The United States has 154protected areas known asnational forests, covering 188,336,179 acres (762,169 km2; 294,275 sq mi).[1] National forests are managed by theU.S. Forest Service, an agency of theU.S. Department of Agriculture.[2] The first national forest was established as theYellowstone Park Timber and Land Reserve on March 30, 1891, then in theDepartment of the Interior. In 1897, theOrganic Act provided purposes for which forest reserves could be established, including to reserve a supply of timber, protect the forest from development, and secure water supplies. With theForest Reserve Act of 1891, the president of the United States is given the power to set aside forest reserves in the public domain. With theTransfer Act of 1905, forest reserves became part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the newly created U.S. Forest Service.[3][4]
By 1907, PresidentTheodore Roosevelt had more than doubled the forest-reserve acreage, andCongress responded by limiting the president's ability to proclaim new reserves. The National Forest System underwent a major reorganization in 1908, and in 1911 Congress authorized new additions to the system under the authority of theWeeks Act. The management goals provided by the Organic Act were expanded upon by theMultiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 to include "outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, and wildlife and fish purposes" as well as for the establishment ofwilderness areas.[3][4]
As of September 30, 2014, the Forest Service manages a total of 192,922,127 acres (780,728.15 km2), 188,336,179 acres (762,169.48 km2) of which are national forests. The additional land areas include 20national grasslands, 59 purchase units, 19 research and experimental areas, five land utilization projects and 37 other areas. The National Forest System has an extensive and complicated history of reorganization, so while there are currently 154 named national forests, many of these are managed together as either a single forest or separate forests.[A][1][4][5]
There is at least one national forest in all but ten states: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Rhode Island (although Kansas and North Dakota havenational grasslands). In addition,Puerto Rico containsEl Yunque National Forest, the only tropical U.S. rainforest. Alaska has the most national forest land, with 21.9 million acres (8.9 million ha), followed by California (20.8 million acres, 8.4 million ha) and Idaho (20.4 million acres, 8.3 million ha). Idaho also has the greatest percent of its land in national forests, with 38.2 percent, followed by Oregon (24.7 percent) and Colorado (20.9 percent). On maps, national forests in the west generally show the true extent of their area, but those in the east often only show purchase districts, within which usually only a minority of the land is owned by the Forest Service.[1]
| NameA | Photo | Location[6]B | Date formed[4]C | Area[1] | DescriptionD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allegheny |  | Pennsylvania 41°39′N79°01′W / 41.650°N 79.017°W /41.650; -79.017 (Allegeny) | September 24, 1923 | 513,655 acres (2,078.7 km2) | Pennsylvania's only national forest includesKinzua Dam andAllegheny Reservoir on theAllegheny Plateau in the northwestern part of the state. The forest contains the largest tract of remainingold-growth forest in Pennsylvania atTionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas and 10 mi (16 km) of theNorth Country Trail.[7][8]: 255–263 |
| Angeles |  | California 34°24′N118°10′W / 34.400°N 118.167°W /34.400; -118.167 (Angeles) | December 20, 1892[9] | 661,565 acres (2,677.3 km2) | Located in theSan Gabriel Mountains at the edge of theLos Angeles metro area, this national forest includes fivewilderness areas. Much of the forest is densechaparral. Elevations in the forest range from 1,200 feet (370 m) to 10,064 feet (3,068 m) at the summit ofMount San Antonio.[10] |
| Angelina |  | Texas 31°13′N94°17′W / 31.217°N 94.283°W /31.217; -94.283 (Angelina) | October 13, 1936 | 154,140 acres (623.8 km2) | Primarilylongleaf,loblolly, andshortleaf pine, the forest includes twowilderness areas and borders theSam Rayburn Reservoir. The forest provides habitat for the endangeredred-cockaded woodpecker and wintering habitat forbald eagles.[11][12]: 303–305 |
| Apache–Sitgreaves |  | Arizona,New Mexico 33°44′N109°05′W / 33.733°N 109.083°W /33.733; -109.083 (Apache–Sitgreaves) | August 17, 1898 | 2,626,306 acres (10,628.3 km2) | Encompassing theMogollon Rim andWhite 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 aridSouthwest.[13] |
| Apalachicola |  | Florida 30°11′N84°41′W / 30.183°N 84.683°W /30.183; -84.683 (Apalachicola) | May 13, 1936 | 576,119 acres (2,331.5 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 theFlorida Trail. There are caverns and sinkholes at theLeon Sinks Geological Area, whileFort Gadsden is along theApalachicola River.[14] |
| Arapaho |  | Colorado 39°41′N105°56′W / 39.683°N 105.933°W /39.683; -105.933 (Arapaho) | October 24, 1903 | 720,418 acres (2,915.4 km2) | Arapaho National Forest is in the highRockies and includes sixwilderness areas. It is currently managed jointly withRoosevelt National Forest andPawnee National Grassland. The highest paved road in North America ascendsMount Blue Sky at an elevation of 14,265 ft (4,348 m).[15] |
| Ashley |  | Utah,Wyoming 40°38′N110°06′W / 40.633°N 110.100°W /40.633; -110.100 (Ashley) | July 1, 1908 | 1,378,424 acres (5,578.3 km2) | Ashley National Forest manages theFlaming Gorge National Recreation Area and theHigh Uintas Wilderness.Kings Peak at 13,528 ft (4,123 m) is the highest point in Utah and is located in theUinta Mountains.[16] |
| Beaverhead–Deerlodge |  | Montana 45°30′N113°00′W / 45.500°N 113.000°W /45.500; -113.000 (Beaverhead–Deerlodge) | July 1, 1908 | 3,362,638 acres (13,608.1 km2) | The largest national forest in Montana, it encompasses several mountain ranges of theRocky Mountains. The forest includes theAnaconda–Pintler andLee Metcalfwilderness areas and sections of theContinental Divide Trail andNez Perce National Historic Trail.[17] |
| Bienville |  | Mississippi 32°16′N89°30′W / 32.267°N 89.500°W /32.267; -89.500 (Bienville) | June 15, 1936 | 180,251 acres (729.4 km2) | Located in central Mississippi, this forest includes several lakes and reservoirs andHarrell Prairie, the largest and least disturbed prairie in the state.Bienville Pines Scenic Area includes 223 acres (90 ha) ofold-growth forest. It is managed collectively with Mississippi's five other national forests.[8]: 162–166 [18] |
