Cradle of Forestry
Cradle of Forestry
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
*Temporarily Closed for Winter Hours, reopening April 7th, 2018* Continuing a legacy of forest conservation history, the Cradle of Forestry offers a snap shot of life at America's first school of Forestry along the Biltmore Campus Trail. You can also take a picturesque walk along the Forest Festival Trail complete with a restored 1914 logging locomotive, or take a simulated ride with firefighters aboard a helicopter on their way to a roaring fire in the wilds of Idaho in the Forest Discovery Center Exhibit Hall. Come explore the sights and sounds, check out the events and activities, and plan your adventure at the birthplace of Forest Conservation in America - the Cradle of Forestry in America. We are CLOSED November-March.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
276 reviews
Excellent
205
Very good
56
Average
12
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Richard S
Washington DC, DC174 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We spent about 90 minutes touring the exhibits and taking one of the forest walks. We learned a great deal about the Pisgah Forest and the development of modern forestry. The museum and film provide insights into the economic, social, and environmental history of the region, supplementing the ecological and natural history perspectives on the Appalachian environment provided at Grandfather Mountain and elsewhere.
We have read about Gifford Pinchot and the origins of the US Forest Service, and of course know about George Vanderbilt and the Biltmore. But we had not heard about how their collaboration brought Carl Schenck to the Blue Ridge and enabled him to establish the Biltmore Forestry School and create the profession of forestry. A fascinating and important bit of history.
We have read about Gifford Pinchot and the origins of the US Forest Service, and of course know about George Vanderbilt and the Biltmore. But we had not heard about how their collaboration brought Carl Schenck to the Blue Ridge and enabled him to establish the Biltmore Forestry School and create the profession of forestry. A fascinating and important bit of history.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeaSalt
SC11 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We have visited The Cradle of Forestry many times over the last 30 years. My children used to love to visit and walk the trails. Afterwards, we would get an ice cream or snack at the cafe. We took our grands this month and noticed how the facility is a shell of what it once was. The parking lot is starting to grow grass in the asphalt. The shrubs and plants are taking over the front of the building. The plantings are not maintained anymore in the garden exhibits. The audio on some of the inside exhibits no longer work. I was shocked at how dilapidated it has become. What a shame.
The trails were still pretty well maintained. The old buildings are interesting. But overall the cost of admission cannot be justified given how run down the place has become.
The trails were still pretty well maintained. The old buildings are interesting. But overall the cost of admission cannot be justified given how run down the place has become.
Written June 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scarlett O’Tara
50 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
This was really an enjoyable part of my day!! I stumbled upon this while driving through Pisgah national Forest and I ended up staying for close to three hours. There are three hiking trails and I ended up taking two of them and not only enjoy the hike but learning about the history of forestry. The trails are paved and there are some areas that are a little slippery due to moss overgrowth, but it was a very easy walk and I ended up doing over 2 miles on two trails. This is a great place to take kids or anyone who is a history buff. The women working at the main center were very helpful and they give you some information before you go out on your self guided tours. I would definitely bring my family here on vacation.
Written September 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JSSAmber
Cambridge, UK677 contributions
Oct 2022
Long, lovely, shaded forest paths interspersed with some interesting historical tidbits make Cradle of Forestry a fantastic way to experience the Appalachians. The indoor bits are also good, with highly professional exhibits and a film. Everyone working here is happy to be here and glad that you've come to visit.
Written October 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
adventurer1234
Forest Park, OH503 contributions
Jul 2021
With a visit to the Cradle of Forestry in America, you learn how forest preservation began and continues. This is done with a series of exhibits and supported with a very interesting short film. Then you can take one or several walks that takes you back in time to see how forest preservation was presented 80 - 100 years ago by going through or seeing various buildings (class rooms, offices, barracks, and others) used at the time. Definitely worth a visit!
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SouthernSunshine
Fort Mill, SC324 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
If you’re staying near by this his a great place to stop especially if it’s raining. Rangers are very helpful, they’re a a nice hiking path suitable for all ages. It has a gift shop and restrooms. It set up like a museum.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joselyn C
Atlanta, GA5 contributions
Oct 2020
Wonderful 1 mile or 2 mile paved hike. Historic buildings related to beginning of forestry education in the US. Can bring your dog. Lovely streams, bridges and plants/bushes along the pathway. Kid, dog and adult friendly! Will go back
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cathy O
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
While on our way to Pisgah Inn for lunch, we decided to allot time to visit this location. We were really impressed with the entire site including an excellent film outlining George Vanderbilt and his forestry initiatives. I had no idea until we visited that he even spearheaded such an important initiative. The volunteers were well informed and wonderful, especially Anita! If you're in the area and have an hour (or more) to spare, I guarantee you'll learn something new. Although there's a small admission fee, it's worth it!
Written August 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane M
North Carolina106 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Lived in Hendersonville, NC for 4 years now and never been into Cradle of Forestry until this week. Boy, did we miss out. A great place to stop while in Pisgah Forest. Very informative place and a great place to just walk around and enjoy nature. We walked over 3.5 miles just taking in the exhibits and trails. The staff were all very knowledgeable and personable. A great gift shop too - much better than the Pisgah Visitors Center.
Written September 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay W
1 contribution
Jun 2020
I got to enjoy a couple relaxing hours with Kelly Bruce leading a Zoom video group through some forest therapy. Because of our remote locations, we can watch her visuals from the NC forest, and/or walk around and experience our own areas. We had people from several US states on the session.
Kelly's leadership was calm and relaxing, and she made sure we were all included as much as we wanted to be in sharing our observations periodically throughout the session.
I finished feeling very at peace, and just wanting to go walking around my neighborhood to see what more I could experience.
Thanks, Kelly!
Kelly's leadership was calm and relaxing, and she made sure we were all included as much as we wanted to be in sharing our observations periodically throughout the session.
I finished feeling very at peace, and just wanting to go walking around my neighborhood to see what more I could experience.
Thanks, Kelly!
Written June 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi...Just by luck we will be in Asheville during the Blue Ghost Firefly tour dates. We will be staying downtown, and do not want to drive anywhere to see this phenomenal site. Is there a tour that we could take ?........thank you!
Written February 20, 2018
I hope you received the answer you were looking for regarding Cradle of Forestry blue ghost dates. We are offering tours on Tuesday-Saturday from May 15 to June 2. You can check out the website for a link to the online registration. The Blue Ghosts thrive in forested areas with minimal impact and light pollution.
Written March 28, 2018
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