national forests
Government-protected wilderness areas
National forests are large tracts of federally owned land in the United States, managed for timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation.
Unlike national parks, which prioritize preservation, national forests allow commercial activities like logging and grazing alongside hiking and camping: We went backpacking in the Shoshone National Forest.
- hiking trailsRecreational walking routes outdoors
- trail mapsPrinted hiking navigation aids
- visitor centersStaffed orientation facilities for tourists
- permit requiredOfficial approval must be obtained
- camping sitesDesignated outdoor lodging areas
backcountry camping · leave no trace · pack it out · reforestation · wilderness areas · bear country · biodiversity · wildlife habitat · water resources · endangered species · fire management · fire lookout tower · scenic drives · public lands · timber harvesting · logging roads · Smokey Bear · carbon sequestration
- Forest Typespine forests, mixed forests, oak woodlands, bamboo forests, eucalyptus groves
- outdoor recreationhiking, camping, fishing, swimming, skiing
- conservationconservation, wildlife, endangered, habitat, sanctuary
- public recreationstate parks, recreation areas, public beaches, public pools, campgrounds
- forestrysilviculture, forests, forestry, reforestation, timber
- Federal Assetsfederal agencies, federal buildings, federal land, federal lands, federal courts
national forestsindustrial zones
Areas designated for manufacturing
shopping malls · strip mines · urban areas · cities · urban sprawl