The North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum
4.5
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
About
Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
28 within 3 miles
Attractions
43 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- sj0inerTampa, Florida58 contributionsWonderful dayWe stopped by here while visiting Ashville to take advantage of a nice day with great weather they charge a little pricey parking fee but once you learn that it includes admission to the gardens and facilities it was all worth it. The gardens are wonderfully maintained and very colorful with both native and non native plants that are very well shown. There are also several walking/Hiking trails on the property that made for a nice walk in the woods the gift shop was nice but we could not use the snack shop as they were closed during our visit (looks like due to staffing issues) Overall a very enjoyable couple hours spent and we would visit again during other seasons to see changes to plantings.Written May 23, 2022
- RitzBitz73 contributionsBeautiful GardensI visited the Arboretum with my parents and daughter. It is beautiful, even in July! I highly recommend visiting if you're in the Asheville area. However, you should visit the Arboretum before visiting the Biltmore's incredible gardens and conservatory!! It's really nice that you just pay to park and everyone in your car can tour the gardens. They have the best bonsai exhibit I have ever seen. Incredible! There is a beautiful quilted garden and a really fun outdoor miniature train city with bonsai trees as well. If you want to see the trains running on the track, check ahead to see what days they'll be running. Plenty of shaded and sunny areas with wonderful views of the surrounding hills and mountains.Traveled with familyWritten August 2, 2022
- Meg LColumbus, Ohio3 contributionsLots to exploreSo much fun. The plants were beautiful. We loved the bonsai exhibit, the artwork, letting our son explore and run around, and the bistro had great food and warm beverages to help us extend our stay. The pricing was great, and we all loved it so much that we planned to go back a second time. I would recommend going on weekends to get to see the train exhibit, since apparently it wasn't running during the week.Written October 25, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,758 reviews
Excellent
1,971
Very good
587
Average
142
Poor
36
Terrible
22
mary10007
East Hampton, NY43 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We spent a lovely day at the Arboretum enjoying the trails and the various other amenities at the facility. The trails are beautiful, easy, and have a variety of short options. Gardens are gorgeous. This time of year the foliage was spectacular and there were numerous displays of autumn mums. The bistro Café offers excellent food and is worth a visit. We had fresh turkey sandwiches made with some sort of local homemade jam ( fig & raspberry) that was memorable. Someone from the kitchen came out and went to all the café tables to check to make sure everyone was happy with their meal. What a nice touch! The bonsai exhibit is also worth a visit; it was quite nice.
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BlueTravels
Jacksonville, FL445 contributions
Oct 2021
We spent several hours here and loved it. We wished we'd have come here before spending $160 to visit the not-well-maintained gardens of Biltmore House.
The gardens are well built out with various small theme gardens. The bonsai garden in particular is extensive and lovely. We also really enjoyed walking the trails on the property which would through the woods and by a stream.
So much to see here and it doesn't cost a dime! (Free parking too.)
The gardens are well built out with various small theme gardens. The bonsai garden in particular is extensive and lovely. We also really enjoyed walking the trails on the property which would through the woods and by a stream.
So much to see here and it doesn't cost a dime! (Free parking too.)
Written October 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Denise A
Columbia, SC44 contributions
Oct 2021
The Bonsai exhibit was our favorite, with the train village a close second (it runs only on weekends and winter festival). Beautiful grounds with wide, flat walkways and plenty of space. Some uphill but gentle grade and easy exists to parking lot all along the path. Lots of seating as well. Good experience for elders and there are loaner wheelchairs at the visitors center for checkout if needed. Small gift shop for mementos, plus plants for purchase. You can carry your water or purchase some at the cafe located at the top of the garden (it's pricey). We also had a sandwich with great bread. The garden is free but you pay for parking ($16)
Written November 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
volcanogirl
Texas13,876 contributions
Sep 2022
We originally wanted to visit the Botanical Gardens on our trip to Asheville, but after looking at reviews, we opted to go the Arboretum instead and were happy with our choice. The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the father of modern landscape architecture in the U.S., who also designed Central Park and the gardens at Biltmore. It's a beautiful green space with some good hiking trails. The space is divided between a central landscaped area with nice touches like fountains, a bonsai exhibit, a small stream, an amphitheater, and manicured gardens, and the wilder areas that have trails winding through the woods. There wasn't a lot in bloom in late September, but we still enjoyed our day. There's even a miniature train setup that runs through an area of the garden. Lots of people when we visited, but the area is so spread out that it never felt crowded. There's no admission fee other than the $16 parking fee. If you enjoy nature, you would enjoy this peaceful spot.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Laujam
Palm Springs, CA77 contributions
Dec 2022
What a great way to spend Christmas at NC Arboretum. The light show is incredible I don't think you could see a better one anywhere in the world. $60 per vehicle is a little steep so pack as many people in your vehicle as possible.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan M
Davidson, NC350 contributions
Dec 2022
First night visit to the Arboretum and it was worth waiting for. The light display was tasteful and well planned so one could view all feature without an extended time in the winter chill of the evening. The best thing, it wasn't crowded on a weekday evening.
Written December 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shirley G
54 contributions
Aug 2022
My grandson (18) and I (73) visited the Arboretum on August 31, 2022. Initially we had planned to go to Biltmore Estate however we did not have a car. Instead we opted for a Tumblestone Blue Ridge Waterfall Tour and a trip to the North Carolina Arboretum. We loved walking the trails through the woods. We especially like seeing natural settings. Seeing so many different kinds of trees with flowers mingling in was beautiful. Signage on the trails could be better as we got turned around at a couple crossroads. Although the flowers in the garden were not spectacular they were still beautiful. The train setup, bonsai garden and sculptures throughout were wonderful. The gift store was nice just wish we could have bought a plant at the plant sale but wouldn't work on the airplane. Thanks!
