You need to walk and you can't drive to the mountains? Try Fletcher Park about 1.8 miles from Diamond Brand Outdoors in Arden. Located off Howard Gap Rd. .3 from where Howard Gap runs into Highway 25, Fletcher Park offers several paved loops, the longest of which is about .6 mile (I think). Besides the paved loops there is also a wood-chip path that follows Cane Creek and a longer dirt path that crosses the creek and connects to Old Airport Rd., near the Blue Ridge Metals Plant. Fletcher Park is a great place to walk because of the setting. Surrounded by mountains, you're entertained by great views while you exercise. This Park has a great "feel" because it gets so much use by people of all ages. There's a disc golf course and because of the setting it can be a great place to do birding. That's not all. Diamond Brand's own Jerry Brendle has found this park his favorite place to practice Nordic Walking, which involves walking with lightweight poles, a type of walking that allows you to easily engage the upper body for a more complete workout. After you've had a nice workout, you might come by and visit the store, or if you find yourself thirsty, head next door to Beef O' Brady's for a pint of Sam Adams Summer Ale!

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