Every once in a while you stumble across a true hidden treasure. If you've ever been to Asheville and wondered what treasure you might be missing, we have the answer. The North Carolina Arboretum is truly a hidden gem that everyone should take some time to see. If you don't yet know about the Arboretum or just want more information about this magical attraction, this is the blog post for you. 

I've never heard of an Arboretum!

Many people have never heard of an Arboretum before. An Arboretum is an area devoted to specimen plantings of trees and shrubs. Distinct from a forest, nursery or park, it is, in a sense, an outdoor museum of trees.  It is a place where many varieties of trees are grown for research, educational, and ornamental purposes; where trees and shrubs are cultivated for exhibition. Unlike a botanical garden an Arboretum generally has a scientific research component, meaning, while the gardens and exhibits are certainly beautiful, there is also a lot of research going on in the background. 

For a brief overview of the NC Arboretum check out the YouTube video below. 

Five fun facts about the NC Arboretum 

1-The Arboretum was established as an affiliate of the University of North Carolina System by the State General Assembly in 1986.

2-The North Carolina Arboretum is located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest just south of Asheville and adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393

3-There are approximately 434 acres that make up the North Carolina Arboretum. 

4-The Arboretum is located within the Pisgah National Forest, the Arboretum is operated under a special use permit issued by the National Forests in North Carolina.

5-Over a half million visitors visit the Arboretum each year. 

Are there restrictions related to Covid-19?

The Arboretum will continue to operate under its traditional Fall/Winter Property Hours schedule for the remainder of the year. The property will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the incoming gate will close one hour prior at 6 p.m. Facility access, including the Baker Exhibit Center and Bonsai Exhibition Garden, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Groups of 50 or more cannot gather together outdoors and groups of 25 or more cannot gather together indoors. Please continue to stay six feet apart from others when on the trails and in the gardens.

Personal face coverings are required for guests ages 5 & older inside the Baker Exhibit Center. When outdoors, guests are encouraged to wear face coverings when they are unable to socially distance themselves from others while on the Arboretum property.

Please follow all CDC guidelines regarding proper sanitation and hygiene measures; do not leave your home if you are showing any symptoms related to COVID-19, including a dry cough, fever and shortness of breath.

Source: NC Arboretum Covid-19 Response Page

Can I bring my dog?

Service dogs are welcome anywhere on the grounds. However, pets are allowed only on the hiking trails.

Things to do at the Arboretum 

Plan an environmentally friendly wedding 

Make your special day more meaningful by choosing one of the most beautiful natural settings in the country as your wedding site. The Arboretum’s Green Wedding Program offers elegantly designed and lush cultivated gardens as venues for ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions. Couples will follow green initiative guidelines for their wedding and pledge to practice environmentally conscious planning, food/beverage service and décor in order to minimize the environmental impact accumulated during the special event. 

Looking for more information about the Arboretum’s Green Wedding Program? Click here!

Are you ready to visit the North Carolina Arboretum or head to Asheville for your next vacation? If you are, now is the perfect time to book a cabin, load up the car and head to the North Carolina mountains. If you need help finding the perfect cabin, give us a call at 828-274-6978 or click the button below to see our current inventory of rentals. Make 2021 a year to remember in the North Carolina mountains.