news | April 10, 2026

What was the first national forest?

The Shoshone National Forest
The Shoshone National Forest was set aside in 1891 as part of the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve, making the Shoshone the first national forest in the United States. It consists of some 2.4 million acres of varied terrain ranging from sagebrush flats to rugged mountains.

What is the largest forest in the US?

the Tongass National Forest
At roughly the size of West Virginia, the Tongass National Forest is also the largest national forest in the U.S. and home to approximately 70,000 people living in 32 communities, including the state capital, Juneau.

How many national forests are in the US?

154
The United States has 154 protected areas known as national forests, covering 188,336,179 acres (762,169 km2; 294,275 sq mi).

What states have national forests?

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NameDesignationState
HumboldtNational ForestNevada
HuronNational ForestMichigan
InyoNational ForestCalifornia, Nevada
JeffersonNational ForestVirginia, West Virginia, Kentucky

What is the smallest national forest?

Adak National Forest
America’s smallest “national forest” has only 33 trees. Adak National Forest consists of exactly 33 pine trees, huddled together and out of place in the vast treeless landscape. It is in fact unnatural, the remnant of an unsuccessful army experiment.

What is the most beautiful forest in the US?

11 of America’s greatest national forests

  • Tongass National Forest (Alaska)
  • Gifford Pinchot National Forest (Washington)
  • Coconino National Forest (Arizona)
  • Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests (North Carolina)
  • White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire)
  • White River National Forest (Colorado)

    What state has the most beautiful forest?

    1. California Because it’s insanely diverse, charmingly creative, and it has it all – from sun-kissed surf beaches and fascinating cities to picturesque vineyards, rugged mountains, soaring redwood forests, and dramatic deserts – California stands atop of my list as the most beautiful state in the US.

    Which state has best forests?

    Maine
    List by state, district, or territory

    RankState, district or territoryPercent forest (2016)
    1Maine89.46%
    2New Hampshire84.32%
    3American Samoa80.84%
    4Northern Mariana Islands80.37%

    Which state has most forest area?

    Madhya Pradesh
    Map of States having largest forest cover in India

    RankStates with Highest Forest Cover 2013Total Forest Cover in Sq kms
    1Madhya Pradesh77,482
    2Arunachal Pradesh66,688
    3Chhattisgarh55,611
    4Odisha51,619

    Can you live in National Forests?

    If you are a camper or RVer, it is illegal to live in a national forest or grassland. The U.S. Forest Service has rules prohibiting using forests as a residence. However, it is possible, and legal, to move to another area, or to move to another Forest or Grassland altogether, and continue camping.

    What is the difference between a national forest and a national park?

    Perhaps the greatest difference between the two is the multiple use mandate for National Forests. While National Parks are highly vested in preservation, barely altering the existing state, National Forests are managed for many purposes—timber, recreation, grazing, wildlife, fish and more.

    What states have the prettiest forests?

    The 20 Most Beautiful Forests in America