Cradle of Forestry - Heritage Site & Discovery Center

06/19/2026

Mmmmmmm! What's that delicious smell? The Cradle Cafe is now open every Friday!

Starting today, stop by from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM for a quick bite during your visit to the Cradle of Forestry. Enjoy hot pizza, warm pretzels, fresh popcorn, cold drinks, and a variety of grab-and-go snacks.

Hot food is available until approximately 4:00 PM.

Planning a Fourth of July visit? The Cradle Cafe will be open Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4!

Whether you're exploring the historic campus, walking the trails, or spending time with family, the Cradle Cafe is the perfect place to take a break and recharge. We look forward to seeing you!

06/18/2026

We were so thrilled to have folks from Parks Hospitality Group travel to the Cradle of Forestry to volunteer their time to beautify our campus and remove flammable brush from around our historic structures. Thanks to their generous work, the Cantrell Creek Lodge is further protected from wildfires that pose a risk to the building. Thank you again for spending your time volunteering with FIND Outdoors!

06/18/2026

We love being part of your outdoor memories!

06/17/2026

🌎 Did this have you barking up the wrong tree? Yonder visited The Cradle of Forestry within the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, NC. It's the birthplace of modern, science-based forestry in America! The museum, visitor center, and more than 3 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails chronicle the groundbreaking work of Dr. Carl Schenck.

FIND Outdoors

06/17/2026

We are so glad you found joy and peace during your time outdoors with us!

06/15/2026

We love when foresters visit us at the Cradle! David, a retired forester from Virginia and NC, visited the Cradle of Forestry today along with his friends and family!

Make the pilgrimage and visit us at the Cradle of Forestry!!

06/12/2026

Tomorrow!

National Get Outdoors Day or GO Day for short is an annual event that encourages healthy, active outdoor fun by introducing kids and first-time participants to outdoor recreation opportunities on our public lands. Come explore our exhibit hall, film, gift shop and over 3 miles of paved hiking trails and seven historical buildings from the time of the first forestry school in America, the Biltmore Forest School.

Join us on June 13th from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.!

More information below:
https://gofindoutdoors.org/events/national-get-outdoors-day/

06/04/2026

The Cradle of Forestry will re-open on Friday, June 5, 2026 following a maintenance issue. We can't wait to welcome you back!

06/04/2026

FIND Outdoors is pleased to paw-tner with the Charlie’s Angels Animals Rescue for an afternoon with their trail-loving pups! Welcome these adorable dogs to the Cradle of Forestry. Visit with the pups, and if the connection is right, you may even get the chance to take one for a walk through our scenic grounds.

Leave No Trace - North Carolina will start tabling in front of the Discovery Center all day, starting at 10:00 AM

AND!

Our Partners at Slow and Say Hello will be tabling by the School House starting at 10:00 AM

Please note that same-day adoptions are not available. Charlie’s Angels requires a thorough application process to ensure every pet finds the perfect match. Stop by to start the journey!

Join us on Saturday, June 27, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Follow the link for more information: https://buff.ly/NM929Cz

06/03/2026

A New Chapter is Taking Root at the Cradle of Forestry!

What was once dominated by invasive plants has been transformed into a thriving native landscape that will support pollinators, wildlife, and environmental education for generations to come.

Thanks to the incredible work of iNDe Ecosystems LLC and Appalachian Ecological Consulting, native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses are now thriving across the Cradle. From mountain laurel and serviceberry to mountain mint, coneflower, and white oak, every plant was carefully selected to strengthen the local ecosystem and tell the story of the Southern Appalachians.

One of the most exciting discoveries during the project was finding native Allegheny spurge hidden beneath invasive groundcover, a reminder that even small restoration efforts can uncover important pieces of our natural heritage. As the seasons change and these gardens continue to grow, they'll provide food and habitat for countless species while helping connect people to the landscapes that make our region so special.

Thank you to everyone helping bring this vision to life. We can't wait for visitors to see what's blooming!

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