South Slope Mural Trail

Urban Orchard Cider Company

The art and artists that make Asheville shine

A Self-Guided Tour of Asheville’s South Slope Cultural District

The South Slope Mural Trail was created in collaboration with the Asheville Downtown Association Foundation, Explore Asheville and the South Slope Neighborhood Association to highlight the creativity of Asheville’s growing mural scene in downtown’s South Slope.

This hip, compact district of Asheville’s Southside, commonly referred to as the South Slope, has a rich and diverse history including a vibrant African American community, an automobile-focused “motor mile," and now a lively industrial area with a dynamic arts culture and thriving craft brewery scene. Characterized by its grit and its local charm, the area is popular with residents and tourists alike, offering a plethora of food and beverage options amidst a scattering of colorful murals.

Mural Trail Route

The South Slope district is roughly bounded by Asheland, Biltmore, Southside and Hilliard Avenues. Parking in the area may be a challenge, especially on weekends. There is a public parking deck at 40 Coxe Avenue. If exploring the mural trail on foot, expect to walk approximately 2 miles over a course of 1-2 hrs (not including food and beverage stops).

If starting in downtown, a good place to begin the trail is with “Can Vault” located at 77 Coxe Avenue. This is one of the northernmost murals in close proximity to the parking garage. If coming from the South of downtown, another good starting point would be “Arts. Empowerment. People” at 217 Coxe Avenue. Here, you can rent an electric bicycle from The Flying Bike next door and spend the day touring the area with ease.

Please note that the mural trail is subject to change as murals and locations are added or removed. We try to keep the information up to date, however some murals may not yet be listed on the trail guide while others may no longer be there.

Why Public Art Matters

Public art is created for the people. It does not exist inside gallery or museum walls, it lives and breathes in the streets with everyday people where it can be interacted with on a daily basis. Meant to engage, to inspire, to provoke and to enliven, public art transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary.

For thousands of years humans have been driven to express themselves and their experience of the world by drawing and painting on walls. From ancient cave paintings to modern murals, the desire to make our mark, beautify the spaces we live, and share in a collective experience continues.

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