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The Cradle of Forestry invites the public to enjoy a Saturday, July 21st program about western North Carolina's logging train history and the 1914 Climax logging locomotive on display at the Cradle. Visitors will learn about the locomotive and explore the rich history of a time when many livelihoods depended on logging trains winding their way through the area's forest coves.
Western North Carolina train historian Jerry Ledford will present a slide program at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2:00 p.m. The program features old photographs of the real people and places that are part of local logging history. After each program Ledford will lead the group on the wheelchair accessible Forest Festival Trail to see the Cradle's old Climax locomotive and discuss its history and mechanics.
The Asheville Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society members will display a hands-on railroad yard and HO scale switching layout. Learn how to move railroad cars within the yard, how to switch tracks, and set up an entire train from engine to caboose. Enjoy seeing pictures from Southern Railway in the 1950s, old railroad lanterns, and other railroad memorabilia.
Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $6.00 for regular admission (13 and up), $3 for children 4 to 12 years of age, and free for youth 3 years of age and under. America the Beautiful and Golden Age passes are admitted for $3. Admission includes the new film, First in Forestry: Carl Alwin Schenck and the Biltmore Forest School, the Forest Discovery Center with 15 hands-on exhibits, scavenger hunts, the Adventure Zone, and historic cabins and antique equipment on two paved interpretive trails. Lunch is available from the Café at the Cradle from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Cradle of Forestry is located on Hwy. 276 in the Pisgah National Forest, six miles north of Looking Glass Falls and four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway at milepost 412. For more information call 828-877-3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.com
