When John Muir spoke of the unbridled beauty of America’s wilderness, he remarked that “the clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.” Touched with the divine kind of wisdom one discovers in the Great Outdoors, Muir was indeed correct: there is nothing more wonderful than time spent in basking in the wilds of Mother Nature, and there are many, many places in the U.S. where one can do just that. Today we’re taking Muir’s advice and going on a journey of discovery in America’s most incredible national forests, and we hope you’ll be inspired to go forth and explore these natural oases, too.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington
Samson1976/iStock via Getty Images Plus Over 1.3 million acres of green forests soaring mountains, dewy meadows, and rapid streams cover the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, an expanse often overlooked in favor of Washington’s national park trio. Highlighted by the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest is known for its wholly wild and unusual landscape, which includes tunnels and caverns formed in eons-old cooling lava. Ape Cave is a 2.5-mile journey into the belly of the beast, while Falls Creek Cave is a lesser-known tunnel that many find easier and more accessible to explore. Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington 98377, USA
Sequoia National Forest, California
Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon/Facebook The first thing you’ll notice as you enter Sequoia National Park is how dramatic the rugged landscapes are. The park’s 631 square miles are full of looming mountains (including Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the Lower 48), rugged foothills, deep canyons, caverns, and, of course some of the world’s largest trees. Within this expanse, Sequoia National Forest quite literally stands out; this 1.1 million-acre forest contains 34 distinct groves and is truly unlike any other place in the world. John Muir, who was known as the Father of National Parks, remarked that the sequoia groves are “not like places, they are like haunts.” Giant Forest is the largest of the 34 groves, with Redwood Mountain Grove and Atwell and East Fork Grove not far behind it. The hiking here is unrivaled, providing visitors the unique opportunity to walk among real-life giants. Sequoia National Forest, California 93262, USA
Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho
U.S. Forest Service - Salmon-Challis National Forest/Facebook A treasure in the Gem State, Salmon-Challis National Forest covers 4,235,940 acres, making it one of the largest national forests in the Lower 48. It covers much of the land area of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness area south of Alaska. Numbers aside, this forest is a place of immense beauty and splendor, boasting the state’s most unbridled scenery and wildlife. It’s an iconic adventure destination for nature-loving Idahoans; and, considering it protects several mountain ranges, rivers, and extensive wildlife, it’s no wonder why! Salmon–Challis National Forest, Shoup, ID 83469, USA
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming
Melissa Kopka/iStock via Getty Images Plus Wyoming is a nature lover’s paradise, and Bighorn National Forest one of its most shining stars. One of the most remote and pristine places in the country, Bighorn National Forest is a national treasure sure to satisfy the wanderlust of all who explore its 1,107,571 pristine acres. Bighorn is home to literally thousands of miles of trails, myriad mountains, and dozens of lakes, and it’s hard to imagine a better place to get away from the world – especially within the park’s Cloud Peak Wilderness. One of Earth’s last true wilderness areas, this is an immensely beautiful forest that truly is a bucket-list must for all explorers. Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming 82834, USA
Cibola National Forest, New Mexico
Daniel A. Leifheit/Moment Collection via Getty Images “Forest” can mean so many different things, depending on where you live. In the West, for example, Cibola National Forest is an extraordinary expanse of “sky islands” covering 1.6 million acres across northern and central New Mexico, with elevations reaching 11,300 feet. The forest and surrounding grasslands contain four protected wilderness areas that provide habitats for species like elk, mule deer, black bears, and bobcats, and a critical migration corridor for raptors and other wildlife through the Sandia and Manzano mountains. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, and unlike any other national forest in America. Cibola National Forest, New Mexico 87825, USA
Coconino National Forest, Arizona
Richard Eden/Moment Collection via Getty Images While the West might not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of “lush forests,” Coconino National Forest defies all desert stereotypes. From the iconic red rocks of Sedona to its mountainous alpine tundra and ancient volcanic terrain, this woodland expanse is one of the most diverse national forests in the country. Coconino was made for hiking, boasting some of the very best, bucket-list-worthy treks in the country. At the top of the list is the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail, a 2.6-mile, out-and-back hike that traverses past, among other things, a real-life tropical oasis. Coconino National Forest, Arizona 86017, USA
White River National Forest, Colorado
Jason Vines/500px Prime Collection via Getty Images Laying claim to what is perhaps the single most beautiful place in the country, White River National Forest is a Colorado paradise. Maroon Bells is a place that needs no introduction; the ultimate nature postcard, this natural wonder boasts startlingly blue lake, lush meadows, and two 14,000-foot peaks. The peaks reflect perfectly in the pristine waters for a panorama that’s absolutely flawless. Maroon Bells’ iconic twin peaks are located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of Colorado’s White River National Forest. This high-mountain oasis makes for a picture-perfect day trip or weekend adventure, with myriad hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. (The overlook for this stunning vista is handicap accessible, in fact: flat, fully paved, and just 80 yards from the parking lot.) White River National Forest, Colorado 81637, USA