| Bighorn |  | Wyoming 44°32′N107°21′W / 44.533°N 107.350°W /44.533; -107.350 (Bighorn) | February 22, 1897 | 1,105,311 acres (4,473.0 km2) | In theBighorn 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) atCloud Peak in theCloud Peak Wilderness, which is also the location of theCloud Peak Glacier.[19] |
| Bitterroot |  | Montana,Idaho 45°46′N114°17′W / 45.767°N 114.283°W /45.767; -114.283 (Bitterroot) | February 22, 1897 | 1,594,579 acres (6,453.0 km2) | Bitterroot National Forest is located in theBitterroot andSapphire mountains, reaching its highest point at 10,157 ft (3,096 m) atTrapper Peak. The forest is named for thebitterroot plant.[12]: 192–199 [20] |
| Black Hills |  | South Dakota,Wyoming 44°00′N103°47′W / 44.000°N 103.783°W /44.000; -103.783 (Black Hills) | February 22, 1897 | 1,250,866 acres (5,062.1 km2) | Consisting predominantly ofPonderosa pine, this forest is located in the namesakeBlack Hills. There are 11 reservoirs, 353 mi (568 km) of trails, and 1,300 mi (2,100 km) of streams in this forest.Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota and the highest point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains at 7,244 ft (2,208 m).[12]: 293–301 [21] |
| Boise | .jpg) | Idaho 44°07′N115°34′W / 44.117°N 115.567°W /44.117; -115.567 (Boise) | July 1, 1908 | 2,648,273 acres (10,717.2 km2) | Portions of theBoise,Payette, and South and Middle Forks of theSalmon 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.[22] |
| Bridger–Teton |  | Wyoming 42°45′N110°45′W / 42.750°N 110.750°W /42.750; -110.750 (Bridger–Teton) | February 22, 1897 | 3,383,302 acres (13,691.7 km2) | As part of theGreater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Bridger–Teton National Forest has 27glaciers in its portion of theWind River Range. TheGros Ventre landslide formed a dam on theGros Ventre River in 1925 before failing in 1927.[23] |
| Caribou–Targhee |  | Idaho,Wyoming 41°57′N112°08′W / 41.950°N 112.133°W /41.950; -112.133 (Caribou–Targhee) | May 23, 1905 | 2,624,739 acres (10,621.9 km2) | The forest'sJedediah Smith Wilderness has many caves and theWinegar Hole Wilderness protectsgrizzly bear habitat in theGreater Yellowstone Ecosystem. TheUpper andLower Mesa Falls are onHenrys Fork of theSnake River and tours ofMinnetonka Cave are available.[24] |
| Carson |  | New Mexico 36°30′N106°04′W / 36.500°N 106.067°W /36.500; -106.067 (Carson) | November 7, 1906 | 1,486,372 acres (6,015.1 km2)[25] | In theSangre de Cristo Mountains, this forest has over 600 mi (970 km) of trails andTaos Ski Valley. The highest point in the forest isWheeler Peak, also New Mexico's highest point, at 13,161 ft (4,011 m).[12]: 246–253 [26][27] |
| Chattahoochee–Oconee |  | Georgia 34°45′N84°07′W / 34.750°N 84.117°W /34.750; -84.117 (Chattahoochee–Oconee) | July 9, 1936 | 866,763 acres (3,507.7 km2) | With 430 mi (690 km) of trails, this forest contains the southern terminius of theAppalachian Trail. Georgia's highest point,Brasstown Bald at 4,784 ft (1,458 m) is in the forest, and severalCivil War battles were fought in the area.[8]: 56–70 [28] |
| Chequamegon–Nicolet |  | Wisconsin 46°02′N90°48′W / 46.033°N 90.800°W /46.033; -90.800 (Chequamegon–Nicolet) | March 2, 1933 | 1,523,704 acres (6,166.2 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 fivewilderness areas.[29] |
| Cherokee |  | Tennessee,North Carolina 35°52′N83°03′W / 35.867°N 83.050°W /35.867; -83.050 (Cherokee) | June 14, 1920 | 656,394 acres (2,656.3 km2) | Cherokee National Forest has elevenwilderness areas, three large lakes, and over 600 mi (970 km) of trails, including 150 mi (240 km) of theAppalachian Trail in theGreat Smoky Mountains. There are 43 mammal species, 154 fish species, 55 amphibian species, and 262 bird species in the forest.[30] |
| Chippewa |  | Minnesota 47°24′N94°08′W / 47.400°N 94.133°W /47.400; -94.133 (Chippewa) | May 23, 1908 | 671,952 acres (2,719.3 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 ofbald eagles as well asCanada lynx, andsandhill cranes here.[12]: 144–150 [31] |
| Chugach |  | Alaska 60°28′N149°07′W / 60.467°N 149.117°W /60.467; -149.117 (Chugach) | July 23, 1907 | 5,419,095 acres (21,930.3 km2) | As the third largest national forest, Chugach covers three unique landscapes: theCopper River Delta,Eastern Kenai Peninsula, andPrince William Sound. Many of the streams containsalmon andtrout, and glaciers still carve the land here. Over half of the forest istundra andglaciers.[32][33]: 2–9 |
| Cibola |  | New Mexico 34°20′N107°35′W / 34.333°N 107.583°W /34.333; -107.583 (Cibola) | November 6, 1906 | 1,616,435 acres (6,541.5 km2) | Part of this national forest are fourwilderness areas, including theSandia Mountain Wilderness east ofAlbuquerque. Elevations range from 5,000 ft (1,500 m) to 11,301 ft (3,445 m) at the summit ofMount Taylor, astratovolcano in theSan Mateo Mountains.[12]: 253–265 [34] |
| Clearwater |  | Idaho 46°33′N115°09′W / 46.550°N 115.150°W /46.550; -115.150 (Clearwater) | July 1, 1908 | 1,682,068 acres (6,807.1 km2) | The forest covers theBitterroot Mountains andPalouse Prairie as well as theClearwater andLochsa rivers. TheLewis and Clark Expedition followed the Lolo Trail through the forest in 1805, and gold miners came to the forest in the 1860s.[33]: 168–173 [35] |
| Cleveland |  | California 32°45′N116°36′W / 32.750°N 116.600°W /32.750; -116.600 (Cleveland) | February 25, 1893 | 425,580 acres (1,722.3 km2) | In southern California, Cleveland National Forest has aMediterranean climate and fourwilderness areas. There are 22 endangered plant and animal species found in the forest. With its highest point at 6,271 ft (1,911 m) on Monument Peak, elevations are not as high here as in most of California's other national forests.[33]: 81–84 [36] |
| Coconino |  | Arizona 34°45′N111°33′W / 34.750°N 111.550°W /34.750; -111.550 (Coconino) | August 17, 1898 | 1,852,201 acres (7,495.6 km2) | TheSan Francisco Peaks,Mogollon Rim, andOak Creek Canyon can be found in Coconino National Forest. The forest'sSycamore Canyon is the second largest canyon in Arizona's redrock country. The forest also containsHumphreys Peak, which at 12,637 ft (3,852 m) is the highest point in Arizona.[33]: 28–37 [37] |
| Colville |  | Washington 48°32′N117°54′W / 48.533°N 117.900°W /48.533; -117.900 (Colville) | March 1, 1907 | 954,668 acres (3,863.4 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 theKettle River andSelkirk mountains. Part of theSalmo-Priest Wilderness is in the forest along with part of thePacific Northwest National Scenic Trail.[38] |
| Conecuh |  | Alabama 31°05′N86°38′W / 31.083°N 86.633°W /31.083; -86.633 (Conecuh) | July 17, 1936 | 83,983 acres (339.9 km2) | Managed together with Alabama's other national forests, Conecuh has two areas designated for recreation: Blue Lake and Open Pond. The dry, sandy uplands supportlongleaf pine forest, while bottomlands havesinkhole ponds, springs, and swamps.[8]: 2–8 [39] |
