Cradle of Forestry in America (U.S. Forest Service/Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association)
cradle


Events The Forest Discovery Center at the Cradle of Forestry in America offers thematic interpretive exhibits on conservation history, forest ecosystems, management, careers in natural resources, forest products, and environmental issues. A simulated fire-fighting helicopter ride and scavenger hunt are highlights for some children. Three paved trails totally nearly 4 miles put the forest at your fingertips and are perfect for wheelchairs and strollers.The Biltmore Campus Trail and Forest Festival Trail focus on the history of the Cradle of Forestry in America from 1890 to 1909, and feature an 1882 cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, general store, seedling nursery, ozone garden, antique portable sawmill, and a restored 1914 logging locomotive visitors can climb aboard. The Forest Discovery Trail offers a quiet woods walk with plenty of benches for resting.

Guided walks along the trails stimulate discussions on how plants grow, decomposition, forest issues, and ways of living, past and present. Educational programs, focusing on science and social studies, provide engaging hands-on activities utilizing the forest environment and historical setting to connect visitors with our natural resources and stimulate their imaginations.

The Cradle of Forestry is part of the North Carolina Birding Trail and the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area Music Trail.

See recreation opportunities, facilities and additional park resources on the right under "Organization at a Glance"

For more information on educational programs contact:
Courtney Long
828-877-3130
courtney@cfaia.org
Heritage Site Education Manager
Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association

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 		Cradle of Forestry in America

Organization at a Glance
Sector TypeGovernmentHours of Operation 9am-5pm daily from early April thru mid-November Address11250 Pisgah Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC United States 28768
Phone
(828) 877-3130
Websitecradleofforestry.com Contacts
Ms. Cindy Carpenter
(828) 877-3130  Interpretation/Education Program Curator, USDA Forest Service
Courtney Long
(828) 877-3130  Interpretive Specialist & Education Manager


MissionShow Details
Cradle of Forestry in America stimulates interest in the relationship between people and forests, providing a greater understanding of how forests and forest management benefit our lives and those of future generations. We will showcase the Cradle's rich heritage as the birthplace of forestry in America, educate the public about forest science, and interpret Blue Ridge culture.
Cost of Programs/AdmissionShow Details
Adults: $5.00; Youth age 15 and under admitted free; $4.00 / student for guided group programs (10 or more participants). Some special events: $6/adult; $3 for ages 4-15.Tuesdays are free for general visitors and self-guided groups. America the Beautiful/Golden passports honored.
Unique FeaturesShow Details
The 6,500-acre Cradle of Forestry site within the Pisgah National Forest lies in a wooded valley known for over two centuries as The Pink Beds. Its average elevation is 3,200 feet and contains the headwaters of Looking Glass Creek and South Mills River and a unique bog system. The forest is mixed hardwoods with large stands of white pines plus thickets of mountain laurel and rosebay rhododendron. Beaver activity has created a mosaic of fascinating habitats. Boardwalks take you across ever-changing beaver wetlands along the Pink Beds Trail. The area has long been a favorite of birders and hikers who enjoy this relatively level hiking loop. Four miles of paved trails put the forest at one's fingertips.The Biltmore Campus Trail, a National Recreation Trail, passes historic buildings once part of the America's first forestry school. The Forest Festival Trail interprets forestry practices past and present. The Adventure Zone, designed for those on the autism spectrum, spans this trail. The Forest Discovery Trail lets you find your own stories among the woods.
Accessibility DetailsShow Details
The Forest Discovery Center offers interpretive exhibits designed for full accessibility and different learning styles. The facility meets ADA guidelines for disabled access, as well as three paved interpretive trails . The Biltmore Campus Trail is a 1.0-mile loop, the Forest Festival Trail a 1.3-mile loop, extended by the 1.2 mile Forest Discovery Trail. Several benches are along the way. The Center has a wheelchair available for visitor use. Two historic buildings have ramps. A 200-person capacity amphitheater has wheelchair access. Battery powered audio devices are available to the hearing impaired to aid hearing speakers in the Center's multi-purpose room.
Facilities Show Details
  • Amphitheater
  • Auditorium
  • Bus Parking
  • Conference Facilities
  • Exhibits
  • Food Services
  • Garden
  • Gift Shop
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Restrooms
Recreation/Outdoors Show Details
  • Dogs Allowed
  • Hiking Trail
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Picnic Tables or Benches
Staff and Volunteer Resources Show Details
  • Permanent Education Staff
  • Service Learning Projects
Eco Region(s)Show Details
Blue Ridge (Ecoregion 66)
River Basin(s)Show Details
French Broad River Basin
Posted 9/29/2006 3:59 PM
Updated   3/15/2024