Forests and wooded regions cover more than a third of the United States, totaling roughly 823 million acres–and we depend on them more than you may imagine. Forests provide drinking water to about 200 million people in the United States. In a nutshell, they are critical to our (and the planet’s) existence. The following is a list of the five most significant forests in the United States.
White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest is located in eastern New Hampshire and it has alpine peaks, lakes, streams, and a wide variety of species. It’s recognized for having some of the Northeast’s most untamed land. It’s also noted for having some of the world’s worst weather, with high winds and snowfall–this forest has a personality, and that personality may be “frightening” at times. It’s also beautiful, with maple, oak, and birch trees in the lower altitudes and spruces and firs at the upper elevations.
Sierra National Forest
Sierra National Forest is sometimes disregarded since it is bordered by much larger and more well-known woods (such as Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks), but it does not diminish its significance. Tall mountain peaks loom above subalpine meadows and beautiful, glistening lakes in this location. The forest is ideal for hikers, with multiple well-maintained paths, including the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails, which both pass through the woods.
Superior National Forest
This forest is around 4 million acres in size and is situated in the Arrowhead area of Minnesota, between the US/Canada border and Lake Superior. Still, it contains around 500,000 acres of water (there are approximately 2,500 lakes and rivers), making it ideal for canoeing, fishing, and other forest-related water activities. Superior National Forest is notable for its boreal forest habitat (as well as a mixed conifer hardwood forest region) and fascinating aquatic flora like water lilies and wild rice and its lakes (the plant, not the grain).
Dixie National Forest
Dixie National Forest is a natural beauty forest that extends roughly 171 miles in southern Utah. It also contains some areas with great names, such as Death Hollow (a very dramatic canyon and wilderness area made up of vertical grey-orange sandstone walls) and Hell’s Backbone Road, a rugged 38-mile road connecting the towns of Boulder and Escalante, which includes a bridge with a 1,500-foot drop on both sides. Boulder Mountain, part of the Dixie National Forest, features several small lake regions and hiking, fishing, and other forest-related activities.
Coconino National Forest
The Coconino National Forest encompasses everything that makes Arizona, well, Arizona (Environmentally, that is). It’s a strange mix of desert and forest, ranging from the red cliffs of Sedona to pine-covered alpine forests, with some sections resembling pure southwestern desert splendour. Just south of Flagstaff, Oak Creek Canyon is a mini-Grand Canyon of sorts, full of intriguing rock formations, charming rivers to swim in, and beautiful climbs into the desert peaks.