National Forests
| Name | Photo | Location | Date formed | Area | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegheny | Pennsylvania |
01923-09-24September 24, 1923 | 7005513175000000000513,175 acres (2,076.7 km2) | Pennsylvania’s only National Forest includes Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir on the Allegheny Plateau in the northwestern part of the state. The forest contains the largest tract of remaining old-growth forest in Pennsylvania at Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas. | |
| Angeles | California |
01893-02-25February 25, 1893 | 7005669164000000000669,164 acres (2,708.0 km2) | Located in the San Gabriel Mountains at the edge of the Los Angeles metro area, this National Forest includes five wilderness areas. While much of the forest is dense chaparral, elevations in the forest range from 1,200 feet (370 m) to 10,064 feet (3,068 m) at the summit of Mount San Antonio. | |
| Angelina | Texas |
01936-10-13October 13, 1936 | 7005153180000000000153,180 acres (619.9 km2) | Primarily longleaf, loblolly, and shortleaf pine, the forest includes two wilderness areas and borders the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The forest provides habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and wintering habitat for bald eagles. | |
| Apache-Sitgreaves | Arizona, New Mexico |
01898-08-17August 17, 1898 | 70062632350000000002,632,350 acres (10,652.7 km2) | Encompassing the Mogollon Rim and White Mountains, this forest includes 34 lakes and over 680 miles (1,090 km) of rivers and streams, more than any other National Forest in the arid Southwest. | |
| Apalachicola | Florida |
01936-05-13May 13, 1936 | 7005563403000000000563,403 acres (2,280.0 km2) | As the largest National Forest in Florida, Apalachicola includes over 2,700 acres (1,100 ha) of water and 67 mi (108 km) of the Florida Trail. There are caverns and sinkholes at the Leon Sinks Geological Area, while Fort Gadsden is along the Apalachicola River. The forest manages what remains of Choctawhatchee National Forest. | |
| Arapaho | Colorado |
01903-10-24October 24, 1903 | 7005724693000000000724,693 acres (2,932.7 km2) | Arapaho National Forest is in the high Rockies and includes six wilderness areas. It is currently managed jointly with Roosevelt National Forest and Pawnee National Grassland. | |
| Ashley | Utah, Wyoming |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061382346000000001,382,346 acres (5,594.2 km2) | Ashley National Forest manages the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the High Uintas Wilderness. King's Peak at 13,528 ft (4,123 m) is the highest point in Utah and is located in the Uinta Mountains. | |
| Beaverhead-Deerlodge | Montana |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70063356044000000003,356,044 acres (13,581.4 km2) | The largest National Forest in Montana, it encompasses several mountain ranges of the Rocky Mountains. The forest includes the Anaconda-Pintler and Lee Metcalf wilderness areas and sections of the Continental Divide Trail and Nez Perce National Historic Trail. | |
| Bienville | Mississippi |
01936-06-15June 15, 1936 | 7005178541000000000178,541 acres (722.5 km2) | Located in central Mississippi, this forest includes several lakes and reservoirs and Harrell Prairie, the largest and least disturbed prairie in the state. It is managed collectively with Mississippi’s five other National Forests. | |
| Bighorn | Wyoming |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 70061107571000000001,107,571 acres (4,482.2 km2) | In the Big Horn Mountains of north-central Wyoming, Bighorn National Forest has eight lodges, several reservoirs, and 1,500 mi (2,400 km) of trails. Elevation reach 13,167 ft (4,013 m) at Cloud Peak in the Cloud Peak Wilderness, which is also the location of the Cloud Peak Glacier. | |
| Bitterroot | Montana, Idaho |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 70061587070000000001,587,070 acres (6,422.6 km2) | Bitterroot National Forest is located in the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains, reaching its highest point at 10,157 ft (3,096 m) at Trapper Peak. | |
| Black Hills | South Dakota, Wyoming |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 70061253413000000001,253,413 acres (5,072.4 km2) | Consisting predominately of Ponderosa pine, this forest is located in the namesake Black Hills. There are 11 reservoirs, 353 mi (568 km) of trails, and 1,300 mi (2,100 km) of streams in this forest. | |
| Boise | Idaho |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70062654084000000002,654,084 acres (10,740.7 km2) | Portions of the Boise, Payette, and South and Middle forks of the Salmon river drainages make up the forest. There are over 7,600 mi (12,200 km) of streams and more than 250 lakes and reservoirs in the forest. | |
| Bridger-Teton | Wyoming |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 70063402684000000003,402,684 acres (13,770.2 km2) | As part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Bridger-Teton National Forest has 27 glaciers in its portion of the Wind River Range. The Gros Ventre landslide formed a dam on the Gros Ventre River in 1925 before failing in 1927. | |
| Caribou-Targhee | Idaho, Wyoming |
01905-05-23May 23, 1905 | 70062630716000000002,630,716 acres (10,646.1 km2) | The forest’s Jedediah Smith Wilderness has many caves and the Winegar Hole Wilderness protects grizzly bear habitat in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. The Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are on Henrys Fork of the Snake River and tours of Minnetonka Cave are available. | |
| Carson | New Mexico |
