The North Carolina Arboretum

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, USA

Address:	100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806, USA
Phone:	+1 828-665-2492
Site:	ncarboretum.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM 8AM–9PM

Location

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Leaflet

Photos 100

Reviews 11

Rick Nipper

The North Carolina Arboretum consists of 434 acres in the Pisgah National Forest. It is such a beautiful property just adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway. The NC Arboretum was established in 1986 by the state of North Carolina and is part of the University of North Carolina system. There is a bonsai garden, native plant gardens and a quilt garden. On my recent visit, the quilt garden consisted of pansies. There are 10 miles of hiking trails. There are rocking chairs at different spots on the property to just kick back and enjoy the 360 degree view of the mountains. There is a gift shop, educational programs, special exhibits and a cafe. On a recent visit, I was disappointed that the strawberry lemonade ran out before I got to the cafe. Its a great place to picnic. There is no fee for the Arboretum, but there is a $12.00 fee per vehicle. An excellent place to visit and relax or take your camera and explore.

Trina Lyn

Little bit mad at these guys. First of all, the address listed here on google as of Feb 23rd 2017 is Incorrect! When we arrived at the address there was a sign that said our "GPS must be out of date." It was kind enough to direct us to the new entrance, however. So, call ahead to get the correct address. The welcome center was huge but did not have much going on, just an exhibit on ancient canoes. Outside I suppose was the garden, but there were hardly any flowers! I understand its cold in winter but they didnt have any other exhibits or showcases either. This is disappointing especially considering how highly rated they are. Do an outdoor sculpture contest, a cactus or rock garden, something, anything guys! We spent a big chunk of our day trying to come here, and I have to admit it left us wanting more. I bet its beautiful in the summer though...

Alan Lancaster

We visited the Arboretum in early May on the same day we visited the Botanical Garden in Asheville. We took the long NC Mountain Trail and were extremely disappointed to find that hardly ANY trees were identified with plaques or signs. One sign identified a Sourwood Tree. An Arboretum, by definition is a sanctuary for and a place to grow a great variety of trees, not a place that has been clear cut for pretty gardens. That is called a Botanical Garden. Someone should explain the difference to Mr Briggs, who, according to the story in the Laurel of Asheville, had no background whatsoever in botany or horticulture before taking charge. And even the gardens were a disappointment. The only thing we found of interest was the wonderful display of Bonai trees. We could have taken a hike in the woods anywhere in NC and learned as much about TREES.

Martin Brossman

I was coming off the Blue Ridge parkway last week and saw The North Carolina Arboretum entrance on the way back to Raleigh NC. I was deciding where to stop in because March 28th was still now spring yet in this area for most plants. The guard let me know their was a orchid flowers show going on so I decided to go in. The entrance fee is about $12 and they except credit cards. The complex is spectacular and I hope to come back later in the spring. Very little was blooming but the complex is so beautiful with the backdrop of the mountains it was a fun to walk around. The orchid flower event was spectral and I added some photos. For the kids and the kid in me they have a working model train outside with a guy that love to talk about model trains running it.

Robin Allred

Okay, let me explain...generally, I do LOVE this place. But I really wanted to take my family to the Winter Lights exhibit but then I learned it was $18 per person to get in!!! Im sorry but there is just no way the average family of 4 or more can afford to go see this! I understand it is expensive to maintain the beautiful grounds and buildings but please dont advertise this as a family friendly event when it is completely unaffordable for the average family! Maybe you could say maximum $40 per family/car or something to be more family friendly? But for our family to attend it would cost $90!!! Just to drive in the gate!! Ridiculous!! Sorry, Arboretum, but I will not be supporting this event.

Max Bernstein

An amazing place to spend an entire day meandering around, absorbing nature, scenery, and the topiary. Admission is a bit steep at $14-16, but the moment you enter, you can see that upkeep is a valued priority. The nature is exquisite, and there is certainly not shortage of trails to venture along, and smaller attractions along the path, such as bonsai gardens, a miniature railroad, along with a butterfly house and art exhibition. Theres also a nice little cafe located by the bonsai garden, which offers excellent food at somewhat high prices. Overall, Id say the Arboretum would be a major selling point and a definitive point of interest on any sojourners journey.

Bob Haggard

For an Arboretum that was established in 1986, nice to visit. Charging by vehicle (car) came out to $3.50 person. Quiet, not crowd. A place more for adults, even with the train setup. But, I will take my grandchildren because I know what to expect. Be prepared for what you might see or not see, depending on time of year, when you visit. Remember, its plants, expect accordingly. Been to the Winter Lights twice and enjoy that. Check the admission price. I think admission maybe a little high priced, so again expect accordingly. Still will go again and again. PS: it can be very cold, so check the weather.

Bill Wildey

Wow! This far exceeded our expectations. Wonderful gardens with a huge variety of plants making the walking areas not only beautiful but fragrant. Only had about an hour to explore which was a cruel tease. Very large setting. Many people biking in the area.I dont remember how much it cost to get in but it was worth it even for the short time we had. Will go back again and figure at least half a day minimum to truly appreciate this gem. Take water and a picnic lunch and spend the whole day to make it even better. Kudos to you North Carolina, you did this right!

Logan Murray

This place had a couple good trails to walk down on and it was a quiet and peaceful journey as me and my mother hiked a little bit through these trails surrounding the arburetum facility. You do have to pay to get in and walk around the trails inside the arburetum and I felt like I did not have as much freedom as I would have hiking a trail through the Blue Ridge Parkway, but still this is a pretty cool place to check out if you want to get back into nature; i would go during the warm seasons next time I go though.

Noah Schaich

If you are in Asheville visiting, definitely put this on your list of things to do. It is $14 to park, and then everything else is free. All of the gardens are beautiful, the educational center and Baker buildings had paintings and photographs on display, which were very cool to look at, and we were lucky enough to be there for the bonsai exhibit. There are a lot of walking/hiking trails so you could spend several hours, or just spend 1-2 and hit the highlights.

Tobin Clark

I liked it it was beautiful, however I feel cheated out of twelve dollars considering we werent made aware that a private event was being held so my group and I were unable to see a third of the park. I would suggest letting visitors know this in the future also maybe lowering price to park at night considering twelve dollars to wonder around in a garden (where all the buildings and the bonsai garden are closed) and in the woods seems steep to me.