Cradle of Forestry - Heritage Site & Discovery Center

Cradle of Forestry - Heritage Site & Discovery Center Established to preserve, develop, & make available the birthplace of forestry & education in America

Here you’ll explore the history of American forestry through three miles of paved interpretative trails and hands-on exhibits. Our trails offer visitors a chance to explore seven historical building from the time of the Biltmore Forest School (1898-1914), climb aboard and ring the bell of a 1914 Climax logging train engine, and interact with historical interpreters and audio recordings. Inside our Discovery Center you’ll find our gift shop bursting with nature-themed books, clothing, toys and crafts, a spacious theater playing a short film about the history of our site and an interactive exhibit hall. Our exhibit hall offers information about forestry practices past and present, exploration of the forest habitat and the animals that call Pisgah National Forest home. A recently added Community Science Lab guides children to make observations about the forest and brings the spirit of the Biltmore Forest School to life. The Cradle is home to enchanting special events that highlight our site’s history and biodiverse beauty. From our In Search of Blue Ghost Firefly Tours, Smokey Bear’s Birthday, Forest Festival Day & Intercollegiate Woodsmen Meet, to the Legend of Tommy Hodges Outdoor Drama, we have an event for you.

We’re sorry to let you know that tonight’s Gazers of the Galaxy (September 11) has been canceled due to the forecasted v...
09/11/2026

We’re sorry to let you know that tonight’s Gazers of the Galaxy (September 11) has been canceled due to the forecasted visibility conditions. Ticket purchasers, check your emails for more information.

Deep in the woods of Appalachia, some stories were never meant to be forgotten.This October, join us at the Cradle of Fo...
09/08/2026

Deep in the woods of Appalachia, some stories were never meant to be forgotten.

This October, join us at the Cradle of Forestry for 'Folklore in the Forest', a spooky, Halloween inspired ballad-concert under the stars. Sheila Kay Adams, Donna Ray Norton, and William Ritter, three tradition bearers carrying songs and tales passed down for over 200 years, will bring the region's eeriest folklore to life at the very birthplace of American forestry.

Bring a blanket, perhaps a chair and a friend who scares easy. Limited space. Grab your tickets before they're gone.

Gates open 6:00 PM
Event starts 6:30 PM

Saturday, October 24, 2026
The Cradle of Forestry, Pisgah Forest, NC
gofindoutdoors.org/folklore

TimberFest was a huge success this past Saturday! The day’s events featured the tabling from partner organizations, Hayw...
09/08/2026

TimberFest was a huge success this past Saturday! The day’s events featured the tabling from partner organizations, Haywood Lumberjack Competition and Crafters and much more. It was a perfect day to unveil the new sculptures, which were carved using downed trees from Hurricane Helene.

We would like to shout out all the booths and crafters that came to the event to show off their skills to all our visitors! Not to mention our event partners Explore Brevard, Pisgah Climbing School and Echoes of the Forest.

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. NPLD is also a fee...
09/05/2026

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. NPLD is also a fee-free day! Because of this, everyone can enjoy our site for FREE this day!

Come explore the visitor center with local crafts, educational items, and clothing, picnic spots, hiking trails, and more!

This event is on Saturday, September 26, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
For more information, follow the link below:
https://gofindoutdoors.org/events/national-public-lands-day-at-the-cradle-of-forestry/

Have you ever wondered what it was like to camp in the late 1800s? Camping in the Old Style will take place at the Cradl...
09/04/2026

Have you ever wondered what it was like to camp in the late 1800s?

Camping in the Old Style will take place at the Cradle of Forestry on Saturday, October 10, where the classic camping interpretive team known as the Acorn Patrol will demonstrate the low-tech/high-skill approach as practiced in the outdoors during what some historians consider the “Golden Age of Camping” (between 1880 and 1930). They will recreate fixed camps where past recreationists used campfire cookery, studied nature, and relaxed outdoors. They will engage visitors in camp activities such as fire-making, cooking, preparing a bed with a straw tick and wool blankets, tying knots, and playing music.

When: Saturday, October 10, anytime between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM!

For more information, follow the link below:
https://gofindoutdoors.org/events/camping-in-the-old-style/

09/02/2026

We wouldn’t tell anyone how to spend their day at the Cradle, but let’s just say there would be signs… 😉

We can't wait to see you this weekend for TimberFest!
09/01/2026

We can't wait to see you this weekend for TimberFest!

Whoa! Gazers of the Galaxy at the Cradle of Forestry is almost sold out! Don't miss your chance to participate in this a...
09/01/2026

Whoa! Gazers of the Galaxy at the Cradle of Forestry is almost sold out! Don't miss your chance to participate in this amazing program.

Missed your chance, or the date just doesn't work for you? Don't worry! We're having a second Gazers of the Galaxy on Friday, November 6th!

Get your tickets now! https://gofindoutdoors.org/cradle-events/

Address

11250 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC
28768

Telephone

+18288773130

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cradle of Forestry - Heritage Site & Discovery Center posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Cradle of Forestry - Heritage Site & Discovery Center:

Shortcuts

Share