Don’t Sleep on the Rest of the Estate — Biltmore’s Hidden Magic
My daughter snapped this photo of the Biltmore House from one of the trails. I just love her eye and have used all of her images on this page.
Is Now a Good Time to Visit Biltmore?
One of the most popular questions I get is:
“Is the estate still affected by Hurricane Helene?”
Here’s the truth: now is actually the perfect time to visit. I go multiple times a week — and once you drive through the estate gates, you’d never guess a storm happened. Through my eyes the grounds are lush, trails are open, and everything beyond the gate feels peaceful and fully recovered.
You will still see flood recovery happening in Biltmore Village — that’s the area just outside the estate gates — where some businesses are rebuilding or under construction. But inside the estate? It feels like a world apart.
And if you’re like me and prefer fewer crowds, this season has been ideal. Even on busy days, the estate is so spread out you don’t feel packed in. Right now, foot traffic is noticeably lighter, which makes exploring feel more personal and relaxed.
So if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to see Biltmore beyond the mansion — this is it.
Morning Light & Garden Wanders
Start your day early and wander through the Italian Garden, Walled Garden, Shrub Garden, and Azalea Garden. Each space shifts with the seasons—bulbs in spring, lush texture in summer, vibrant foliage in fall.
Don’t skip the Conservatory, tucked behind the Walled Garden. It’s a sunlit greenhouse filled with palms, orchids, and tropical plants — especially magical in the early morning light.
Pro Tip: Arriving early gives passholders a head start on quiet paths, soft light, and photo opps without people.
Trails, Birds, and Bikes
If you love being outdoors, Biltmore offers:
Trails that meander through forest, meadows, and alongside the French Broad River
Bike rentals at Antler Hill Village for scenic, self-directed rides
Guided bird walks or bike tours led by knowledgeable staff
Take your time — this is land meant to wander.
Ride in Style: Carriages & Horses
If you’re drawn to calm, charming experiences, don’t overlook these:
I would never recommend a carriage ride that felt exploitative or hard on animals. But at Biltmore, it’s different.
The horses are well cared for, handled with thoughtfulness, and often seen grazing or relaxing peacefully in open pastures. They live a pampered, peaceful life.
Choose a horse-drawn carriage ride through Deerpark for romantic views, or a guided horseback trail ride to explore quieter corners of the estate. Both options feel cinematic, intentional, and serene.
Unexpected Adventures: Falconry, Archery & Clays
If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary, consider:
A falconry experience with birds of prey in a secluded woodland setting
Archery lessons or sporting clays near Antler Hill Village
These curated countryside adventures are memorable, fun, and easy to build into your day.
Wine, Farm Animals & Family Fun at Antler Hill
Antler Hill Village is the perfect spot to recharge in the afternoon:
Complimentary wine tastings at the Winery
A working farmyard with animals to visit
Heritage exhibits and small shops
A playground for families
Dining and coffee spots
The barnyard animals are truly part of the experience — we’ve even fallen in love with one of the dairy cows who calls the estate home. And the goats? They absolutely seem to know when someone’s ready to snap a photo. Just a quick note: while it might be tempting, don’t feed the animals anything — not even grass. They’re on a specialized diet and well cared for by the staff, so just enjoy their personalities and let them do their thing.
The Sunflower Path: Beauty in Motion
In late summer, one of the most beloved sights on the estate is the sunflower-lined path that stretches along the paved trail near Antler Hill Village. With blooms that tower over eight feet tall and stretch for what feels like miles, it’s a stunning scene that draws photographers, families, and nature lovers alike.
But this path isn’t just for pausing — it’s perfect for getting your steps in, too. You’ll often see people jogging, biking, rollerblading, or simply strolling through with a coffee in hand. It’s one of the most accessible trails on the estate — wide, paved, and gently sloped — making it a favorite for everything from morning workouts to family photo sessions in peak bloom.
Whether you come for the flowers or just want to move through a beautiful space, this is one of the most inviting stretches of Biltmore’s grounds.
Epic Views of Biltmore House at Sunset
Want that unforgettable view? Try these spots:
Diana Vista: Climb from Parking Lot A to the statue of Diana. At the top, turn around for the classic framed view of the house and mountains.
The Lagoon: A reflective pond that mirrors the western façade of Biltmore House — glorious at golden hour.
Koi Ponds near the Italian Garden: Watch golden reflections dance above the fish and water at sunset.
Why We Love the Lagoon
We absolutely love spending time at the Lagoon—one of only three estate-approved picnic spots (along with Diana Hill and Bass Pond, per Biltmore’s official FAQ).
It’s a peaceful, scenic area where you can often spot wildlife, enjoy a quiet breeze off the water, and take in that iconic view of the house’s reflection.
You’ll see guests setting up folding chairs, hanging hammocks between trees, or laying out a blanket for a laid-back picnic. It’s spacious, relaxing, and a great place to unwind after a long walk or bike ride from Antler Hill.
For the Adventurous Guest: Go Off-Road at Biltmore
If you’re looking for a truly adventurous spin on estate life, consider the Land Rover Experience at Biltmore. This limited-access activity puts you behind the wheel (or riding shotgun) in rugged terrain across Biltmore’s private wooded acreage.
You can choose from one-hour, two-hour, half-day, or full-day sessions—with expert instruction as you navigate steep inclines, water crossings, rock crawls, and side slopes.
No previous off-roading experience is needed, and you’re fully supported the entire time. It’s a high-energy, memorable way to explore parts of the property most guests never see — and it comes with mountain views, skill-building, and a whole new perspective on the land. Pricing is per vehicle and admission to the estate is required separately
We spend a lot of time as a family out on the estate grounds, and I thought it’d be special to share a few moments through my daughter’s lens. She’s a teen with a quiet, thoughtful eye — and seeing Biltmore from her point of view always reminds me how much there is to notice. I cannot recommend this place enough for your family outings.
Can You Picnic at Biltmore?
Yes — and it’s one of the simplest pleasures on the estate.
You can picnic at these three designated locations:
The Diana Vista hillside
The Lagoon
The Bass Pond
If you're ever unsure about rules or availability, just ask a staff member—they're easy to find and always helpful.
A Sample Day (Without the House)
Morning
Walk the Gardens and Conservatory
Grab coffee or browse shops at Antler Hill
Midday
Enjoy a trail walk or bike ride
Optional: try falconry, archery, or a guided bird walk
Lunch at the Winery or picnic at the Lagoon
Afternoon into Evening
Take a carriage or horseback ride
Visit the Farmyard and do a wine tasting
Watch the sunset at the sunflower fields, Diana Vista, or the Lagoon
Final Thoughts from a Local
Yes, the house is stunning and deserves a visit — but the rest of the estate is where you’ll find peace, seasonal magic, and quiet wonder.
As a passholder and frequent guest, I share all of this from personal experience.
If you have any questions about current policies, ticketing, or reservations, please reach out directly to Biltmore Estate for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Your visit matters — not just to you, but to Asheville. Tourism helps us rebuild, especially when done thoughtfully.
Explore. Ask questions. Soak it all in.
Biltmore is more than a mansion. It’s a legacy — with so much more waiting just beyond the house.