Cradle of Forestry

Deep within the Pisgah National Forest near Brevard lies a 6,500 acre Historic Site set aside by Congress to commemorate the beginning of forestry conservation in the United States.  For it was here in 1898 that Dr. Carl Schenck, chief forester for George Vanderbilt's Biltmore Estate, founded the first forestry school in America – the Biltmore Forest School.

The Forest Discovery Center features interactive exhibits and an 18-minute movie about the creation of the school and the history of forestry conservation. Visitors can "ride" a fire fighting helicopter simulator over a forest fire, then crawl underground and see the animals that live beneath the forest floor. The Giving Tree Gift Shop and the Forest Bounty Café are also located in the center. Outdoor activities include two guided trails which lead to seven historical buildings, a 1915 Climax logging locomotive and the old sawmill. 

The Cradle of Forestry offers many summer programs, including the popular Songcatchers' Music Series, with traditional Appalachian heritage music performed each Sunday in July in the outdoor amphitheater.

Hours of Operation

Mid-April through early November, open daily - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Admission Fees

$5.00 for adults 16 years old and older; free for youth aged 15 and young, for Golden Age, Golden Eagle and Golden Access Passport holders and for everyone on Tuesdays.
*Prices are subject to change without notice & from what is listed on
this website.

Location

On US Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County, 14 miles from Brevard  or four miles off of the Blue Ridge Parkway from the exit at milepost # 411.
Cradle of Forestry
828-877-3130
www.cradleofforestry.org
cfaia@citcom.net