Best of the NC Arboretum—A Local’s Perspective
Located just five minutes down the road from Asheville Cottages, the NC Arboretum has long been one of my top spots for getting a little fresh mountain air, without a lengthy (if beautiful) drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Indeed, my family’s been coming to the NC Arboretum for so long, I often forget that many visitors may overlook this hidden natural oasis, and many more may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of trails. What are the must-see sites, on this 434-acre stretch of woodland? Where can you begin?
Well, I’m here to tell you. And in short: it depends what you’re after. Long hikes, short hikes, paved paths or trampled earth, the Arboretum has it all. So read on, and discover the best hikes in Asheville’s NC Arboretum.
1: The Upper Gardens
The obvious first stop on a survey of the Arboretum, the Upper Gardens lies just off their main parking area. From the Baker Center in the north to the Education Center building in the south, this broad stretch of paved walkways will take you through expertly manicured lawns, rich flower beds, and shaded rows of native trees. Not exactly a “hike,” per se, but an excellent place for a gentle stroll.
My favorite route starts at the roundabout in front of the Education Center, heads straight for the Bonsai Exhibition Center, then continues on through the gardens to the Baker Center, where I always stop in to check out their greenhouse and rotating art exhibits.
Once you’re done with your stroll, it’s easy enough just to head back to the parking lot and be on your way. But if you want to stretch out your time at the Arboretum, head back north to the Education Center, where you can enjoy a al-fresca spot of tea or coffee provided by their Bent Creek Bistro.
Difficulty: Easy, about a quarter mile.
2: Natural Garden Trail
Speaking of extending your stay at the NC Arboretum, if you want to mix a little wilderness into your visit, the natural addition is a lap down the Natural Garden Trail. It meets the Upper Gardens at the bottom of some sloping paths hidden behind the Education Center, as well as behind the Baker Center, on the way down to the willow pond.
Although this trail is relatively short, especially in terms of Blue Ridge hikes, it’s an excellent way to check out what the forest’s have got a-cooking without straying too far from civilization. And in the fall, it provides a particularly fine dose of those famous blazing Asheville leaves.
Just be sure to stick to the path. Many other trails intersect with the Natural Garden.
Difficulty: Low-moderate, about three-quarters of a mile.
3: Bent Creek Trail
As mentioned in my previous article, the Arboretum’s Bent Creek trail is one of the most soothing hikes around, with plentiful shade in all time of the year, and that sweet sound of the bubbling creek.
It's a kind of locals-only trail, a secretive path hidden away on the Arboretum’s fringes. Or at least, that’s what it feels like to me.
My favored entry lies off Wolf Branch Road. Drive past the Arboretum’s main parking, take Greenhouse Way on your right, park at said greenhouse, and walk past a small fenced garden. Continue down Wolf Branch Road, take the steps on your right down towards the sound of the creek, and then follow its banks to the National Native Azalea Collection.
Usually I walk Bent Creek as a there-and-back, returning the way I came. But if you want to turn it into a loop, take Running Cedar Road up to the Education Center, then the Carolina Mountain trail back to the greenhouse, adding on about a mile-and-a-half.
Difficulty: Low-moderate, about a mile there and a mile back.
4: To Lake Powhatan
If you just can’t get enough of them water-features, then start at the greenhouse as directed above, but instead of following Bent Creek to the east, turn right following the signage towards Lake Powhatan and continue through the gate.
This path will take you off the Arboretum’s property, instead landing you on the shores of—you guessed it—Lake Powhatan. This secluded mountain lake offers opportunities for both swimming and fishing, providing a welcome change-of-pace to the Arboretum’s typical trails during the warmer months.
Difficulty: Moderate, about a mile there and a mile back.
5: Hard Times-Owl Ridge
And finally, we’ve got the one for adventurers: the Arboretum’s longest, most difficult trail, taking you all around the rim of the property. It's a bit of a complicated one, so make sure to study the map beforehand.
From the Baker Center, take the stairs down from its courtyard to find the trailhead of Wesley Branch. Follow Wesley Branch to Old Mill, Old Mill to Hard Times, Hard Times to Owl Ridge (careful not to stray east into the Pisgah National Forest), Owl Ridge to Rocky Cove, Rocky Cove to Bent Creek, and finally, Bent Creek to the Carolina Mountain Trail, taking you back up to the Education Center on the Upper Gardens.
This path is much more of a serious hike than many paths through the NC Arboretum, perfect for those of you looking for a challenge.
Difficulty: High-moderate, about four miles roundtrip.
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