Find outdoors is gearing up to welcome visitors to the Cradle of Forestry in America on Saturday, April 8, 2023. Spring hours of operation are Wednesday through Monday from 10 am to 5 pm.
There are several new upgrades and additions visitors will find at the Cradle this year. Areas of note include an upgrade of the gift shop to better enhance the visitor experience, changes and upgrades to exhibits in the Discovery Center including the addition of a hydrology lab, the 1893 World’s Fair Forestry exhibit, where Gifford Pinchot exhibited hardwoods found throughout the Southeast at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, now known as the Worlds Fair that changed America. It is truly remarkable to be able to view wood slabs still in their original state that are now more than 130 years old. The saw mill and log loader have been refurbished for visitors to enjoy and of course, the schoolhouse, cabins and the Climax logging train engine remain a big hit with new and returning visitors. Structural and historical preservation work has also started on refurbishing the Hiram King house. The site also offers three family friendly paved trails with interpretive signage ready for exploration by visitors of all ages.
This 6,500-acre site in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and nestled in the Pink Beds Valley was established to “preserve, develop and make available to this and future generations the birthplace of forestry and forestry education in America.”
Beginning March 7, the Pisgah Visitors Center/Ranger Station returned to daily hours of operation from 9 am to 5 pm. Plan your visit to the many sites in the Pisgah National Forest with our knowledgeable team members and volunteers. While there, enjoy a short 3⁄4 mile walk on the family friendly Andy Cove Nature Trail, pick up a map, and explore the gift shop with many locally made crafts and gifts from our area.
The Cradle of Forestry and Pisgah Visitor Center are operated in collaboration with the US Forest Service and serve as your gateway to information, camping and adventures within Pisgah National Forest.
Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/recarea/?recid=48230 for more information.