National Forests - Southern Region
National Forests in the Southern Region, which includes 12.5 million acres in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
USDA Forest Service - Southern Region
Official USDA Forest Service site for the Southern Region, which includes 12.5 million acres in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Official USDA Forest Service site for the Southern Region, which includes 12.5 million acres in 13 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.
Angelina National Forest
The 153,179-acre forest is located in eastern Texas, in the Neches River Basin and on the north and south shores of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The 114,500-acre lake was formed by the construction of Sam Rayburn Dam in the early 1960's and is noted for its fishing, pleasure boating, and skiing.
The 153,179-acre forest is located in eastern Texas, in the Neches River Basin and on the north and south shores of Sam Rayburn Reservoir. The 114,500-acre lake was formed by the construction of Sam Rayburn Dam in the early 1960's and is noted for its fishing, pleasure boating, and skiing.
Apalachicola National Forest
Situated in the Florida panhandle, the 564,000-acre forest is the state's largest. Its rivers and streams provide a steady freshwater flow to some of the most productive coastal bays or estuaries known for shellfish and other commercial seafood. Portions of the forest in wet lowlands abound with cypress, oak and magnolias.
Situated in the Florida panhandle, the 564,000-acre forest is the state's largest. Its rivers and streams provide a steady freshwater flow to some of the most productive coastal bays or estuaries known for shellfish and other commercial seafood. Portions of the forest in wet lowlands abound with cypress, oak and magnolias.
Bienville National Forest
Located in east-central Mississippi, the 178,400-acre forest was named after the French-Canadian colonist and soldier, Jean Baptiste Bienville, the founder of Mobile, Natchez, and New Orleans. The forest offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, and visiting historical sites.
Located in east-central Mississippi, the 178,400-acre forest was named after the French-Canadian colonist and soldier, Jean Baptiste Bienville, the founder of Mobile, Natchez, and New Orleans. The forest offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, and visiting historical sites.
Caribbean National Forest
Located in the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains, approximately 25 miles northeast of the San Juan metro area, the 28,000-acre forest is the only tropical rainforest in the USDA National Forest System and the largest block of public land in the Island of Puerto Rico. Locally known as El Yunque, it is one of the most popular recreation sites in Puerto Rico, attracting almost a million tourists a year.
Located in the Sierra de Luquillo Mountains, approximately 25 miles northeast of the San Juan metro area, the 28,000-acre forest is the only tropical rainforest in the USDA National Forest System and the largest block of public land in the Island of Puerto Rico. Locally known as El Yunque, it is one of the most popular recreation sites in Puerto Rico, attracting almost a million tourists a year.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests
Together, the two Georgia forests include more than 865,000 acres and feature 37 developed recreation areas, 6 swimming beaches, and 530 miles of trail. Features include the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, and the Cohutta Wilderness, the largest federally designated wilderness in the forest system in the Southeast.
Together, the two Georgia forests include more than 865,000 acres and feature 37 developed recreation areas, 6 swimming beaches, and 530 miles of trail. Features include the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Springer Mountain, the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River, and the Cohutta Wilderness, the largest federally designated wilderness in the forest system in the Southeast.
Cherokee National Forest
Tennessee's only National Forest, the 620,000-acre Cherokee is separated into two parts by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It includes 170 miles of the Appalachian Trail and more than a thousand species of plants and animals.
Tennessee's only National Forest, the 620,000-acre Cherokee is separated into two parts by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It includes 170 miles of the Appalachian Trail and more than a thousand species of plants and animals.
Conecuh National Forest
Located in southern Alabama on the Florida border, the 84,000-acre forest offers opportunities for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, and boating.
Located in southern Alabama on the Florida border, the 84,000-acre forest offers opportunities for camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, swimming, and boating.
Croatan National Forest
Located in eastern North Carolina between Morehead City and New Bern, the 159,000-acre forest features coastal and inland swamp habitats. It includes the largest collection of carnivorous plants in a national forest and is near the northern range limit of the American alligator.
Located in eastern North Carolina between Morehead City and New Bern, the 159,000-acre forest features coastal and inland swamp habitats. It includes the largest collection of carnivorous plants in a national forest and is near the northern range limit of the American alligator.
Daniel Boone National Forest
Located in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, the 695,000-acre forest is one of the most popular in the South, with more than 5 million visitors annually. It features steep forested ridges, narrow valleys, more than 3,400 miles of cliffline, two large lakes, two wilderness areas, and the 269-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail that extends across the length of the forest.
Located in the mountains of eastern Kentucky, the 695,000-acre forest is one of the most popular in the South, with more than 5 million visitors annually. It features steep forested ridges, narrow valleys, more than 3,400 miles of cliffline, two large lakes, two wilderness areas, and the 269-mile Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail that extends across the length of the forest.
