Sure, there are plenty of dog parks in Asheville and the surrounding communities that allow your canine friend to interact with members of his/her own species, but what if you want to spend some quality time with your dog? The North Carolina Arboretum is a dog-friendly environment that provides different levels of interaction for you and your pet.
For those with senior dogs, a leisurely stroll through the cultivated gardens or on the Natural Garden Trail gives you and your pooch time to enjoy the beautiful gardens and woodlands, smell the flowers, and even practice some of those old tricks you may have learned in obedience class (heel, sit, stay). For young pups, it’s a place to learn to socialize with humans, experience different venues and develop that lifelong bond between you and your pet. For the more active dog, the Arboretum offers more challenging trails on which you and your dog can hike or run and still experience the incredible scenery of the Bent Creek Watershed.
There are a few guidelines to follow when bringing your four-legged friend to the Arboretum:
• Your dog must be on a leash at all times (Buncombe County Ordinance).
• Please pick up any waste (waste bags and receptacles are located on the property).
• Do not leave your dog unattended or locked in your car.
• Dogs are not allowed in the buildings or the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, with the exception of service dogs.
• While on the trails, be mindful of potential risks, including encounters with snakes.
• If you are alone and need to use the restroom, please ask a staff member or one of our wonderful volunteers to hold the leash while you take your short break—do not tie your buddy to a tree or other structure.
• Like you, your dog can become dehydrated during your outing, so we recommend bringing along water for both you and your friend.
We hope you both have a wonderful time at the Arboretum!
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