North Carolina Arboretum

Located between Asheville and Hendersonville, the North Carolina Arboretum is highly recommended and a guest favorite local attraction. Whether you enjoy strolling through gardens, exploring exhibits, enriching your mind or hiking and biking, the North Carolina Arboretum offers activities for all ages, including:

• A 434-acre natural treasure with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of hiking and biking trails
• Engaging indoor and outdoor exhibits that cultivate connections between people and plants
• One of the finest, most unique bonsai collections in the United States at the Bonsai Exhibition Garden
• An innovative Production Greenhouse and Operations Center
• Activities such as Discovery Day Packs and special events that delight the senses for all ages
• Regional offerings and tastes at gift shops and the Savory Thyme Cafe
• Enriching adult and youth education programs

Parking is only $8 per personal vehicle, $30 per commercial vehicle, and $50 for buses. Cash and check are accepted at the Gatehouse; credit and debit cards are NOT accepted at the Gatehouse.Parking is free all day the first Tuesday of each month; parking is always free for members.

Property Hours
 

April 1 to October 31: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
November 1 to March 31: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Baker Exhibit Center, Education Center and Bonsai Exhibition Garden
Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Savory Thyme Cafe
 

Monday: Closed

Tuesday through Saturday:
 

Breakfast: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Lunch & Snacks: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Connections Gallery
Monday through Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 
The Garden Trellis Gift Shop
Monday: Closed
Tuesday through Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
 
Production Greenhouse (closed on State holidays)
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Driving Directions

Guests should plan for a 1-hour drive to the North Carolina Arboretum from Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure. Depending on which way you've chosen to drive, follow these directions from...

1. The Blue Ridge Parkway: Exit at mile marker 393 there are signs on the Parkway for NC Arboretum, Hwy. 191 and Interstate 26. On the exit ramp, the entrance to the Arboretum is immediately on the left (before Hwy. 191 and traffic light).

2. Hendersonville: (traveling Brevard Road / Hwy. 191) Hwy 191 North to Blue Ridge Parkway. After passing under Blue Ridge Parkway bridge turn left at traffic light. Blue Ridge Parkway ramp continues to the left, Arboretum entrance is immediately on the right.

3. Asheville Regional Airport: Interstate 26 West (travel North toward Asheville), approximately seven miles. Take Exit 33 (old Exit #2) - marked Blue Ridge Parkway-Brevard Road-Hwy 191). Turn right at the top of the ramp (South) onto Hwy. 191. Travel South on Hwy 191 for approximately 2.1 miles (pass Biltmore Square Mall). Look for brown signs for Blue Ridge Parkway and NC Arboretum. Turn right at light and entrance to The North Carolina Arboretum, main entrance is ahead on right.

4. Downtown Asheville Interstate 240 West: (soon to be I-26 East, both signs may be present), which merges into Interstate 26 East. Take Exit 33 (marked Blue Ridge Parkway-Brevard Road-Hwy 191). Turn left (South) onto Hwy. 191. Travel South on Hwy 191 for approximately 2.1 miles (pass Biltmore Square Mall). Look for brown signs for Blue Ridge Parkway and NC Arboretum. Turn right at light and entrance to The North Carolina Arboretum, main entrance is ahead on right.

5. Heading east on I-40: Merge right into Interstate 26 East. Take Exit 33 (marked Blue Ridge Parkway-Brevard Road-Hwy 191). Turn left (South) onto Hwy. 191. Travel South on Hwy 191 for approximately 2.1 miles (pass Biltmore Square Mall). Look for brown signs for Blue Ridge Parkway and NC Arboretum. Turn right at light and entrance to The North Carolina Arboretum, main entrance is ahead on right.

6. Heading west on I-40: Merge left onto Interstate 26 East. Take Exit 33 (marked Blue Ridge Parkway-Brevard Road-Hwy 191). Turn left (South) onto Hwy. 191. Travel South on Hwy 191 for approximately 2.1 miles (pass Biltmore Square Mall). Look for brown signs for Blue Ridge Parkway and NC Arboretum. Turn right at light and entrance to The North Carolina Arboretum, main entrance is ahead on right.