01906-11-07November 7, 1906 | 70061393416000000001,393,416 acres (5,639.0 km2) | In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this forest has over 330 mi (530 km) of trails and Taos Ski Valley. The highest point in the forest is Wheeler Peak, also New Mexico’s highest point, at 13,161 ft (4,011 m). | |
| Chattahoochee-Oconee | Georgia |
01936-07-09July 9, 1936 | 7005867013000000000867,013 acres (3,508.7 km2) | With 430 mi (690 km) of trails, this forest contains the southern terminius of the Appalachian Trail. Georgia’s highest point, Brasstown Bald at 4,784 ft (1,458 m) is in the forest, and several Civil War battles were fought in the area. | |
| Chequamegon-Nicolet | Wisconsin |
01933-03-02March 2, 1933 | 70061533863000000001,533,863 acres (6,207.3 km2) | There are 2,020 lakes, 440 spring ponds, and 347,000 acres (140,000 ha) of wetlands in this National Forest. There are also 493 mi (793 km) of non-motorized trails, 292 mi (470 km) of motorized trails, and 9,000 mi (14,000 km) of roads alongside five wilderness areas. | |
| Cherokee | Tennesse, North Carolina |
01920-06-14June 14, 1920 | 7005656901000000000656,901 acres (2,658.4 km2) | Cherokee National Forest has eleven wilderness areas, three large lakes, and over 600 mi (970 km) of trails, including 150 mi (240 km) of the Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. There are 43 mammal species, 154 fish species, 55 amphibian species, and 262 bird species in the forest. | |
| Chippewa | Minnesota |
01908-05-23May 23, 1908 | 7005666619000000000666,619 acres (2,697.7 km2) | With 1,300 lakes and ponds, 925 mi (1,489 km) of rivers, and 440,000 acres (180,000 ha) of wetlands, there are many opportunities for boating and fishing in this forest. There are over 180 nesting pairs of bald eagles as well as Canada lynx, and sandhill cranes here. | |
| Chugach | Alaska |
01907-07-23July 23, 1907 | 70065384460000000005,384,460 acres (21,790.1 km2) | As the third largest National Forest, Chugach covers three unique landscapes: the Copper River Delta, Eastern Kenai Peninsula, and Prince William Sound. Many of the streams contain salmon and trout, and glaciers still carve the land here. | |
| Cibola | New Mexico |
01906-11-06November 6, 1906 | 70061633744000000001,633,744 acres (6,611.5 km2) | Part of this National Forest are four wilderness areas, including the Sandia Mountain Wilderness east of Albuquerque. Elevations range from 5,000 ft (1,500 m) to 11,301 ft (3,445 m) at the summit of Mount Taylor, a stratovolcano in the San Mateo Mountains. | |
| Clearwater | Idaho |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061679952000000001,679,952 acres (6,798.5 km2) | The forest covers the Bitterroot Mountains and Palouse Prairie as well as the Clearwater and Lochsa rivers. The Lewis and Clark Expedition followed the Lolo Trail through the forest in 1805. | |
| Cleveland | California |
01893-02-25February 25, 1893 | 7005439587000000000439,587 acres (1,778.9 km2) | In southern California, Cleveland National Forest has a Mediterranean climate and four wilderness areas. There are 22 endangered plant and animal species found in the forest. | |
| Coconino | Arizona |
01898-08-17August 17, 1898 | 70061855960000000001,855,960 acres (7,510.8 km2) | The San Francisco Peaks, Mogollon Rim, and Oak Creek Canyon can be found in Coconino National Forest. The forest’s Sycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in Arizona’s redrock country. | |
| Colville | Washington |
01907-03-01March 1, 1907 | 7005954409000000000954,409 acres (3,862.4 km2) | With 486 mi (782 km) of hiking trails, Colville National Forest has elevations that range up to 7,300 ft (2,200 m) in the Kettle River and Selkirk mountains. Part of the Salmo-Priest Wilderness is in the forest along with part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. | |
| Conecuh | Alabama |
01936-07-17July 17, 1936 | 700483852000000000083,852 acres (339.3 km2) | Managed together with Alabama’s other National Forests, Conecuh has two areas designated for recreation: Blue Lake and Open Pond. | |
| Coronado | Arizona, New Mexico |
01902-04-11April 11, 1902 | 70061786620000000001,786,620 acres (7,230.2 km2) | Covering the sky islands of the Southwest, Coronado National Forest also includes Mount Wrightson and the birding destination of Madera Canyon. There are eight wilderness areas in the forest as well as observatories on Mount Hopkins and Mount Lemmon | |
| Croatan | North Carolina |
01936-07-29July 29, 1936 | 7005159885000000000159,885 acres (647.0 km2) | The only coastal National Forest on the east coast, Croatan includes estuaries and pocosins. The forest is home to carnivorous plants such as the Venus flytrap and pitcher plant. | |
| Custer | Montana, South Dakota |
01907-03-02March 2, 1907 | 70061188130000000001,188,130 acres (4,808.2 km2) | Custer National Forest includes the Beartooth Highway and the Capitol Rock and the Castles National Natural Landmarks. The forest’s Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness includes Granite Peak, the highest point in Montana at 12,807 ft (3,904 m). | |
| Daniel Boone | Kentucky |
01937-02-23February 23, 1937 | 7005560829000000000560,829 acres (2,269.6 km2) | Encompassing part of the Cumberland Plateau and Appalachian Mountains, Daniel Boone National Forest has two wilderness areas and several reservoirs. Scenic areas include Cumberland Falls, Red River Gorge, Yahoo Arch and many caves. | |
| Davy Crockett | Texas |
01936-10-13October 13, 1936 | 7005160647000000000160,647 acres (650.1 km2) | Located where the southeastern pine forests meet the blackland prairies of central Texas, Davy Crockett National Forest’s Big Slough Wilderness consists primarily hardwood forest. | |
| Delta | Mississippi |
