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The North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum | Gardens, Trails and Bonsai

by Ray Kinz

Why Visit?

The Arboretum is more than just a garden it’s a place where you can slow down, breathe in fresh mountain air, and get inspired by both nature and art. Whether you’re stretching your legs on a Parkway road trip, looking for family-friendly things to do in Asheville, or planning a peaceful afternoon outdoors, the North Carolina Arboretum offers something special in every season.

Tucked into the Southern Appalachian Mountains just minutes from Asheville and right off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393 the North Carolina Arboretum is one of the region’s most beautiful and peaceful attractions. Spread across 434 acres, it blends curated gardens, hiking and biking trails, seasonal events, and educational exhibits, making it a perfect stop for both casual visitors and plant enthusiasts.

The North Carolina Arboretum's gardens and exhibits feature meticulously curated collections, including the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, where you can marvel at Pinus thunbergii and Acer palmatum specimens. These trees, carefully pruned and shaped, represent a harmonious blend of nature and art, offering a glimpse into the ancient practice of bonsai cultivation. You'll find the seasonal displays throughout the Arboretum equally enthralling. From flowering beds of Tulipa gesneriana in spring to the vibrant hues of Chrysanthemum morifolium in fall, each season brings a new palette to explore. The Arboretum's horticulturists craft these displays with precision, ensuring that every visit offers a unique visual experience.

The bonsai collection is not just limited to traditional species. It includes innovative specimens like Pseudolarix amabilis and Ginkgo biloba, which showcase the versatility and adaptability of bonsai techniques. This collection provides an educational experience, revealing the intricate care involved in maintaining these living sculptures.

Don't miss the Quilt Garden, where you can see a living tapestry of annuals and perennials forming intricate patterns. This garden exemplifies the Arboretum's commitment to blending botanical science with artistic expression, ensuring your visit is both enlightening and liberating.

Gardens Worth Wandering

One of the most photographed spots is the Quilt Garden, where vibrant flowers are planted each season in patterns inspired by Appalachian quilt blocks. The Heritage Garden showcases native plants and traditional uses, while the Bonsai Exhibition Garden is a true gem and one of the best in the country, with miniature trees shaped to reflect the rugged character of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Trails and Outdoor Adventures

With more than 10 miles of trails, the Arboretum is a favorite for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The Carolina Mountain Trail is an easy loop that winds through forest and meadows, while other paths connect to the larger Bent Creek Experimental Forest and Pisgah National Forest for those who want to go farther. All trails are dog-friendly, so it’s a great spot to bring your four-legged hiking buddy.

Exhibits and Learning

Inside the Baker Exhibit Center, you’ll find rotating art, science, and nature displays, along with a visitor information desk and gift shop. The Arboretum also hosts classes, workshops, and events for adults and kids — from gardening tips to eco-education programs.

Seasonal Events

If you’re visiting in late fall or winter, don’t miss Winter Lights, when the gardens glow with over a million LED lights in dazzling displays. In spring and fall, the plant sales are a great chance to bring home native perennials, shrubs, and trees grown by local experts.