, chat with the deputies, sit in the Sheriff’s cars, and learn more about the farming in the area. Each event begins at 11:30 a.m.
– July 12, 2023: Mills River Fire Department
– July 19, 2023: Henderson County Sheriff’s Office
– July 26, 2023: North River Farms
– August 2, 2023: Ascendum Construction Equipment
Outdoor Movie Screenings
Then a full screening of a movie will be held outside at Mills River Park. This starts in August. All movies are free and open to the public; light concessions (cash only!) will be available.
– August 26, 2023: Top Gun Maverick (PG-13) starring Tom Cruise
– September 30, 2023: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (PG-13)
– October 14, 2023: Ghostbusters (1984) (PG)
Camping in the Park
Following the screening of Guardians of the Galaxy on September 30th, the Town is hosting Camping in the Park. Bring your tents and camp under the stars! Registration is required for this event: $12 for residents per family and $15 for non-residents per family, with s’mores and breakfast included. No portable grills or pets are allowed. Call 828-890-2901 for more information.
Mills River Park Amenities
Mills River Park has grown and improved over the years. The park is located at 124 Town Center Drive, just off Rt. 191 (Haywood Road). There is a scenic 1.2-mile open-air walking trail, an enclosed dog park that separates the larger dogs from the smaller ones with a covered bench for the owners, four recently resurfaced tennis courts and pickleball courts, a basketball court, a baseball/softball field (home of Rugby Middle School baseball team) a canoe/kayaking launch, and a handicap-accessible fishing pier, a wildflower meadow, and recently planted butterfly garden. There are multiple tables for picnicking,some covered and some in the open air near the river.
About Mills River
The Town of Mills River is situated within minutes of Pisgah National Forest, Interstate 26, and the Asheville Regional Airport. It was incorporated 20 years ago, and since that time, businesses and developments have continually opened. In a very short distance from each other, you can find a large brewing facility for the East Coast Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, an incredible bike park and adventure center called the Riveter, a well-stocked Valley Ag Center, a festive Bold Rock Cidery with daily cider tastings, as well as the Mills River Creamery with fresh, delicious local dairy products. Businesses are continually opening in the area. Lately, on June 7th, the Appalachian Mountain Brewery opened another taproom, and in May, Ohalo Genetics opened their genetically engineered potato and corn bio-tech greenhouse operation.