| Coronado |  | Arizona,New Mexico 32°30′N110°40′W / 32.500°N 110.667°W /32.500; -110.667 (Coronado) | April 11, 1902 | 1,718,945 acres (6,956.3 km2) | Covering thesky islands of theSouthwest, Coronado National Forest also includesMount Wrightson and the birding destination ofMadera Canyon. There are eightwilderness areas in the forest as well as observatories onMount Hopkins andMount Lemmon[40] |
| Croatan |  | North Carolina 34°52′N77°00′W / 34.867°N 77.000°W /34.867; -77.000 (Croatan) | July 29, 1936 | 161,325 acres (652.9 km2) | The only coastal National Forest on the east coast, Croatan includesestuaries andpocosins. The forest is home to carnivorous plants such as theVenus flytrap andpitcher plant. Cedar Point is a recreation area at the mouth of theWhite Oak River.[8]: 214–222 [41] |
| Custer |  | Montana,South Dakota 45°30′N106°00′W / 45.500°N 106.000°W /45.500; -106.000 (Custer) | March 2, 1907 | 1,189,465 acres (4,813.6 km2) | Custer National Forest includes theBeartooth Highway and the Capitol Rock and the Castles National Natural Landmarks. The forest'sAbsaroka–Beartooth Wilderness includesGranite Peak, the highest point in Montana at 12,807 ft (3,904 m).[42] |
| Daniel Boone |  | Kentucky 37°17′N83°52′W / 37.283°N 83.867°W /37.283; -83.867 (Daniel Boone) | February 23, 1937 | 564,168 acres (2,283.1 km2) | Encompassing part of theCumberland Plateau andAppalachian Mountains, Daniel Boone National Forest has two wilderness areas and several reservoirs. Scenic areas includeCumberland Falls,Red River Gorge,Yahoo Arch and many caves.[43] |
| Davy Crockett |  | Texas 31°18′N95°06′W / 31.300°N 95.100°W /31.300; -95.100 (Davy Crockett) | October 13, 1936 | 161,140 acres (652.1 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. A recreation area surrounds Ratcliff Lake, which covers 45 acres (18 ha).[12]: 310–312 [44] |
| Delta |  | Mississippi 32°45′N90°46′W / 32.750°N 90.767°W /32.750; -90.767 (Delta) | January 12, 1961 | 62,109 acres (251.3 km2) | Delta National Forest contains the onlybottomland hardwood forest in the National Forest System, located in the floodplain of theMississippi River.[18] The forest includes the Green Ash-Overcup Oak-Sweetgum Research Natural Areas, which is aNational Natural Landmark because it contains remnant bottomlandold-growth forest.[8]: 167–172 [45] |
| Deschutes | .jpg) | Oregon 43°50′N121°32′W / 43.833°N 121.533°W /43.833; -121.533 (Deschutes) | July 1, 1908 | 1,612,218 acres (6,524.4 km2) | On the east side of theCascade Range, Deschutes National Forest includesNewberry National Volcanic Monument and fivewilderness areas.Lava River Cave, at 5,211 ft (1,588 m) long, is Oregon's longestlava tube.[46] |
| De Soto |  | Mississippi 31°02′N88°59′W / 31.033°N 88.983°W /31.033; -88.983 (De Soto) | June 17, 1936 | 532,100 acres (2,153.3 km2) | De Soto National Forest contains Mississippi's only wilderness areas:Black Creek and Leaf River. The Black Creek and TuxachanieNational Recreation Trails provide 60 mi (97 km) of hiking opportunities. Black Creek has been designated aNational Wild and Scenic River for 21 mi (34 km).[8]: 173–178 [18] |
| Dixie |  | Utah 38°15′N111°30′W / 38.250°N 111.500°W /38.250; -111.500 (Dixie) | September 25, 1905 | 1,885,655 acres (7,631.0 km2) | Straddling the divide between theGreat Basin andColorado River, Dixie National Forest has elevations ranging from 2,800 ft (850 m) nearSt. George to 11,322 ft (3,451 m) onBoulder Mountain.Ashdown Gorge,Box-Death Hollow,Cottonwood Forest, andPine Valley Mountain wilderness areas are in the forest.[47] |
| Eldorado |  | California 38°47′N120°19′W / 38.783°N 120.317°W /38.783; -120.317 (Eldorado) | July 28, 1910 | 695,098 acres (2,813.0 km2) | In theSierra 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. The forest'sDesolation Wilderness is the most visitedwilderness area per acre in the country.[33]: 84–88 [48] |
| El Yunque |  | Puerto Rico 18°17′N65°48′W / 18.283°N 65.800°W /18.283; -65.800 (El Yunque) | January 17, 1903 | 28,683 acres (116.1 km2) | The onlytropical rainforest in the National Forest System, higher elevations of El Yunque National Forest receive nearly 200 in (510 cm) of rainfall per year. There are 240 tree species in the forest, 23 of which areendemic to the forest, being found nowhere else in the world.[49][50] |
| Finger Lakes |  | New York 42°31′N76°47′W / 42.517°N 76.783°W /42.517; -76.783 (Finger Lakes) | 1983[51] | 16,352 acres (66.2 km2) | Located betweenSeneca andCayuga lakes, Finger Lakes National Forest is one of the smallest national forests. The Gorge Trail enters a small gorge in the forest, and theNorth Country Trail crosses part of the forest.[8]: 209–212 [51] |
| Fishlake |  | Utah 38°42′N111°57′W / 38.700°N 111.950°W /38.700; -111.950 (Fishlake) | February 10, 1899 | 1,452,969 acres (5,880.0 km2) | Located in south central Utah, Fishlake National Forest is named forFish Lake, the state's largest natural mountain lake. The forest'sTushar Mountains reach their highest point at 12,174 ft (3,711 m) onDelano Peak. The forest is home toPando, aclonal colony of an individual malequaking aspen determined to be the largest and most dense organism ever found.[33]: 284–288 [52] |
| Flathead |  | Montana 48°01′N113°48′W / 48.017°N 113.800°W /48.017; -113.800 (Flathead) | February 22, 1897 | 2,413,573 acres (9,767.4 km2) | BorderingGlacier National Park, Flathead is home togrizzly bears,bull trout, andCanada lynx. The forest manages fourwilderness areas, including theBob Marshall andGreat Bear wildernesses.[12]: 203–208 [53] |
| Francis Marion |  | South Carolina 33°10′N79°42′W / 33.167°N 79.700°W /33.167; -79.700 (Francis Marion) | July 10, 1936 | 258,673 acres (1,046.8 km2) | Francis Marion National Forest is home to 150 mi (240 km) of streams and a variety of wildlife, including the endangeredred-cockaded woodpecker. There are fourwilderness areas in the forest, and it is managed together withSumter National Forest.[8]: 282–289 [54] |
| Fremont–Winema | .jpg) | Oregon 42°34′N120°52′W / 42.567°N 120.867°W /42.567; -120.867 (Fremont–Winema) | September 17, 1906 | 2,253,796 acres (9,120.8 km2) | Encompassing theWarner Mountains and borderingCrater Lake National Park, Fremont–Winema National Forest also includes the semi-arid areas of theOregon Outback. TheGearhart Mountain Wilderness is near the center of the forest.[33]: 217–220 [55] |
| Gallatin |  | Montana 45°15′N111°00′W / 45.250°N 111.000°W /45.250; -111.000 (Gallatin) | February 10, 1899 | 1,849,701 acres (7,485.5 km2) | Bordering the north side ofYellowstone National Park, Gallatin National Forest contains parts of both theAbsaroka–Beartooth andLee Metcalf wilderness areas.Quake Lake was formed on theMadison River when an earthquake launched a landslide across the river in 1959.[56] |
