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
Sound Bath in the Gardens
Sound Bath in the Gardens
Experience the magic of Sound Baths in the Gardens.
Bonsai Exhibit Talk and Tour with Arthur Joura
Bonsai Exhibit Talk and Tour with Arthur Joura
Join Bonsai Curator Arthur Joura on this entertaining and informative after-hours tour of the garden at its peak in autumn.
Introduction to Appalachian Ecology
Introduction to Appalachian Ecology
In this class we will explore the diverse ecological communities that make up the Blue Ridge Bioregion.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Hidden in Plain Sight
There are many ways that nature hides wildlife, join naturalist/environmental educator, Eric Young, and come find out the many adaptations wildlife employs to stay alive.
River Systems Field Class
River Systems Field Class
For the River Systems Field Experience, we will observe processes and indicators along the Davidson River, a Blue Ridge tributary of the French Broad catchment basin.
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.
