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.
Click on the images below to view YouTube videos about the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site
Cradle of Forestry 2016 Events:
| April 9 | Grand Opening/Old Time Plowing & Folkways |
| April 30 | International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) & songbird celebration |
| May 7 | Garden Day at the Cradle |
| May 28 | Bogs, Bugs and Beavers - Public Program |
| June 11 | National Get Outdoors Day (FREE DAY!) |
| June 18 | Firefly Twilight Tour - Evening Public Program |
| June 25 | Bug Day & National Pollinator Week Celebration |
| July 3 | Songcatchers Music Series * |
| July 9 | Winged Creatures of the Night * |
| July 10 | Songcatchers Music Series* |
| July TBD | Train History Day (pending) |
| July 17 | Songcatchers Music Series * |
| July 24 | Songcatchers Music Series * |
| July 31 | Songcatchers Music Series* |
| August 6 | Smokey Bear’s Birthday Celebration! * |
| August 13 | May the Forest Be With You (NEW!) |
| September 10 | Afternoon Tea with Llamas |
| September 18 | Bring Back the Monarchs |
| September 23-24 | Pink Beds BioBlitz & National Public Lands Day (FREE DAY!) |
| October 1 | Forest Festival Day & Intercollegiate Woodsman’s Meet * |
| October 8 | Camping in the Old Style |
| October 21 & 22 | The Legend of Tommy Hodges Outdoor Drama * |
* 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 9 - August 11 from 10:30 - noon and 1:30 - 3:00. Please make sure to indicate which class your child will be attending. Cost is $4 per child and accompanying adults are admitted to the Cradle Site at half price ($2.50). Prior registration is required. To sign up please call 828-877-3130. During the winter season (November-April), please call 828-884-5713 x221.
Junior Forester Program explores more advanced concepts of the outdoor world, including lessons on navigation and understanding ecosystems and natural processes. For youth ages 8-12, hosted at the Cradle site on Wednesdays from June 22-August 10 from 10:30 - 12:30. Cost is $4 per child and accompanying adults are admitted to the Cradle site at half price ($2.50). Prior registration is required. To sign up please call 828-877-3130. During the winter season (November-April), please call 828-884-5713 x221.