Our Forests

Photo by Lisa Axel

Overview

National Forests and Grasslands provide Americans with 193 million spectacular acres of wildlands.

  • More than 9,000 miles of scenic byways to drive
  • Almost 150,000 miles of trails to hike
  • More than 4,400 miles of wild and scenic rivers to float
  • At least 5,100 campgrounds in which to pitch our tents
  • And 328 natural pools to swim in

All this and the chance to see elk and bear, ducks and deer, trout and trees, thousands of species of plants, and billions of stars in a midnight sky.

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, our National Forests host 170 million visits every year. Visitor spending pumps $13.5 billion into our economy annually, sustaining nearly 223,000 jobs in gateway communities.

These lands are the foundation of America’s outdoor recreation heritage and sustain our way of life. They provide water to millions Americans in thousands of communities, clean our air, store carbon, and provide timber, minerals, oil and gas and other resources for industry and communities.

Without these lands, America would be a very different place. Help the NFF ensure these lands stay healthy and vibrant for generations to come. Support our work. Join our tree-mail® list. Take a kid camping. Volunteer with a local group. Friend us on Facebook. Hike a new trail.