List of U.S. National Forests

Map of the National Forests and Grasslands of the United States

The United States has 154 protected areas known as National Forests covering 188,336,179 acres (762,169 km²/294,275 sq. mi).^[1] The National Forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.^[2] The first National Forest was established as the Yellowstone Park Timber and Land Reserve on March 30, 1891, then in the Department of the Interior. In 1897, the Organic Act provided purposes for which forest reserves could be established, including to protect the forest, secure water supplies, and supply timber. With the Forest Reserve Act of 1891, the President of the United States was given the power to set aside forest reserves in the public domain. With the Transfer 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 President Theodore Roosevelt more than doubled the forest reserve acreage, and Congress 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 the Weeks Act. The management goals provided by the Organic Act were expanded upon by the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of 1960 to include “outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, and wildlife and fish purposes” as well as for the establishment of wilderness areas.^[3][4]

As of September 30, 2014, the Forest Service manages a total 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 20 National Grasslands, 59 purchase units, 19 research and experimental areas, five land utilization projects, 37 other areas, and one National Preserve, Valles Caldera. 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, North Dakota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island (although Kansas and North Dakota have national grasslands). In addition, Puerto Rico contains El Yunque National Forest. 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%, followed by Oregon with 24.7% and Colorado with 20.9%. 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]

National Forests

NameA	Photo	Location[6]B	Date formed[4]C	Area[1]	DescriptionD
Allegheny		Pennsylvania 41°39′N 79°01′W / 41.650°N 79.017°W / 41.650; -79.017 (Allegeny)	000000001923-09-24-0000September 24, 1923	7009207868803564787♠513,655 acres (2,078.7 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 and 10 mi (16 km) of the North Country Trail.[7][8]:255–263
Angeles		California 34°24′N 118°10′W / 34.400°N 118.167°W / 34.400; -118.167 (Angeles)	000000001893-02-25-0000February 25, 1893	7009267725856908505♠661,565 acres (2,677.3 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.[9]
Angelina		Texas 31°13′N 94°17′W / 31.217°N 94.283°W / 31.217; -94.283 (Angelina)	000000001936-10-13-0000October 13, 1936	7008623782448948736♠154,140 acres (623.8 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.[10][11]:303–305
Apache-Sitgreaves		Arizona, New Mexico 33°44′N 109°05′W / 33.733°N 109.083°W / 33.733; -109.083 (Apache-Sitgreaves)	000000001898-08-17-0000August 17, 1898	7010106282833032876♠2,626,306 acres (10,628.3 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.[12]
Apalachicola		Florida 30°11′N 84°41′W / 30.183°N 84.683°W / 30.183; -84.683 (Apalachicola)	000000001936-05-13-0000May 13, 1936	7009233147087521666♠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 the Florida Trail. There are caverns and sinkholes at the Leon Sinks Geological Area, while Fort Gadsden is along the Apalachicola River.[13]
Arapaho		Colorado 39°41′N 105°56′W / 39.683°N 105.933°W / 39.683; -105.933 (Arapaho)	000000001903-10-24-0000October 24, 1903	7009291542821011256♠720,418 acres (2,915.4 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. The highest paved road in North America ascends Mount Evans at an elevation of 14,265 ft (4,348 m).[14]
Ashley		Utah, Wyoming 40°38′N 110°06′W / 40.633°N 110.100°W / 40.633; -110.100 (Ashley)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009557828401719029♠1,378,424 acres (5,578.3 km2)	Ashley National Forest manages the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the High Uintas Wilderness. Kings Peak at 13,528 ft (4,123 m) is the highest point in Utah and is located in the Uinta Mountains.[15]
Beaverhead-Deerlodge		Montana 45°30′N 113°00′W / 45.500°N 113.000°W / 45.500; -113.000 (Beaverhead-Deerlodge)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7010136081131865062♠3,362,638 acres (13,608.1 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.[16]
Bienville		Mississippi 32°16′N 89°30′W / 32.267°N 89.500°W / 32.267; -89.500 (Bienville)	000000001936-06-15-0000June 15, 1936	7008729449916994022♠180,251 acres (729.4 km2)	Located in central Mississippi, this forest includes several lakes and reservoirs and Harrell Prairie, the largest and least disturbed prairie in the state. Bienville Pines Scenic Area includes 189 acres (76 ha) of old-growth forest. It is managed collectively with Mississippi’s five other National Forests.[8]:162–166[17]
Bighorn		Wyoming 44°32′N 107°21′W / 44.533°N 107.350°W / 44.533; -107.350 (Bighorn)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7009447303491909936♠1,105,311 acres (4,473.0 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.[18]
Bitterroot		Montana, Idaho 45°46′N 114°17′W / 45.767°N 114.283°W / 45.767; -114.283 (Bitterroot)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7009645303226717417♠1,594,579 acres (6,453.0 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. The forest is named for the bitterroot plant.[11]:192–199[19]
