Cradle of Forestry Overlook

Cradle of Forestry Overlook

NPS Photo / Gail Fox

Quick Facts

Location:

Milepost 411

Significance:

High Elevation Scenic Overlook

Amenities

3 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot

This overlook provides a gorgeous, east-facing panoramic view of layered mountains in the distance and the Pisgah National Forest below.

Rising from the valley you will see the unmistakable Looking Glass Rock, a sheer rock face made of granite that was formed approximately 390 million years ago. The name “Looking Glass” comes from its mirror-like appearance when water freezes on its surface and glistens in the sunlight.

In 1888, George and Edith Vanderbilt of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville purchased the land you see here. During this time, the southern Appalachian Mountains were in the midst of a major logging boom.

At the time there were no land management or reforestation efforts in place and degradation of the land was starting to become apparent. The Vanderbilt’s saw a need to take action and asked Dr. Carl A. Schenck, a forestry educator from Germany, to help. Schenck founded America's first forestry school, The Biltmore Forest School, now the home of the Forest Service's Cradle of Forestry historical site. Schenck taught a scientific, hands-on approach to forest management that would keep logging profitable while also being sustainable.

When George Vanderbilt died in 1914, Edith sold 87,000 acres of the land to the U.S. Forest Service, fulfilling her husband's wishes to help create the Pisgah National Forest.

You can visit the Cradle of Forestry to learn more about the Vanderbilt's legacy. It is located just 5 miles from here. From the overlook take a left on the Blue Ridge Parkway to head south. Turn left onto US 276 south and follow for four miles. The Cradle of Forestry entrance will be on your left.