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Archived Outdoors

Revel in rail history at the Cradle of Forestry

Learn about the early locomotives and logging railroads that once wound their way through mountain hollers and hillsides during the annual Train History Day at the Cradle of Forestry on Saturday, July 28.

Western North Carolina train historian Jerry Ledford will give a talk at 10:30 a.m. and again at 2 p.m. featuring historic photos of logging trains and their crews, and footage of steam engines in action. After his talk, Ledford will lead the group to see the narrow-gauge Climax locomotive on exhibit at the Cradle of Forestry.

A hands-on railroad yard and miniature replica of a scale switching layout will be set up by the Asheville Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, showing how railroad cars moved within the yard using switch tracks. See pictures from Southern Railway in the 1950s, old railroad lanterns and other railroad memorabilia.

Admission to the Cradle of Forestry is $5 for adults and free for youth under 16 years of age. Located on U.S. 276 four miles south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 828.877.3130 or go to www.cradleofforestry.org.