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Love2Hike915
Morris County, NJ8 contributions
Sep 2022
Lots of hiking/walking trails (mostly easy), and a very cool bonsai exhibit--not at all what you'd expect bonsai trees to look like. We visited in September, so unfortunately, not much was in bloom, and it was just a tad too soon for fall mums etc. But still some great trails. There is a bistro, but I'd advise packing your own lunch and picnicking.
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sam S
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Couples
This was not a great experience. Paying $30 for 10 minute of lights (if that) was a waste. The lights also didn’t have much theme. It was really just thrown together on some trees, made some deer, and put some icicles. We were looking forward to these because we read a lot about it. But we are super disappointed. We are glad to at least know the money is going somewhere useful. But it’s still sad that we didn’t get to see good lights.
For those of you reading this, if you’re ever in Concord, NC, the speedway motor lights are the best lights to pay $30 a car for.
For those of you reading this, if you’re ever in Concord, NC, the speedway motor lights are the best lights to pay $30 a car for.
Written December 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
maapar
Mount Pleasant, SC826 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Spent a couple of hours here angering the gardens and walking nature trail. Had lunch at the bistro and it was very good. They are currently requiring masks indoors due to COVID surge. The gardens are well labeled and lovely. Our favorite is the bonsai exhibit.
Written August 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TWHillValley
Seffner, FL210 contributions
Want to take my mom who uses a scooter/jazzy. Has anyone visited using one onsite and/or does it look like the set-up is easily accessed by one? Would she miss anything with required steps/stairs only?
Laurie M
vermont101 contributions
I would that would work for most of the area
Locagirl1
Winston Salem, NC616 contributions
How much is the cost per person for the Christmas lights? And can I purchase at gate or best online in advance?
Rebecca H
Chattanooga, TN246 contributions
Per the arboretum website for their Winter Lights, “All tickets are date-specific and must be purchased in advance ($5 convenience charge applied when purchased at door on non-sell out nights). Guests must select an entry time (6:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m., or 8:00 p.m.) when purchasing tickets. Ticket holders may enter any time between their selected entry time and 9 p.m.”
I would also check their site before going in general as they are experiencing snow delays.
arlenestokman
Asheville, NC
Are dogs allowed ingredients Adboratum?
Gray G
Norfolk, VA222 contributions
We found it to be a perfect place to take our dog! Only issue is that you'll need two adults if you plan to go inside any of the buildings: 1 to stay with your dog, 1 to go inside. We also had difficulty finding water for our dog, so plan to bring a water bottle and portable water dish!
tneighbors
Clemmons, NC
is there a bon-sai exhibition this year and if so, what are the dates.
https://litewallettraveler.com/
24 contributions
There is a beautiful bonsai exhibit. They have the outdoor bonsai exhibit garden from May to November and the inside exhibit from November to April.
SewManyDolls
Cocoa Beach, FL361 contributions
Visiting in just a few days, and would love to bring home some colorful leaves as souvenirs, and also to use in crafts. Any hints or rules about either collecting them or transporting them via plane? I don't want to break any laws....
Martha H
Alexandria, VA135 contributions
I don't know, but someone at the arboretum can answer your question: either at the entry booth or in the Visitor Center.
MaxFL
Greenville, SC3 contributions
Are there any charges for bicyclists or hikers to enter the Arboretum area? I've already read about the car Parking Fee collected at the gate. But we would have nothing to park, and presumably won't even need to enter through the car gate.
Thanks.
Chris P
Pittsburgh, PA64 contributions
Bikers and walkers can walk through the main entrance without paying a parking fee. As another suggested, you should consider contributing at the donation box at the main information desk once you do reach the parking area. There is only one entrance, so there is not a special biker/hiker entrance.
frogwoman29420
Charleston, SC
How much does it cost
Elaine D
Austin, United States35 contributions
copied from their web-site:
The North Carolina Arboretum does not charge a per person admission, only a parking fee. Cash, checks, Visa and Mastercard credit/debit cards are accepted at the front gatehouse. The first Tuesday of every month, the Arboretum also offers a 50% discount on personal vehicle parking ($7). Current parking fees are:
Members: Free
Personal Vehicles: $14
Motorhomes / Vehicles (21’ or larger): $50
Buses: $100
There are no other admission charges required for visitors to access the Arboretum’s grounds and facilities beyond the standard parking fees
katarm287
Springfield, OR5 contributions
If baker exhibit closed for repairs,we visit first week of april,will there be more to see?are hiking trails thru the woods. Dirt or paved?
Thanks for reaching out and we look forward to having you! All facilities will be open in April (including the Baker Exhibit Center). Most hiking trails are dirt/gravel and the gardens are wheelchair accessible.
The North Carolina Arboretum (Asheville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The North Carolina Arboretum
- The North Carolina Arboretum is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- We recommend booking The North Carolina Arboretum tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 The North Carolina Arboretum tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The North Carolina Arboretum:
- (0.99 mi) Bent Creek Lodge
- (1.55 mi) Asheville Cottages
- (0.43 mi) Hike/Mtn Bike/Explore From Cabin Into Pisgah National Forest In Asheville
- (0.38 mi) Trails End Retreat
- (2.28 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
- Restaurants near The North Carolina Arboretum:
- (0.18 mi) Bent Creek Bistro
- (1.84 mi) Apollo Flame Bistro - Brevard
- (4.80 mi) Vinnie's Neighborhood Italian South Asheville
- (1.90 mi) Stone Ridge Tavern
- (5.53 mi) Jargon