Guided Tours at the Cradle of Forestry

FIND Outdoors is excited to offer free, 1-hour guided tours on our historic Biltmore Campus Trail at the Cradle of Forestry each week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1:00 & 3:00 p.m.

The Biltmore Campus Trail, a paved, 1-mile loop, offers visitors a stroll back in time to the era of the Biltmore Forest School, America’s first school of forestry. Here, guests will visit the one room school house used by the school’s founder Dr. Carl Schenck, as well as a recreated general store, student cabins, blacksmith shop and ranger’s dwelling built circa 1880’s, and much more. The tours will offer visitors a glimpse into the lives of the students of this important historic site, as well as the residents of Western North Carolina, through stories, anecdotes and discussions on the origins of Pisgah.

Although reservations are not needed for these special walking experiences, visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the hike start time and get to know the Cradle site before hitting the trail. “We want our visitors to completely immerse themselves in the Cradle of Forestry and its story,” said Christy Ralston, Cradle of Forestry Manager. “These free hikes are the gateway to learning not only about the history of this amazing area, but the culture of the Appalachians and the future of our forests!”

Thinking about going? The guided tours are no additional cost, and admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $6.00 for adults, $3.00 ages 5-12 and free for ages five and under. Half price tickets are available for “America the Beautiful” Annual and Lifetime Pass Holders and up to three guests. In addition, there is no entrance fee for Cradle of Forestry Annual Pass Holders and any child enrolled in the 4th grade “Every Kid in a Park” program.