not visited by happyly

North Carolina Botanical Garden

100 Old Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm, Sunday 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Closed Mondays

$

hikes, outdoor-adventures

North Carolina Botanical offers beautiful scenery, gardens, and free outdoor family fun. 

Located in Chapel Hill, off of Highway 501, the North Carolina Botanical Garden is 1,100 acres of sweet oasis of garden displays, trails, art exhibits, and educational center. The concept of a conservational garden was developed in the early 1990's to represent the many conservation related activities that are the heart of the botanical gardens. The idea is bring the relationship between people and nature to understand and appreciate the conservation of plants and advance a sustainable relationship. Some of the conservation efforts include propagating native plants, banking seed for reintroduction and protect against extinction, conserving habitats to preserve naturally occurring biological diversity, and to create beautiful gardens showcasing native biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices. 

The Piedmont Nature trails are right behind the display gardens near the educational center and provides three miles of hiking through 88 acres of the land. The trails follow creeks and wind around hills. There are several loops to make it as long or short of a hike as needed which makes it a great family hike. The trails are open year around from dawn to dusk. 

The North Carolina Botanical Gardens has several educational programs for both children and adults as well as school field trips and camps. Some adult programs include home gardening workshops, art classes, nature walks, and Lunchbox talks. They have everything from one-hour lectures, to short classes, to long classes, to multi-day courses and certificate programs. For children and families, they have programs like preschool classes, hands-on workshops, camps, and more. There are many ways to learn and grow with the botanical gardens. Learn all about their programs and register on their website. 

The best part of all of this is that it is free. Spend a day exploring the beauty that the North Carolina Botanical Gardens has to offer. To learn more about their conservation efforts, become a member, and learn more about the gardens, visit their website. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ncbotanicalgarden. 

Features

Parking Restrooms Good for All Ages Hiking Garden
Thoughtfully captured by:
Allison Towner
A Charlotte, NC transplant, Allison was born and raised in Texas. She has a degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University. Allison loves to scuba dive, travel, garden, and be active. She has a lovely husband and two smart, playful kids, a girl and boy. A love for nature and the outdoors has always been a passion of hers and now she gets to continue that with her family. They love to explore new places and go on family camping and hiking trips. Allison and her family live on a 12-acre homestead with ducks, chickens, and a garden. Outside life is important to their family and wants to share that passion with others.
More activities by Allison
Scenic park with playgrounds, mountain biking, ball fields, basketball courts, trails, and a pond.
A park with kayaking, canoeing, a sand pit and playground!
There are 3 playgrounds, splash pad, paved walkways, and restrooms.

Recommended Gear