01961-01-12January 12, 1961 | 700460898000000000060,898 acres (246.4 km2) | Delta National Forest contains the only bottomland hardwood forest in the National Forest System, located in the floodplain of the Mississippi River. The forest includes the Green Ash-Overcup Oak-Sweetgum Research Natural Areas, which is a National Natural Landmark because it contains remnant bottomland old-growth forest. | |
| Deschutes | Oregon |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061596900000000001,596,900 acres (6,462.4 km2) | On the east side of the Cascade Range, Deschutes National Forest includes Newberry National Volcanic Monument and five wilderness areas. Lava River Cave, at 5,211 ft (1,588 m) long, is Oregon’s longest lava tube. | |
| De Soto | Mississippi |
01936-06-17June 17, 1936 | 7005518587000000000518,587 acres (2,098.6 km2) | De Soto National Forest contains Mississippi’s only wilderness areas: Black Creek and Leaf River. The Black Creek and Tuxachanie National Recreation Trails provide 60 mi (97 km) of hiking opportunities. | |
| Dixie | Utah |
01905-09-25September 25, 1905 | 70061889106000000001,889,106 acres (7,644.9 km2) | Straddling the divide between the Great Basin and Colorado River, Dixie National Forest has elevations ranging from 2,800 ft (850 m) near St. George to 11,322 ft (3,451 m) on Boulder Mountain. Ashdown Gorge, Box-Death Hollow, Cottonwood Forest, and Pine Valley Mountain wilderness areas are in the forest. | |
| Eldorado | California |
01910-07-28July 28, 1910 | 7005687017000000000687,017 acres (2,780.3 km2) | In the Sierra Nevada, Eldorado National Forest has 611 mi (983 km) of fishable streams and 297 lakes and reservoirs. There are 349 mi (562 km) of trails and 2,367 mi (3,809 km) of roads in the forest. | |
| El Yunque | Puerto Rico |
01903-01-17January 17, 1903 | 700428434000000000028,434 acres (115.1 km2) | The only tropical rainforest in the National Forest System, higher elevations of El Yunque National Forest receive over 200 in (510 cm) of rainfall per year. There are 240 tree species in the forest, 23 of which are endemic to the forest, being found nowhere else in the world. | |
| Finger Lakes | New York |
01983-01-011983 | 700416259000000000016,259 acres (65.8 km2) | Located between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, Finger Lakes National Forest is one of the smallest National Forests. | |
| Fishlake | Utah |
01899-02-10February 10, 1899 | 70061461226000000001,461,226 acres (5,913.4 km2) | Located in south central Utah, Fishlake National Forest is named for Fish Lake, the state’s largest natural mountain lake. | |
| Flathead | Montana |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 70062404863000000002,404,863 acres (9,732.1 km2) | Bordering Glacier National Park, Flathead is home to grizzly bears, bull trout, and Canada lynx. The forest manages four wilderness areas, including the Bob Marshall Wilderness. | |
| Francis Marion | South Carolina |
01936-07-10July 10, 1936 | 7005258864000000000258,864 acres (1,047.6 km2) | Francis Marion National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. There are four wilderness areas in the forest, and it is managed together with Sumter National Forest. | |
| Fremont-Winema | Oregon |
01906-09-17September 17, 1906 | 70062252587000000002,252,587 acres (9,115.9 km2) | Encompassing the Warner Mountains and bordering Crater Lake National Park, Fremont-Winema National Forest also includes the semi-arid areas of the Oregon Outback. | |
| Gallatin | Montana |
01899-02-10February 10, 1899 | 70061848646000000001,848,646 acres (7,481.2 km2) | Bordering the north side of Yellowstone National Park, Gallatin National Forest contains parts of both the Absaroka-Beartooth and Lee Metcalf wilderness areas. Quake Lake was formed on the Madison River when and earthquake launched a landslide across the river in 1959. | |
| George Washington & Jefferson | Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky |
01918-05-16May 16, 1918 | 70061788900000000001,788,900 acres (7,239.4 km2) | In the Appalachian Mountains, the highest point of the forest is Mount Rogers, also the highest point in Virginia at 5,729 ft (1,746 m) in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. There are 230,000 acres (93,000 ha) of old-growth forest here, and the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail both run through the forest. | |
| Gifford Pinchot | Washington |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061321666000000001,321,666 acres (5,348.6 km2) | Gifford Pinchot National Forest includes Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and parts of seven wilderness areas. There are 1,475 mi (2,374 km) of trials and 4,104 mi (6,605 km) of roads in the forest. | |
| Gila | New Mexico |
01899-03-02March 2, 1899 | 70062710659000000002,710,659 acres (10,969.6 km2) | The forest’s Gila Wilderness was the world’s first wilderness area and proclaimed on June 3, 1924. The Catwalk National Recreation Trail travels up a narrow canyon for 1.1 mi (1.8 km) while following Whitewater Creek. | |
| Grand Mesa | Colorado |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 7005346555000000000346,555 acres (1,402.5 km2) | In western Colorado, Grand Mesa National Forest covers part of Battlement Mesa and most of Grand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world. It is managed together with Gunnison National Forest and Uncompahgre National Forest. | |
| Green Mountain | Vermont |
01932-04-25April 25, 1932 | 7005399575000000000399,575 acres (1,617.0 km2) | In Vermont’s Green Mountains, this forest includes eight wilderness areas. Among the 900 mi (1,400 km) of trails in the forest are the Appalachian Trail and two National Recreation Trails: Long and Robert Frost. | |
