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.
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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.