Seven distinct trails of varying difficulty, 1,150 acres of coastal mountain woods and panoramic views of the Pacific ocean make San Pedro Valley County Park ample relief from the suburbs and city for any outdoor enthusiast.
Three freshwater creeks span the park, providing both cool places for hikers to rest and one of the few spawning grounds for migratory steelhead trout left in Northern California. The south fork of the San Pedro Creek, one of those that cut the valley, is used as as a seasonal water source by Pacificans and was previously a trout farm.
The dense flora of the San Pedro Valley, which was once used by Spanish missionaries as an agriculture hub because they could not grow the food they needed or graze their cattle on the sand dunes of eastern San Francisco, offers amateur or serious botanists a trip. Common plants such as Creek dogwood, watercress and species of fern populate the area while, during the springtime, wildflowers crowd sunny meadows.
Like most parks in this area, there are no dogs, ground fires (barbecues only), or smoking permitted.
A short drive from downtown Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre natural protected environment featuring 65 acres of cultivated gardens for all ages to enjoy. The Arboretum offers miles of self-guided walking, hiking, and biking trails with a variety of difficulty levels as well as educational programming and exhibits throughout the year. Guided walking trails are available April through November.
Parking and public transportation at the North Carolina Arboretum
Parking at the North Carolina Arboretum is $14 for personal vehicles, $50 for commercial vehicles, and $100 for busses or motor-coaches. The Arboretum's Education Center, exhibit center and gardens are wheelchair accessible. Annual membership passes are available.
Best and worst time to go to the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum features plants in bloom year round. Because many of the exhibits are outdoors, the best time to visit are during the spring, summer and fall months. However, during rainy days, the Arboretum offers educational opportunities inside.
Admission to the North Carolina Arboretum
Aside from parking, there is no admission fee to the North Carolina Arboretum.
Must see/do at the North Carolina Arboretum
The Arboretum features the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, which opened in 2005 and includes more than 100 diverse bonsai trees from around the world. Due to weather conditions, the Bonsai Exhibition Garden is open from mid-March through mid-November. Other popular exhibits include the quilt garden, native azalea garden, and a winter outdoor lighting exhibit.
Other places to visit near the North Carolina Arboretum
The Arboretum is located at the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway off of Highway 191 in South Asheville. Visitors can travel north or south on the Parkway to see amazing views of the Southern Appalachia. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Asheville Outlet Mall on Highway 191, near Interstate I-26.
Insider tip for visitors to the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum hosts many national exhibits throughout the year that encompass art, history, science and culture. Many are indoors and can be enjoyed year-round. Visit their website at ncarboretum.org for a list of current exhibits.
Author's bio: Carolyn B. Fraiser is a freelance journalist, photographer, and publications specialist in Asheville, North Carolina. Follow her on Twitter @carolynbfraiser.
Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary is a hidden gem on the south shore. This non-profit organization rescues and houses mistreated and abandoned animals such as horses, swans, sheep and more. The farm allows visitors to get up close to these animals and learn about them. Birthday party packages are available, and activities are held at Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary year-round.