| Gunnison | Colorado |
01905-05-12May 12, 1905 | 70061672017000000001,672,017 acres (6,766.4 km2) | Gunnison National Forest is located in the Rocky Mountains near Gunnison, Colorado. Among the seven wilderness areas in the forest are the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. | |
| Helena | Montana |
01906-04-12April 12, 1906 | 7005981930000000000981,930 acres (3,973.7 km2) | The Continental Divide Trail travels almost 80 mi (130 km) through the forest, which surrounds Montana’s capital city. The Elkhorn Mountains are the only Wildlife Management unit in the National Forest System. | |
| Hiawatha | Michigan |
01931-01-16January 16, 1931 | 7005894837000000000894,837 acres (3,621.3 km2) | Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Hiawatha National Forest borders Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Lake Huron. The forest is home to Grand Island National Recreation Area and five wilderness areas. | |
| Holly Springs | Mississippi |
01936-06-15June 15, 1936 | 7005155661000000000155,661 acres (629.9 km2) | In north-central Mississippi, Holly Springs National Forest has small lakes in upland forests and unique bottomlands. | |
| Homochitto | Mississippi |
01936-07-20July 20, 1936 | 7005191839000000000191,839 acres (776.3 km2) | Located in southern Mississippi, this forest is named for the Homochitto River, meaning “Big Red River.” | |
| Hoosier | Indiana |
01961-10-01October 1, 1961 | 7005202815000000000202,815 acres (820.8 km2) | The Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest is 88 acres (36 ha) of old-growth forest in Hoosier National Forest. The forest’s Charles C. Deam Wilderness is Indiana’s only wilderness area. | |
| Humboldt-Toiyabe | Nevada, California |
01906-05-03May 3, 1906 | 70066309489000000006,309,489 acres (25,533.6 km2) | As the largest National Forest outside of Alaska, Humboldt-Toiyabe occupies many of the mountains of Nevada’s Basin and Range Province. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is located near Las Vegas and is part of the forest. | |
| Huron-Manistee | Michigan |
01928-07-30July 30, 1928 | 7005978986000000000978,986 acres (3,961.8 km2) | Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is located around a small spring-fed lake in the forest. The Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness has sand dunes up to 140 ft (43 m) high along Lake Michigan. | |
| Idaho Panhandle | Idaho, Montana, Washington |
01906-11-06November 6, 1906 | 70063221632000000003,221,632 acres (13,037.5 km2) | There are two wilderness areas, Cabinet Mountains and Salmo-Priest, and numerous recreation opportunities in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. | |
| Inyo | California, Nevada |
01907-05-25May 25, 1907 | 70061948726000000001,948,726 acres (7,886.2 km2) | Located in the Sierra Nevada, Inyo includes Mono Lake, bristlecone pines, the Long Valley Caldera, nine wilderness areas, and Mount Whitney, which at 14,505 ft (4,421 m) is the highest point in the United States outside of Alaska. | |
| Kaibab | Arizona |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061560165000000001,560,165 acres (6,313.8 km2) | Located on the Colorado Plateau to both the north and south of Grand Canyon National Park, elevations in Kaibab National Forest reach 10,418 ft (3,175 m) on Kendrick Mountain in the Kendrick Mountain Wilderness. There are over 300 mi (480 km) of trails in the forest, including through the Kanab Creek Wilderness. | |
| Kisatchie | Louisiana |
01930-06-10June 10, 1930 | 7005603360000000000603,360 acres (2,441.7 km2) | Kisatchie is Louisiana’s only National Forest, covering old-growth pine forest and bald cypress groves in the bayous. There are 48 mammal species, 56 reptiles, 30 amphibians, and 155 breeding or overwintering birds in this forest. | |
| Klamath | California, Oregon |
01905-05-06May 6, 1905 | 70061737774000000001,737,774 acres (7,032.5 km2) | Straddling the California-Oregon border, this forest has part of five wilderness areas, 152 mi (245 km) of wild and scenic rivers, and 200 mi (320 km) of rivers for rafting, including on the Klamath River.The Siskiyou mariposa lily is endemic to the forest, being found nowhere else in the world. | |
| Kootenai | Montana, Idaho |
01906-08-13August 13, 1906 | 70061812380000000001,812,380 acres (7,334.4 km2) | Kootenai includes the Cabinet Mountains and the Kootenai and Clark Fork rivers. The Noxon and Cabinet Gorge reservoirs are on the Clark Fork within the forest. | |
| Lassen | California |
01905-06-02June 2, 1905 | 70061070992000000001,070,992 acres (4,334.2 km2) | Surrounding Lassen Volcanic National Park, this forest has three wilderness areas and 92,000 acres (37,000 ha) of old-growth Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forests. Subway Cave is a lava tube that is 0.3 mi (0.48 km) long and open to the public. | |
| Lewis and Clark | Montana |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 70061864556000000001,864,556 acres (7,545.6 km2) | Located in north-central Montana, this forest includes seven mountain ranges and large portions of the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat wilderness areas. The forest operates the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls. | |
| Lincoln | New Mexico |
01902-07-26July 26, 1902 | 70061103897000000001,103,897 acres (4,467.3 km2) | With portions of four mountain ranges, the Capitan, Guadalupe, Sacramento, and Sierra Blanca mountains, elevations range from 4,000 ft (1,200 m) to 11,500 ft (3,500 m) in Lincoln National Forest. The forest was the birthplace of Smokey Bear. | |
| Lolo | Montana |
