The Cradle of Forestry Historic Site near Brevard commemorates the beginning of forest conservation in America. On this site in 1898, Dr. Carl Schenck, chief forester for George Vanderbilt’s Biltmore Estate, founded the Biltmore Forest School, the first forestry school in the U.S.
The Cradle of Forestry’s Forest Discovery Center features interactive exhibits and a 28-minute movie – First in Forestry: Carl Schenck and the Biltmore Forest School – that was featured on PBS and was funded in part by a grant from the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Visitors can “ride” a firefighting helicopter simulator over a forest fire, then crawl underground and see the animals that live beneath the forest floor.
Additionally, the Cradle features approximately 3 miles of paved trails, offering visitors a chance to explore seven historical buildings from the time of the Biltmore Forest School (1898-1914), climb aboard and ring the bell of a 1914 Climax logging train engine, and more.
The Cradle of Forestry offers programs throughout Spring, Summer, and Fall. Visit their site for the latest announcements.
Click on the link below to hear a Living Traditions Moment about the origins of Forestry in America.
Hours of Operation
2025 Hours: April 5 through mid-November.
Open Daily
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Admission Fees
$10/adult (13+)
$5/child (4–12)
$5/Federal Passholder
Hours of operation and fees are subject to change. Contact directly for the most current information.
Location
The Cradle of Forestry is located on US Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, just 14 miles northeast of Brevard, NC. The Cradle of Forestry is between 30-45 miles away from the towns of Asheville, Hendersonville, and Waynesville and only four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway (look for signs to the Cradle of Forestry near milepost #411).
Cradle of Forestry
Hwy. 276
Brevard, NC
(828) 877-3130
