AO Edited Sponsored By Visit North Carolina These tree-filled acres are also filled with history, hiking and a celebration of Appalachian crafts. Email In 1986, the arboretum became an affiliate of the University of North Carolina System. Suzie Tremmel via Flickr The arboretum’s history is tied to Frederick law Olmsted’s vision for the lands around Biltmore. Bill McMannis via Flickr See the blooms in season on your visit.