Blog: The National Forest System - National Forest Foundation

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The National Forest System

Unforgettable Experiences: Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

In Southern Illinois, visitors the Shawnee National Forest can explore an area unlike any other. The Garden of the Gods Recreation Area features rock formations and cliffs made out of sandstone over millions of years. Today, the unique structures are embedded within a lush forest and scenic landscape.

Unforgettable Experiences: Mendenhall Glacier

Situated just 12 miles from downtown Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center is a very accessible point to view the massive glacier. Overlooking the Mendenhall Valley, the visitor center was built in 1962 and was the first in the National Forest System.

Six Unique Wildflowers to Spot in our National Forests

Celebrate National Wildflower Week by learning a few of the unique and beautiful wildflowers you might see on a National Forest near you.

Caves are cool – both literally and figuratively!

Are you ready for your next adventure on your National Forests? Consider learning about caves and caving opportunities.

Find A Forest And Hit The Trail!

You've saved all the beautiful instagram pictures showing off grid trails, mountains drenched in a purple alpine glow, and smiley faces holding steamy mugs of coffee as they take in the view. You've even bought a fancy new pair of hiking boots, the kind with the ankle support! You are well on your way to taking your first backpacking trip. EXCEPT, where to start?

A dedication to Los Padres National Forest and the little girl who fell in love there.

Learn more about Karen Ramos' connection to the Los Padres National Forest and how it has influenced her life.

National Forest Week Photo Contest Winners

Check out the winners of our National Forest Week photo contest.

Kentucky’s Red River Gorge

Nestled in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Red River Gorge attracts thousands of outdoor recreation enthusiasts year round. Rock climbers, hikers, canoeists and campers are among those who come to enjoy and explore this rugged landscape, often referred to as simply “The Red” by its most frequent visitors.

The Great Outdoors - It’s in our Roots

One thing that quickly became clear to me as we hiked is that each one of us feels a deep connection to the outdoors. It was in our words, our actions, our stories. As Latinx people, that strong relationship with the outdoors comes directly from our ancestors. We are descendants of fishermen, hunters, farmers, ranchers, lovers of wildlife and the land, true environmentalists.

We’ve Always Yearned for the Outdoors – Recounting Love in National Forests

I owe an immense amount of credit, gratitude, and inspiration to the absolutely amazing women of color that I climb, adventure, and discover with. Our public lands were not always public to black, indigenous, and people of color; and to this day BIPOC* are constantly breaking down barriers to ensure access, justice, and visibility for us all. I wanted to learn about how they discovered their love for the outdoors; a love that helped pave the way for me in further connecting with this land. So I asked them! These ladies then shared their stories, recounting their climbing experiences in National Forests, adventures around the world, and even experiencing the outdoors in their backyard.