Black Hills		South Dakota, Wyoming 44°00′N 103°47′W / 44.000°N 103.783°W / 44.000; -103.783 (Black Hills)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7009506207510566179♠1,250,866 acres (5,062.1 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. Harney 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).[11]:293–301[20]
Boise		Idaho 44°07′N 115°34′W / 44.117°N 115.567°W / 44.117; -115.567 (Boise)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7010107171805983185♠2,648,273 acres (10,717.2 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.[21]
Bridger-Teton		Wyoming 42°45′N 110°45′W / 42.750°N 110.750°W / 42.750; -110.750 (Bridger-Teton)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7010136917374276187♠3,383,302 acres (13,691.7 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.[22]
Caribou-Targhee		Idaho, Wyoming 41°57′N 112°08′W / 41.950°N 112.133°W / 41.950; -112.133 (Caribou-Targhee)	000000001905-05-23-0000May 23, 1905	7010106219418792737♠2,624,739 acres (10,621.9 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.[23]
Carson		New Mexico 36°30′N 106°04′W / 36.500°N 106.067°W / 36.500; -106.067 (Carson)	000000001906-11-07-0000November 7, 1906	7009562871189506982♠1,390,885 acres (5,628.7 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).[11]:246–253[24]
Chattahoochee-Oconee		Georgia 34°45′N 84°07′W / 34.750°N 84.117°W / 34.750; -84.117 (Chattahoochee-Oconee)	000000001936-07-09-0000July 9, 1936	7009350766541324869♠866,763 acres (3,507.7 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.[8]:56–70[25]
Chequamegon-Nicolet		Wisconsin 46°02′N 90°48′W / 46.033°N 90.800°W / 46.033; -90.800 (Chequamegon-Nicolet)	000000001933-03-02-0000March 2, 1933	7009616621131823657♠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 five wilderness areas.[26]
Cherokee		Tennessee, North Carolina 35°52′N 83°03′W / 35.867°N 83.050°W / 35.867; -83.050 (Cherokee)	000000001920-06-14-0000June 14, 1920	7009265633227452482♠656,394 acres (2,656.3 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.[27]
Chippewa		Minnesota 47°24′N 94°08′W / 47.400°N 94.133°W / 47.400; -94.133 (Chippewa)	000000001908-05-23-0000May 23, 1908	7009271929326674452♠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 of bald eagles as well as Canada lynx, and sandhill cranes here.[11]:144–150[28]
Chugach		Alaska 60°23′N 147°23′W / 60.383°N 147.383°W / 60.383; -147.383 (Chugach)	000000001907-07-23-0000July 23, 1907	7010219302994043457♠5,419,095 acres (21,930.3 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. Over half of the forest is tundra and glaciers.[29][30]:2–9
Cibola		New Mexico 34°20′N 107°35′W / 34.333°N 107.583°W / 34.333; -107.583 (Cibola)	000000001906-11-06-0000November 6, 1906	7009654148036114214♠1,616,435 acres (6,541.5 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.[11]:253–265[31]
Clearwater		Idaho 46°33′N 115°09′W / 46.550°N 115.150°W / 46.550; -115.150 (Clearwater)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009680708768871352♠1,682,068 acres (6,807.1 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, and gold miners came to the forest in the 1860s.[30]:168–173[32]
Cleveland		California 32°45′N 116°36′W / 32.750°N 116.600°W / 32.750; -116.600 (Cleveland)	000000001893-02-25-0000February 25, 1893	7009172226115624499♠425,580 acres (1,722.3 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. 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.[30]:81–84[33]
Coconino		Arizona 34°45′N 111°33′W / 34.750°N 111.550°W / 34.750; -111.550 (Coconino)	000000001898-08-17-0000August 17, 1898	7009749559151242570♠1,852,201 acres (7,495.6 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. The forest also contains Humphreys Peak, which at 12,637 ft (3,852 m) is the highest point in Arizona.[30]:28–37[34]
Colville		Washington 48°32′N 117°54′W / 48.533°N 117.900°W / 48.533; -117.900 (Colville)	000000001907-03-01-0000March 1, 1907	7009386340432705976♠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 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.[35]
Conecuh		Alabama 31°05′N 86°38′W / 31.083°N 86.633°W / 31.083; -86.633 (Conecuh)	000000001936-07-17-0000July 17, 1936	7008339867142922419♠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 support longleaf pine forest, while bottomlands have sinkhole ponds, springs, and swamps.[8]:2–8[36]
Coronado		Arizona, New Mexico 32°30′N 110°40′W / 32.500°N 110.667°W / 32.500; -110.667 (Coronado)	000000001902-04-11-0000April 11, 1902	7009695632361300236♠1,718,945 acres (6,956.3 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[37]
Croatan		North Carolina 34°52′N 77°00′W / 34.867°N 77.000°W / 34.867; -77.000 (Croatan)	000000001936-07-29-0000July 29, 1936	7008652859112343680♠161,325 acres (652.9 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. Cedar Point is a recreation area at the mouth of the White Oak River.[8]:214–222[38]
Custer		Montana, South Dakota 45°30′N 106°00′W / 45.500°N 106.000°W / 45.500; -106.000 (Custer)	000000001907-03-02-0000March 2, 1907	7009481359407447001♠1,189,465 acres (4,813.6 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).[39]
