Celebrate National Public Lands Day @ Cradle of Forestry

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. NPLD is also a “Fee-Free Day”—one of only five days a year when entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands. Because of this everyone can enjoy the Cradle of Forestry for FREE this day!

Come explore the beautiful grounds, top-notch exhibits, and historic buildings of the first forestry school in America, located deep in Pisgah National Forest on the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Cradle of Forestry was home to the Biltmore Forest School, founded in 1898. It's a fascinating place to explore with many things to do to learn about the nature, culture, and history of our mountains.

Learn all about forestry and get a glimpse into life at the forestry school in the early 1900s via wonderfully restored buildings. There are three paved trails for easy hiking. In fact, this is our top pick for accessible trails for wheelchairs, strollers and scooters, making it easy for everyone to explore. Watch their new forestry documentary that aired on UNCTV.

Inside our Discovery Center you’ll find our gift shop bursting with nature-themed books, clothing, toys and crafts, a spacious theater playing a short film about the history of our site, and an interactive exhibit hall. You can also view the mature American Sycamore Apollo Moon Tree on our campus.

The 1.3-mile Forest Festival Trail explores Dr. Schenck's forestry experiments, a portable sawmill, and a logging locomotive that you can climb aboard. Extend the loop with the 1.3-mile Forest Discovery Trail for a total of 2.2 miles. It's on the NC Birding Trail, so a great spot for bird watching.

The one-mile Biltmore Campus Trail passes seven historical buildings, including a schoolhouse, commissary, and student quarters.

Inside the Forest Discovery Center, watch the 26-minute documentary “First in Forestry-Carl Alwin Schenck and The Biltmore Forest School,” explore 15 hands-on exhibits, and shop at the Giving Tree gift shop.

Come explore all the magic the Cradle of Forestry has to offer!

What to Bring

• Comfortable Walking Shoes
• Water Bottle
• Clothing appropriate for weather conditions (rain gear, jacket)