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Gardens and Trails
A destination for nature, gardens, and learning in the Southern Appalachians.
Explore cultivated beauty and step into forested landscapes—pair signature garden exhibits with miles of trails for a visit that fits your pace.
Explore Gardens
Explore Trails
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What you’ll find
Cultivated gardens + forested trails
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Best for
Families, walkers, gardeners, hikers
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Terrain
Paved paths to natural-surface routes
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Seasonality
Year-round color and changing views
Make a day of it
Two experiences, one easy plan
The Arboretum’s gardens highlight cultivated collections and regional beauty, while our trails invite you into the forests and habitats of the Southern Appalachians. Combine both for a balanced visit—structured exhibits, then unstructured exploration.
See suggested routes
FAQs
Visitor tips
helpful
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Gardens
Garden exhibits to linger in
Wander through curated spaces that celebrate native plants, regional horticulture, and seasonal color—ideal for slower walks, photos, and learning as you go.
Pair with a trail route
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exhibit
Bonsai Exhibition Garden
A living collection of miniature trees—seasonal highlights, careful pruning, and artistry on display.
Featured collection
Photo-friendly
Seasonal interest
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exhibit
National Native Azalea Repository
Celebrate Appalachian blooms in spring and beyond—native azaleas, woodland edges, and color.
Spring peak
Native plants
Shaded strolls
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exhibit
Heritage Garden
A working landscape that reflects regional traditions—kitchen-garden inspiration and heirloom plants.
Family-friendly
History + horticulture
Hands-on inspiration
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exhibit
Stream & Woodland Garden
A calm, immersive walk with water, moss, and understory textures—perfect for a slower pace.
Cooling shade
Gentle paths
Quiet moments
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Trails
Trails that bring you into the forest
From easy connectors to deeper woodland routes, the trail system lets you choose your own pace—whether you’re looking for a short nature break or an afternoon adventure.
Trail planning FAQs
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trails
Easy Loops & Paved Paths
Comfortable routes for strolling, strollers, and a relaxed pace—connect gardens, exhibits, and views.
Lower effort
Great for all ages
Accessible-friendly options
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trails
Forest Exploration Trails
Step into the Southern Appalachian landscape—mixed hardwoods, rhododendron, and changing light.
Nature immersion
Birdsong + shade
Short-to-mid hikes
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trails
Creekside & Ridge Moments
Routes that reward you with moving water, overlooks, and seasonal wildflowers along the way.
Scenic pauses
Great after rain
Bring a camera
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trails
Choose-your-own Distance
Mix and match connectors to build the walk you want—quick loops or longer rambles.
Flexible
Multiple trailheads
Pair with a garden visit
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Suggested routes
Build your perfect Gardens + Trails day
Choose a plan that matches your time and energy. These are flexible starting points—adjust based on weather, season, and who you’re visiting with.
Garden-to-Trail Sampler
Start in the gardens, then transition into woodland paths for a complete Arboretum feel.
Recommended
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Begin: Garden exhibits
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Connect: Woodland edge paths
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Finish: A relaxed loop back
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Family-Friendly Morning
A low-stress plan with breaks, shade, and quick wins—great for first-time visitors.
Family
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Stroll: Signature gardens
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Pause: Benches + viewpoints
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Optional: Short forest loop
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Quiet + Scenic Afternoon
Aim for softer light, fewer crowds, and the kind of calm that makes the Arboretum unforgettable.
Best in late day
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Walk: Stream/woodland areas
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Explore: Forest routes
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Return: Golden-hour garden paths
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Download a trail map
Accessibility & safety info
FAQs
Planning your time outdoors
A few quick answers to help you combine garden exhibits and trails into one smooth visit.
Can we do gardens and trails in one visit?
Yes—many visitors pair a garden stroll with a woodland walk. Choose an easy loop or build a longer route by connecting paths.
Are there options for different ability levels?
There are a variety of surfaces and grades, from gentler paths near the main garden areas to more natural-surface trail experiences.
When is the best time to visit?
Every season offers something unique—spring blooms, summer shade, fall color, and winter structure in the gardens and forests.
What should we bring?
Comfortable shoes, water, and layers. For longer trail time, consider sun protection and a simple snack—especially with kids.
Next step
Ready to plan your Gardens and Trails day?
Start with garden highlights, then choose a trail experience that matches your time, energy, and season.
Plan your visit
◊ Nature’s pattern
Gardens and Trails
A Tapestry of Seasonal Color
The Quilt Garden represents a unique convergence of Appalachian cultural heritage and botanical artistry. Each season, our horticulturists design intricate patterns inspired by traditional quilt blocks, using tens of thousands of vibrant plants to weave a living masterpiece.
▦ Spring Azalea Blooms
▦ Bonsai Exhibition Garden
▦ The Grand Quilt Garden
▦ Shaded Woodland Path
▦ Greenhouse
▦ Baker Visitor Center
BEHIND THE DESIGN
Crafting the Living Canvas
The creation of the Quilt Garden is a year-round endeavor. Months before the first bloom, our design team sketches geometric patterns that honor regional quilting traditions like the “Log Cabin” or “Star of LeMoyne.”
Plant selection is meticulously planned to ensure simultaneous blooming, uniform height, and striking color contrast. It takes over a dozen horticulture staff and volunteers working in unison to install the complex design each season.
Explore More Gardens
Bonsai Exhibition Garden
A world-renowned collection of over 100 museum-quality bonsai specimens.
Stream Garden
A serene waterway surrounded by native trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Heritage Garden
Showcasing plants used in traditional Appalachian crafts and medicine.
See it in Bloom
The gardens are constantly evolving. Visit us today to experience the current seasonal display.