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The North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville

4.7
#1 of 544 in Parks in North Carolina
National Park · Garden
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The North Carolina Arboretum is home to 26 hectares (65 acres) of cultivated gardens and 16 km (10 mi) of hiking and biking trails. Head to the stream to visit the National Native Azalea Collection, where you can see nearly every U.S. azalea species. Learn about traditional North Carolina crafts, such as basketry and broom-making, at the Heritage Garden. The bonsai collection features an array of traditional Asian trees alongside some American species. You can explore more gardens and discover stunning views of the Pisgah National Forest via one of the easy, moderate, or difficult hiking or biking trails. PutThe North Carolina Arboretum into our Asheville online driving holiday planner and find out what's close by, where to stay, and where to head next.
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The North Carolina Arboretum reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
2,762 reviews
Google
4.8
TripAdvisor
  • Not worth the $20 entry fee. Currently, mid-March, they have no food available. So if you drive all the way in there there is nothing to eat. Just one junk food vending machine. They said the cafe... 
    Not worth the $20 entry fee. Currently, mid-March, they have no food available. So if you drive all the way in there there is nothing to eat. Just one junk food vending machine. They said the cafe...  more »
  • Beautiful grounds. Nice walking trails and amazing bonsai collection. Great place to stop and rest and breathe in fresh mountain air and take in the gardens. There is also a small eatery with tasty... 
    Beautiful grounds. Nice walking trails and amazing bonsai collection. Great place to stop and rest and breathe in fresh mountain air and take in the gardens. There is also a small eatery with tasty...  more »
  • Loved the Arboretum!! This was a hidden gem that we initially weren’t planning to visit but I’m so glad we did! Being that it was in early March, the gardens were not in their full glory but the... 
    Loved the Arboretum!! This was a hidden gem that we initially weren’t planning to visit but I’m so glad we did! Being that it was in early March, the gardens were not in their full glory but the...  more »
Google
  • So many different things to look at and the flowers are beautiful I went the second week of September and they all still had their colors. They have a very cute gift shop. There was a wedding going on while we were there which was very interesting to look at! Didn’t know they offered those kind of services there. But it is nice to know they do! Also, the cafe they have there was delicious. I believe I got the garden salad and it was so good. The ranch dressing was perfect. Staff is very friendly!
  • Such a beautiful and well maintained place. 16 bucks to park and the rest is free unless you decide to buy some $3 succulents. The bonsai exhibit was absolutely beautiful. A miniature redwood tree? One of the cutest things I've seen. The flowers are breathtaking as well. I highly recommend this place for its awe inspiring beauty.
  • This place is a steal with only a sixteen dollar parking fee. Everything else was free to enter and explore. Give yourself a few hours to walk and enjoy the gardens and trails. The bonsai exhibit was very well laid out. There is plenty of photo opportunities and great mountain views throughout the park. I would recommend a visit here.
  • Excellent arboretum full of beautifully curated displays, fun for the entire family regardless of season! Wonderful outdoor trails to meander peacefully. Huge train exhibit with live plants was really neat and inspiring. Bonsai garden was pretty even though it’s off season. Lots of cool educational nature exhibits inside too. Absolutely stunning welcome center, though the staff totally ignored me, but that was fine because I was able to locate what I needed by myself. Also, great educational program with dedicated area for future outdoor enthusiasts. Overall, a great experience minus the lack of customer service inside the welcome center. Would recommend.
  • A magical slice of heaven just outside Asheville. The beautiful gate itself sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Take the drive slow and soak in the beautiful entrance. Make sure you go inside the visitors center to get a map and use the restroom before starting on the many STUNNING trails. Don't be in a hurry, let the forest energy wash away all your stress and anxiety. It's incredibly quiet.... so you can hear the symphony of nature in all its orchestrated beauty. Then after you're done with the nature trails, take your time to explore every beautiful garden and Vistas. Photo ops everywhere. Have a full charge before leaving your car....you will definitely want it. And DON'T MISS the bonsai garden and train garden on the weekend. Couldn't believe you can actually hear the buzzing of all the bees in several different themed gardens. Definitely don't miss the gift shop upstairs!

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