Cradle of Forestry Historic Site

The Cradle of Forestry in America is a 6,500 acre historic site within the Pisgah National Forest. Congress set the Cradle aside to commemorate the beginning of forest conservation in the United States. The Cradle of Forestry tells the story of the Biltmore Forest School, the first forestry school in the US, and the beginnings of scientific forestry in America. The Forest Discovery Center commemorates conservation history with an 18- minute movie on Vanderbilt, Pinchot, Schenck, and the beginning of American forestry. The center also has an interactive exhibit hall, the Giving Tree Gift Shop, and the Hob Nob Cafe. Two interpretive trails, a Forest Discovery Trail, seven historic buildings, a 1915 Climax logging locomotive, an old sawmill, and numerous crafters all bring Western North Carolina's past to life. The USDA Forest Service and the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA) have jointly managed the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site since 1972.

      

2013 Cradle of Forestry Events:

February 9 - Frog Love in the Pink Beds
April 13 - Grand Opening/Old Time Plowing & Folkways
May 11 - International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) & songbird celebration
June 8 - National Get Outdoors Day (Free to all!)
June 15* - Firefly Twilight Tour
June 22 - Bug Day (in honor of National Pollinator Week)
July 7* - Songcatchers Music Series
July 14* - Songcatchers Music Series
July 13* - Winged Creatures of the Night
July 21* - Songcatchers Music Series
July 28* - Songcatchers Music Series
August 3* - Smokey Bear’s Birthday Party
September 21 - Bring Back the Monarchs (Climate Series)
September 28 - National Public Lands Day (free to all!)
October 5* - Forest Festival Day & Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s Meet
October 12 - Camping in the Old Style Reenactment
October 25 & 26* - The Legend of Tommy Hodges outdoor drama
November - Closing Ceremony

*Indicate Special Events Admission - $6/Adults, $3/ages 4-17 and ATB Passholders

Woodsy Owl's Curiosity Club is a nature program series for youth ages 4-7 which is hosted on Thursdays from June 6 - August 1 from 10:30 - noon.  Cost is $4 per child and accompanying adults are admitted to the Cradle Site at half price ($2.50).  Registration is requested.  To sign up please call 828-877-3130. During the winter season (November-April), please call 828-884-5713 x221.