The North Carolina Arboretum

A relaxing and educational escape into the regions finest ecosystem.

With 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, family-friendly nature education programs, and 65 acres of cultivated gardens, the North Carolina Arboretum is one of the state’s most treasured possessions. Visitors are greeted by the Arboretum’s mainstay exhibits including the Bonsai Garden with up to 50 Bonsai specimens, the Native Wildflowers which are scattered across the 434-acre property, and the seasonal pollinators which are spread out throughout the landscape. Rotating exhibits are also scheduled throughout the year. The Arboretum is surrounded by the widely bio-diverse Appalachian Mountains where culture and heritage thrive. Conveniently located around an hour from Jackson County, the North Carolina Arboretum makes a great day trip for the family.