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OPEN TODAY: 10AM-4:30PM Last Admission @ 3:30

Wild Awaits!

Open 7 Days/Week 10AM – 4:30PM

Last Admission at 3:30PM Daily
Closed on: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Visitors will need to alter their typical route to accommodate for the loss of Gashes Creek Bridge due to Tropical Storm Helene.

DIRECTIONS:

  • Drive to the Nature Center as normal, turning from Swannanoa River Road onto Azalea Road.
  • Instead of turning right to cross the bridge as usual, continue straight for half a mile. This road is now TWO-WAY all the way to the roundabout. This two-way traffic pattern is new and can be narrow in places, so please use caution and drive carefully.
  • At the roundabout, take the first exit. A traffic signal has been installed on either side of the one-way metal bridge.
  • After crossing the metal bridge, turn left on Gashes Creek Road and enter the Nature Center’s parking lots.
  • Guests will depart from the Nature Center in the same way.

ALTERNATE ROUTE:

To avoid narrow roads, guests can also access the Nature Center by turning onto Azalea Road East off of Tunnel Road (Rt. 70) near Xpertech Car Care.

  • Follow Azalea Road East for two miles.
  • At the roundabout, take the second exit. A traffic signal has been installed on either side of the one-way metal bridge.
  • After crossing the metal bridge, turn left on Gashes Creek Road and enter the Nature Center’s parking lots.
  • Guests will depart from the Nature Center in the same way.

OVERFLOW PARKING:

On busy days, overflow parking is available at the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex. Follow signs from the main parking lot.

PAYMENT:

The Ticket Office is now cashless. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online or in person using credit/debit and prepaid cash cards.

Get Tickets

Adults: $13.95 +tax
(City of Asheville: $9.95 + tax)

Seniors (65+): $12.95 +tax
(City of Asheville: $8.95 + tax)

Youth (13-15): $13.95 +tax
(City of Asheville: $9.95 + tax)

Child (3-12): $9.95 +tax
(City of Asheville: $7.95 + tax)

2 & Under: FREE

All active duty and retired military receive free admission with ID.

Save time and buy your tickets online in advance! Tickets are good for 90 days from date of purchase.
Get Tickets
Become A Member
  • There are no refunds or rain checks offered due to animal availability or weather.
  • The WNC Nature Center does not accept cash at our admissions windows. Tickets are available for purchase in advance online or in person using credit/debit and prepaid cash cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
  • Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Children must be supervised at all times.
  • Tickets and membership cards are non-transferable.
  • Same day reentry is permitted with your receipt.
  • Shoes, shirts, and bottoms (no swimwear) must be worn at all times.
  • Guests are welcome to take photos/videos for personal use. Permission is required for commercial photo use and access. By entering the park, you grant permission for the WNC Nature Center to use your image for promotional purposes.

Plan Your Visit

Important Guidelines

We want all of our guests, volunteers, staff, and animals to enjoy being at the Nature Center. Please review and respect the following guidelines:

  • Please show common courtesy to fellow guests, staff, and volunteers by not using profanity or engaging in unsafe, illegal, disruptive, or offensive behaviors. Failure to comply may result in removal from the Nature Center without a refund.
  • Children must be supervised at all times. Guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • For your own safety, obey all posted signs and do not cross barriers or enter areas restricted to Staff.
  • Feeding, touching, harassing, or harming any wildlife, including native squirrels, snakes, and birds, is prohibited.
  • We are not responsible for loss or damage of belongings or property within the Nature Center or our parking area, consistent with applicable law.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not permitted to be brough into the WNC Nature Center unless given express permission.

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • All tobacco products and vaping devices
  • Balloons, balls, or other athletic equipment
  • Pets
  • Visible firearms (permitted concealed carry are allowed)
  • Recreational devices such as drones, remote-control toys, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, skates, bicycles, or tricycles.

Directions & Parking

Directions

The WNC Nature Center is located at 75 Gashes Creek Road in Asheville, North Carolina.
Get Directions

Parking

The WNC Nature Center offers free parking to its visitors. Accessible drop-off and parking spaces are available at the Front Entrance parking lot. Overflow parking is available in the lower lot.

Bus Parking

Please follow signs for bus parking, turning right at the Asheville Recreation Park after crossing the bridge. Please park bus before unloading passengers.