The North Carolina Arboretum

Category: Arboretum

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

Phone: +18286652492

Opening hours

Sunday: 8AM–9PM

Monday: 8AM–9PM

Tuesday: 8AM–9PM

Wednesday: 8AM–9PM

Thursday: 8AM–9PM

Friday: 8AM–9PM

Saturday: 8AM–9PM

Reviews

Allison Baudier

Oct 14, 2022

Yes, go here. It easy, relaxing, gorgeous

Jason Pontius

Oct 14, 2022

Excellent value.

Jonathan Henley

Oct 14, 2022

Brought my family here for a fun couple of hours. The first reaction from the kids was,”it’s just trees?” But they ended up having a blast. Beautiful grounds, friendly staff, and no admission fee beyond parking. It’s a real gem of a place and always worth a visit if you’re in the area. The model train and lights was a highlight.

Patricia Cox

Oct 13, 2022

Beautiful gardens and paths. Amazing Bonsai garden, too.

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Questions & Answers

When is best day for butterflies migration?

A Google User | Oct 15, 2018
Explore Asheville | Oct 15, 2019

September is the best time of year to see butterflies migrating through the area. The Arboretum hosts a Monarch Migration Day each September.

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Is the Arboretum pet friendly?

Peter Gerschefski | Oct 15, 2018
VISHNU PRASAD KATTAPPURAM | Oct 15, 2018

On leash outside, not inside the buildings.

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Is there anything special going on this weekend?

Mary Patterson | Oct 15, 2018
Julian Chaves | Oct 15, 2018

Great place but go in the summer so you can see everything...

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Are you dog friendly?

Margot Bartell | Oct 15, 2019
Cheyenne Hemingway | Oct 15, 2019

Yes

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Can you bring your dog on leash?

Keith Denton | Nov 18, 2021
Joseph Davis | Nov 18, 2021

Yes, many people do.

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Is there a reciprocal agreement with other gardens. Example Daniel Stowe in Gastonia area.

Edwina Bringle | Oct 15, 2018
Elizabeth Netherton | Oct 15, 2018

Yes, there is an agreement.

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Can i bring a stroller?

juan ramirez | May 17, 2022
Colin Miller | May 17, 2022

Yes. Plenty of room for strollers. In fact, outdoor area is so big a stroller is almost necessary. Little kiddo legs can't walk that far without squawking. Note though that some outdoor trails are rough or bumpy. Problem maybe for some strollers.

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Is it handicap Acceptable

Evelyn Bartley | Oct 14, 2020
How To Car Guy (HowToCarGuy) | Oct 14, 2020

Yes. Very accommodating!

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How much does it cost to go

abby Jackson | Oct 15, 2019
Margee Chmielewski | Oct 15, 2019

The vehicle charge is the same whether you have 1 or 10 in the car! And it's waived if you're a member, so it's the best deal in town!

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are there pants for sale

Terry Harbin | Oct 15, 2019
Richard Grumm | Oct 15, 2019

Not sure. Google it as it would be seasonal. I wear pants year round.

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I have a membership to the Minnesota landscape arboretum will I be able to get into free at your arboretum?

Anna Mau | Oct 15, 2019
The North Carolina Arboretum | Oct 15, 2019

Hi Anna, yes! Members of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are part of the American Horticultural Society's reciprocity program and will receive free parking at The North Carolina Arboretum by showing their member ID card at the gate: https://www.ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/find/statebystate/Maine-NorthCarolina

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What is the best time of year to visit?

Alina A | Oct 15, 2019
Alexander van Dalen | Oct 15, 2019

Anytime between early spring to late fall, although Christmas is beautiful with all the lights they add.

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are there easy walking paths

bill murphy | Oct 15, 2018
Kellie Blackwell | Oct 15, 2018

Yes, the main paths are all paved, others well maintained, and they have short and longer paths, easier and less easy, based on length more than ruggedness. They tell you how long each is before you start.

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How much walking can I expect to do

Judie frank | Oct 15, 2018
Avery Dabe | Oct 15, 2018

It depends on how much you would like to see, but the main garden area is fairly concentrated. There are some trails that will require you to walk more if you choose to do so. All paths are either paved or gravel.

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How old is it.

Diane Whittaker | Oct 15, 2018
Matthew Mann | Oct 15, 2018

It was established in 1986 and officially designated the North Carolina Arboretum in 1989.

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Is there food available?

Beth Korahais | Oct 15, 2018
Daniel Hall | Oct 15, 2018

Yes

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Can you buy tickets onsite?

Amanda Guzman | Oct 15, 2018
Stacy Fender | Oct 15, 2018

Yes!

