FIND Outdoors is excited to announce the seasonal reopening of the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest on April 5. This historic site, often referred to as the birthplace of modern forestry in America, continues to serve as a hub for conservation education and outdoor experiences.

Opening day attendees will enjoy complimentary admission and programming throughout the day, including:

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. — Character Meet & Greets

11 a.m. — Book signing and reading with Carolyn Bennett Fraise, the author of “MOON TREE: The Story of One Extraordinary Tree” 

1-2 p.m.  — Up Close Encounter with Birds of Prey 

• Jeff Curtis presents an exciting falconry demonstration featuring majestic birds of prey. Get up close to these incredible birds and learn about their role in the ecosystem.

3-4 p.m. — Fur, Feathers and Scales

• The WNC Nature Center brings an exciting educational presentation featuring animals with fur, feathers and scales. Meet live animals and learn how they adapt to their environments.

Guided tours of the Biltmore Campus Trail and Forest Festival Trail will also be available.

Admission:

$10/adult (13+)

$5/child (4–12)

$5/Federal Passholder

Season Passes  to the Cradle of Forestry are also available for $35/individual or $55/family and include:

• Regular admission to the Cradle of Forestry during the season

• 15% discount at the Cradle of Forestry Gift Shop

• Half-off admission for special programs/events offered throughout the season

For more information, visit gofindoutdoors.org/sites/cradle-of-forestry.

Hurricane Helene caused at least 57 landslides on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, damaging roads and trails across 200 miles, the National Park Service said.

The storm, which also damaged facilities in Virginia, led to the closure of parts of the 469-mile parkway. About 312 miles have reopened. 

The WNC Nature Center will reopen to the public March 17, five and a half months after closing due to the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant flooding that destroyed roads and the main bridge to the Nature Center. 

It’s been just over a month since Hurricane Helene brought widespread devastation to Western North Carolina and the neighboring states.

A clearer path toward recovery for the region and the Mountains to Sea Trail is forming. 

The Pisgah National Forest has reopened the Pisgah Ranger District effective Oct. 18,, in coordination with local communities and governments. 

The U.S. Forest Service reopened the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Trail and all other facilities in Graham County will reopen on Oct. 11 

Meandering up Fie Top Road in Maggie Valley, just as your vehicle’s engine is pushed to the limit and it seems you may eventually drive off the edge of the earth, you emerge atop a mountain ridge, a large rustic lodge appearing in the distance — the Cataloochee Ranch. 

Allens Creek Park in Waynesville is open once again after being closed due to necessary cleanup efforts following recent adverse weather conditions in the county. 

After being closed for cleanup since Jan. 11, Allens Creek Park in Waynesville is open again. 

Lakeview Drive in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City is now open, but rehabilitation work on the road is still ongoing.