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
Forest Bathing: A Harvest Season Retreat
Forest Bathing: A Harvest Season Retreat
Your guide, Christa Hebal, will lead you on a gentle journey through the forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and nature therapy together for a restorative morning on some of the trails less traveled at the North Carolina Arboretum.
Hawkwatch at Grandfather Mountain
Hawkwatch at Grandfather Mountain
Join Arboretum and Grandfather Mountain staff on a day filled with scanning the skies for these migratory birds.
Geology of the Blue Ridge Field Class
Geology of the Blue Ridge Field Class
This is the first class of a two-part Geology course that explores the geologic history of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Landscape Design Fundamentals (2-sessions)
Landscape Design Fundamentals (2-sessions)
Learn how to bridge the gap between traditional landscape practices and self-sustaining systems taught in Permaculture.
How Plants Grow: A Close Look at Plant Growth and Structures
How Plants Grow: A Close Look at Plant Growth and Structures
Building on Beginning Botany, this class examines plant cells and tissues, how they are, and how they grow.
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.
