North Carolina’s Mountain Gardens

Once taller than the Alps, North Carolina’s granite and greenstone mountains have had about 200 million years to soften into lovely layers of fog-shrouded ranges. No wonder their flora and fauna appear to be the fruits of a primordial garden. Throughout the mountain region, changes in altitude create significant differences in both temperature and rainfall, engendering a lush variety of plant life.

1 Biltmore

1 Biltmore

AshevilleSee on map

George Vanderbilt’s incomparable Gilded Age gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

Website(800) 411-3812Directions

2 The Campus Arboretum of Haywood Community College

2 The Campus Arboretum of Haywood Community College

ClydeSee on map

Doan Ogden design creating this varied and exceptional college landscape.

Website(828) 627-2821Directions

3 Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail

3 Cherokee Botanical Garden and Nature Trail

CherokeeSee on map

Herbs and vegetables of the Cherokee Indians in the 18th century Oconaluftee Village.

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4 Botanical Gardens at Asheville

4 Botanical Gardens at Asheville

AshevilleSee on map

Doan Ogden-designed gardens, displaying plants and flowers of Southern Appalachians.

Website(828) 252-5190Directions

5 Daniel Boone Native Gardens

5 Daniel Boone Native Gardens

BooneSee on map

Twelve separate gardens in a special preserve designed by Doan Ogden.

Website(828) 264-1299Directions

6 North Carolina Arboretum

6 North Carolina Arboretum

AshevilleSee on map

A 434-acre regional and international resource celebrating the Southern Appalachian landscape.

Website(828) 665-2492Directions

7 Chimney Rock State Park

7 Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney RockSee on map

Botanical diversity from mountaintop to forest to a spectacular waterfall.

Website(828) 625-9611Directions

8 Wilkes Community College Gardens

8 Wilkes Community College Gardens

WilkesboroSee on map

Outstanding theme gardens winding through a college campus.

Website(336) 838-6491Directions