01906-09-20September 20, 1906 | 70062202265000000002,202,265 acres (8,912.3 km2) | Located west of the Continental Divide and containing parts of four wilderness areas, this forest has 700 mi (1,100 km) of trails and over 100 named lakes. There are at least 20 fish species, 60 mammals, 300 birds, and 1,500 plants in the forest. | |
| Los Padres | California |
01898-03-02March 2, 1898 | 70061762767000000001,762,767 acres (7,133.7 km2) | Encompassing portions of the California Coast and Transverse ranges of central California, Los Padres has ten wilderness areas covering about 48% of the forest. There are 1,257 mi (2,023 km) of trails and part of the Jacinto Reyes National Scenic Byway. | |
| Malheur | Oregon |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061465287000000001,465,287 acres (5,929.8 km2) | In the Blue Mountains of eastern Oregon, Malheur National Forest’s highest point is Strawberry Mountain at 9,038 ft (2,755 m). The Cedar Grove Botanical Area contains the only stand of Alaska yellow cedar east of the Cascade Range in the United States. | |
| Manti La Sal | Utah, Colorado |
01903-05-29May 29, 1903 | 70061270805000000001,270,805 acres (5,142.8 km2) | Including the La Sal Range of eastern Utah, elevations in this forest reach 12,721 ft (3,877 m) on Mount Peale. The Dark Canyon Wilderness is the only wilderness area in the forest. | |
| Mark Twain | Missouri |
01939-09-11September 11, 1939 | 70061492616000000001,492,616 acres (6,040.4 km2) | Missouri’s only National Forest, Mark Twain contains seven wilderness areas and the Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River. There are 19 natural areas in the forest that are managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. | |
| Medicine Bow – Routt | Colorado, Wyoming |
01902-05-22May 22, 1902 | 70062222334000000002,222,334 acres (8,993.5 km2) | This forest contains many ranges of the Rocky Mountains with elevations ranging from 5,500 ft (1,700 m) to 12,940 ft (3,940 m). There are ten wilderness areas and Rob Roy Reservoir, which covers 500 acres (200 ha). | |
| Mendocino | California |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 7005911813000000000911,813 acres (3,690.0 km2) | Mendocino is the only National Forest in California not crossed by a paved highway. The forest’s Genetic Resource and Conservation Center produces plants for reforestation, watershed restoration, wildlife recovery, and other projects. | |
| Modoc | California |
01904-11-29November 29, 1904 | 70061663401000000001,663,401 acres (6,731.5 km2) | Modoc National Forest contains the Medicine Lake Volcano, which has an elevation of 7,921 ft (2,414 m) and is the largest shield volcano in North America. There are 43,400 acres (17,600 ha) of old-growth forest here along with Mill Creek Falls in the South Warner Wilderness. | |
| Monongahela | West Virginia |
01920-04-28April 28, 1920 | 7005921350000000000921,350 acres (3,728.6 km2) | Monongahela National Forest includes Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and eight wilderness areas. Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 ft (1,482 m), and Seneca Rocks is a 900 ft (270 m) quartzite crag. | |
| Mount Baker-Snoqualmie | Washington |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 70062561580000000002,561,580 acres (10,366.3 km2) | In the Cascade Range, this forest includes Mount Baker, at an elevation of 10,781 ft (3,286 m), a glaciated stratovolcano. Mount Baker National Recreation Area, the Pacific Crest Trail, Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, and portions of ten wilderness areas are in the forest. | |
| Mount Hood | Oregon |
01892-06-17June 17, 1892 | 70061071446000000001,071,446 acres (4,336.0 km2) | This forest is named for and contains Mount Hood, the highest point in Oregon at 11,249 ft (3,429 m). The forest stretches from the Columbia River Gorge and includes Mount Hood National Recreation Area and nine wilderness areas. | |
| Nantahala | North Carolina |
01907-02-06February 6, 1907 | 7005531317000000000531,317 acres (2,150.2 km2) | In southwestern North Carolina, this forest includes the Nantahala Gorge and Nantahala River. There are 600 mi (970 km) of trails in the forest with elevations ranging from 1,200 ft (370 m) to 5,800 ft (1,800 m) on Lone Bald. | |
| Nebraska | Nebraska |
01902-04-16April 16, 1902 | 7005141864000000000141,864 acres (574.1 km2) | This forest was created in 1902 by Charles E. Bessey as an experiment to see if a forest could be created in treeless areas of the Great Plains for use as a national timber reserve. | |
| Nez Perce | Idaho |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70062224176000000002,224,176 acres (9,000.9 km2) | Nez Perce National Forest includes parts of four wilderness areas: Frank Church-River of No Return, Gospel Hump, Hells Canyon, and Selway-Bietterroot. This forest is managed together with Clearwater National Forest. | |
| Ocala | Florida |
01908-11-24November 24, 1908 | 7005383697000000000383,697 acres (1,552.8 km2) | Ocala protects the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest. There are more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs in the forest along with four wilderness areas. | |
| Ochoco | Oregon |
01911-07-01July 1, 1911 | 7005851033000000000851,033 acres (3,444.0 km2) | Ochoco National Forest contains a variety of odd geological formations, 95,000 acres (38,000 ha) of old-growth forest, the headwaters of the Crooked River, and three wilderness areas. | |
| Okanogan-Wenatchee | Washington |
01911-07-01July 1, 1911 | 70063239404000000003,239,404 acres (13,109.4 km2) | Located on the eastern side of the Cascade Range, this forest stretches from the Canadian border to the Columbia and Okanogan rivers. There are 1,285 mi (2,068 km) of trails in the forest. | |
