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 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/

TimberFest is in just one week! At TimberFest, guests will enjoy live wood artisans, thrilling timber sports demonstrati...
08/28/2026

TimberFest is in just one week!

At TimberFest, guests will enjoy live wood artisans, thrilling timber sports demonstrations, local crafters, living history, family-friendly games, and hands-on educational activities throughout the day.

Be among the first to experience the grand unveiling of the Cradle of Forestry’s newest exhibit, a Chainsaw Carved Statue Walk by Echoes of the Forest, carved using trees felled during Hurricane Helene, carved into 6 species that were impacted by the storm.

TimberFest is included with regular admission. No extra ticket, no advance purchase necessary. Be sure to join us on September 5, between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM!

For more information, follow the link below:
https://gofindoutdoors.org/events/timberfest/

Ever wanted to stare into the eyes of an Owl? You can do just that on Saturday, September 19!Join us at the Cradle of Fo...
08/27/2026

Ever wanted to stare into the eyes of an Owl? You can do just that on Saturday, September 19!

Join us at the Cradle of Forestry for Raptor Rendezvous, an exciting live falconry demonstration featuring Curtis Wright Falconry from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.

Get an up-close look at incredible birds of prey while learning about their important role in forest ecosystems, the food chain, and the balance of the natural world.

Raptors are wild predators, majestic, powerful, and unpredictable. To keep everyone safe and ensure an enjoyable experience for visitors and birds alike, we ask that you observe from a respectful distance of at least 4 feet and please leave pets at home. Following these simple guidelines will help every guest and every bird have an unforgettable experience!

This event is free with paid admission to the Cradle of Forestry. No advance tickets needed.

A special thank you to our event sponsor, Church Mutual, for helping make this event possible!

Echoes of the Forest brings the forest to life through live chainsaw art demonstrations. Watch skilled carvers transform...
08/26/2026

Echoes of the Forest brings the forest to life through live chainsaw art demonstrations. Watch skilled carvers transform raw timber into intricate sculptures in real time, right before your eyes.

There’s something different about seeing it happen live. One minute you’re looking at a rough log, the next a bear, an eagle, or a forest critter is emerging from the wood chips. The carvers work fast, and the detail they pull out of a chainsaw is honestly hard to believe until you’ve seen it yourself.

Stop by, watch a piece take shape, and talk with the artists about their craft. Bring the kids, bring a camera, and plan to stay a while.

Join us at the Cradle of Forestry from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Wednesday, September 2 through Friday, September 4.

This demonstration is free to attend with paid admission to the Cradle of Forestry.

Beauty is everywhere at the Cradle. Enjoy these photos submitted by Host Dot!
08/24/2026

Beauty is everywhere at the Cradle. Enjoy these photos submitted by Host Dot!

We will be closed today, August 21, and will reopen tomorrow for regular hours. We apologize for the inconvenience.
08/21/2026

We will be closed today, August 21, and will reopen tomorrow for regular hours.
We apologize for the inconvenience.

Western North Carolina, the stars are calling. Gazers of the Galaxy at the Cradle of Forestry lets you explore the cosmo...
08/21/2026

Western North Carolina, the stars are calling. Gazers of the Galaxy at the Cradle of Forestry lets you explore the cosmos through expert-guided telescopes.

Friday, September 11. Gates open 8:00 PM.

Get your tickets now:
https://gofindoutdoors.org/events/gazers-of-the-galaxy-cradle-of-forestry/

FIND Outdoors is partnering with AstroBrevard, The Asheville Astronomy Club and the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute in the Pisgah National Forest to discover the hidden mysteries of Western North Carolina’s dark sky. Expert astronomers will guide participants through the night, interpreting the wonders of the universe through their galactic stories and expertise. You will also be given the opportunity to use high powered telescopes to explore our universe even further. You’ll become a “Guardian of the Galaxy” after spending an evening learning about the magic of deep space and North Carolina’s incredible nightscape.





Throwback Thursday! Who remembers the Cradle of Forestry Visitor Center sign from 1996?
08/20/2026

Throwback Thursday!

Who remembers the Cradle of Forestry Visitor Center sign from 1996?

08/20/2026

What a night at the Cradle of Forestry last week! Thank you to everyone who came out for our Songcatchers Concert and made it one to remember. Huge shoutout to the Pisgah Pickers for keeping the vibes going all evening, and to Jenn and Owen for kicking things off right. This is why we do what we do. See you at the next one!

Address

11250 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC
28768

Telephone

+18288773130

Website

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