Cradle of Forestry
Pisgah National Forest
11250 Pisgah Highway
Pisgah Forest, NC 28768
$10 regular admission – Ages 13 and up
$6 children – Ages 4-12
$5 for federal pass holders, Cradle season pass holders
No events are scheduled at this time.
Celebrate the forest heritage of Western North Carolina during the annual Forest Festival Day and John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodmen’s Meet. This event brings the Cradle of Forestry campus and Pink Beds Picnic Area to life, showcasing forestry and traditional craft.
The festival is an activity-filled, family event that commemorates the traditions of mountain living and craft in a unique and beautiful setting.
Festival-goers will cheer as college forestry students compete during the John G. Palmer Woodsmen’s Meet that has the flavor of an old-time lumberjack competition. Competitors representing forestry schools throughout the country test their skills in a number of events including archery, axe throwing, crosscut sawing and pole felling. Participating schools include:
Haywood Community College (Host) from Clyde, NC
Pennsylvania State University, from University Park, PA
NC State University from Raleigh, NC
Western Carolina University, from Cullowhee, NC
Penn State Mont Alto, from Mont Alto, PA
Montgomery Community College from Troy, NC
Wayne Community College from Goldsboro, NC
Mountain Gateway Community College from Clifton Forge, VA
The following community partners will also be joining us with information about their work, giveaways and other fun activities:
STIHL
Hemlock Restoration Initiative
The Pisgah Conservancy
National Forest Foundation
Wildlife Society at Haywood Community College
Attendees also have the opportunity to make their own tree cookies and Smash NC will be on site serving burgers and more!
Event Schedule:
10 AM – 5 PMPink Beds Field |
John G. Palmer Intercollegiate Woodsmen’s MeetCheer on competitors as they compete in axe throwing, pole fell, crosscut saw, pole climb, log roll and other events. |
10 AM – 5 PMPink Beds Field |
Crosscut Saw ExperienceThe US Forest Service will be teaching the use of crosscut saw. Participants will cut a “tree cookie” that will be branded with the event logo. |
10 AM – 2 PMCradle Discovery Center |
Wood Carving DemonstrationsJoin local wood carver, Judy Roloff, to learn how to make wooden crafts. |
11 AM – 3 PMCradle Discovery Center |
Weaving DemonstrationsWatch and learn the art of weaving with volunteers from Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists, Inc. |
Special thanks to our presenting sponsor:
Special thanks to the following:
Breakfast for participating forestry students |