| George Washington and Jefferson |  | Virginia,West Virginia,Kentucky 38°12′N79°21′W / 38.200°N 79.350°W /38.200; -79.350 (George Washington & Jefferson) | May 16, 1918 | 1,792,209 acres (7,252.8 km2) | In theAppalachian Mountains, the highest point of the forest isMount Rogers, also the highest point in Virginia at 5,729 ft (1,746 m) inMount Rogers National Recreation Area. There are 230,000 acres (93,000 ha) ofold-growth forest here, and theBlue Ridge Parkway andAppalachian Trail both run through the forest.[57] |
| Gifford Pinchot |  | Washington 46°10′N121°48′W / 46.167°N 121.800°W /46.167; -121.800 (Gifford Pinchot) | July 1, 1908 | 1,312,274 acres (5,310.6 km2) | Gifford Pinchot National Forest includesMount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and parts of sevenwilderness areas. There are 1,475 mi (2,374 km) of trails and 4,104 mi (6,605 km) of roads in the forest.[58] |
| Gila |  | New Mexico 33°17′N108°20′W / 33.283°N 108.333°W /33.283; -108.333 (Gila) | March 2, 1899 | 2,658,321 acres (10,757.8 km2) | The forest'sGila Wilderness was the world's firstwilderness area and was 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.[59] |
| Grand Mesa |  | Colorado 39°05′N107°54′W / 39.083°N 107.900°W /39.083; -107.900 (Grand Mesa) | July 1, 1908 | 345,939 acres (1,400.0 km2) | In western Colorado, Grand Mesa National Forest covers part ofBattlement Mesa and most ofGrand Mesa, the largest flattop mountain in the world with an average elevation of 10,500 ft (3,200 m). There are over 300 lakes in the forest. It is managed together withGunnison National Forest andUncompahgre National Forest.[12]: 49–56 [60] |
| Green Mountain |  | Vermont 43°18′N73°00′W / 43.300°N 73.000°W /43.300; -73.000 (Green Mountain) | April 25, 1932 | 408,419 acres (1,652.8 km2) | In Vermont'sGreen Mountains, this forest includes eightwilderness areas. Among the 900 mi (1,400 km) of trails in the forest are theAppalachian Trail and twoNational Recreation Trails:Long and Robert Frost.[61] |
| Gunnison |  | Colorado 38°41′N106°41′W / 38.683°N 106.683°W /38.683; -106.683 (Gunnison) | May 12, 1905 | 1,666,514 acres (6,744.1 km2) | Gunnison National Forest is located in theRocky Mountains nearGunnison, Colorado. Among the sevenwilderness areas in the forest are theMaroon Bells–Snowmass Wilderness. The Slumgullion Slide is a giant landslide due to the mineralmontmorillonite.[12]: 56–67 [60] |
| Helena |  | Montana 46°33′N112°12′W / 46.550°N 112.200°W /46.550; -112.200 (Helena) | April 12, 1906 | 982,385 acres (3,975.6 km2) | TheContinental Divide Trail travels almost 80 mi (130 km) through the forest, which surrounds Montana's capital city. TheElkhorn Mountains are the only Wildlife Management unit in the National Forest System.[62] |
| Hiawatha |  | Michigan 46°10′N86°40′W / 46.167°N 86.667°W /46.167; -86.667 (Hiawatha) | January 16, 1931 | 898,475 acres (3,636.0 km2) | Located in Michigan'sUpper Peninsula, Hiawatha National Forest bordersLake Superior,Lake Michigan, andLake Huron. The forest is home toGrand Island National Recreation Area and fivewilderness areas.[63] |
| Holly Springs |  | Mississippi 34°34′N89°18′W / 34.567°N 89.300°W /34.567; -89.300 (Holly Springs) | June 15, 1936 | 156,243 acres (632.3 km2) | In north-central Mississippi, Holly Springs National Forest has small lakes in upland forests and unique bottomlands. Chewalla and Puskus recreation areas surround the namesake lakes and have boat launches.[8]: 178–180 [18] |
| Homochitto |  | Mississippi 31°26′N90°56′W / 31.433°N 90.933°W /31.433; -90.933 (Homochitto) | July 20, 1936 | 192,237 acres (778.0 km2) | Located in southern Mississippi, this forest is named for theHomochitto River, meaning "Big Red River." Most of the forest is densely forested hills, but there are recreation facilities at Pipes Lake, Clear Springs, and Mount Nebo.[8]: 180–186 [18] |
| Hoosier |  | Indiana 38°31′N86°31′W / 38.517°N 86.517°W /38.517; -86.517 (Hoosier) | October 1, 1961 | 203,627 acres (824.0 km2) | The Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest is 88 acres (36 ha) ofold-growth forest in Hoosier National Forest. The forest'sCharles C. Deam Wilderness is Indiana's onlywilderness area.[64] |
| Humboldt–Toiyabe |  | Nevada,California 40°23′N115°33′W / 40.383°N 115.550°W /40.383; -115.550 (Humboldt–Toiyabe) | May 3, 1906 | 6,290,945 acres (25,458.6 km2) | As the largest national forest outside of Alaska, Humboldt–Toiyabe occupies many of the mountains of Nevada'sBasin and Range Province.Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is located nearLas Vegas and is part of the forest.[65] |
| Huron–Manistee |  | Michigan 44°33′N83°52′W / 44.550°N 83.867°W /44.550; -83.867 (Huron–Manistee) | July 30, 1928 | 975,130 acres (3,946.2 km2) | Loda Lake National Wildflower Sanctuary is located around a small spring-fed lake in the forest. TheNordhouse Dunes Wilderness has sand dunes up to 140 ft (43 m) high alongLake Michigan.[66] |
| Idaho Panhandle Coeur d'Alene,St. Joe,Kaniksu |  | Idaho,Montana,Washington 47°43′N116°13′W / 47.717°N 116.217°W /47.717; -116.217 (Idaho Panhandle) | November 6, 1906 | 3,074,438 acres (12,441.8 km2) | There are twowilderness areas,Cabinet Mountains andSalmo-Priest, and numerous recreation opportunities in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This forest ranges from the Canada–US border to theSaint Joe River, which is the highest navigable river in the world.[33]: 173–179 [67] |
| Inyo |  | California,Nevada 37°30′N118°39′W / 37.500°N 118.650°W /37.500; -118.650 (Inyo) | May 25, 1907 | 1,957,264 acres (7,920.8 km2) | Located in theSierra Nevada, Inyo includesMono Lake,bristlecone pines, theLong Valley Caldera, ninewilderness areas, andMount Whitney, which at 14,505 ft (4,421 m) is the highest point in the United States outside of Alaska.[68] |
| Kaibab |  | Arizona 35°56′N112°09′W / 35.933°N 112.150°W /35.933; -112.150 (Kaibab) | July 1, 1908 | 1,561,060 acres (6,317.4 km2) | Located on theColorado Plateau to both the north and south ofGrand Canyon National Park, elevations in Kaibab National Forest reach 10,418 ft (3,175 m) on Kendrick Mountain in theKendrick Mountain Wilderness. There are over 300 mi (480 km) of trails in the forest, including through theKanab Creek Wilderness.[69] |
| Kisatchie |  | Louisiana 31°00′N92°37′W / 31.000°N 92.617°W /31.000; -92.617 (Kisatchie) | June 10, 1930 | 607,540 acres (2,458.6 km2) | Kisatchie is Louisiana's only national forest, coveringold-growth pine forest andbald cypress groves in the bayous. There are 48 mammal species, 56 reptiles, 30 amphibians, and 155 breeding or overwintering birds in this forest.[70] |
