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Nestled in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina is the birthplace of American Forestry. Located a short distance east of the Blue Ridge Parkway on U.S. 276, in an area shadowed by the 5721 foot Mt. Pisgah, is a gem of a facility known as the “Cradle of Forestry Discovery Center”. The Cradles elevation is 3100’.

When George Vanderbilt built his home “Biltmore” near Asheville North Carolina in the late 1800’s, he decided that he wanted his grounds and the surrounding forest to be as magnificent as his home. Gifford Pinchot was selected to be Vanderbilt's first manager of the 125,000-acre forest property. Pinchot, trained in France found a tarnished farmland and forest that had been cut, burned, and over grazed. His employer, Vanderbilt had a vision of a perfectly managed and stately landscape. Pinchot immediately set out to demonstrate that proper forestry techniques could improve the Biltmore forest and actually pay for itself. Pinchot was successful and his efforts were recognized resulting in his selection as the Chief of U.S. Division of Forestry in 1898.

Prior to his departure from the Biltmore project, Pinchot had selected Dr. Carl Shenk, a German born and trained forester to become his replacement. Shortly after arriving in America, Shenk recognized the need for a bonafide School of Forestry. Shenk convinced George Vanderbilt to bankroll the project, and in 1898 the Biltmore Forestry School was opened at the site of the present Cradle facility. School was held 6 days a week with morning schooling followed by afternoon sessions that were held in the vast Biltmore forests. The school closed in 1913 due to Dr. Shenk’s pending military obligations in Germany, and competition from other forestry schools that had formed in the U.S.

The present Cradle of Forestry facility has evolved in the latter part of the twentieth century into an extensive museum and interactive facility. Located on its 6,100 acres you will find two interpretive trails, both paved and an easy one-mile walk. Experienced guides hold interesting one-hour tours throughout the day on each trail. Visitors may also view the trails using provided brochure’s for a self-guided experience. On the two trails you will find the original Biltmore campus buildings, a 1915 era logging train, complete with an extremely rare crane, a portable saw mill and samples of the forestry techniques taught at the school.

The Visitors Center houses a theater where an 18-minute introductory film is presented every ½ hour, a large exhibit hall with audio and visual interactive displays, a sample forest, as well as training rooms. Children are delighted to find a chance to participate in a scavenger hunt! A cafe on the west end of the visitor’s center and a gift shop with an extensive book section are also available for visitors. Hikers will find a network of trials connecting the site with the adjacent Pisgah National Forest network. Maps are available for sale in the gift shop. The Cradle is open every day between 9AM to 5PM from early April to early November. Cradle staff are available for group tours, and special events held during the season include Smokey the Bears Birthday (August), Fantastic Tree Day (Sept.), and the Fall Festival Weekend (Oct.) and Legend of Tommy Hodges Halloween. Call (828) 877-3130 for details, information, or to schedule group tours.

Ranger Bonnie

RV tourist Doris with Ranger John

Camping and RV sites are available at the nearby Mount Pisgah campground and the Davidson River campground’s in the Pisgah Forest. Private Campgrounds are located in nearby Caruso, Waynesville, Hendersonville, and Brevard, North Carolina.

U.S. Rt. 276 within the Pisgah Forest has very significant grades and curves. There are warning signs posted for truckers. Caution is advised for RVer’s approaching the area from the west on Rt. 276 via Caruso and Waynesville, you will find rock outcroppings and trees very close to the right side of the rig and very tight curves on this two-lane road. There are no passing lanes or long pullouts once you start the ascent within the forest. Approaching the area from the east via Brevard area is somewhat easier with more pullouts and somewhat easier curves. Access from the Blue Ridge Pkwy down the East Side of the summit is a four mile 7-8% grade with moderate curves. Entrance to the Cradle of Forestry is via a large driveway marked with large signs mounted on top of large logs. (Do not confuse with the entrance to the nearby “Pink Beds” recreational area parking lot) There is adequate parking at the Cradle on the lower parking lot marked for RV parking.

Volunteers are utilized extensively at the Cradle for most of the visitor service positions. Secluded RV sites with three-way hookups are provided at the Cradle for Workampers Staff only. Telephone hookups are now available. Prospective volunteers should contact Barbara Merrell at 828-877-3130 during business hours or via barbmerrel@aol.com.

Photographs by J. Yates