Superior National Forest, Minnesota
igorkov/iStock via Getty Images Plus Minnesota gets a lot of attention for its myriad lakes, and rightfully so. But Minnesota is so much more than just 10,000 lakes; the state is home to over 17 million acres of forested land, including 54 state forests. These lush landscapes are full of many different kids of trees, flowers, and abundant foliage – not to mention some of the most diverse and wondrous wildlife in the country. One of the most notable forests? Superior National Forest, the ancient forest in Minnesota that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Superior National Forest is made up of 3.9 million acres of woods in the northernmost region of the state; this boreal forest is teeming with towering pine, birch, oak, maple, and aspen trees. What’s more, the forest is home to the grandest view in the state: the summit of Eagle Mountain, which, at 2,301 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Minnesota. Superior National Forest, Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA
Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina
Joshua Moore/iStock via Getty Images Plus When you visit Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, you really get a national forest twofer; it’s often paired with the neighboring Pigsah National Forest, as the duo lays claim to more than 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. These forests are flush with old-growth stretches of oak, hemlock, tulip poplar, pine, sycamore, dogwood, and beech trees, which, as you can imagine, light the North Carolina landscape ablaze with vibrant colors each fall. For waterfall chasers, Nantahala National Forest offers amazing opportunities. With the powerful Nantahala River running through the forest, as well as several others, Nantahala is home to hundreds of North Carolina waterfalls, including the show-stopping Upper Whitewater Falls. Known as the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, Whitewater Falls boasts two tiers – one in North Carolina and one in South Carolina – totaling a stunning 811 feet. Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina 28734, USA
Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Brett Maurer/Moment Collection via Getty Images West Virginia’s national park tends to take center stage (and rightfully so), but it’s by no means the only breathtakingly beautiful region of the state. Established in 1920, Monongahela National Forest spans nearly 1 million acres and encompasses one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the U.S. This wooded wonderland expands across the north-central highlands of West Virginia and contains 23 campgrounds, over 800 miles of trails, and countless bodies of water, making for the ultimate nature playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia 26264, USA
Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania
Bob Krist/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images Established in 1923, Allegheny National Forest is the only national forest in Pennsylvania, spanning a magnificent 517,000 acres in the northwestern region of the state. Within this expanse – a lush, fertile land of trees, knobs, mountains, and valleys – the Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Area lays claim to the biggest old-growth forest in the state. The ancient forest, boasting eastern hemlock and American beech trees dating back 400 years, spans more than 2,000 acres, and is rife with opportunities for exploration and adventure. This is an area of immense natural splendor, sure to both stoke and satisfy your wanderlust. Allegheny National Forest, Sheffield Township, PA 16347, USA
White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire
Rebecca Smith/Moment Collection via Getty Images Covering more than 800,000 acres, New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest features some of the most untamed and beautiful country in the Northeast, including the Presidential Mountain Range. The forest’s 6,288-foot Mount Washington is its crown jewel; a challenging trek for intrepid hikers that, with wind speeds in excess of 200 mph and feet of snow literally falling by the hour, is said to boast the “world’s worst weather.” Despite the rugged conditions, White Mountain National Forest boasts some truly jaw-dropping landscapes too; its forests flush with maple, oak, hemlock, pine, birch, spruce, and fir trees. And while fall in White Mountain National Forest is certainly stunning, the quiet, snow-frosted peacefulness of winter is straight out of a Robert Frost poem, and, in our opinion, its most magical season. White Mountain National Forest, Livermore, NH 03812, USA
Tongass National Forest, Alaska
urbanglimpses/iStock via Getty Images Plus Up in the Last Frontier, there is a place of extraordinary beauty that offers a glimpse into the past. Tongass National Forest is home to some of the most ancient trees in America. These old-growth trees are usually Sitka spruce, yellow or red cedar, or Western Hemlock; the Western Hemlock tend to be the tallest, and can grow upwards of 135-170 feet tall, with diameters of up to 11 feet. An important part of southeast Alaska, some of these majestic trees are over 1,000 years old; they are an awe-inspiring testament to the history of the area, and a stark reminder of why we need to treat our planet with the upmost respect and care. Tongass National Forest, Alaska 99833, USA
When was the last time you immersed yourself in the wondrous wilds of America’s national forests? It truly is a soul-filling, humbling, immensely comforting experience worth seeking out.