| Klamath |  | California,Oregon 41°30′N123°08′W / 41.500°N 123.133°W /41.500; -123.133 (Klamath) | May 6, 1905 | 1,672,442 acres (6,768.1 km2) | Straddling the California–Oregon border, this forest has part of fivewilderness areas, 152 mi (245 km) ofwild and scenic rivers, and 200 mi (320 km) of rivers for rafting, including on theKlamath River. TheSiskiyou mariposa lily isendemic to the forest, being found nowhere else in the world.[71] |
| Kootenai |  | Montana,Idaho 48°32′N115°26′W / 48.533°N 115.433°W /48.533; -115.433 (Kootenai) | August 13, 1906 | 1,810,361 acres (7,326.3 km2) | Kootenai includes theCabinet Mountains and theKootenay andClark Fork rivers. TheNoxon andCabinet Gorge reservoirs are on the Clark Fork within the forest. The Northwest Peak Scenic Area is in theSelkirk Mountains.[12]: 222–226 [72] |
| Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit |  | California,Nevada 38°55′N119°58′W / 38.917°N 119.967°W /38.917; -119.967 (Lake Tahoe Basin) | April 1973 | 152,008 acres (615.2 km2) | The Forest Service lands surroundingLake Tahoe are managed by the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, which was created in April 1973 in order to protect the lake's unique ecological and recreational values.[73][74]E |
| Land Between The Lakes |  | Kentucky,Tennessee 36°46′39″N88°3′47″W / 36.77750°N 88.06306°W /36.77750; -88.06306 (Land Between The Lakes) | June 1963 | 171,251 acres (693.0 km2) | Land Between The LakesNational Recreation Area is located in WesternKentucky andTennessee, and encompasses over 170,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and open lands on the largest inland peninsula in the United States. It is located betweenKentucky Lake andLake Barkley.[75] |
| Lassen |  | California 40°05′N121°14′W / 40.083°N 121.233°W /40.083; -121.233 (Lassen) | June 2, 1905 | 1,066,027 acres (4,314.1 km2) | SurroundingLassen Volcanic National Park, this forest has threewilderness areas and 92,000 acres (37,000 ha) ofold-growthSierra Nevada mixed conifer forests. Subway Cave is alava tube that is 0.3 mi (0.48 km) long and open to the public.[76] |
| Lewis and Clark |  | Montana 46°55′N110°38′W / 46.917°N 110.633°W /46.917; -110.633 (Lewis and Clark) | February 22, 1897 | 1,871,490 acres (7,573.7 km2) | Located in north-central Montana, this forest includes seven mountain ranges and large portions of theBob Marshall andScapegoat wilderness areas. The forest operates the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center inGreat Falls.[77] |
| Lincoln |  | New Mexico 32°57′N105°26′W / 32.950°N 105.433°W /32.950; -105.433 (Lincoln) | July 26, 1902 | 1,095,470 acres (4,433.2 km2) | With portions of four mountain ranges, theCapitan,Guadalupe,Sacramento, andSierra Blanca, 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 ofSmokey Bear.[78] |
| Lolo |  | Montana 47°09′N114°26′W / 47.150°N 114.433°W /47.150; -114.433 (Lolo) | September 20, 1906 | 2,237,961 acres (9,056.7 km2) | Located west of theContinental Divide and containing parts of fourwilderness 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.[79] |
| Los Padres |  | California 34°32′N119°46′W / 34.533°N 119.767°W /34.533; -119.767 (Los Padres) | March 2, 1898 | 1,772,237 acres (7,172.0 km2) | Encompassing portions of theCalifornia Coast andTransverse ranges of central California, Los Padres has tenwilderness 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.[80] |
| Malheur |  | Oregon 44°15′N118°51′W / 44.250°N 118.850°W /44.250; -118.850 (Malheur) | July 1, 1908 | 1,480,818 acres (5,992.7 km2) | In theBlue Mountains of eastern Oregon, Malheur National Forest's highest point isStrawberry Mountain at 9,038 ft (2,755 m). The Cedar Grove Botanical Area contains the only stand ofAlaska yellow cedar east of theCascade Range in the United States.[81] |
| Manti–La Sal |  | Utah,Colorado 38°23′N109°01′W / 38.383°N 109.017°W /38.383; -109.017 (Manti–La Sal) | May 29, 1903 | 1,269,984 acres (5,139.4 km2) | Including theLa Sal andAbajo mountains of eastern Utah, elevations in this forest reach 12,721 ft (3,877 m) onMount Peale. TheDark Canyon Wilderness is the onlywilderness area in the forest.[33]: 288–298 [82] |
| Mark Twain |  | Missouri 37°00′N91°30′W / 37.000°N 91.500°W /37.000; -91.500 (Mark Twain) | September 11, 1939 | 1,504,881 acres (6,090.0 km2) | Missouri's only national forest, Mark Twain contains sevenwilderness areas and theEleven Point National Wild and Scenic River. There are 19 natural areas in the forest that are managed by theMissouri Department of Conservation.[83] |
| Medicine Bow–Routt |  | Colorado,Wyoming 41°14′N106°15′W / 41.233°N 106.250°W /41.233; -106.250 (Medicine Bow—Routt) | May 22, 1902 | 2,210,327 acres (8,944.9 km2) | This forest contains many ranges of theRocky Mountains with elevations ranging from 5,500 ft (1,700 m) to 12,940 ft (3,940 m). There are tenwilderness areas and Rob Roy Reservoir, which covers 500 acres (200 ha).[84] |
| Mendocino |  | California 39°38′N122°51′W / 39.633°N 122.850°W /39.633; -122.850 (Mendocino) | July 1, 1908 | 915,532 acres (3,705.0 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.[85] |
| Modoc |  | California 41°34′N120°53′W / 41.567°N 120.883°W /41.567; -120.883 (Modoc) | November 29, 1904 | 1,680,405 acres (6,800.4 km2) | Modoc National Forest contains theMedicine Lake Volcano, which has an elevation of 7,921 ft (2,414 m) and is the largestshield volcano in North America. There are 43,400 acres (17,600 ha) ofold-growth forest here along with Mill Creek Falls in theSouth Warner Wilderness.[86] |
| Monongahela |  | West Virginia 38°33′N79°54′W / 38.550°N 79.900°W /38.550; -79.900 (Monongahela) | April 28, 1920 | 920,583 acres (3,725.5 km2) | Monongahela National Forest includesSpruce Knob–Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area and eightwilderness areas.Spruce Knob is the highest point in West Virginia at 4,863 ft (1,482 m), andSeneca Rocks is a 900 ft (270 m)quartzitecrag.[87] |
| Mount Baker–Snoqualmie |  | Washington 48°28′N121°25′W / 48.467°N 121.417°W /48.467; -121.417 (Mount Baker–Snoqualmie) | February 22, 1897 | 2,562,955 acres (10,371.9 km2) | In theCascade Range, this forest includesMount Baker, at an elevation of 10,781 ft (3,286 m), a glaciatedstratovolcano.Mount Baker National Recreation Area, thePacific Crest Trail,Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, and portions of tenwilderness areas are in the forest.[88] |
| Mount Hood |  | Oregon 45°16′N121°49′W / 45.267°N 121.817°W /45.267; -121.817 (Mount Hood) | June 17, 1892 | 1,069,427 acres (4,327.8 km2) | This forest is named for and containsMount Hood, the highest point in Oregon at 11,249 ft (3,429 m). The forest stretches from theColumbia River Gorge and includesMount Hood National Recreation Area and ninewilderness areas.[89] |
