Upcoming Events
Visit with the Acorn Patrol, a small group of classic campers in a re-created campsite of the early 1900’s. At […]
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The Cradle of Forestry will entertain audiences with the annual outdoor drama, “The Legend of Tommy Hodges,” on Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 with shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
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This workshop for formal and non-formal educators, led by a N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission educator, will focus on North Carolina species of bats, conservation issues, and activities you can do in your programs or classrooms.
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Call (828) 877-3130 for details!
All events are located at the Cradle of Forestry in America.
Explore!

Forest Discovery Center
Explore interactive exhibits. watch a film in our theater, visit our gift shop, or dine at our cafe’.
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The Adventure Zone
The Adventure Zone is a collective of hands-on activities (indoor and outdoors) that were designed to help children and adults with autism become active in the outdoors and gain a better understanding about the natural world.
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Trails
Take a picturesque stroll on one of our three paved walking trails where history and nature meet.
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Get Involved at the Cradle of Forestry
Do you enjoy people and a lovely mountain setting?
Interested in spending some time with us in the heart of Pisgah National Forest in western North Carolina? Whether you are looking to spend a few months with us as a resident host, a college student seeking a summer internship, a nature-lover who would like to help out with field trips, or a traditional crafter or musician looking to share your talent with the public, there are plenty of ways to get involved at the the Cradle of Forestry. We couldn’t do it without you!

Join Friends of the Cradle
Be the roots of our tree…
By purchasing an Annual Friends of the Cradle Pass you will become a partner in preserving one of America’s greatest legacies for those who will come after us. Like many of our nation’s special areas, the Cradle offers a unique opportunity to participate in the preservation of historical treasures, engage in an ongoing dialogue about the value of forest habitats, and celebrate the unique beauty of the Southern Appalachians.
Conservation Education
School Field Trips with 2 options & Biltmore Forest School’s Group Programs
Focusing on science, social studies, forestry and living history, the Cradle of Forestry correlates programs to N.C. state curriculum standards and U.S. Forest Service guidelines. Each program provides an exciting hands-on activity that is educational and in an outdoor setting. Trained educators will help you “Sow Seeds of Stewardship” while accomplishing your teaching goals.
Enhance your Cradle Experience. Visit our Giving Tree Gift Shop.
Take a piece of Pisgah National Forest and the Cradle of Forestry home with you! Our gift shop carries a great selection of trail maps, field guides, site-specific souvenirs, hand-made Appalachian crafts, and nature oriented gifts. The Giving Tree Gift Shop is operated by the Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association. Your purchase helps support the educational programming and operation of the Cradle of Forestry in America. Please consider purchasing an Annual Friends of the Cradle Pass which entitles you to a 15% discount on every purchase. A limited selection of these items can be found on our online store.
Hours & Location
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828-877-3130
Physical Address (Not a mailing address):
11250 Pisgah Hwy
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
*Please note if a driving direction search recommends using N.C. 151, you may want to use an alternative route due to extremely steep inclines and sharp curves.
OPEN DAILY
9:00AM-5:00PM
April 6 through November 10, 2019.








