Find Fairies in This Fairy Garden Trail FREE in Hendersonville, NC

What could be cuter than finding fairies in the woods? Finding them in a beautiful and fun trail at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC, of course. 

C.S. Lewis, a prolific and famous author of the Narnia chronicles, wrote this to his goddaughter, Lucy, in the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe:

My Dear Lucy, I wrote this story for you, but when I began it I had not realized that girls grow quicker than books. As a result you are already too old for fairy tales, and by the time it is printed and bound you will be older still. But someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again. You can then take it down from some upper shelf, dust it, and tell me what you think of it. I shall probably be too deaf to hear, and too old to understand, a word you say, but I shall still be your affectionate Godfather, C.S. Lewis

As a grown-up, are you ready to be old enough to read – or see – fairy tales again? If so, step into the Bullington Gardens Fairy Trail.

Watch! Here’s What You’ll See in the Gardens

Here are some scenes from our visit last year to the Fairy Trail.

The Gardens

Bullington Gardens is only about 2 hours from Charlotte. It is a beautiful spot to stop and literally smell the roses. The gardens are public and encompass 12 acres right in the middle of the apple orchards in that part of Western North Carolina. There is no admission fee to the gardens.

They also do several events and programs aimed at education and carry on the legacy and vision of Bob Bullington, who collected many unusual trees and plants. They often have school groups come out and learn about horticultural science. 

I found the gardens to be just beautiful and so peaceful. The volunteers I interacted with were all so kind and helpful. It’s really a great place to visit for any occasion. 

The Fairy Trail 

The fairy trail is exactly as it sounds, but better. The trail winds through shaded woods and guests are encouraged to find all the little fairy houses and trolls and llamas and bridges. It is really fun and entertaining! 

The little worlds that the fairies inhabit are all unique and my kids and I just loved trying to find them all and figure out what was happening in each scene. The exhibits change every year (photos are from the summer of 2022 and 2023) but the creativity and genius stay the same. 

The trail isn’t long, maybe a quarter-mile on natural, unpaved ground, but there are plenty of fairies and gnomes to find. Be sure to stop at the side trail before you get to the very end where there are lots of fairies and trolls and toadstools and gnomes doing yoga amongst the trees. 

Bullington Gardens asks that guests be respectful of the fairies, only touch gently, and to stay on the trails. The trail is one way only so if you want to take your time, go for it but make room for others to pass. And please follow the rules of Leave No Trace, don’t litter, and don’t move the fairies from their little houses.

The Fairy Trail is open Mondays – Saturdays from June 2nd – August 31, 2025 from 9 am – 4 pm. 

Special Fairy Events

Bullington Gardens is offering some cool fairy-themed events over the summer, like the Fairy Tea Party on June 10th, June 24th, and July 12th. In addition to that event, they also have a ton of other special events you can attend. Check the Bullington Gardens website for more info.

Per the gardens, parking is limited, and please do not park on Zeb Corn Road.

Tips on Visiting the Fairy Trail and Bullington Gardens 

The gardens are open year-round but the Fairy Trail is only open June 1 – August 30, 2025, Mondays – Saturdays from 9 am – 4 pm. 

There is no charge to visit the fairies or Bullington Gardens (unless it is a special event) but as a nonprofit, they gladly accept donations.

I saw some people with strollers but I’d say that unless you have an all-terrain stroller, it’s best to carry your littles or baby wear. The trail is natural, so not paved, which makes it hard to roll wheels on.

Please keep your children and dogs on the trail and don’t litter. The trail is one-way only.

The gardens received a grant for new restrooms, which were installed last spring.

Nearby Things to Do in Hendersonville

You’ve made the day trip to Hendersonville to see the fairies, and you’re in luck, because there are plenty of cool things to do in Hendersonville.

You can visit the goats at the Carl Sandburg Home (be sure to get pizza at the nearby Village Bakery), let the kids play on the awesome playground at The Park at Flat Rock, check out the free train museum, or visit the aquarium in downtown Hendersonville. Apple orchards open up in July usually so you can add those to your day trip as well.

Bullington Gardens Website
95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC 
828.698.6104

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