| Nantahala |  | North Carolina 35°12′N83°33′W / 35.200°N 83.550°W /35.200; -83.550 (Nantahala) | February 6, 1907 | 532,300 acres (2,154.1 km2) | In southwestern North Carolina, this forest includes the Nantahala Gorge andNantahala 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.[41] |
| Nebraska |  | Nebraska 41°42′N100°22′W / 41.700°N 100.367°W /41.700; -100.367 (Nebraska) | April 16, 1902 | 140,813 acres (569.8 km2) | This forest was created in 1902 byCharles E. Bessey as an experiment to see if a forest could be created in treeless areas of theGreat Plains for use as a national timber reserve. The Bessey Nursery is located in the northwest corner of the forest's Bessey Ranger District.[12]: 240–242 [90] |
| Nez Perce |  | Idaho 45°27′N115°55′W / 45.450°N 115.917°W /45.450; -115.917 (Nez Perce) | July 1, 1908 | 2,223,586 acres (8,998.5 km2) | Nez Perce National Forest includes parts of four wilderness areas:Frank Church–River of No Return,Gospel Hump,Hells Canyon, andSelway–Bietterroot. This forest is managed together withClearwater National Forest.[91] |
| Ocala |  | Florida 29°12′N81°44′W / 29.200°N 81.733°W /29.200; -81.733 (Ocala) | November 24, 1908 | 384,693 acres (1,556.8 km2) | Ocala protects the world's largestsand pine scrub forest. There are more than 600 lakes, rivers, and springs in the forest along with fourwilderness areas. There are over 600 lakes and part of theFlorida Trail in the forest.[8]: 34–37 [92] |
| Ochoco |  | Oregon 44°22′N120°07′W / 44.367°N 120.117°W /44.367; -120.117 (Ochoco) | July 1, 1911 | 854,817 acres (3,459.3 km2) | Ochoco National Forest contains a variety of odd geological formations, 95,000 acres (38,000 ha) ofold-growth forest, the headwaters of theCrooked River, and threewilderness areas. Stein's Pillar is a 350 ft (110 m) tall rock column in theOchoco Mountains.[33]: 227–229 [46] |
| Okanogan-Wenatchee |  | Washington 48°38′N119°35′W / 48.633°N 119.583°W /48.633; -119.583 (Okanogan-Wenatchee) | July 1, 1911 | 4,255,572 acres (17,221.7 km2) | Located on the eastern side of theCascade Range, this forest stretches from the Canada–US border to theColumbia andOkanogan rivers. There are 1,285 mi (2,068 km) of trails in the forest, including part of thePacific Crest Trail.[33]: 329–332 [93] |
| Olympic |  | Washington 48°07′N124°15′W / 48.117°N 124.250°W /48.117; -124.250 (Olympic) | February 22, 1897 | 631,808 acres (2,556.8 km2) | Olympic National Forest surroundsOlympic National Park on theOlympic Peninsula of Washington. There are fivewilderness areas, occupying about 14% of the forest. This part of Washington receives more rainfall annually than anywhere else in the United States.[33]: 332–338 [94] |
| Osceola |  | Florida 30°19′N82°27′W / 30.317°N 82.450°W /30.317; -82.450 (Osceola) | July 10, 1931 | 160,192 acres (648.3 km2) | TheBig Gum Swamp Wilderness is the forest's onlywilderness area, and the Osceola Research Natural Area was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974. TheCivil WarBattle of Olustee occurred in what is now the forest, and 23 mi (37 km) of theFlorida National Scenic Trail pass through the forest.[95] |
| Ottawa |  | Michigan 46°27′N89°15′W / 46.450°N 89.250°W /46.450; -89.250 (Ottawa) | January 27, 1931 | 990,961 acres (4,010.3 km2) | Located in theUpper Peninsula of Michigan, Ottawa National Forest stretches fromLake Superior to theWisconsin border. There are 500 named lakes, nearly 2,000 mi (3,200 km) of streams, and threewilderness areas in the forest.[96] |
| Ouachita |  | Arkansas,Oklahoma 34°38′N94°04′W / 34.633°N 94.067°W /34.633; -94.067 (Ouachita) | December 18, 1907 | 1,785,468 acres (7,225.5 km2) | Including the namesakeOuachita Mountains, this forest has nearly 800,000 acres (320,000 ha) ofold-growth forest. The forest has twowilderness areas:Black Fork Mountain andUpper Kiamichi River.[97] |
| Ozark–St. Francis |  | Arkansas 35°42′N93°21′W / 35.700°N 93.350°W /35.700; -93.350 (Ozark-St. Francis) | March 5, 1908 | 1,153,374 acres (4,667.5 km2) | Ozark–St. Francis National Forest has more than 400 mi (640 km) of trails, including theOzark Highlands Trail.Blanchard Springs Caverns is a three level cave system that is open for public tours.[98] |
| Payette |  | Idaho 45°05′N115°48′W / 45.083°N 115.800°W /45.083; -115.800 (Payette) | June 3, 1905 | 2,326,779 acres (9,416.1 km2) | Payette National Forest includes theSeven Devils Mountains and part of theFrank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. It also bordersHells Canyon to the west and contains theBrundage Mountain ski area.[33]: 183–187 [99] |
| Pike | .jpg) | Colorado 39°10′N105°27′W / 39.167°N 105.450°W /39.167; -105.450 (Pike) | February 11, 1892 | 1,096,146 acres (4,435.9 km2) | Pike National Forest includesPikes Peak at an elevation of 14,115 ft (4,302 m) and threewilderness areas. Since 1975 the forest has been managed together withSan Isabel National Forest.[100] |
| Pisgah |  | North Carolina 35°48′N82°20′W / 35.800°N 82.333°W /35.800; -82.333 (Pisgah) | October 17, 1916 | 509,283 acres (2,061.0 km2) | Elevations in Pisgah National Forest reach over 6,000 ft (1,800 m), and there are 46,600 acres (18,900 ha) ofold-growth forests, including 10,000 acres (4,000 ha) inLinville Gorge. There are threewilderness areas in the forest:Linville Gorge,Middle Prong, andShining Rock.[41] |
| Plumas |  | California 39°56′N120°49′W / 39.933°N 120.817°W /39.933; -120.817 (Plumas) | March 27, 1905 | 1,189,554 acres (4,814.0 km2) | There are 127,000 acres (51,000 ha) ofold-growth forest in Plumas National Forest.[101] The Little Grass Valley Recreation Area surroundsLittle Grass Valley Reservoir and includes a campground and boat launch, among other facilities and services.[102] |
| Prescott |  | Arizona 34°35′N112°36′W / 34.583°N 112.600°W /34.583; -112.600 (Prescott) | May 10, 1898 | 1,257,005 acres (5,086.9 km2) | Vegetation in Prescott National Forest ranges from that characteristic of theSonoran Desert at lower elevations toPonderosa pine at higher elevations. There are eightwilderness areas and 450 mi (720 km) of trails in the forest[103] |
| Rio Grande | %2c_Colo.jpg) | Colorado 37°43′N106°37′W / 37.717°N 106.617°W /37.717; -106.617 (Rio Grande) | July 1, 1908 | 1,837,661 acres (7,436.8 km2) | The headwaters of theRio Grande are in theSan Juan Mountains in the western part of the forest, while theSangre de Cristo Mountains form the eastern boundary. Elevations reach 14,345 ft (4,372 m) at the summit ofBlanca Peak, overlooking theSan Luis Valley andGreat Sand Dunes National Park.[104] |
