14 Ways to Wander Antler Hill Village and Biltmore Estate Gardens

14 Ways to Wander the Biltmore Estate

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Even in the winter, the Biltmore Estate provides hours of entertainment for the hiker or casual walker.  From Antler Hill Village with its playground, chickens, ice cream, winery, and shopping, to the 30+ acres of gardens. 

1. Watch the sun rise over the blue Ridge Mountains.

A stay at the Biltmore estate puts you in the perfect setting to rise with the sun over the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are several beautiful options from the Inn which gives you a 4-star stay to the family and wallet friendly Village Hotel and the intimate cottages available as well.    

When you stay on the property, you get all day access to the gardens and 20 miles of hiking and biking trails included. You will need to book direct but don’t forget to review the special offers as they change seasonally and include options for guided tours and local entertainment.

2. Walk the trails and gardens around the house.

Begin your journey by stopping at Bike Barn or Outdoor Adventure Center for a detailed trail map.  You can also download a trail map. If you are not staying on property, you’ll need a daytime ticket or annual pass for access.  Then, explore the changing terrain from green forests to open meadows.

There are several guided and active tours of the grounds available for a fee.  Learn about the life patterns of the Eastern Bluebird during the Bluebird Walk.  Get creative making a personal and unique nature mandala. Enjoy a 30 minute carriage ride. Navigate off-road obstacles during a Land Rover experience. 

3. Look for a bench to sit on in the garden.

If you want to visit the gardens without staying on the property, you will need to purchase a daytime ticket which starts at $86 per person during the summer and includes your self-guided tours of the house and the gardens.

4. See the grandeur of the house in the distance.

5. Feast your eyes on perfectly maintained flowers in the greenhouses.

You can even time your visit with the bloom report. During the summer there are hydrangeas in bloom in almost every garden.

6. Get a little creeped out by the cacti collection when exiting the greenhouses.

Inside the conservatory, you will find orchids, bromeliads, and hibiscus among the tropical assortment.

7. Find a bridge.

8. Catch a view of a waterfall.

9. Look for the blue sky to reflect on the water.

10. Let the children play.

Let the kids explore at the Pisgah Playground and visit the animals at the farm.   Then, wow them with the craft demonstrations at the Barn: a blacksmith demo, a broom maker demo, and a wood worker demo. Spend some time riding around the grounds with easy bike rentals, e-bikes, and even kids trailers available.

11. Make reservations to tour the winery.

You’re welcome to enjoy a complimentary wine tasting but if you love chocolate, be sure to look into the Chocolate and Red Wine Tasting available.  Remember to reserve your complimentary wine tasting in person on the day you’d like to do it.

12. Watch the replica trains in the village railway.

13. Pose with a vintage truck.