Davy Crockett National Forest
Forest includes more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas, and wildlife habitat. It features the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, which offers recreational visitors opportunities for camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and fishing.
Forest includes more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas, and wildlife habitat. It features the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, which offers recreational visitors opportunities for camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, and fishing.
Delta National Forest
The 59,000-acre forest in west-central Mississippi is one of the few hardwood forests remaining in the Mississippi Delta and the only bottomland hardwood national forest in the nation. It lies within the Mississippi Waterfowl Flyway and serves as an excellent place to watch the habits of migratory species of waterfowl.
The 59,000-acre forest in west-central Mississippi is one of the few hardwood forests remaining in the Mississippi Delta and the only bottomland hardwood national forest in the nation. It lies within the Mississippi Waterfowl Flyway and serves as an excellent place to watch the habits of migratory species of waterfowl.
DeSoto National Forest
The largest national forest in Mississippi at 501,000 acres features gently rolling terrain with stands of longleaf, slash and loblolly pine. Popular activities include floating the winding streams in canoe, raft, or jon-boat.
The largest national forest in Mississippi at 501,000 acres features gently rolling terrain with stands of longleaf, slash and loblolly pine. Popular activities include floating the winding streams in canoe, raft, or jon-boat.
Francis Marion & Sumter National Forests
The 253,000-acre Francis Marion NF, located on the Atlantic coast, features blackwater swamps highlighted by majestic baldcypress and water tupelo trees, teeming with wildlife. Located in the mountains and piedmont, the 365,000-acre Sumter NF features the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, one of the longest and most spectacular free-flowing mountain rivers in the Southeast.
The 253,000-acre Francis Marion NF, located on the Atlantic coast, features blackwater swamps highlighted by majestic baldcypress and water tupelo trees, teeming with wildlife. Located in the mountains and piedmont, the 365,000-acre Sumter NF features the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, one of the longest and most spectacular free-flowing mountain rivers in the Southeast.
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests
The two National Forests contain nearly 1.8 million acres of public land in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, representing one of the largest blocks of public land in the eastern United States. They are part of the Appalachian Hardwood Forest, and include more than 40 species of trees and 2,000 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants.
The two National Forests contain nearly 1.8 million acres of public land in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky, representing one of the largest blocks of public land in the eastern United States. They are part of the Appalachian Hardwood Forest, and include more than 40 species of trees and 2,000 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants.
Holly Springs National Forest
Located in north-central Mississippi near Memphis, Tennessee, the 155,000-acre forest features rolling hills and hardwoods, and more than 40 lakes, which afford a variety of recreational opportunities.
Located in north-central Mississippi near Memphis, Tennessee, the 155,000-acre forest features rolling hills and hardwoods, and more than 40 lakes, which afford a variety of recreational opportunities.
Homochitto National Forest
Established in 1936 as the first national forest in Mississippi, the 189,000-acre forest was named for the Homochitto River, an Indian name for "Big Red River". It is known for its abundant wildlife, and offers opportunities for hunting, camping, hiking, boating, and swimming.
Established in 1936 as the first national forest in Mississippi, the 189,000-acre forest was named for the Homochitto River, an Indian name for "Big Red River". It is known for its abundant wildlife, and offers opportunities for hunting, camping, hiking, boating, and swimming.
Kisatchie National Forest
Spread across seven parishes, Louisiana's only national forest offers 355 miles of trails for hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, or ORV riding.
Spread across seven parishes, Louisiana's only national forest offers 355 miles of trails for hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, or ORV riding.
Nantahala National Forest
Situated in western North Carolina, the area's feature attraction is the river gorge named "Nantahala" (Land of the Noon Day Sun), because the sun penetrates to the bottom of the river gorge only during the middle of the day. The 516,000-acre forest includes a section of the Appalachian Trail, as well as the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the east.
Situated in western North Carolina, the area's feature attraction is the river gorge named "Nantahala" (Land of the Noon Day Sun), because the sun penetrates to the bottom of the river gorge only during the middle of the day. The 516,000-acre forest includes a section of the Appalachian Trail, as well as the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, and Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the east.
Ocala National Forest
The southernmost forest in the nation and the oldest forest east of the Mississippi, Ocala receives more visitors than any other forest in Florida. It features the Big Scrub, with the largest stand of sand pine trees in the world, and Juniper Springs, a semi-tropical environment not found in any other national forest in the continental U.S.
The southernmost forest in the nation and the oldest forest east of the Mississippi, Ocala receives more visitors than any other forest in Florida. It features the Big Scrub, with the largest stand of sand pine trees in the world, and Juniper Springs, a semi-tropical environment not found in any other national forest in the continental U.S.
Osceola National Forest
The 200,000-acre forest in northeastern Florida features forested woodlands and swamps, including cypress, black gum, bay, and pine trees, and a 1,760-acre natural lake.
