Established in 1986, the North Carolina Arboretum offers 434 acres of natural grounds and more than 65 acres of cultivated botanical gardens in the heart of the Bent Creek Experimental Forest. The arboretum features several distinct gardens, hiking and bicycling trails, and more, all nestled in one of the most botanically diverse and beautiful natural settings in the country. In addition to its botanical gardens, the North Carolina Arboretum also offers a cafe, a gift shop and a variety of rotating exhibits. www.ncarboretum.org
North Carolina Arboretum Accommodations -
Situated just two miles away from the North Carolina Arboretum, the Comfort Suites Asheville offers upscale, all-suite accommodations with Asheville mountain views and deluxe hotel amenities all in the heart of beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Stay with us and enjoy a full menu of fabulous amenities, from a delicious and free daily hot breakfast to complimentary access to the adjacent Asheville Fitness Club & Spa, and comfortable in-room lodging features at our five-time gold award winning hotel property.
Gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum -
The North Carolina Arboretum offers several different garden areas within the park. From native plants growing in natural settings to bonsai trees, the North Carolina Arboretum displays a wide range of plants from around the state and the world.
Blue Ridge Quilt Garden -
This formal garden offers distinct planting beds reflecting the traditional quilt designs of the Blue Ridge Mountain region.
Cliff Dickinson Holly Garden -
This unique garden showcases a variety of native and non-native holly plants.
Heritage Garden -
This demonstration garden is filled with plants used in regional craft-making, including dyes, basketry, paper-making, and broom construction.
National Native Azalea Repository -
Peruse a complete collection of native azalea species, including cultivated varieties and hybrids, at this streamside garden.
Plant Professional Landscape Garden -
Professionals and landscaping enthusiasts can study, train and test more than 250 ornamental plants at this two-acre garden zone.
Plants of Promise Garden -
View unique plants at this residential demonstration garden that features a variety of plants from the Southern Appalachian region.
Stream Garden -
This formal garden features trees, shrubs and perennial plants situated alongside a serene stream.
Bonsai Garden -
This large bonsai collection features more than 200 display specimens and developing settings, including traditional Japanese maple and Chinese elm trees, tropical plants like willow leaf fig trees, and native plants like cypress trees and limber pins.
North Carolina Arboretum Hiking & Biking Trails -
The North Carolina Arboretum offers more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails for visitors to enjoy. Trails are located on 435 acres of arboretum property in and throughout the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and offer challenges for hikers of all ages and skill levels. Trail maps are available and trails are labeled from easy to difficult.
Visit the North Carolina Arboretum -
The North Carolina Arboretum is open free to the public all year. Arboretum hours are 8am-9pm, April-October; 8am-7pm, November-March. Parking is $8 for cars, $30 for commercial vehicles, and $50 for buses. Parking is free on the first Tuesday of each month.
