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Asheville Botanical Garden
What you need to know
Asheville Botanical Garden is a free 14-acre native plant preserve at 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. in North Asheville, next to UNC Asheville. Local volunteers founded it in 1960 as the University Botanical Gardens, and it still showcases plants native to the Southern Appalachians along mostly level gravel trails, a wildflower trail, stream crossings and a bird viewing deck. The grounds are open sunrise to sunset every day, and the Visitor Center and restrooms are open 10 am to 4 pm. Admission and parking are free, and the nonprofit runs on members and donors, with no university or government operating funds. In September 2026, UNC Asheville extended the garden's lease through 2072. Classes on native plants, meadows and pollinators run through the year, and the Day in the Gardens plant sale has been held every spring since 1969.
Local's Tip
Leave the dog at home, since pets aren't allowed (service dogs are welcome). The trails are hard-packed gravel with a few small hills, so a sturdy stroller works best.
What the locals say
North Asheville neighbors walk the loop on lunch breaks and weekends, and kids hunt for frogs, butterflies and monarch chrysalises along the trails.
What you need to know
Asheville Botanical Garden is a free 14-acre native plant preserve at 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. in North Asheville, next to UNC Asheville. Local volunteers founded it in 1960 as the University Botanical Gardens, and it still showcases plants native to the Southern Appalachians along mostly level gravel trails, a wildflower trail, stream crossings and a bird viewing deck. The grounds are open sunrise to sunset every day, and the Visitor Center and restrooms are open 10 am to 4 pm. Admission and parking are free, and the nonprofit runs on members and donors, with no university or government operating funds. In September 2026, UNC Asheville extended the garden's lease through 2072. Classes on native plants, meadows and pollinators run through the year, and the Day in the Gardens plant sale has been held every spring since 1969.
What the locals say
North Asheville neighbors walk the loop on lunch breaks and weekends, and kids hunt for frogs, butterflies and monarch chrysalises along the trails.
Scoops for Asheville Botanical Garden