| Olympic | Washington |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 7005633575000000000633,575 acres (2,564.0 km2) | Olympic National Forest surrounds Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington. There are five wilderness areas, occupying about 14% of the forest. | |
| Osceola | Florida |
01931-07-10July 10, 1931 | 7005164826000000000164,826 acres (667.0 km2) | The Big Gum Swamp Wilderness is the forest’s only wilderness area, and the Osceola Research Natural Area was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. The Civil War Battle of Olustee occurred in what is now the forest, and 23 mi (37 km) of the Florida National Scenic Trail pass through the forest. | |
| Ottawa | Michigan |
01931-01-27January 27, 1931 | 7005993385000000000993,385 acres (4,020.1 km2) | Located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Ottawa National Forest stretches from Lake Superior to the Wisconsin border. There are 500 named lakes, nearly 2,000 mi (3,200 km) of streams, and three wilderness areas in the forest. | |
| Ouachita | Arkansas, Oklahoma |
01907-12-18December 18, 1907 | 70061788248000000001,788,248 acres (7,236.8 km2) | Including the namesake Ouachita Mountains, this forest has nearly 800,000 acres (320,000 ha) of old-growth forest. The forest has two wilderness areas: Black Fork Mountain and Upper Kiamichi River. | |
| Ozark-St. Francis | Arkansas |
01908-03-05March 5, 1908 | 70061160266000000001,160,266 acres (4,695.4 km2) | Ozark-St. Francis National Forest has more than 400 mi (640 km) of trails, including the Ozark Highlands Trail. Blanchard Springs Caverns is a three level cave system that is open for public tours. | |
| Payette | Idaho |
01905-06-03June 3, 1905 | 70062327671000000002,327,671 acres (9,419.8 km2) | Payette National Forest includes the Seven Devils Mountains and part of the Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness. It also borders Hells Canyon to the west. | |
| Pike | Colorado |
01892-02-11February 11, 1892 | 70061110657000000001,110,657 acres (4,494.7 km2) | Pike National Forest includes Pikes Peak at an elevation of 14,115 ft (4,302 m) and three wilderness areas. Since 1975 the forest has been managed together with San Isabel National Forest. | |
| Pisgah | North Carolina |
01916-10-17October 17, 1916 | 7005513076000000000513,076 acres (2,076.3 km2) | Elevations in Pisgah National Forest reach over 6,000 ft (1,800 m), and there are 46,600 acres (18,900 ha) of old-growth forests, including 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) in Linville Gorge. There are three wilderness areas in the forest: Linville Gorge, Middle Prong, and Shining Rock. | |
| Plumas | California |
01905-03-27March 27, 1905 | 70061176005000000001,176,005 acres (4,759.1 km2) | There are 127,000 acres (51,000 ha) of old-growth forest in Plumas National Forest. The Little Grass Valley Recreation Area surrounds Little Grass Valley Reservoir and includes a campground and boat launch, among other facilities and services. | |
| Prescott | Arizona |
01898-05-10May 10, 1898 | 70061239778000000001,239,778 acres (5,017.2 km2) | Vegetation in Prescott National Forest ranges from that characteristic of the Sonoran Desert at lower elevations to Ponderosa pine at higher elevations. There are eight wilderness areas and 450 mi (720 km) of trails in the forest | |
| Rio Grande | Colorado |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061836773000000001,836,773 acres (7,433.2 km2) | The headwaters of the Rio Grande are in the San Juan Mountains in the western part of the forest, while the Sangre de Cristo Mountains form the eastern boundary. Elevations reach 14,345 ft (4,372 m) at the summit of Blanca Peak, overlooking the San Luis Valley and Great Sand Dunes National Park. | |
| Rogue River-Siskiyou | Oregon, California |
01893-09-28September 28, 1893 | 70061723349000000001,723,349 acres (6,974.1 km2) | This forest ranges from the Cascade Range to the Siskiyou Mountains, and the Rogue River drains over 75% of the forest’s area. There are parts of eight wilderness areas in the forest as well as what may be the world’s tallest pine tree, a ponderosa pine that is 268.35 ft (81.79 m) tall. | |
| Roosevelt | Colorado |
01902-05-22May 22, 1902 | 7005813985000000000813,985 acres (3,294.1 km2) | Located in the Rocky Mountains of northern Colorado, Roosevelt National Forest has part of six wilderness areas. It is managed together with Arapaho National Forest and Pawnee National Grassland. | |
| Sabine | Texas |
01936-10-13October 13, 1936 | 7005160873000000000160,873 acres (651.0 km2) | Sabine National Forest borders the western side of Toledo Bend Reservoir and has 28 mi (45 km) of trails. The forest’s only wilderness area is the Indian Mounds Wilderness. | |
| Salmon-Challis | Idaho |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70064235940000000004,235,940 acres (17,142.2 km2) | Salmon-Challis National Forest includes parts of both the Salmon River and the Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness. Idaho’s highest point, Borah Peak at 12,662 ft (3,859 m) is located in the Lost River Range in the forest. | |
| Sam Houston | Texas |
01936-10-13October 13, 1936 | 7005163045000000000163,045 acres (659.8 km2) | Part of the Lone Star Trail travel through Sam Houston National Forest, which borders parts of Lake Conroe and Lake Livingston. The Little Lake Creek Wilderness is the only wilderness area in the forest. | |
| Samuel R. McKelvie | Nebraska |
01971-10-15October 15, 1971 | 7005116079000000000116,079 acres (469.8 km2) | Located in the Sandhills of Nebraska, Samuel R. Mckelvie National Forest is a combination of prairie and planted pine. | |
| San Bernardino | California |
