Accessibility
ADA paths, wheelchair loans at front desk
Pets
Leashed dogs welcome on trails, not in buildings
Parking Fee
$25/vehicle
Directions
20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way Asheville, NC 28806-9315
I-26 W to Exit 33, NC 191 S to Blue Ridge Parkway
Hours
8 AM – 9 PM (Apr–Oct)
8 AM – 7 PM (Nov–Mar)
For 40 years, inspiring connection with nature
through wonder, knowledge, and stewardship
GARDENS
TRAILS
EDUCATION & PROGRAMS
SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING
Featured Trail:
The Carolina Mountain Trail
Experience three different kinds of forest – pine, mixed hardwood, and ericaceous on the Carolina Mountain Trail. This 1.2-mile moderate hike begins behind the Education Center and winds downhill toward the rippling waters of Bent Creek and the Wolf Branch cascades.
Explore the NC Arboretum
Weddings & Private Events
Join us for a paid guided walking tour of the gardens! Advanced scheduling is required.
ecoExplore
Developed by The North Carolina Arboretum, this innovative program encourages kids to explore the outdoors and participate in citizen science.
Certificate Programs
The North Carolina Arboretum offers two Certificates of Merit: Blue Ridge Naturalist & Blue Ridge EcoGardener
Adult Education Classes
Hands-on courses in horticulture, nature arts, conservation science, and wellness taught by expert instructors
Explore More
Browse exhibitions, classes, and special events for all ages.
Upcoming Education Classes
Intro to the Fleshy Fungi of the NC Arboretum
Intro to the Fleshy Fungi of the NC Arboretum
This workshop will consist of an introductory lecture about fungi with a focus on commonly encountered groups of fleshy fungi in western North Carolina.
Bonsai in a Day: Learn, Create, Take Home
Bonsai in a Day: Learn, Create, Take Home
Learn all about how to take care of Bonsai trees with this workshop and go home with your very own potted Bonsai tree.
Mushroom and Snail Sculpting Workshop
Mushroom and Snail Sculpting Workshop
We will be hand sculpting 2 elements with several different materials for this class!
Botanical Painting for Beginners (4-sessions)
Botanical Painting for Beginners (4-sessions)
Join retired art teacher Camille in this monthly class for beginners to learn about Botanical Art in different media.
Adventure Scientists Butternut Tree ID Field Day
Adventure Scientists Butternut Tree ID Field Day
Join FHNC and NC Arboretum in the field to put tree identification skills to the test for the Adventure Scientists' Butternut Tree Project
Support the Arboretum
Your support is vital to the Arboretum, where the power of trees makes a positive impact on people’s lives.
Upcoming Events
Winter Lights
Experience Asheville’s Brightest Holiday Tradition! Winter Lights is a spectacular open-air walk-through light show illuminating the gardens with over one million lights!
Arbor Evenings
June 10 – September 17, 2026
Baker Event Lawn
Sip and stroll through the gardens in the glow of the golden hour, all while listening to live music from a variety of local and regional artists! Arbor Evenings runs Wednesdays and Thursdays June 10 through September 17, 2026 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
