Changes to Public Access

The Education Center is now open to the public.

First-floor restroom access is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via the Bistro doors.

Click the link below for up-to-date information on the Arboretum's response to COVID-19.

View More COVID-19 Operations Updates

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest just south of downtown Asheville, North Carolina. Easily accessible via the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway or Interstate 26, the Arboretum is surrounded by the lush, botanically-diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, allowing visitors to connect personally with nature in ways that are as unique and rich as the land itself.

Click here for hours, directions and fees 

The North Carolina Arboretum 101

Why should you visit The North Carolina Arboretum? Here are a few reasons why visitors continue to come back time and time again:

  • 65 acres of cultivated gardens, including the Bonsai Exhibition Garden and the National Native Azalea Collection accredited by the Plant Collections Network.
  • 10+ miles of hiking and biking trails ranging from easy to moderate/difficult.
  • A variety of family-friendly nature activities, including self-guided nature explorations and an EcoLab containing live reptiles and amphibians.
  • Rotating art, science and educational exhibits displayed year-round.
  • On-site bistro and indoor/outdoor dining area offering local, fresh ingredients made to order.
  • A gift shop featuring a vibrant selection of hand-made craft items created by local and regional artists.

View Garden & Trail Map

Things to Do in Asheville

Looking for help in planning your trip to Asheville? Visit ExploreAsheville.com for a list of Asheville-area activities, events, restaurants, tours, hotels and more!

Discounted Hotel Rates

Thanks in part to the Arboretum’s Community Partner Biltmore Farms Hotels, Arboretum guests can enjoy a special rate at the following hotels:

  • Hilton Biltmore Park
  • DoubleTree Biltmore Village
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Biltmore Village
  • Residence Inn Biltmore

Make Reservation Here

Extend your visit with a year-long membership!

From special events and traveling exhibits to seasonal changes in our carefully-cultivated gardens and the stunning Appalachian landscape, there is always something new happening at The North Carolina Arboretum. By joining The North Carolina Arboretum Society or gifting a membership, you or someone you love can experience a full year of what the Arboretum has to offer, with benefits that include free parking, access to special events, discounts and more.

Find Out More

Garden Etiquette

The North Carolina Arboretum is a stunning, tranquil garden located in beautiful Western North Carolina. We ask that you please be considerate of the following rules so that visitors, plants and animals alike can continue to enjoy this wonderful area:

  • Leashed dogs and pets are welcome on property (except during Winter Lights and other specified events). Only service animals are permitted inside buildings and the Bonsai Exhibition Garden. Please be mindful of the gardens and other guests by picking up after your pet.
  • Bicycles, roller blades and skateboards are not permitted in the main gardens and Bonsai Exhibition Garden.
  • Picnics and outside food and drinks are allowed, however; please be sure to dispose of waste and recyclables in the appropriate receptacles.
  • No firearms or outside alcohol are allowed on property.
  • Personal photography is allowed. Please visit the photography policy page for more details regarding commercial photography and permits.

For any other questions regarding your visit to The North Carolina Arboretum, please contact us.

Accessibility

The Arboretum’s Education Center, Baker Exhibit Center and main garden areas are wheelchair accessible. If you have a request or question, please contact the Arboretum at 828-665-2492.

Click here to view accessibility map

Firearms Policy

It is a violation of State criminal law (NCGS 14-269.2) and The N.C. Arboretum Campus policy to possess or carry any Weapon on the Arboretum campus, except under the following circumstances:

  1. Law enforcement personnel, firefighters, emergency service personnel, and military personnel, carrying out their official duties
  2. A person who has a legally valid concealed handgun permit or who is exempt from obtaining such a permit under State law, who has a handgun in a closed compartment or container within the person’s locked Vehicle or in a locked container securely affixed to the person’s Vehicle. A person may unlock the Vehicle to enter or exit the Vehicle, provided the handgun remains in the closed compartment at all times and the Vehicle is immediately following the entrance or exit, as provided in NCGS 14-269.2(k). Any such Vehicle, when locked, must be parked in accordance with applicable Arboretum policies.