Samson1976/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Over 1.3 million acres of green forests soaring mountains, dewy meadows, and rapid streams cover the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, an expanse often overlooked in favor of Washington’s national park trio. Highlighted by the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot National Forest is known for its wholly wild and unusual landscape, which includes tunnels and caverns formed in eons-old cooling lava. Ape Cave is a 2.5-mile journey into the belly of the beast, while Falls Creek Cave is a lesser-known tunnel that many find easier and more accessible to explore.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington 98377, USA
Visit Sequoia and Kings Canyon/Facebook
The first thing you’ll notice as you enter Sequoia National Park is how dramatic the rugged landscapes are. The park’s 631 square miles are full of looming mountains (including Mount Whitney, the tallest mountain in the Lower 48), rugged foothills, deep canyons, caverns, and, of course some of the world’s largest trees. Within this expanse, Sequoia National Forest quite literally stands out; this 1.1 million-acre forest contains 34 distinct groves and is truly unlike any other place in the world. John Muir, who was known as the Father of National Parks, remarked that the sequoia groves are “not like places, they are like haunts.” Giant Forest is the largest of the 34 groves, with Redwood Mountain Grove and Atwell and East Fork Grove not far behind it. The hiking here is unrivaled, providing visitors the unique opportunity to walk among real-life giants.
Sequoia National Forest, California 93262, USA
U.S. Forest Service - Salmon-Challis National Forest/Facebook
A treasure in the Gem State, Salmon-Challis National Forest covers 4,235,940 acres, making it one of the largest national forests in the Lower 48. It covers much of the land area of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness area south of Alaska. Numbers aside, this forest is a place of immense beauty and splendor, boasting the state’s most unbridled scenery and wildlife. It’s an iconic adventure destination for nature-loving Idahoans; and, considering it protects several mountain ranges, rivers, and extensive wildlife, it’s no wonder why!
Salmon–Challis National Forest, Shoup, ID 83469, USA
Melissa Kopka/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Wyoming is a nature lover’s paradise, and Bighorn National Forest one of its most shining stars. One of the most remote and pristine places in the country, Bighorn National Forest is a national treasure sure to satisfy the wanderlust of all who explore its 1,107,571 pristine acres. Bighorn is home to literally thousands of miles of trails, myriad mountains, and dozens of lakes, and it’s hard to imagine a better place to get away from the world – especially within the park’s Cloud Peak Wilderness. One of Earth’s last true wilderness areas, this is an immensely beautiful forest that truly is a bucket-list must for all explorers.
Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming 82834, USA
Daniel A. Leifheit/Moment Collection via Getty Images
“Forest” can mean so many different things, depending on where you live. In the West, for example, Cibola National Forest is an extraordinary expanse of “sky islands” covering 1.6 million acres across northern and central New Mexico, with elevations reaching 11,300 feet. The forest and surrounding grasslands contain four protected wilderness areas that provide habitats for species like elk, mule deer, black bears, and bobcats, and a critical migration corridor for raptors and other wildlife through the Sandia and Manzano mountains. It’s breathtakingly beautiful, and unlike any other national forest in America.
Cibola National Forest, New Mexico 87825, USA
Richard Eden/Moment Collection via Getty Images
While the West might not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of “lush forests,” Coconino National Forest defies all desert stereotypes. From the iconic red rocks of Sedona to its mountainous alpine tundra and ancient volcanic terrain, this woodland expanse is one of the most diverse national forests in the country. Coconino was made for hiking, boasting some of the very best, bucket-list-worthy treks in the country. At the top of the list is the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail, a 2.6-mile, out-and-back hike that traverses past, among other things, a real-life tropical oasis.
Coconino National Forest, Arizona 86017, USA
Jason Vines/500px Prime Collection via Getty Images
Laying claim to what is perhaps the single most beautiful place in the country, White River National Forest is a Colorado paradise. Maroon Bells is a place that needs no introduction; the ultimate nature postcard, this natural wonder boasts startlingly blue lake, lush meadows, and two 14,000-foot peaks. The peaks reflect perfectly in the pristine waters for a panorama that’s absolutely flawless. Maroon Bells’ iconic twin peaks are located in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness of Colorado’s White River National Forest. This high-mountain oasis makes for a picture-perfect day trip or weekend adventure, with myriad hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all abilities. (The overlook for this stunning vista is handicap accessible, in fact: flat, fully paved, and just 80 yards from the parking lot.)