| Rogue River–Siskiyou | .jpg) | Oregon,California 41°58′N123°08′W / 41.967°N 123.133°W /41.967; -123.133 (Rogue River–Siskiyou) | September 28, 1893 | 1,718,893 acres (6,956.1 km2) | This forest ranges from theCascade Range to theSiskiyou Mountains, and theRogue River drains over 75% of the forest's area. There are parts of eightwilderness areas in the forest as well as what may be the world's tallest pine tree, aponderosa pine that is 268.35 ft (81.79 m) tall.[105][106] |
| Roosevelt |  | Colorado 40°32′N105°35′W / 40.533°N 105.583°W /40.533; -105.583 (Roosevelt) | May 22, 1902 | 814,090 acres (3,294.5 km2) | Located in theRocky Mountains of northern Colorado, Roosevelt National Forest has part of sixwilderness areas. It is managed together withArapaho National Forest andPawnee National Grassland.[15] |
| Sabine |  | Texas 31°30′N93°52′W / 31.500°N 93.867°W /31.500; -93.867 (Sabine) | October 13, 1936 | 161,088 acres (651.9 km2) | Sabine National Forest borders the western side ofToledo Bend Reservoir and has 28 mi (45 km) of trails. The forest's onlywilderness area is the Indian Mounds Wilderness.Old-growth forest can be found in the wilderness and at Mill Creek Cove along the reservoir's shores.[12]: 312–316 [44] |
| Salmon–Challis |  | Idaho 45°07′N114°09′W / 45.117°N 114.150°W /45.117; -114.150 (Salmon–Challis) | July 1, 1908 | 4,226,973 acres (17,106.0 km2) | Salmon–Challis National Forest includes parts of both theSalmon River and theFrank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. Idaho's highest point,Borah Peak at 12,662 ft (3,859 m), is located in theLost River Range in the forest.[107] |
| Sam Houston |  | Texas 30°32′N95°21′W / 30.533°N 95.350°W /30.533; -95.350 (Sam Houston) | October 13, 1936 | 163,264 acres (660.7 km2) | Part of the Lone Star Trail travels through Sam Houston National Forest, which borders parts ofLake Conroe andLake Livingston. The Little Lake Creek Wilderness is the onlywilderness area in the forest.[44] |
| Samuel R. McKelvie |  | Nebraska 42°43′N101°02′W / 42.717°N 101.033°W /42.717; -101.033 (Samuel R. McKelvie) | October 15, 1971 | 115,847 acres (468.8 km2) | Located in theSandhills of Nebraska, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a combination of prairie and trees planted since 1903, of whichponderosa pine has been most successful.[12]: 243–244 [90] |
| San Bernardino |  | California 34°03′N116°57′W / 34.050°N 116.950°W /34.050; -116.950 (San Bernardino) | February 25, 1893 | 678,980 acres (2,747.7 km2) | San Bernardino National Forest includes part of theSanta Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument. The forest surroundsLake Arrowhead and other reservoirs.[108] |
| San Isabel |  | Colorado 38°24′N105°56′W / 38.400°N 105.933°W /38.400; -105.933 (San Isabel) | April 11, 1902 | 1,108,639 acres (4,486.5 km2) | There are 19 of Colorado's 54fourteeners in San Isabel National Forest, including the highest point,Mount Elbert at 14,440 ft (4,400 m). The forest includes theSawatch Range,Collegiate Peaks, andSangre de Cristo Range and is managed together withPike National Forest.[100] |
| San Juan |  | Colorado 37°30′N107°39′W / 37.500°N 107.650°W /37.500; -107.650 (San Juan) | June 3, 1905 | 1,864,595 acres (7,545.7 km2) | San Juan National Forest includesChimney Rock National Monument and elevations that range from 5,000 ft (1,500 m) to over 14,000 ft (4,300 m). The forest'sWeminuche Wilderness is the largest in Colorado at 499,771 acres (202,250 ha).[109] |
| Santa Fe |  | New Mexico 35°54′N106°13′W / 35.900°N 106.217°W /35.900; -106.217 (Santa Fe) | January 11, 1892 | 1,544,748 acres (6,251.4 km2) | Santa Fe National Forest's highest point isTruchas Peak at 13,103 ft (3,994 m) in thePecos Wilderness. There are 1,002 mi (1,613 km) of trails in the forest, which includes theValles Caldera National Preserve.[110] |
| Sawtooth |  | Idaho,Utah 41°54′N113°29′W / 41.900°N 113.483°W /41.900; -113.483 (Sawtooth) | May 29, 1905 | 1,802,133 acres (7,293.0 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) onHyndman Peak. The forest includesSawtooth National Recreation Area, theSawtooth Range,Sawtooth Wilderness, four ski areas, and fourendemic species, being found nowhere else in the world.[111] |
| Sequoia |  | California 36°03′N118°31′W / 36.050°N 118.517°W /36.050; -118.517 (Sequoia) | July 1, 1908 | 1,139,240 acres (4,610.3 km2) | Sequoia National Forest includesGiant Sequoia National Monument, both named for thegiant 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 thePacific Crest Trail.[112] |
| Shasta–Trinity |  | California 41°08′N122°12′W / 41.133°N 122.200°W /41.133; -122.200 (Shasta-Trinity) | April 26, 1905 | 2,229,286 acres (9,021.6 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) onMount Shasta. Fivewilderness areas and 460 mi (740 km) of trails can be found in the forest.[113] |
| Shawnee |  | Illinois 37°30′N88°48′W / 37.500°N 88.800°W /37.500; -88.800 (Shawnee) | September 6, 1939 | 273,482 acres (1,106.7 km2) | As Illinois's only national forest, Shawnee is located in the southern part of the state and contains sevenwilderness areas, including theGarden of the Gods. Among the many miles of hiking trails in the forest is theRiver to River Trail, which is 160 mi (260 km) long.[114] |
| Shoshone |  | Wyoming 44°02′N109°32′W / 44.033°N 109.533°W /44.033; -109.533 (Shoshone) | March 30, 1891 | 2,439,093 acres (9,870.7 km2) | Located in theGreater Yellowstone Ecosystem, this forest includes part of theAbsaroka,Beartooth, andWind River mountain ranges. Fivewilderness areas make up 56% of the forest, and elevations reach 13,804 ft (4,207 m) atGannett Peak, the highest point in Wyoming.[115] |
| Sierra |  | California 37°16′N119°12′W / 37.267°N 119.200°W /37.267; -119.200 (Sierra) | February 14, 1893 | 1,311,231 acres (5,306.4 km2) | Sierra National Forest is located on the western slope of theSierra Nevada and elevations reach 13,986 ft (4,263 m). There are 1,800 mi (2,900 km) of streams, 480 lakes, 11 reservoirs, and 63 campgrounds in the forest.[33]: 137–143 [116] |
| Siuslaw |  | Oregon 44°32′N123°53′W / 44.533°N 123.883°W /44.533; -123.883 (Siuslaw) | July 1, 1908 | 630,291 acres (2,550.7 km2) | Siuslaw National Forest includesOregon Dunes National Recreation Area, threewilderness areas, and Cascade Head Scenic Research Area among theCentral Oregon Coast Range. Marys Peak Scenic Botanical Area includesMarys Peak, which at 4,097 ft (1,249 m) is the forest's highest point.[117] |
| Six Rivers |  | California 40°21′N123°36′W / 40.350°N 123.600°W /40.350; -123.600 (Six Rivers) | July 1, 1947 | 977,090 acres (3,954.1 km2) | Six Rivers National Forest was named for theSmith,Klamath,Trinity,Mad,Van Duzen, andEel rivers. The forest includes theSalmon River system, all of which has been designated aNational Wild and Scenic River.[118] |
