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
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.
Naturalist Walk and Talk – Spiders
Naturalist Walk and Talk – Spiders
Join staff naturalists on a walk to see what flora, fauna and phenomena we can find on the Arboretum trails.
Forest Bathing Retreat: The Experience of Fall
Forest Bathing Retreat: The Experience of Fall
Join us for a celebration of autumn delights during this restorative afternoon nature connection retreat!
Birding for Beginners
Birding for Beginners
Join us on this birding walk around the NC Arboretum gardens and trails in search of our most colorful residents.
Botanical Drawing for Beginners (4-sessions)
Botanical Drawing for Beginners (4-sessions)
Join retired art teacher Camille in this monthly class for beginners to learn about Botanical Art in different media.
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.