Daniel Boone		Kentucky 37°17′N 83°52′W / 37.283°N 83.867°W / 37.283; -83.867 (Daniel Boone)	000000001937-02-23-0000February 23, 1937	7009228310689411256♠564,168 acres (2,283.1 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.[40]
Davy Crockett		Texas 31°18′N 95°06′W / 31.300°N 95.100°W / 31.300; -95.100 (Davy Crockett)	000000001936-10-13-0000October 13, 1936	7008652110443905536♠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).[11]:310–312[41]
Delta		Mississippi 32°45′N 90°46′W / 32.750°N 90.767°W / 32.750; -90.767 (Delta)	000000001961-01-12-0000January 12, 1961	7008251346205538841♠62,109 acres (251.3 km2)	Delta National Forest contains the only bottomland hardwood forest in the National Forest System, located in the floodplain of the Mississippi River.[17] 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.[8]:167–172[42]
Deschutes		Oregon 43°50′N 121°32′W / 43.833°N 121.533°W / 43.833; -121.533 (Deschutes)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009652441476760888♠1,612,218 acres (6,524.4 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.[43]
De Soto		Mississippi 31°02′N 88°59′W / 31.033°N 88.983°W / 31.033; -88.983 (De Soto)	000000001936-06-17-0000June 17, 1936	7009215333230235904♠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 Tuxachanie National Recreation Trails provide 60 mi (97 km) of hiking opportunities. Black Creek has been designated a National Wild and Scenic River for 21 mi (34 km).[8]:173–178[17]
Dixie		Utah 38°15′N 111°30′W / 38.250°N 111.500°W / 38.250; -111.500 (Dixie)	000000001905-09-25-0000September 25, 1905	7009763097504718067♠1,885,655 acres (7,631.0 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.[44]
Eldorado		California 38°47′N 120°19′W / 38.783°N 120.317°W / 38.783; -120.317 (Eldorado)	000000001910-07-28-0000July 28, 1910	7009281296180549739♠695,098 acres (2,813.0 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. The forest’s Desolation Wilderness is the most visited wilderness area per acre in the country.[30]:84–88[45]
El Yunque		Puerto Rico 18°17′N 65°48′W / 18.283°N 65.800°W / 18.283; -65.800 (El Yunque)	000000001903-01-17-0000January 17, 1903	7008116075982763699♠28,683 acres (116.1 km2)	The only tropical 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 are endemic to the forest, being found nowhere else in the world.[46][47]
Finger Lakes		New York 42°31′N 76°47′W / 42.517°N 76.783°W / 42.517; -76.783 (Finger Lakes)	000000001983-01-01-00001983[48]	7007661741962190848♠16,352 acres (66.2 km2)	Located between Seneca and Cayuga lakes, Finger Lakes National Forest is one of the smallest National Forests. The Gorge Trail enters a small gorge in the forest, and the North Country Trail crosses part of the forest.[8]:209–212[48]
Fishlake		Utah 38°42′N 111°57′W / 38.700°N 111.950°W / 38.700; -111.950 (Fishlake)	000000001899-02-10-0000February 10, 1899	7009587995692919810♠1,452,969 acres (5,880.0 km2)	Located in south central Utah, Fishlake National Forest is named for Fish Lake, the state’s largest natural mountain lake. The forest’s Tushar Mountains reach their highest point at 12,174 ft (3,711 m) on Delano Peak.[30]:284–288[49]
Flathead		Montana 48°01′N 113°48′W / 48.017°N 113.800°W / 48.017; -113.800 (Flathead)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7009976738339598123♠2,413,573 acres (9,767.4 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 and Great Bear wildernesses.[11]:203–208[50]
Francis Marion		South Carolina 33°10′N 79°42′W / 33.167°N 79.700°W / 33.167; -79.700 (Francis Marion)	000000001936-07-10-0000July 10, 1936	7009104681249135147♠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 endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. There are four wilderness areas in the forest, and it is managed together with Sumter National Forest.[8]:282–289[51]
Fremont-Winema		Oregon 42°34′N 120°52′W / 42.567°N 120.867°W / 42.567; -120.867 (Fremont-Winema)	000000001906-09-17-0000September 17, 1906	7009912078881737943♠2,253,796 acres (9,120.8 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. The Gearhart Mountain Wilderness is near the center of the forest.[30]:217–220[52]
Gallatin		Montana 45°15′N 111°00′W / 45.250°N 111.000°W / 45.250; -111.000 (Gallatin)	000000001899-02-10-0000February 10, 1899	7009748547437136970♠1,849,701 acres (7,485.5 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 an earthquake launched a landslide across the river in 1959.[53]
George Washington & Jefferson		Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky 38°12′N 79°21′W / 38.200°N 79.350°W / 38.200; -79.350 (George Washington & Jefferson)	000000001918-05-16-0000May 16, 1918	7009725281250193308♠1,792,209 acres (7,252.8 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.[54]
Gifford Pinchot		Washington 46°10′N 121°48′W / 46.167°N 121.800°W / 46.167; -121.800 (Gifford Pinchot)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009531058446484853♠1,312,274 acres (5,310.6 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.[55]
Gila		New Mexico 33°17′N 108°20′W / 33.283°N 108.333°W / 33.283; -108.333 (Gila)	000000001899-03-02-0000March 2, 1899	7010107578434116507♠2,658,321 acres (10,757.8 km2)	The forest’s Gila Wilderness was the world’s first wilderness 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.[56]
Grand Mesa		Colorado 39°05′N 107°54′W / 39.083°N 107.900°W / 39.083; -107.900 (Grand Mesa)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009139996546390863♠345,939 acres (1,400.0 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 with an average elevation of 10,500 ft (3,200 m). There are over 300 lakes in the forest. It is managed together with Gunnison National Forest and Uncompahgre National Forest.[11]:49–56[57]
Green Mountain		Vermont 43°18′N 73°00′W / 43.300°N 73.000°W / 43.300; -73.000 (Green Mountain)	000000001932-04-25-0000April 25, 1932	7009165281305318018♠408,419 acres (1,652.8 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.[58]
Gunnison		Colorado 38°41′N 106°41′W / 38.683°N 106.683°W / 38.683; -106.683 (Gunnison)	000000001905-05-12-0000May 12, 1905	7009674414288391951♠1,666,514 acres (6,744.1 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. The Slumgullion Slide is a giant landslide due to the mineral montmorillonite.[11]:56–67[57]
Helena		Montana 46°33′N 112°12′W / 46.550°N 112.200°W / 46.550; -112.200 (Helena)	000000001906-04-12-0000April 12, 1906	7009397557104651942♠982,385 acres (3,975.6 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.[59]
Hiawatha		Michigan 46°10′N 86°40′W / 46.167°N 86.667°W / 46.167; -86.667 (Hiawatha)	000000001931-01-16-0000January 16, 1931	7009363599932411584♠898,475 acres (3,636.0 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.[60]
Holly Springs		Mississippi 34°34′N 89°18′W / 34.567°N 89.300°W / 34.567; -89.300 (Holly Springs)	000000001936-06-15-0000June 15, 1936	7008632292988005043♠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[17]
Homochitto		Mississippi 31°26′N 90°56′W / 31.433°N 90.933°W / 31.433; -90.933 (Homochitto)	000000001936-07-20-0000July 20, 1936	7008777955538072908♠192,237 acres (778.0 km2)	Located in southern Mississippi, this forest is named for the Homochitto 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[17]
Hoosier		Indiana 38°31′N 86°31′W / 38.517°N 86.517°W / 38.517; -86.517 (Hoosier)	000000001961-10-01-0000October 1, 1961	7008824049232724044♠203,627 acres (824.0 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.[61]
Humboldt-Toiyabe		Nevada, California 40°23′N 115°33′W / 40.383°N 115.550°W / 40.383; -115.550 (Humboldt-Toiyabe)	000000001906-05-03-0000May 3, 1906	7010254585511762151♠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’s Basin and Range Province. Spring Mountains National Recreation Area is located near Las Vegas and is part of the forest.[62]
Huron-Manistee		Michigan 44°33′N 83°52′W / 44.550°N 83.867°W / 44.550; -83.867 (Huron-Manistee)	000000001928-07-30-0000July 30, 1928	7009394621110317491♠975,130 acres (3,946.2 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.[63]
Idaho Panhandle Coeur d'Alene, St. Joe, Kaniksu		Idaho, Montana, Washington 47°43′N 116°13′W / 47.717°N 116.217°W / 47.717; -116.217 (Idaho Panhandle)	000000001906-11-06-0000November 6, 1906	7010124418091655706♠3,074,438 acres (12,441.8 km2)	There are two wilderness areas, Cabinet Mountains and Salmo-Priest, and numerous recreation opportunities in Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This forest ranges from the Canadian border to the Saint Joe River, which is the highest navigable river in the world.[30]:173–179[64]
Inyo		California, Nevada 37°30′N 118°39′W / 37.500°N 118.650°W / 37.500; -118.650 (Inyo)	000000001907-05-25-0000May 25, 1907	7009792076638873231♠1,957,264 acres (7,920.8 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.[65]
Kaibab		Arizona 35°56′N 112°09′W / 35.933°N 112.150°W / 35.933; -112.150 (Kaibab)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009631738568675174♠1,561,060 acres (6,317.4 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.[66]
Kisatchie		Louisiana 31°00′N 92°37′W / 31.000°N 92.617°W / 31.000; -92.617 (Kisatchie)	000000001930-06-10-0000June 10, 1930	7009245862715086489♠607,540 acres (2,458.6 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.[67]
Klamath		California, Oregon 41°30′N 123°08′W / 41.500°N 123.133°W / 41.500; -123.133 (Klamath)	000000001905-05-06-0000May 6, 1905	7009676813264879150♠1,672,442 acres (6,768.1 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.[68]
Kootenai		Montana, Idaho 48°32′N 115°26′W / 48.533°N 115.433°W / 48.533; -115.433 (Kootenai)	000000001906-08-13-0000August 13, 1906	7009732627103971248♠1,810,361 acres (7,326.3 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. The Northwest Peak Scenic Area is in the Selkirk Mountains.[11]:222–226[69]
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit		California, Nevada	000000001973-04-01-0000April 1973	7008615154551056179♠152,008 acres (615.2 km2)	The Forest Service lands surrounding Lake 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.[70][71]E
Land Between The Lakes		Kentucky, Tennessee 36°46′39″N 88°3′47″W / 36.77750°N 88.06306°W / 36.77750; -88.06306 (Land Between The Lakes)	June 1963	7008693028209192422♠171,251 acres (693.0 km2)	Land Between The Lakes National Recreation area is located in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, and encompasses over 170,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and open lands on the largest inland peninsula in the United States. It is located between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley.[72]
Lassen		California 40°05′N 121°14′W / 40.083°N 121.233°W / 40.083; -121.233 (Lassen)	000000001905-06-02-0000June 2, 1905	7009431405821140180♠1,066,027 acres (4,314.1 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.[73]
Lewis and Clark		Montana 46°55′N 110°38′W / 46.917°N 110.633°W / 46.917; -110.633 (Lewis and Clark)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7009757365132595737♠1,871,490 acres (7,573.7 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.[74]
Lincoln		New Mexico 32°57′N 105°26′W / 32.950°N 105.433°W / 32.950; -105.433 (Lincoln)	000000001902-07-26-0000July 26, 1902	7009443320980504652♠1,095,470 acres (4,433.2 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.[75]
Lolo		Montana 47°09′N 114°26′W / 47.150°N 114.433°W / 47.150; -114.433 (Lolo)	000000001906-09-20-0000September 20, 1906	7009905670684593072♠2,237,961 acres (9,056.7 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.[76]
Los Padres		California 34°32′N 119°46′W / 34.533°N 119.767°W / 34.533; -119.767 (Los Padres)	000000001898-03-02-0000March 2, 1898	7009717198868546490♠1,772,237 acres (7,172.0 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.[77]
Malheur		Oregon 44°15′N 118°51′W / 44.250°N 118.850°W / 44.250; -118.850 (Malheur)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009599265783370552♠1,480,818 acres (5,992.7 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.[78]
Manti-La Sal		Utah, Colorado 38°23′N 109°01′W / 38.383°N 109.017°W / 38.383; -109.017 (Manti-La Sal)	000000001903-05-29-0000May 29, 1903	7009513944290674524♠1,269,984 acres (5,139.4 km2)	Including the La Sal and Abajo mountains 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.[30]:288–298[79]
Mark Twain		Missouri 37°00′N 91°30′W / 37.000°N 91.500°W / 37.000; -91.500 (Mark Twain)	000000001939-09-11-0000September 11, 1939	7009609003733979773♠1,504,881 acres (6,090.0 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.[80]
Medicine Bow – Routt		Colorado, Wyoming 41°14′N 106°15′W / 41.233°N 106.250°W / 41.233; -106.250 (Medicine Bow — Routt)	000000001902-05-22-0000May 22, 1902	7009894487601555412♠2,210,327 acres (8,944.9 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).[81]
Mendocino		California 39°38′N 122°51′W / 39.633°N 122.850°W / 39.633; -122.850 (Mendocino)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009370502655411271♠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.[82]
Modoc		California 41°34′N 120°53′W / 41.567°N 120.883°W / 41.567; -120.883 (Modoc)	000000001904-11-29-0000November 29, 1904	7009680035776648307♠1,680,405 acres (6,800.4 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.[83]
Monongahela		West Virginia 38°33′N 79°54′W / 38.550°N 79.900°W / 38.550; -79.900 (Monongahela)	000000001920-04-28-0000April 28, 1920	7009372546722590225♠920,583 acres (3,725.5 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.[84]
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie		Washington 48°28′N 121°25′W / 48.467°N 121.417°W / 48.467; -121.417 (Mount Baker-Snoqualmie)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7010103719109020721♠2,562,955 acres (10,371.9 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.[85]
Mount Hood		Oregon 45°16′N 121°49′W / 45.267°N 121.817°W / 45.267; -121.817 (Mount Hood)	000000001892-06-17-0000June 17, 1892	7009432781752323796♠1,069,427 acres (4,327.8 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.[86]
Nantahala		North Carolina 35°12′N 83°33′W / 35.200°N 83.550°W / 35.200; -83.550 (Nantahala)	000000001907-02-06-0000February 6, 1907	7009215414167364352♠532,300 acres (2,154.1 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.[38]
Nebraska		Nebraska 41°42′N 100°22′W / 41.700°N 100.367°W / 41.700; -100.367 (Nebraska)	000000001902-04-16-0000April 16, 1902	7008569849993407411♠140,813 acres (569.8 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. The Bessey Nursery is located in the northwest corner of the forest’s Bessey Ranger District.[11]:240–242[87]
Nez Perce		Idaho 45°27′N 115°55′W / 45.450°N 115.917°W / 45.450; -115.917 (Nez Perce)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009899853328485872♠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, and Selway-Bietterroot. This forest is managed together with Clearwater National Forest.[88]
Ocala		Florida 29°12′N 81°44′W / 29.200°N 81.733°W / 29.200; -81.733 (Ocala)	000000001908-11-24-0000November 24, 1908	7009155679733770232♠384,693 acres (1,556.8 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. There are over 600 lakes and part of the Florida Trail in the forest.[8]:34–37[89]
Ochoco		Oregon 44°22′N 120°07′W / 44.367°N 120.117°W / 44.367; -120.117 (Ochoco)	000000001911-07-01-0000July 1, 1911	7009345932166642670♠854,817 acres (3,459.3 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. Stein’s Pillar is a 350 ft (110 m) tall rock column in the Ochoco Mountains.[30]:227–229[43]
Okanogan-Wenatchee		Washington 48°38′N 119°35′W / 48.633°N 119.583°W / 48.633; -119.583 (Okanogan-Wenatchee)	000000001911-07-01-0000July 1, 1911	7009607767419342730♠1,501,826 acres (6,077.7 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, including part of the Pacific Crest Trail.[30]:329–332[90]
Olympic		Washington 48°07′N 124°15′W / 48.117°N 124.250°W / 48.117; -124.250 (Olympic)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7009255683626252369♠631,808 acres (2,556.8 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. This part of Washington receives more rainfall annually than anywhere else in the United States.[30]:332–338[91]
Osceola		Florida 30°19′N 82°27′W / 30.317°N 82.450°W / 30.317; -82.450 (Osceola)	000000001931-07-10-0000July 10, 1931	7008648274024017100♠160,192 acres (648.3 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.[92]
Ottawa		Michigan 46°27′N 89°15′W / 46.450°N 89.250°W / 46.450; -89.250 (Ottawa)	000000001931-01-27-0000January 27, 1931	7009401027688719792♠990,961 acres (4,010.3 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.[93]
Ouachita		Arkansas, Oklahoma 34°38′N 94°04′W / 34.633°N 94.067°W / 34.633; -94.067 (Ouachita)	000000001907-12-18-0000December 18, 1907	7009722553264278968♠1,785,468 acres (7,225.5 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.[94]
Ozark-St. Francis		Arkansas 35°42′N 93°21′W / 35.700°N 93.350°W / 35.700; -93.350 (Ozark-St. Francis)	000000001908-03-05-0000March 5, 1908	7009466753897932917♠1,153,374 acres (4,667.5 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.[95]
Payette		Idaho 45°05′N 115°48′W / 45.083°N 115.800°W / 45.083; -115.800 (Payette)	000000001905-06-03-0000June 3, 1905	7009941614053965545♠2,326,779 acres (9,416.1 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 and contains the Brundage Mountain ski area.[30]:183–187[96]
Pike		Colorado 39°10′N 105°27′W / 39.167°N 105.450°W / 39.167; -105.450 (Pike)	000000001892-02-11-0000February 11, 1892	7009443594547998807♠1,096,146 acres (4,435.9 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.[97]
Pisgah		North Carolina 35°48′N 82°20′W / 35.800°N 82.333°W / 35.800; -82.333 (Pisgah)	000000001916-10-17-0000October 17, 1916	7009206099517936913♠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) 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.[38]
Plumas		California 39°56′N 120°49′W / 39.933°N 120.817°W / 39.933; -120.817 (Plumas)	000000001905-03-27-0000March 27, 1905	7009481395424469160♠1,189,554 acres (4,814.0 km2)	There are 127,000 acres (51,000 ha) of old-growth forest in Plumas National Forest.[98] The Little Grass Valley Recreation Area surrounds Little Grass Valley Reservoir and includes a campground and boat launch, among other facilities and services.[99]
Prescott		Arizona 34°35′N 112°36′W / 34.583°N 112.600°W / 34.583; -112.600 (Prescott)	000000001898-05-10-0000May 10, 1898	7009508691875723891♠1,257,005 acres (5,086.9 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[100]
Rio Grande		Colorado 37°43′N 106°37′W / 37.717°N 106.617°W / 37.717; -106.617 (Rio Grande)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009743675022004400♠1,837,661 acres (7,436.8 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.[101]
Rogue River-Siskiyou		Oregon, California 41°58′N 123°08′W / 41.967°N 123.133°W / 41.967; -123.133 (Rogue River-Siskiyou)	000000001893-09-28-0000September 28, 1893	7009695611317646840♠1,718,893 acres (6,956.1 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.[102][103]
Roosevelt		Colorado 40°32′N 105°35′W / 40.533°N 105.583°W / 40.533; -105.583 (Roosevelt)	000000001902-05-22-0000May 22, 1902	7009329450534491161♠814,090 acres (3,294.5 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.[14]
Sabine		Texas 31°30′N 93°52′W / 31.500°N 93.867°W / 31.500; -93.867 (Sabine)	000000001936-10-13-0000October 13, 1936	7008651900007371571♠161,088 acres (651.9 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. Old-growth forest can be found in the wilderness and at Mill Creek Cove along the reservoir’s shores.[11]:312–316[41]
Salmon-Challis		Idaho 45°07′N 114°09′W / 45.117°N 114.150°W / 45.117; -114.150 (Salmon-Challis)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7010171059528323613♠4,226,973 acres (17,106.0 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.[104]
Sam Houston		Texas 30°32′N 95°21′W / 30.533°N 95.350°W / 30.533; -95.350 (Sam Houston)	000000001936-10-13-0000October 13, 1936	7008660705966946713♠163,264 acres (660.7 km2)	Part of the Lone Star Trail travels 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.[41]
Samuel R. McKelvie		Nebraska 42°43′N 101°02′W / 42.717°N 101.033°W / 42.717; -101.033 (Sameul R. McKelvie)	000000001971-10-15-0000October 15, 1971	7008468816175965772♠115,847 acres (468.8 km2)	Located in the Sandhills of Nebraska, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a combination of prairie and trees planted since 1903, of which ponderosa pine has been most successful.[11]:243–244[87]
San Bernardino		California 34°03′N 116°57′W / 34.050°N 116.950°W / 34.050; -116.950 (San Bernardino)	000000001893-02-25-0000February 25, 1893	7009274773457368115♠678,980 acres (2,747.7 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.[105]
San Isabel		Colorado 38°24′N 105°56′W / 38.400°N 105.933°W / 38.400; -105.933 (San Isabel)	000000001902-04-11-0000April 11, 1902	7009448650285727311♠1,108,639 acres (4,486.5 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.[97]
San Juan		Colorado 37°30′N 107°39′W / 37.500°N 107.650°W / 37.500; -107.650 (San Juan)	000000001905-06-03-0000June 3, 1905	7009754574825092492♠1,864,595 acres (7,545.7 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).[106]
Santa Fe		New Mexico 35°54′N 106°13′W / 35.900°N 106.217°W / 35.900; -106.217 (Santa Fe)	000000001892-01-11-0000January 11, 1892	7009625137336478955♠1,544,748 acres (6,251.4 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.[107]
Sawtooth		Idaho, Utah 41°54′N 113°29′W / 41.900°N 113.483°W / 41.900; -113.483 (Sawtooth)	000000001905-05-29-0000May 29, 1905	7009729297350506897♠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) 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.[108]
Sequoia		California 36°03′N 118°31′W / 36.050°N 118.517°W / 36.050; -118.517 (Sequoia)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009461034071065497♠1,139,240 acres (4,610.3 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.[109]
Shasta-Trinity		California 41°08′N 122°12′W / 41.133°N 122.200°W / 41.133; -122.200 (Shasta-Trinity)	000000001905-04-26-0000April 26, 1905	7009902160036646640♠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) on Mount Shasta. Five wilderness areas and 460 mi (740 km) of trails can be found in the forest.[110]
Shawnee		Illinois 37°30′N 88°48′W / 37.500°N 88.800°W / 37.500; -88.800 (Shawnee)	000000001939-09-06-0000September 6, 1939	7009110674238811079♠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 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.[111]
Shoshone		Wyoming 44°02′N 109°32′W / 44.033°N 109.533°W / 44.033; -109.533 (Shoshone)	000000001891-03-30-0000March 30, 1891	7009987065917188088♠2,439,093 acres (9,870.7 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.[112]
Sierra		California 37°16′N 119°12′W / 37.267°N 119.200°W / 37.267; -119.200 (Sierra)	000000001893-02-14-0000February 14, 1893	7009530636359359997♠1,311,231 acres (5,306.4 km2)	Sierra National Forest is located on the western slope of the Sierra 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.[30]:137–143[113]
Siuslaw		Oregon 44°32′N 123°53′W / 44.533°N 123.883°W / 44.533; -123.883 (Siuslaw)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009255069718133091♠630,291 acres (2,550.7 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.[114]
Six Rivers		California 40°21′N 123°36′W / 40.350°N 123.600°W / 40.350; -123.600 (Six Rivers)	000000001947-07-01-0000July 1, 1947	7009395414294176281♠977,090 acres (3,954.1 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.[115]
Stanislaus		California 38°10′N 120°01′W / 38.167°N 120.017°W / 38.167; -120.017 (Stanislaus)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7009363985193142996♠899,427 acres (3,639.9 km2)	Stanislaus National Forest has over 800 mi (1,300 km) of streams and four wilderness areas, including the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness. The Emigrant Wilderness borders the northwest corner of Yosemite National Park.[30]:147–150[116]
Sumter		South Carolina 34°00′N 82°15′W / 34.000°N 82.250°W / 34.000; -82.250 (Sumter)	000000001936-07-13-0000July 13, 1936	7009150857904342942♠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 the Ellicott Rock Wilderness, the only wilderness located in three states.[51]
Superior		Minnesota 47°50′N 91°31′W / 47.833°N 91.517°W / 47.833; -91.517 (Superior)	000000001909-02-13-0000February 13, 1909	7009846912757453678♠2,092,767 acres (8,469.1 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.[117]
Tahoe		California 39°23′N 120°32′W / 39.383°N 120.533°W / 39.383; -120.533 (Tahoe)	000000001899-04-13-0000April 13, 1899	7009353282876648317♠872,981 acres (3,532.8 km2)	Tahoe National Forest is in the Sierra Nevada northwest of Lake Tahoe. Part of the Granite Chief Wilderness is within the forest. The Middle Fork of the American, Yuba, and North Yuba rivers cross or border the forest.[30]:151–156[118]
Talladega		Alabama 33°26′N 85°51′W / 33.433°N 85.850°W / 33.433; -85.850 (Talladega)	000000001936-07-17-0000July 17, 1936	7009159043885514173♠393,006 acres (1,590.4 km2)	Talladega National Forest includes the Cheaha and Dugger 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[36]
Tombigbee		Mississippi 33°56′N 88°56′W / 33.933°N 88.933°W / 33.933; -88.933 (Tombigbee)	000000001959-11-27-0000November 27, 1959	7008273033309106483♠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.[17]
Tongass		Alaska 56°48′N 133°54′W / 56.800°N 133.900°W / 56.800; -133.900 (Tongass)	000000001907-09-10-0000September 10, 1907	7010677782082306672♠16,748,360 acres (67,778.2 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. The forest includes Misty Fiords and Admiralty Island National Monuments.[119]
Tonto		Arizona 33°52′N 111°17′W / 33.867°N 111.283°W / 33.867; -111.283 (Tonto)	000000001905-10-03-0000October 3, 1905	7010116009735724064♠2,866,663 acres (11,601.0 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[120]
Tuskegee		Alabama 32°28′N 85°36′W / 32.467°N 85.600°W / 32.467; -85.600 (Tuskegee)	000000001959-11-27-0000November 27, 1959	7007459277735378176♠11,349 acres (45.9 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.[36]
Uinta-Wasatch-Cache		Utah, Wyoming, Idaho 41°15′N 111°26′W / 41.250°N 111.433°W / 41.250; -111.433 (Uinta-Wasatch-Cache)	000000001897-02-22-0000February 22, 1897	7010100864011346154♠2,492,404 acres (10,086.4 km2)	There are nine wilderness areas in the forest, which occupies part of the Wasatch and Uinta mountains. Mount Nebo and Mount Timpanogos are located in wilderness areas at the edge of the Wasatch Front.[30]:302–309[121]
Umatilla		Oregon, Washington 45°38′N 118°11′W / 45.633°N 118.183°W / 45.633; -118.183 (Umatilla)	000000001908-07-01-0000July 1, 1908	7009568946735053931♠1,405,898 acres (5,689.5 km2)	Located in the Blue Mountains of northeastern 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.[122]
Umpqua		Oregon 43°13′N 122°35′W / 43.217°N 122.583°W / 43.217; -122.583 (Umpqua)	000000001907-03-02-0000March 2, 1907	7009399068605525708♠986,120 acres (3,990.7 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.[123]
Uncompahgre		Colorado 38°16′N 108°07′W / 38.267°N 108.117°W / 38.267; -108.117 (Uncompahgre)	000000001905-06-14-0000June 14, 1905	7009385166439657838♠951,767 acres (3,851.7 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.[57]
Uwharrie		North Carolina 35°24′N 79°56′W / 35.400°N 79.933°W / 35.400; -79.933 (Uwharrie)	000000001961-01-12-0000January 12, 1961	7008207271892242483♠51,218 acres (207.3 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.[38]
Wallowa-Whitman		Oregon, Idaho 45°13′N 117°31′W / 45.217°N 117.517°W / 45.217; -117.517 (Wallowa-Whitman)	000000001905-05-06-0000May 6, 1905	7009915188486212915♠2,261,480 acres (9,151.9 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.[124]
Wayne		Ohio 39°10′N 82°25′W / 39.167°N 82.417°W / 39.167; -82.417 (Wayne)	000000001951-10-01-0000October 1, 1951	7008984114544799232♠243,180 acres (984.1 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.[125]
White Mountain		New Hampshire, Maine 44°09′N 71°25′W / 44.150°N 71.417°W / 44.150; -71.417 (White Mountain)	000000001918-05-16-0000May 16, 1918	7009308243792780858♠761,687 acres (3,082.4 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.[126]
White River		Colorado 39°34′N 106°53′W / 39.567°N 106.883°W / 39.567; -106.883 (White River)	000000001891-06-16-0000June 16, 1891	7009925716383195788♠2,287,495 acres (9,257.2 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.[127]
Willamette		Oregon 44°07′N 122°11′W / 44.117°N 122.183°W / 44.117; -122.183 (Willamette)	000000001933-07-01-0000July 1, 1933	7009680549322728309♠1,681,674 acres (6,805.5 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.[128]
William B. Bankhead		Alabama 34°34′N 87°20′W / 34.567°N 87.333°W / 34.567; -87.333 (William B. Bankhead)	000000001918-01-15-0000January 15, 1918	7008736479306599731♠181,988 acres (736.5 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.[36]

See also

• List of former U.S. National Forests
• List of largest United States National Forests
• United States National Grassland

Notes

• ^A The listed National Forest names represent the current management divisions of the National Forest System. Forests that are managed separately, such as Allegheny National Forest and Monongahela National Forest, are listed as separate forests. But forests that are managed together may or may not be listed separately. Forests managed together and with hyphenated names, such as Salmon-Challis National Forest, are considered to be a single National Forest. Forests that are managed together under titles such as Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests, are considered to be separate forests. National Forests listed in this column in small text are constituent National Forests managed by, but not included in the name of, the named National Forest in normal text. If you are counting to reach 154 National Forests, count hyphenated names as two forests, with the exception of Manti-La Sal, which is the official name of one forest. Uinta-Wasatch-Cache is counted as three and George Washington and Jefferson is counted as two.^[1][4][5]
• ^B In the case of National Forests in multiple states, the states are listed in descending order by land area of that forest contained in each state. States with the most area of that forest are listed first, while states with the least are listed last. Coordinates are those by the U.S. Board on Geographic Names, and may not be representative of the entire forest.^[6]
• ^C The history of the National Forest System is very complicated. Forests have been transferred between agencies, renamed, divided, consolidated, discontinued, established from parts of existing forests, had portions ceded to other forests, expanded from other lands, among various other actions. The date given represents the day: that forest was established as is, a predecessor forest with the same boundaries was established under a different name, or the earliest date of establishment of a forest that was combined in whole with another forest.^[4]
• ^D Forests with citations to the three books in the This Land series by Robert H. Mohlenbrock can be found in the section of the cited book that corresponds to that forest. Additional information about a particular forest can be found in this series and at each forest’s website.^[8][11][30]
• ^E The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) consists of 154,830 acres (62,660 ha) of U.S. Forest Service land in the Lake Tahoe watershed. The LTBMU was formed from existing Forest Service land that was managed by Eldorado, Tahoe, and Humboldt-Toiyabe national forests. Only 767 acres (310 ha) of land in LTBMU is officially designated as LTBMU, and the remainder of the land is still officially designated as the three sources national forests. However, all of this land is managed separately as LTBMU, essentially making it a separate national forest.^[1][70][71]

References