| Stanislaus |  | California 38°10′N120°01′W / 38.167°N 120.017°W /38.167; -120.017 (Stanislaus) | February 22, 1897 | 899,427 acres (3,639.9 km2) | Stanislaus National Forest has over 800 mi (1,300 km) of streams and fourwilderness areas, including theCarson–Iceberg Wilderness. TheEmigrant Wilderness borders the northwest corner ofYosemite National Park.[33]: 147–150 [119] |
| Sumter |  | South Carolina 34°00′N82°15′W / 34.000°N 82.250°W /34.000; -82.250 (Sumter) | July 13, 1936 | 372,778 acres (1,508.6 km2) | Sumter National Forest contains 22 waterfalls with drops ranging from 12 ft (3.7 m) to 150 ft (46 m) and part of theEllicott Rock Wilderness, the only wilderness located in three states.[54] |
| Superior |  | Minnesota 47°50′N91°31′W / 47.833°N 91.517°W /47.833; -91.517 (Superior) | February 13, 1909 | 2,093,590 acres (8,472.5 km2) | Superior National Forest includes theBoundary 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.[120] |
| Tahoe |  | California 39°23′N120°32′W / 39.383°N 120.533°W /39.383; -120.533 (Tahoe) | April 13, 1899 | 872,981 acres (3,532.8 km2) | Tahoe National Forest is in theSierra Nevada northwest ofLake Tahoe. Part of theGranite Chief Wilderness is within the forest. The Middle Fork of theAmerican,Yuba, andNorth Yuba rivers cross or border the forest.[33]: 151–156 [121] |
| Talladega |  | Alabama 33°26′N85°51′W / 33.433°N 85.850°W /33.433; -85.850 (Talladega) | July 17, 1936 | 393,006 acres (1,590.4 km2) | Talladega National Forest includes theCheaha andDugger Mountain wilderness areas. The Talladega Scenic Byway and Pinhoti National Recreation Trail cross the forest. Talladega is managed together with Alabama's other national forests.[8]: 8–11 [39] |
| Tombigbee |  | Mississippi 33°56′N88°56′W / 33.933°N 88.933°W /33.933; -88.933 (Tombigbee) | November 27, 1959 | 67,468 acres (273.0 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.[18] |
| Tongass |  | Alaska 56°48′N133°54′W / 56.800°N 133.900°W /56.800; -133.900 (Tongass) | September 10, 1907 | 16,748,360 acres (67,778.2 km2) | The largest national forest, Tongass spans 500 mi (800 km) in southeast Alaska from the Canada–US border to thePacific Ocean. Nearly one-third of the forest is covered by 19wilderness areas. The forest includesMisty Fjords andAdmiralty Island National Monuments.[122] |
| Tonto |  | Arizona 33°52′N111°17′W / 33.867°N 111.283°W /33.867; -111.283 (Tonto) | October 3, 1905 | 2,866,663 acres (11,601.0 km2) | Tonto National Forest stretches from theSonoran Desert to the pine forests at theMogollon Rim. There are eightwilderness areas and severallakes and reservoirs in the forest[123] |
| Tuskegee |  | Alabama 32°28′N85°36′W / 32.467°N 85.600°W /32.467; -85.600 (Tuskegee) | November 27, 1959 | 11,349 acres (45.9 km2) | Tuskegee National Forest's Bartram National Recreation Trail was Alabama's firstNational Recreation Trail. Tuskegee is one of the smallest national forests and is managed together with Alabama's other national forests.[39] |
| Uinta–Wasatch–Cache |  | Utah,Wyoming,Idaho 41°15′N111°26′W / 41.250°N 111.433°W /41.250; -111.433 (Uinta–Wasatch-Cache) | February 22, 1897 | 2,492,404 acres (10,086.4 km2) | There are ninewilderness areas in the forest, which occupies part of theWasatch andUinta mountains.Mount Nebo andMount Timpanogos are located in wilderness areas at the edge of the Wasatch Front.[33]: 302–309 [124] |
| Umatilla |  | Oregon,Washington 45°38′N118°11′W / 45.633°N 118.183°W /45.633; -118.183 (Umatilla) | July 1, 1908 | 1,405,898 acres (5,689.5 km2) | Located in theBlue Mountains of northeastern Oregon, Umatilla National Forest includes threewilderness 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 largestelk herds of any National Forest.[125] |
| Umpqua |  | Oregon 43°13′N122°35′W / 43.217°N 122.583°W /43.217; -122.583 (Umpqua) | March 2, 1907 | 986,120 acres (3,990.7 km2) | Umpqua National Forest is in theCascade Range of southwestern Oregon and includes threewilderness areas.Watson Falls is a waterfall that is 272 ft (83 m) high on Watson Creek, a tributary of theClearwater River.[126] |
| Uncompahgre |  | Colorado 38°16′N108°07′W / 38.267°N 108.117°W /38.267; -108.117 (Uncompahgre) | June 14, 1905 | 951,767 acres (3,851.7 km2) | The northern portion of theSan Juan Mountains and theUncompahgre Plateau are located in this national forest. The forest also containsUncompahgre Gorge and threewilderness areas.[60] |
| Uwharrie |  | North Carolina 35°24′N79°56′W / 35.400°N 79.933°W /35.400; -79.933 (Uwharrie) | January 12, 1961 | 51,218 acres (207.3 km2) | Uwharrie National Forest borders the eastern side ofBadin Lake and has one wilderness area: theBirkhead Mountains Wilderness. The forest is managed together with North Carolina's other national forests.[41] |
| Wallowa-Whitman |  | Oregon,Idaho 45°13′N117°31′W / 45.217°N 117.517°W /45.217; -117.517 (Wallowa-Whitman) | May 6, 1905 | 2,261,480 acres (9,151.9 km2) | Wallowa-Whitman National Forest stretches from theBlue Mountains to theSnake River. Elevations range from 875 ft (267 m) inHells Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, to 9,845 ft (3,001 m) at the summit ofSacajawea Peak in theEagle Cap Wilderness Area.[127] |
| Wayne |  | Ohio 39°10′N82°25′W / 39.167°N 82.417°W /39.167; -82.417 (Wayne) | October 1, 1951 | 243,180 acres (984.1 km2) | Ohio's only national forest, Wayne is located in theAppalachian foothills and has over 300 mi (480 km) of trails. TheNorth Country Trail passes through several sections of the forest.[128] |
| White Mountain |  | New Hampshire,Maine 44°09′N71°25′W / 44.150°N 71.417°W /44.150; -71.417 (White Mountain) | May 16, 1918 | 761,687 acres (3,082.4 km2) | This national forest is located in theWhite Mountains, which theAppalachian Trail and White Mountain Scenic Byway pass through. The forest includesMount 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 astate park.[129] |
| White River |  | Colorado 39°34′N106°53′W / 39.567°N 106.883°W /39.567; -106.883 (White River) | October 16, 1891 | 2,287,495 acres (9,257.2 km2) | White River National Forest has eightwilderness 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.[130] |
| Willamette |  | Oregon 44°07′N122°11′W / 44.117°N 122.183°W /44.117; -122.183 (Willamette) | July 1, 1933 | 1,681,674 acres (6,805.5 km2) | Willamette National Forest is in theCascade Range, stretching fromMount Jefferson toMount Washington. About 20% of the forest is designatedwilderness, but there are also 6,000 mi (9,700 km) of roads in the forest.[131] |
| William B. Bankhead |  | Alabama 34°14′N87°20′W / 34.233°N 87.333°W /34.233; -87.333 (William B. Bankhead) | January 15, 1918 | 181,988 acres (736.5 km2) | This forest contains 153 mi (246 km) of trails and theSipsey Wilderness, which at 24,922 acres (10,086 ha) is the largestwilderness area east of theMississippi River. It is managed together with Alabama's other national forests.[39] |