01893-02-25February 25, 1893 | 7005679127000000000679,127 acres (2,748.3 km2) | San Bernardino National Forest includes part of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The forest surrounds Lake Arrowhead and other reservoirs. | |
| San Isabel | Colorado |
01902-04-11April 11, 1902 | 70061121156000000001,121,156 acres (4,537.2 km2) | There are 19 of Colorado’s 54 fourteeners in San Isabel National Forest, including the highest point, Mount Elbert at 14,440 ft (4,400 m). The forest includes the Sawatch Range, Collegiate Peaks, and Sangre de Cristo Range and is managed together with Pike National Forest. | |
| San Juan | Colorado |
01905-06-03June 3, 1905 | 70061879200000000001,879,200 acres (7,604.9 km2) | San Juan National Forest includes Chimney Rock National Monument and elevations that range from 5,000 ft (1,500 m) to over 14,000 ft (4,300 m). The forest’s Weminuche Wilderness is the largest in Colorado at 499,771 acres (202,250 ha). | |
| Santa Fe | New Mexico |
01892-01-11January 11, 1892 | 70061557706000000001,557,706 acres (6,303.8 km2) | Santa Fe National Forest’s highest point is Truchas Peak at 13,103 ft (3,994 m) in the Pecos Wilderness. There are 1,002 mi (1,613 km) of trails in the forest, which includes the Valles Caldera National Preserve. | |
| Sawtooth | Idaho, Utah |
01905-05-29May 29, 1905 | 70061804091000000001,804,091 acres (7,300.9 km2) | Sawtooth National Forest includes over 1,100 lakes, 1,000 mi (1,600 km) of trails and roads, and ten mountain ranges, with the highest point at 12,009 ft (3,660 m) on Hyndman Peak. The forest includes Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the Sawtooth Range, Sawtooth Wilderness, four ski areas, and four endemic species, being found nowhere else in the world. | |
| Sequoia | California |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061144355000000001,144,355 acres (4,631.0 km2) | Sequoia National Forest includes Giant Sequoia National Monument, both named for the giant sequoia, the largest tree species in the world. There are 2,500 mi (4,000 km) of maintained and abandoned roads and 850 mi (1,370 km) of trails in the forest, including the Pacific Crest Trail. | |
| Shasta-Trinity | California |
01905-04-26April 26, 1905 | 70062210378000000002,210,378 acres (8,945.1 km2) | There are 6,278 mi (10,103 km) of streams in the forest, and elevations range from 1,000 ft (300 m) to 14,179 ft (4,322 m) on Mount Shasta. Five wilderness areas and 460 mi (740 km) of trails can be found in the forest. | |
| Shawnee | Illinois |
01939-09-06September 6, 1939 | 7005266064000000000266,064 acres (1,076.7 km2) | As Illinois’ only National Forest, Shawnee is located in the southern part of the state and contains seven wilderness areas, including the Garden of the Gods. Among the many miles of hiking trials in the forest is the River to River Trail, which is 160 mi (260 km) long. | |
| Shoshone | Wyoming |
01891-03-30March 30, 1891 | 70062437731000000002,437,731 acres (9,865.1 km2) | Located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, this forest includes part of the Absaroka, Beartooth, and Wind River mountain ranges. Five wilderness areas make up 56% of the forest, and elevations reach 13,804 ft (4,207 m) at Gannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming. | |
| Sierra | California |
01893-02-14February 14, 1893 | 70061311833000000001,311,833 acres (5,308.8 km2) | Sierra National Forest is located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada and elevations reach 13,986 ft (4,263 m). | |
| Siuslaw | Oregon |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 7005634119000000000634,119 acres (2,566.2 km2) | Siuslaw National Forest includes Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, three wilderness areas, and Cascade Head Scenic Research Area among the Central Oregon Coast Range. Marys Peak Scenic Botanical Area includes Marys Peak, which at 4,097 ft (1,249 m) is the forest’s highest point. | |
| Six Rivers | California |
01947-07-01July 1, 1947 | 7005999783000000000999,783 acres (4,046.0 km2) | Six Rivers National Forest was named for the Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Mad, Van Duzen, and Eel rivers. The forest includes the Salmon River system, all of which has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River. | |
| Stanislaus | California |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 7005898121000000000898,121 acres (3,634.6 km2) | Stanislaus National Forest has over 800 mi (1,300 km) of streams and four wilderness areas, including the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. | |
| Sumter | South Carolina |
01936-07-13July 13, 1936 | 7005370901000000000370,901 acres (1,501.0 km2) | Sumter National Forest contains 22 waterfalls with drops ranging from 12 ft (3.7 m) to 150 ft (46 m) and part of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness, the only wilderness located in three states. | |
| Superior | Minnesota |
01909-02-13February 13, 1909 | 70062095190000000002,095,190 acres (8,478.9 km2) | Superior National Forest includes the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which has over 1,500 mi (2,400 km) of canoe routes, 1,000 lakes, and 2,200 designated campsites.Eagle Mountain, the highest point in Minnesota at 2,301 ft (701 m), is also in the forest. | |
| Tahoe | California |
01899-04-13April 13, 1899 | 7005879152000000000879,152 acres (3,557.8 km2) | Tahoe National Forest is in the Sierra Nevada northwest of Lake Tahoe. Part of the Granite Chief Wilderness is within the forest. | |
| Talladega | Alabama |
01936-07-17July 17, 1936 | 7005394617000000000394,617 acres (1,597.0 km2) | Talladega National Forest includes the Cheaha and Dugger Mountain wilderness areas. Talladega is managed together with Alabama’s other National Forests. | |
