Inside: Local mom visits a fairy garden in Bullington Gardens located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and shares all the tips for visiting this magical garden!
Have you found the fairies in Hendersonville, NC?
Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC, just a little over an hour north of Greenville, SC, has an adorable fairy garden over the summer. And it’s free. Plus, there is an adorable Fairy Book Nook amongst the shade that features toadstool seats carved from Hurricane Helene recovery logs (the gardens were damaged by Hurricane Helene, but are now thriving)!
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
Here are some scenes from our visit last year to the Fairy Trail.
The Gardens
Bullington Gardens is only a little over an hour north of Greenville and 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.
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 except cooler. 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 to August, 2026 from 9 am – 4 pm. There is a suggested $3.00/adult and $2.00/child donation to help maintain the gardens.
Special Fairy Events
Bullington Gardens is offering some cool fairy-themed events over the summer, like the Fairy Tea Party. Choose from ten different 2026 Fairy Tea Party dates on June 5, 12, 20, and 26; July 3, 10, 17, and 25; and August 8 and 15, with each event held from 12:00 to 2:00 PM. These parties are $30 per child, and you need to book in advance! 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 2026
The gardens are open year-round but the Fairy Trail is only open June to August, 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 of $3.00/adult and $2.00/child.
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
There are plenty of cool things to do in Hendersonville to make your trip up to see the fairies a day trip.
Are you looking for more FREE fun things to do in Hendersonville, NC? Check out our Kidding Around Guide to Free Things To Do
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 Fairy Trail FAQs
Get quick answers to the most commonly asked questions about the 2026 Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens.
Is the Fairy Trail free?
Yes! The Fairy Trail at Bullington Gardens is free to visit, although donations are encouraged to help support the nonprofit gardens and educational programs.
When is the Fairy Trail open?
The Fairy Trail is typically open seasonally during the summer months, usually from June through August. Hours are generally Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm, but it’s always a good idea to check Bullington Gardens’ website or social media before visiting.
Is the Fairy Trail good for young kids?
Absolutely. The Fairy Trail is designed with children in mind and is especially popular with toddlers and elementary-aged kids. Families love exploring the tiny fairy homes, whimsical woodland scenes, and hidden magical details throughout the trail.
How long does it take to walk the Fairy Trail?
Most families spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the Fairy Trail, though many stay longer to enjoy the rest of Bullington Gardens.
Is the Fairy Trail stroller-friendly or wheelchair accessible?
Much of Bullington Gardens is accessible, including several paved garden areas. Portions of the Fairy Trail itself may include uneven terrain and wooded paths, which can make some areas more difficult for strollers or wheelchairs. Bullington Gardens also offers off-road wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are dogs allowed on the Fairy Trail?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at Bullington Gardens.
What will we see on the Fairy Trail?
Visitors can expect to find charming fairy cottages, tiny woodland villages, miniature shops and bakeries, fairy doors hidden in trees, whimsical decorations, and magical details tucked throughout the forested path.
Can adults enjoy the Fairy Trail too?
Definitely. While the Fairy Trail is especially fun for children, adults who enjoy gardens, photography, nature walks, or whimsical experiences often love it just as much.
Is parking available?
Yes, Bullington Gardens has free onsite parking for visitors.
Are there bathrooms at Bullington Gardens?
Yes, restroom facilities are available onsite for visitors.
Can we bring a picnic?
Visitors are generally welcome to enjoy a picnic in the outdoor garden areas, making it easy to turn your Fairy Trail visit into a relaxing family outing.
Is there a gift shop or fairy-themed merchandise?
Yes, Bullington Gardens often offers fairy-themed gifts and seasonal merchandise in their garden shop during Fairy Trail season.
What else is there to do nearby?
Many families combine a Fairy Trail visit with other Hendersonville-area attractions like apple orchards, downtown Hendersonville, playgrounds, hiking spots, and nearby parks.
Bullington Gardens Website
95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville, NC
828.698.6104
Check out our full guide to Hendersonville, NC and don’t miss out on any of the fun!
