Cradle of Forestry - Heritage Site & Discovery Center

05/28/2026

A good rain and a little sunshine can change the whole forest this time of year!

Native wildflowers are blooming across the mountains, brightening trailsides and forest floors with bursts of color. In the Southern Appalachians, these seasonal blooms are part of what makes late spring feel so special.

Want to learn more about native flowers, wildflowers, and blooms? The Traveling Wildflower Exhibit from the NC Botanical Garden is now on display at the Cradle of Forestry! Created with funding from the North Carolina Science Museums Grant Program, this traveling exhibit features eight panels on four double-sided stands. It covers the basics of wildflowers, the relationships they have with native wildlife, the threats they face, and how members of the public can support native wildflowers with sustainable gardening practices.

Available during regular hours
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

The Cradle of Forestry
1600 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768

05/27/2026

National Get Outdoors Day or GO Day for short is an annual event that encourages healthy, active outdoor fun by introducing kids and first-time participants to outdoor recreation opportunities on our public lands. Come explore our exhibit hall, film, gift shop and over 3 miles of paved hiking trails and seven historical buildings from the time of the first forestry school in America, the Biltmore Forest School.

Join us on June 13th from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.!

More information below:
https://gofindoutdoors.org/events/national-get-outdoors-day/

05/21/2026

Rain or shine, adventure starts at the Cradle of Forestry in America in Pisgah Forest, NC!

Explore miles of paved outdoor trails, interactive exhibits, historic buildings, and family-friendly programs all in one unforgettable place. Whether you visit for the day or all season long, the Cradle is built for curious minds and mountain memories!

Open 7 days a week. Day passes and season passes available now. Visit gofindoutdoors.org/cradle to learn more.

05/15/2026

America’s first forestry school started right here in the Pisgah!

We’re honored to see the Cradle of Forestry featured in the WLOS America 250 series, sharing the story of how modern forestry and conservation took root in the United States.

Watch the feature here:

Deep in the mountains of western North Carolina sits a place considered by many to be the birthplace of forestry in the United States.

05/08/2026

Blue Ghost Firefly Tours merch has officially landed at the Cradle of Forestry gift shop.

Take home a piece of Pisgah magic with our limited Blue Ghost collection featuring shirts, mugs, stickers, ornaments, coffee, and more inspired by one of the forest’s most unforgettable nighttime experiences.

Joining us for a Blue Ghost Firefly Tour? This is your chance to grab exclusive merch while you’re here. Not taking a tour? You can still shop the collection during regular operating hours at the Cradle of Forestry gift shop.

Important: we do not ship these items. The only way to get them is in person, and quantities are limited while supplies last. Once they’re gone, they’re gone!

05/07/2026

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the incredible educators who help connect people of all ages to the natural world here at FIND Outdoors!

A special thank you to Christa Hamill, our Georgia Educator, Lauren Huddy, Cradle of Forestry Educator, and Dallas Martin, Chief Education Officer, for the passion, knowledge, and inspiration they bring to every program, trail walk, field trip, and hands-on learning experience.

The outdoors is one of the greatest classrooms there is. These educators help create meaningful experiences that stay with visitors long after they leave the forest. Thank you for inspiring curiosity, encouraging exploration, and helping the next generation build a deeper connection to the outdoors. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

05/06/2026

More spots added. Tours start as early as next weekend!

04/27/2026

The Cradle of Forestry's garden, which measures nearly 7,000 square feet, has been renovated into a native garden with the help of iNDe!

The Cradle of Forestry in America has a new native plant and indigenous garden open to the public.