The 200,000-acre forest in northeastern Florida features forested woodlands and swamps, including cypress, black gum, bay, and pine trees, and a 1,760-acre natural lake.
Ouachita National Forest
Located in east central and southeast Oklahoma and in west central Arkansas, the South's oldest national forest comprises 1.6 million acres that feature 33 developed recreation areas, 7 designated wilderness areas, and 600 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Located in east central and southeast Oklahoma and in west central Arkansas, the South's oldest national forest comprises 1.6 million acres that feature 33 developed recreation areas, 7 designated wilderness areas, and 600 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Ozark-Saint Francis National Forests
Ozark National Forest covers more than one million acres and is located mostly in northwestern Arkansas; the 20,000-acre Saint Francis National Forest is located in east central Arkansas. Together, the forests include 6 national scenic byways and more than 230 miles of hiking trails, including the 165-mile-long Ozark Highlands Trail.
Ozark National Forest covers more than one million acres and is located mostly in northwestern Arkansas; the 20,000-acre Saint Francis National Forest is located in east central Arkansas. Together, the forests include 6 national scenic byways and more than 230 miles of hiking trails, including the 165-mile-long Ozark Highlands Trail.
Pisgah National Forest
The 495,000-acre forest lies in the lies in the mountains of western North Carolina. It features "The Cradle of Forestry," an outdoor museum and monument to the birthplace of scientific forestry in the United States, as well as a section of the Appalachian Trail, and Looking Glass Falls, an unbroken rush of whitewater 30 feet wide and 60 feet high.
The 495,000-acre forest lies in the lies in the mountains of western North Carolina. It features "The Cradle of Forestry," an outdoor museum and monument to the birthplace of scientific forestry in the United States, as well as a section of the Appalachian Trail, and Looking Glass Falls, an unbroken rush of whitewater 30 feet wide and 60 feet high.
Sabine National Forest
Located in eastern Texas near the Louisiana state line, the 160,600-acre forest adjoins the Toledo Bend Reservoir, which offers a variety of lakefront recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching.
Located in eastern Texas near the Louisiana state line, the 160,600-acre forest adjoins the Toledo Bend Reservoir, which offers a variety of lakefront recreational opportunities, including camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and birdwatching.
Sam Houston National Forest
The 163,000-acre forest in east central Texas features the 120-mile-long Lone Star Hiking Trail and the 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, which offers a variety of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
The 163,000-acre forest in east central Texas features the 120-mile-long Lone Star Hiking Trail and the 22,000-acre Lake Conroe, which offers a variety of recreational opportunities including boating, fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Talladega National Forest
The 7,245-acre Cheaha Wilderness in the Talladega National Forest offers high elevations, with numerous overlooks for panoramic views of east-central Alabama.
The 7,245-acre Cheaha Wilderness in the Talladega National Forest offers high elevations, with numerous overlooks for panoramic views of east-central Alabama.
Tombigbee National Forest
The 66,600-acre forest in northeastern Mississippi features pine and hardwood forests, and recreational areas around 200-acre Davis Lake and 100-acre Choctaw Lake, which offer opportunities for camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing.
The 66,600-acre forest in northeastern Mississippi features pine and hardwood forests, and recreational areas around 200-acre Davis Lake and 100-acre Choctaw Lake, which offer opportunities for camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and water skiing.
Tuskegee National Forest
The 11,000-acre national forest in east central Alabama is the smallest in the country. It features a log cabin replica of Booker T. Washington's birthplace and a wildlife viewing area.
The 11,000-acre national forest in east central Alabama is the smallest in the country. It features a log cabin replica of Booker T. Washington's birthplace and a wildlife viewing area.
Uwharrie National Forest
Situated in the Piedmont northeast of Charlotte, this 46,000-acre forest received its name from German settlers in whose language ''Uwharrie" meant "New Home". Highlights include Badin and Tillery lakes, which attract bald eagles, the 21-mile Uwharrie Trail, and the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness.
Situated in the Piedmont northeast of Charlotte, this 46,000-acre forest received its name from German settlers in whose language ''Uwharrie" meant "New Home". Highlights include Badin and Tillery lakes, which attract bald eagles, the 21-mile Uwharrie Trail, and the Birkhead Mountain Wilderness.
William B. Bankhead National Forest
Comprising 180,000 acres, Alabama's largest national forest includes the state's only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Sipsey. The 25,000-acre Sipsey Wilderness Area features rare birds, mammals, and an abundance of wildflowers, and is the second largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi.
Comprising 180,000 acres, Alabama's largest national forest includes the state's only nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, the Sipsey. The 25,000-acre Sipsey Wilderness Area features rare birds, mammals, and an abundance of wildflowers, and is the second largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi.