The Complete Guide to American National Forests: History, Facts & Full List
Discover every national forest in the United States, their origins, unique features, and why these vast woodlands matter for conservation and recreation.
Complete List of American National Forests
National Forests are among the United States’ greatest natural resources: millions of acres of protected woodlands, mountains, rivers, and diverse ecosystems managed for sustainability and public recreation. Spread across nearly every region, these forests serve conservation, provide wildlife habitat, and offer adventurous escapes for hiking, camping, fishing, and more.
What Is a National Forest?
The term National Forest refers to large public lands overseen by the U.S. Forest Service, an agency within the Department of Agriculture. Unlike national parks, which prioritize preservation, national forests balance conservation with recreation and resource use, such as logging, grazing, and mining, under regulations that protect ecosystem health and biodiversity.
- Managed by: U.S. Forest Service
- Purpose: Conservation, recreation, resource management
- Total number (as of 2024): 154 national forests
- Cumulative area: Approximately 188 million acres
History of National Forests in the United States
The system originated in the late 19th century, driven by concerns over deforestation and soil erosion. In 1891, the Forest Reserve Act allowed the federal government to set aside forest reserves for public use. This initiative gained momentum with the creation of the U.S. Forest Service in 1905, led by conservationist Gifford Pinchot.
- Forest Reserve Act: 1891
- U.S. Forest Service established: 1905
- First designated forest: Yellowstone Park Timber Land Reserve (now largely part of Shoshone National Forest)
Why Are National Forests Important?
National forests support ecological health and society in numerous ways:
- Biodiversity: Vital habitats for remote and endangered species such as grizzly bears, lynx, and rare plants
- Water Resources: Many of America’s largest rivers begin in forested headwaters
- Carbon Storage: Forests play a crucial role in combating climate change
- Recreation: Public lands for hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and more
- Economy: Sustainable timber, minerals, and grazing boost local economies under regulated programs
Quick Facts: National Forest System
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Forests | 154 |
| Total Acreage | 188 million |
| States Included | 40 + Puerto Rico |
| Managing Agency | U.S. Forest Service |
| Notable Features | Wilderness, scenic rivers, wildlife habitats, diverse landscapes |
How Are National Forests Different from National Parks?
| Aspect | National Forest | National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Agency | U.S. Forest Service | National Park Service |
| Mission | Multiple-use: conservation, recreation, resource extraction | Preservation, limited resource use |
| Activities Allowed | Camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, logging (regulated), grazing | Camping, hiking, limited resource extraction, no hunting |
| Size | Generally larger cumulative acreage | Fewer parks, often smaller |
Comprehensive List of American National Forests (By State)
This section lists each national forest organized by state—including special features or facts about many forests. States without a national forest are omitted.
Alabama
- Bankhead National Forest
- Conecuh National Forest
- Talladega National Forest
- Tuskegee National Forest
Alaska
- Chugach National Forest
- Tongass National Forest
Arizona
- Apache–Sitgreaves National Forest
- Coconino National Forest
- Coronado National Forest
- Kaibab National Forest
- Prescott National Forest
- Tonto National Forest
Arkansas
- Ozark–St. Francis National Forest
- Ouachita National Forest
California
- Angeles National Forest
- Cleveland National Forest
- Eldorado National Forest
- Inyo National Forest
- Klamath National Forest
- Lassen National Forest
- Los Padres National Forest
- Mendocino National Forest
- Modoc National Forest
- Plumas National Forest
- San Bernardino National Forest
- Sequoia National Forest
- Shasta–Trinity National Forest
- Sierra National Forest
- Six Rivers National Forest
- Stanislaus National Forest
- Tahoe National Forest
- Toiyabe National Forest (extends into Nevada)
- Toiyabe National Forest
- Humboldt National Forest (now managed as Humboldt-Toiyabe)
What others are reading
Colorado
- Arapaho National Forest
- Grand Mesa National Forest
- Gunnison National Forest
- Pike National Forest
- Rio Grande National Forest
- Routt National Forest
- San Isabel National Forest
- San Juan National Forest
- White River National Forest
Florida
- Apalachicola National Forest
- Ocala National Forest
- Osceola National Forest
Georgia
- Chattahoochee–Oconee National Forest
Idaho
- Boise National Forest
- Caribou-Targhee National Forest
- Clearwater National Forest
- Coeur d’Alene National Forest
- Idaho Panhandle National Forest
- Kaniksu National Forest
- Nez Perce National Forest
- Payette National Forest
- Salmon–Challis National Forest
- Sawtooth National Forest
Illinois
- Shawnee National Forest
Indiana
- Hoosier National Forest
Kentucky
- Daniel Boone National Forest
Louisiana
- Kisatchie National Forest
Maine
- White Mountain National Forest (also in NH)
Maryland
- George Washington and Jefferson National Forest (extends into VA, WV)
Massachusetts
- Green Mountain National Forest (also in VT)
Michigan
- Hiawatha National Forest
- Huron-Manistee National Forests
- Ottawa National Forest
Minnesota
- Chippewa National Forest
- Superior National Forest
Mississippi
- Bienville National Forest
- De Soto National Forest
- Delta National Forest
- Holly Springs National Forest
- Homochitto National Forest
- Tombigbee National Forest
Missouri
- Mark Twain National Forest
Montana
- Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest
- Bitterroot National Forest
- Custer National Forest
- Flathead National Forest
- Gallatin National Forest
- Helena National Forest
- Kootenai National Forest
- Lewis and Clark National Forest
- Lolo National Forest
Nebraska
- Nebraska National Forest
- Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Nevada
- Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
New Hampshire
- White Mountain National Forest
New Mexico
- Carson National Forest
- Cibola National Forest
- Gila National Forest
- Lincoln National Forest
- Santa Fe National Forest
New York
- Finger Lakes National Forest
North Carolina
- Cherokee National Forest
- Croatan National Forest
- Nantahala National Forest
- Pisgah National Forest
- Uwharrie National Forest
Ohio
- Wayne National Forest
Oklahoma
- Ouachita National Forest
Oregon
- Deschutes National Forest
- Fremont-Winema National Forest
- Klamath National Forest
- Malheur National Forest
- Mount Hood National Forest
- Ochoco National Forest
- Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest
- Siuslaw National Forest
- Umatilla National Forest
- Umpqua National Forest
- Wallowa-Whitman National Forest
- Willamette National Forest
Pennsylvania
- Allegheny National Forest
Puerto Rico
- El Yunque National Forest
South Carolina
- Francis Marion National Forest
- Sumter National Forest
South Dakota
- Black Hills National Forest
- Buffalo Gap National Grassland (Associated)
- Custer National Forest
Tennessee
- Cherokee National Forest
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (Shared with Kentucky)
Texas
- Angelina National Forest
- Davy Crockett National Forest
- Sabine National Forest
- Sam Houston National Forest
Utah
- Ashley National Forest
- Dixie National Forest
- Fishlake National Forest
- Manti-La Sal National Forest
- Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
Vermont
- Green Mountain National Forest
Virginia
- George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Washington
- Colville National Forest
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest
- Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
- Olympic National Forest
West Virginia
- Monongahela National Forest
- George Washington and Jefferson National Forest
Wisconsin
- Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
Wyoming
- Bighorn National Forest
- Black Hills National Forest
- Bridger-Teton National Forest
- Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest
- Shoshone National Forest
Featured National Forests: Unique Highlights
- Allegheny National Forest (Pennsylvania): Largest old-growth trees in the state and part of the North Country Trail
- Apalachicola National Forest (Florida): Florida’s largest, with caverns, sinkholes, and the Florida Trail
- Angelina National Forest (Texas): Winter home for bald eagles; endangered red-cockaded woodpecker habitat
- Modoc National Forest (California): Includes Medicine Lake Volcano and 43,400 acres of old-growth forest
- Mark Twain National Forest (Missouri): Seven wilderness areas and the Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River
- Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest (Washington): Includes Mount Baker, a glaciated volcano, and famous hiking trails
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many national forests are there in the United States?
A: There are 154 designated national forests as of 2024, covering over 188 million acres of public land.
Q: Who manages national forests?
A: The U.S. Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, manages all national forests and enforces rules that balance conservation, recreation, and resource use.
Q: Can you hunt, fish, and camp in national forests?
A: Yes—national forests allow a wide range of activities, including camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, and regulated resource extraction. Be sure to check local regulations before visiting.
Q: What is the largest national forest in the U.S.?
A: Tongass National Forest in Alaska is the largest national forest at roughly 16.7 million acres.
Q: How are national forests protected?
A: Protection involves federal law, sustainable management, designated wilderness areas, fire prevention, and wildlife conservation programs.
Tips for Exploring National Forests
- Always check current regulations, trail closures, and permits with the local ranger district before visiting.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, minimize campfire impact, and respect wildlife.
- Consider volunteer opportunities or support organizations dedicated to forest restoration.
- Seek out lesser-known forests for unique adventures: smaller sites can offer solitude and rare wildlife encounters.
Conservation and the Future of National Forests
The pressure from climate change, invasive species, wildfires, and increased recreation makes smart management crucial. Ongoing partnerships between federal agencies, local communities, indigenous groups, scientists, and volunteers are essential to keeping national forests healthy for future generations.
Whether you’re a hiker, camper, angler, researcher, or just love the wild beauty of nature, America’s national forests represent a priceless legacy worth exploring, protecting, and celebrating.
References
- https://wildtribute.com/pages/national-forests
- https://kids.kiddle.co/List_of_national_forests_of_the_United_States
- https://www.national-park.com/list-of-national-parks-in-the-united-states-2020/
- https://www.thewanderingqueen.com/usa-national-park-checklist/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_forests_of_the_United_States
- https://www.earthtrekkers.com/us-national-parks-list/
- https://www.nationalforests.org/our-forests/find-a-forest
- https://www.fs.usda.gov
- https://www.wellplannedjourney.com/list-of-national-parks-by-state/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