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Do they allow dogs

Vickie Wasniowski | Oct 15, 2017
Suzie Pressley | Oct 15, 2017

YES! I have taken my dogs several times and have seen LOTS of other dogs too, just please keep them on a leash at all times. They could very easily take off an end up on the parkway as it's just a short distance away.

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We have out of town guests coming. Can we go to the Arboratum and stroll on our own without a tour?

Lolly Barnard | Oct 7, 2022
Julie Withers | Oct 7, 2022

Yes of course. Carpool if you can it's $16 per car unless you're a member. But well worth it.

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Is early September a good time to go?

Emily Madrigal | Aug 15, 2022
John Kanich | Aug 15, 2022

You can go just about any time of the year.

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Do they still have the garden railway?

Dante Medori | Mar 18, 2022
capngrey | Mar 18, 2022

Yes but it was not operating

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What motels are close by? Comfort Inn?

Mary Russell | Nov 18, 2021
Cari King | Dec 18, 2021

We stayed at Comfort Suites (outlet center).

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What kind of trees are around the parking lot of the greenhouse?

Susan Roberts | Oct 14, 2021
Magnus Michael | Oct 14, 2021

There are so many, that this would be impossible to list them all. However, the variety is huge and makes me to come back several times a year.

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Are dogs allowed?

Nancy H. | Oct 14, 2021
Zulema Seguel | Oct 14, 2021

Yes. Many people were enjoying the gardens and hiking paths with their leashed dogs. 🐕

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Is there a shuttle in the nc arborium

Doug Patterson | Oct 14, 2021
The North Carolina Arboretum | Oct 14, 2021

Hi Doug, unfortunately, we do not offer a shuttle service inside the Arboretum. There are many pedestrian-friendly pathways and trails in our gardens and forest area. The main garden area is wheelchair accessible and we have several available for loan to check out at our Baker Visitor Center.

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Is there a cost to visit this site,?

Gloria Nelson | Oct 14, 2020
Jimmy Raborn | Oct 14, 2020

$16/vehicle. If you become a member while you're there, the $16 counts toward one membership. https://www.ncarboretum.org/joingive/membership/

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Is the arboretum mobility scooter accessible?

David Sullens | Oct 14, 2020
Derek Jones | Oct 14, 2020

Most of it is...the mulched trails would be a bit difficult

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Do you have to pay?

Jasmine Davis | Oct 14, 2020
John Carcano | Oct 14, 2020

We paid $17 per carload

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Any volunteers needed?

Joan Powell | Oct 14, 2020
Colin Miller | Oct 14, 2020

Unsure. Double check the website. Emphasize your ability to entertain crowds

Is there a place for a memorial service for small group of people to gather inside?

Vicki Jayne | Oct 14, 2020
Michael King | Oct 14, 2020

Yes. Talk to the director.

I have membership to phipps conservatory in pittsbugh. Will they accept here

Cindy Smith | Oct 15, 2019
The North Carolina Arboretum | Oct 15, 2019

Hi Cindy, unfortunately, Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburg doesn't participate in the AHS Reciprocity program so we are unable to vouch the parking: https://www.ahsgardening.org/gardening-programs/rap/find/statebystate/Ohio-Wyoming

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What’s blooming now

Kay Leaumont | Oct 15, 2019
Pam Copeland | Oct 15, 2019

Many things...

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Where is the Rocky Cove Railroad Exhibit?

Dante Medori (Dantelevator) | Oct 15, 2019
Samuel Lahr | Oct 15, 2019

To the right and down the stairs from the Federick Law statue.

Is now the time of year to really see some spring flowers?

kacey creech | Oct 15, 2019
Allison Harmony | Oct 15, 2019

May is the best time!

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How much is parking?

Kimberly LaFollette | Oct 15, 2019
Mark Walter | Oct 15, 2019

$12 last year I believe

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Is the Arboretum open Christmas night?

Donna Deicken | Oct 15, 2019
Susan Hibbitts | Oct 15, 2019

It is. My husband has been a volunteer and will be working Christmas night. Better check ticket availability.

What is this place like in winter? Such as dull? Not a lot blooming, ect.

Paige Perrin | Oct 15, 2019
Tom Veltri | Oct 15, 2019

If you go in the evening for the Winter Walk you will not be disappointed.

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Is snow shoeing allowed in the arboretum when conditions are right?

Leslie Wilson | Oct 15, 2019
The North Carolina Arboretum | Oct 15, 2019

Hi Leslie, yes, snow shoeing and hiking is allowed if the property is open. Please check our website www.ncarboretum.org or call 828-665-2492 for updates on closures and weather.

Cost to go in?

Mary K. Brown | Oct 15, 2019
Tim Sampson | Oct 15, 2019

$14 per vehicle, collected as you enter the main gate. No other fees.

