Trails And Gardens At The NC Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum, located roughly 20 minutes south of Asheville, became an immediate family favorite after our first visit and has become a regular must-see ever since. Trails at the NC Arboretum are absolutely beautiful, paralleled by lush vegetation, accompanied with stunning gardens and all nestled within towering mountains.

NC Arboretum via David441491

The North Carolina Arboretum will keep you busy for a full day with not only trails and gardens but, also by way of events, educational programs for all ages and occasional live music. Not only will you have over 400 acres of Arboretum to explore, the Arboretum sits within the massive Pisgah National Forest thus greatly extending biking/hiking possibilities.

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Upon entering the property, you are welcomed by the Connections Gallery gift shop. This is where you can pick up a map of all the trails at the NC Arboretum and Pisgah Forest.

The maps are well marked and very helpful. We always pick one up before we start our bike ride.

Just around the bend from the shop is the Education Center. Here not only can you discover and learn about the gardens, sign up for programs and check out events, you can grab lunch at the Bent Creek Bistro. In our experience, the food is delicious and provides a great start to a full day.

From the back end side of the Education Center, you can access the trailhead. The first part of the journey will be a rather steep downhill ride that will take to you a flat easy trail running alongside Bent Creek.

View From Trailhead

It is absolutely gorgeous along the creek. I advise getting off the bike and walking some of the side trails leading to and directly alongside the water. The heavy natural forest plants and wild flowers are a natural wonder providing an enriching experience.

There are various gates along the trail in either direction that will take you into the Pisgah National Forest. At the bottom of the hill, take a right and you will eventually come to a gate leading you to Lake Powhatan. From Lake Powhatan, you are then able to pick and chose from connecting trails and ride till your heart’s content, or until you are exhausted.

You can also park at Lake Powhatan and enter the trails at NC Arboretum from that direction.

Trail Entering Pisgah Forest

This section of the trail system is very easy and fairly flat and well maintained. You can take side trails that are more advanced mountain biking levels with difficult grades and terrain.

There are many breathtakingly beautiful places to stop and enjoy nature. The forest grounds are thick and green even during the winter months.

Back at the bottom of the hill below the arboretum, instead of turning right towards Lake Powhatan, take a left and you will ride along a wide gravel road that will take you to the other end of the arboretum. This too parallels Bent Creek with options to veer off and navigate a more difficult terrain.

The Hard Times Road loop across the mountain is a spectacular bike ride. You will need to climb very long steep sections but the ride down is fantastic with gorgeous heavy forest all about you.

I typically stop and just sit on my bike enjoying the peace and smells of the forest. You will not encounter very many people along this trail, if any, and it is truly an escape.

After a day on the bike seat, we are ready to park the bikes and stretch our legs while walking the gardens. Stroll down the Grand Promenade and admire the mecca of plant species hosted by the arboretum.

Bonsai Garden via David441491

A popular display is the incredible bonsai garden that is available for viewing. Even though, I admit that I do not really know that much about bonsai, I enjoyed this section of the arboretum. Truly a unique natural art form.

Grand Promenade Center

Fall and spring are brilliant times to go however, summer months are lovely too. It really isn’t too hot when down along the creek in the shelter of the lush vegetation.

NC Arboretum Christmas via @CarShowShooter

The Christmas/Winter Lights begin around Nov 20 and last till Jan 10 and are a must see. This huge showcase of lights are uniquely and artistically arranged throughout the gardens in fun creative displays. I would advise getting tickets early because this is hugely popular and fills up fast.

COPIES OF NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM MAPS

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And how much does this cost you might ask. I always do. Other then a parking fee of $16, there are no other fees. Plus you can stay there the entire day.

After spending the day on the trails at the NC Arboretum, we typically grab dinner at PACKS TAVERN.

Great shopping, whether it be window or actual purchases, can be found at the Biltmore Village in Asheville. It is another great location we often hang out at when in town.

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