Natural beauty comes in a kaleidoscope of colors each fall at The North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. Vibrant colors amid trees, shrubs, and perennials delight the senses. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and adjacent to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, it's one of the most beautiful natural settings in the South.
With the great diversity of trees on their 434-acre public garden, you'll find a long fall color season. Peak color is usually the last two weeks of October. Often, areas of great color extend into early November.
Favorite Fall Spots
- See the vibrant display in the Quilt Garden (pic at top of page), along with fall plantings in nearby gardens.
- Find the tiniest fall color show in the Bonsai garden (pic above).
- Forest Meadow (adjacent to the amphitheater) was designed with tree selections that would exhibit great fall color.
- The Auto Garden (aka parking lot) has brilliant maples, Kentucky coffee trees, and ash trees that change color at different times during the fall season
- Mountain bike the forested loop of Hard Times Road, Owl Ridge Trail, Rocky Cove Road and Bent Creek Road. Begin at the parking area near the Gatehouse.
- Hike the Carolina Mountain Trail, a 1.2-mile hiker only trail that starts at the Education Center and ends at Bent Creek Road. Pass through three forest types: pine, mixed hardwood and ericaceous. Read about native trees and insects via interpretive signs along the way.
- Pick up lunch at their Bent Creek Bistro and find the perfect picnic spot.
- For more gardens and trails, see our complete NC Arboretum Guide.
Fall Events & Exhibits
Monarch Day
Saturday, September 28, 10 am - 3 pm
September is a busy time for monarch butterflies as they undergo their fall migration from Eastern North America to Mexico, and Western North Carolina is a pit stop for some of these busy travelers.
Celebrate these colorful creatures with activities and events. Visit their website for details.
The Fall Plant Sale and Market
Saturday, September 28 from 10 am to 3 pm
Shop unique plants grown in The North Carolina Arboretum’s Production Greenhouse and plants from over 30 local growers and businesses. Guests can shop an outstanding collection of annuals, perennials and crafts while enjoying sounds of live music and snacks and refreshments from local vendors. Visit their website for details. The plant sale is canceled for Friday, September 27 due to potentially hazardous weather. It will take place on Saturday, September 28.
Guided Forest Trail Walk & Garden Tours
Check the Arboretum schedule of free guided walks along woodland trails and through the gardens. Click here to visit their website.
The Arboretum is a photographer's dream each fall with the many colors, warm lighting and an impressive outdoor sculpture collection. To plan a visit, see our complete NC Arboretum Guide. For the latest on fall color and events in the Asheville area, go to our Fall Foliage Forecast.
NC Arboretum Fast Facts
- Property Hours: The gardens and trails are open daily (except Christmas Day), weather permitting. Hours are 8 AM–9 PM April–October. November - March 8 AM - 7 PM. The entrance gate closes one hour before. The Education Center, Baker Exhibit Center and Bonsai Garden are open daily 9 AM–5 PM.
- Admission is included with a parking fee of $20 per personal motor vehicle, $60 15-seat passenger van, $125 buses and oversize vehicles. No charges apply for pedestrians, bicyclists or The North Carolina Arboretum Society members.
- Pets: Dogs on leashes are permitted on the grounds and in the gardens (except the Bonsai exhibit). Service or guide dogs only are allowed in buildings & Bonsai exhibit.
- Picnics: Informal picnicking permitted on the grounds. No alcoholic beverages. Picnic goodies available for purchase in the education center at the café.
- Wheelchair Access: The buildings, gardens and some trails are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchairs are available free of charge onsite, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Directions: The NC Arboretum is located off NC Highway 191, south of Asheville. From I-26, take exit 33; from I-40, use exit #47 (Farmers Market). From both these exits, follow Blue Ridge Parkway (and 191 South) signs to the Parkway entrance ramp. Arboretum entrance is immediately on the right, after exiting onto the ramp. From the Blue Ridge Parkway, take Milepost 393 exit.
- Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville
- Telephone: 828-665-2492 | Click here to visit their website