What are the dates for Winter Lights this year? And what is admission for the event?

Explore Asheville | Oct 15, 2019
Explore Asheville | Oct 15, 2019

The dates are November 16-December 31 this year. More information, including ticket prices and timing, can be found here: https://www.ncarboretum.org/exhibits-events/winter-lights/

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Is it pet friendly?

keerpa chaalice | Oct 15, 2018
Dave Lamb | Oct 15, 2018

Dogs are allowed on the trails, but apparently not in the buildings.

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Open on Thanksgiving?

Charlene Champion | Oct 15, 2018
Eric Nielsen | Oct 15, 2018

Yes, they are open every day during the hours posted on their website. Some holidays, the gatehouse employees have the day off and the park is open with no parking fee, but you'll only see this by driving up.

Can you ride a Segway on the trails?

Janet Kirby | Oct 15, 2018
Craig Childress Johnson | Oct 15, 2018

This is a highly manicured Botanical Garden with narrow Pathways and steps. It is easily navigated on foot but not suited to things on wheels. That said, it is wheelchair accessible.

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is it pet friendly?

Javor Kolev | Oct 15, 2018
David Shuler | Oct 15, 2018

Yes. It is pet friendly

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Are dogs allowed?

Nancy Jones | Oct 15, 2018
Lena Antoniou | Oct 15, 2018

Yes, i was there and saw 2-3 dogs, under strict supervision of their owners of course

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Can you have a packed lunch on grounds ?

Thomas Solomon | Oct 15, 2018
Skye Barkschat | Oct 15, 2018

Of course! Like I answered before, all are welcomed at the Arboretum, as long as one respects the plants & animals there..

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how much are tickets

Kevin Browder | Oct 15, 2018
Kyle McDonald | Oct 15, 2018

They charge by the car, not by the individual. A regular personal vehicle is $14, no matter how many people are inside. Rvs are $50. Buses are $100.

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Are there multiple levels/steps or stairs, elevators?

Martha Hester | Oct 15, 2018
Chris Sims | Oct 15, 2018

I actually pushed my mother in a wheelchair on our visit. All of the gardens and exhibit centers are handicap accessible and very easy to maneuver. The trails and hiking areas are just that, trails in wooded areas with dirt paths.

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Where is a good place to start to explore if arriving at noon?

Martha Hester | Oct 15, 2018
Lightly seasoned Pickles | Oct 15, 2018

If you're interested in the gardens and not the trails, i suggest you start at the baker exhibit center and make your way through the heritage, quilt, and stream gardens. Then continue from there.

Where to park a 16 capacity bus and how much?

Martha Hester | Oct 15, 2018
Lightly seasoned Pickles | Oct 15, 2018

There is a special location for buses, there is a sign on your way in. All buses cost $100 for parking.

Is it still open when raining?

Makenzie Mcclung | Oct 15, 2018
H Smith | Oct 15, 2018

I don't see why they wouldn't but wouldn't hurt to give them a call.

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What's the car entry/parking price?

Mary Longstreth | Oct 15, 2018
Noah Sanders | Oct 15, 2018

Parking fee is $14 charged at the gate.

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Can you take dogs?

Aboo Dean | Oct 15, 2018
Douglas March | Oct 15, 2018

Yes, but they enforce leash laws.

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Do the Winter Lights stay open until January 2nd this year?

Sally Owensby | Oct 15, 2018
Ricardo Torres | Oct 15, 2018

December 31st is the last day.

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What time does the light show open?

Dennis McLain Sr. | Oct 15, 2018
Lakshmi Anusha | Oct 15, 2018

6pm to 10pm

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How much are tickets for the lights

Kim Greene | Oct 15, 2018
Ken Lane | Oct 15, 2018

$18 adult, non member, otherwise $16. Check their website.

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Are wheelchairs available?

victoria goins | Oct 15, 2018
Ken Lane | Oct 15, 2018

"Wheelchairs are available for visitors to borrow at no charge in the Education Center & The Baker Center from 9am to 5pm daily."

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One day a week is free?

PERRY OLDS | Oct 15, 2018
Russell Wallace | Oct 15, 2018

On the 1st Tuesday of every month, the parking fee is reduced to $7/vehicle.

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What are the prolific flowers blooming now on the roadsides? Bluish/lilac in color.

Donna Segrest | Oct 15, 2018
Gayle Stone | Oct 15, 2018

I don't remember them specifically, but maybe asters or chicory?

What time will the train be in operation?

Sandra Mcabee | Oct 15, 2017
Marina Riley | Oct 15, 2017

The miniature train was running until 4pm last weekend, not sure when it starts though.

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Anonymous | Oct 14, 2022
Anonymous | Oct 14, 2022

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