| Tombigbee | Mississippi |
01959-11-27November 27, 1959 | 700467005000000000067,005 acres (271.2 km2) | Located in northeastern Mississippi, Tombigbee National Forest covers rolling hills that were abandoned farmland before the forest was established. It is managed together with Mississippi’s other National Forests. | |
| Tongass | Alaska |
01907-09-10September 10, 1907 | 700716566827000000016,566,827 acres (67,043.6 km2) | The largest National Forest, Tongass spans 500 mi (800 km) in southeast Alaska from the Canadian border to the Pacific Ocean. Nearly one-third of the forest is covered by 19 wilderness areas. | |
| Tonto | Arizona |
01905-10-03October 3, 1905 | 70062872876000000002,872,876 acres (11,626.1 km2) | Tonto National Forest stretches from the Sonoran Desert to the pine forests at the Mogollon Rim. There are eight wilderness areas and several lakes and reservoirs in the forest | |
| Tuskegee | Alabama |
01959-11-27November 27, 1959 | 700411252000000000011,252 acres (45.5 km2) | Tuskegee National Forest’s Bartram National Recreation Trail was Alabama’s first National Recreation Trail. Tuskegee is one of the smallest National Forests and is managed together with Alabama’s other National Forests. | |
| Uinta-Wasatch-Cache | Utah, Wyoming, Idaho |
01897-02-22February 22, 1897 | 70062496251000000002,496,251 acres (10,102.0 km2) | There are nine wilderness areas in the forest, which occupies part of the Wasatch Range. | |
| Umatilla | Oregon, Washington |
01908-07-01July 1, 1908 | 70061407087000000001,407,087 acres (5,694.3 km2) | Located in the Blue Mountains of northwest Oregon, Umatilla National Forest includes three wilderness areas, occupying over 20% of the forest. The forest has over 715 mi (1,151 km) of trails, 2,000 mi (3,200 km) of roads, and one of the largest elk herds of any National Forest. | |
| Umpqua | Oregon |
01907-03-02March 2, 1907 | 7005983129000000000983,129 acres (3,978.6 km2) | Umpqua National Forest is in the Cascade Range of southwestern Oregon and includes three wilderness areas. Watson Falls is a waterfall that is 272 ft (83 m) high on Watson Creek, a tributary of the Clearwater River. | |
| Uncompahgre | Colorado |
01905-06-14June 14, 1905 | 7005957075000000000957,075 acres (3,873.1 km2) | The northern portion of the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre Plateau are located in this National Forest. The forest also contains Uncompahgre Gorge and three wilderness areas. | |
| Uwharrie | North Carolina |
01961-01-12January 12, 1961 | 700450645000000000050,645 acres (205.0 km2) | Uwharrie National Forest borders the eastern side of Badin Lake and has one wilderness area: the Birkhead Mountains Wilderness. The forest is managed together with North Carolina’s other National Forests. | |
| Wallowa-Whitman | Oregon, Idaho |
01905-05-06May 6, 1905 | 70062270741000000002,270,741 acres (9,189.4 km2) | Wallowa-Whitman National Forest stretches from the Blue Mountains to the Snake River. Elevations range from 875 ft (267 m) in Hells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, to 9,845 ft (3,001 m) at the summit of Sacajawea Peak in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area. | |
| Wayne | Ohio |
01951-10-01October 1, 1951 | 7005240165000000000240,165 acres (971.9 km2) | Ohio’s only National Forest, Wayne is located in the Appalachian foothills and has over 300 mi (480 km) of trails. The North Country Trail passes through several sections of the forest. | |
| White Mountain | New Hampshire, Maine |
01918-05-16May 16, 1918 | 7005751057000000000751,057 acres (3,039.4 km2) | This National Forest is located in the White Mountains, which the Appalachian Trail and White Mountain Scenic Byway pass through. The forest includes Mount Washington, which at 6,288 ft (1,917 m) is the highest point in the Northeast and the location of the fastest wind speed recorded on earth, although the summit is located in a state park. | |
| White River | Colorado |
01891-06-16June 16, 1891 | 70062286244000000002,286,244 acres (9,252.1 km2) | White River National Forest has eight wilderness areas, twelve ski resorts, four large reservoirs, 2,500 mi (4,000 km) of trails, 1,900 mi (3,100 km) of roads, and ten peaks higher than 14,000 ft (4,300 m) in elevation. | |
| Willamette | Oregon |
01933-07-01July 1, 1933 | 70061678031000000001,678,031 acres (6,790.8 km2) | Willamette National Forest is in the Cascade Range, stretching from Mount Jefferson to Mount Washington. About 20% of the forest is designated wilderness, but there are also 6,000 mi (9,700 km) of roads in the forest. | |
| William B. Bankhead | Alabama |
01918-01-15January 15, 1918 | 7005181224000000000181,224 acres (733.4 km2) | This forest contains 153 mi (246 km) of trails and the Sipsey Wilderness, which at 24,922 acres (10,086 ha) is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River. It is managed together with Alabama’s other National Forests. |
Read more about this topic: List Of U.S. National Forests
Famous quotes containing the words national and/or forests:
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—Tommaso Marinetti (1876–1944)
“The civilized nations—Greece, Rome, England—have been sustained by the primitive forests which anciently rotted where they stand. They survive as long as the soil is not exhausted. Alas for human culture! little is to be expected of a nation, when the vegetable mould is exhausted, and it is compelled to make manure of the bones of its fathers. There the poet sustains himself merely by his own superfluous fat, and the philosopher comes down on his marrow-bones.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)