White River National Forest, Colorado 81637, USA
igorkov/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Minnesota gets a lot of attention for its myriad lakes, and rightfully so. But Minnesota is so much more than just 10,000 lakes; the state is home to over 17 million acres of forested land, including 54 state forests. These lush landscapes are full of many different kids of trees, flowers, and abundant foliage – not to mention some of the most diverse and wondrous wildlife in the country. One of the most notable forests? Superior National Forest, the ancient forest in Minnesota that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Superior National Forest is made up of 3.9 million acres of woods in the northernmost region of the state; this boreal forest is teeming with towering pine, birch, oak, maple, and aspen trees. What’s more, the forest is home to the grandest view in the state: the summit of Eagle Mountain, which, at 2,301 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Minnesota.
Superior National Forest, Stony River Township, MN 55731, USA
Joshua Moore/iStock via Getty Images Plus
When you visit Nantahala National Forest in North Carolina, you really get a national forest twofer; it’s often paired with the neighboring Pigsah National Forest, as the duo lays claim to more than 200 miles of the Appalachian Trail. These forests are flush with old-growth stretches of oak, hemlock, tulip poplar, pine, sycamore, dogwood, and beech trees, which, as you can imagine, light the North Carolina landscape ablaze with vibrant colors each fall. For waterfall chasers, Nantahala National Forest offers amazing opportunities. With the powerful Nantahala River running through the forest, as well as several others, Nantahala is home to hundreds of North Carolina waterfalls, including the show-stopping Upper Whitewater Falls. Known as the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, Whitewater Falls boasts two tiers – one in North Carolina and one in South Carolina – totaling a stunning 811 feet.
Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina 28734, USA
Brett Maurer/Moment Collection via Getty Images
West Virginia’s national park tends to take center stage (and rightfully so), but it’s by no means the only breathtakingly beautiful region of the state. Established in 1920, Monongahela National Forest spans nearly 1 million acres and encompasses one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the U.S. This wooded wonderland expands across the north-central highlands of West Virginia and contains 23 campgrounds, over 800 miles of trails, and countless bodies of water, making for the ultimate nature playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia 26264, USA
Bob Krist/The Image Bank Collection via Getty Images
Established in 1923, Allegheny National Forest is the only national forest in Pennsylvania, spanning a magnificent 517,000 acres in the northwestern region of the state. Within this expanse – a lush, fertile land of trees, knobs, mountains, and valleys – the Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Area lays claim to the biggest old-growth forest in the state. The ancient forest, boasting eastern hemlock and American beech trees dating back 400 years, spans more than 2,000 acres, and is rife with opportunities for exploration and adventure. This is an area of immense natural splendor, sure to both stoke and satisfy your wanderlust.
Allegheny National Forest, Sheffield Township, PA 16347, USA
Rebecca Smith/Moment Collection via Getty Images
Covering more than 800,000 acres, New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest features some of the most untamed and beautiful country in the Northeast, including the Presidential Mountain Range. The forest’s 6,288-foot Mount Washington is its crown jewel; a challenging trek for intrepid hikers that, with wind speeds in excess of 200 mph and feet of snow literally falling by the hour, is said to boast the “world’s worst weather.” Despite the rugged conditions, White Mountain National Forest boasts some truly jaw-dropping landscapes too; its forests flush with maple, oak, hemlock, pine, birch, spruce, and fir trees. And while fall in White Mountain National Forest is certainly stunning, the quiet, snow-frosted peacefulness of winter is straight out of a Robert Frost poem, and, in our opinion, its most magical season.
White Mountain National Forest, Livermore, NH 03812, USA
urbanglimpses/iStock via Getty Images Plus
Up in the Last Frontier, there is a place of extraordinary beauty that offers a glimpse into the past. Tongass National Forest is home to some of the most ancient trees in America. These old-growth trees are usually Sitka spruce, yellow or red cedar, or Western Hemlock; the Western Hemlock tend to be the tallest, and can grow upwards of 135-170 feet tall, with diameters of up to 11 feet. An important part of southeast Alaska, some of these majestic trees are over 1,000 years old; they are an awe-inspiring testament to the history of the area, and a stark reminder of why we need to treat our planet with the upmost respect and care.
Tongass National Forest, Alaska 99833, USA
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