19 Incredibly Lush Forests Across America That Will Bring Out Your Inner Explorer

Olympic National Park is one of Washington's most sublime natural wonders; it's 922,651 acres of pure, unadulterated beauty. And there’s one place within this resplendent region that’s the most transcendent and revelatory of all. Hoh Rain Forest is one of the only temperate rainforests on the planet; it's filled with untamed mosses and hanging ferns, old-growth trees, and an abundance of wildlife. The rainforest gets a staggering 12-14 feet of rain annually, which gives this thriving ecosystem its striking canopy of mosses, ferns, and trees. The result is an enchanting, emerald-green Garden of Eden -- right here in the U.S.

Oregon is home to some of the most lush and lovely forests in the country, and within this PNW wonderland, Silver Falls State Park stands out. This place is a vision; a portrait of pure, pristine, perfect Oregon beauty. Widely considered to be the ‘crown jewel’ of Oregon’s state park system, this 9,000-acre-park is also the largest and most popular -- and it's not hard to see why. For starters, Silver Falls State Park is home to a lush temperate rain forest flush with Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Oregon grape, and other native trees and plants. The park's Trail of 10 Falls traverses past -- you guessed it -- all 10 of the park's incredible cascades. Stand behind a waterfall curtain, traipse through old-growth forest, pitch a tent for the night... this Oregon forest is a place to bask in the beauty of Mother Nature.

Idaho is an oft-overlooked state, which is a shame, as it's home to some of the most amazing places in the country. Take the Salmon–Challis National Forest, for example. Located in the east-central region of the state, the Salmon–Challis National Forest covers 4,235,940 acres, making it one of the largest national forests in the lower 48 states. It covers much of the land area of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness area south of Alaska. Numbers aside, this forest is a place of immense beauty and splendor, boasting the state's most unbridled scenery and wildlife. It's an iconic adventure destination for nature-loving Idahoans; and, considering it protects several mountain ranges, rivers, and extensive wildlife, it's no wonder why!

Wyoming is a nature lover's paradise, and Bighorn National Forest is one of its most shining stars. One of the most remote and pristine places in the country, Bighorn National Forest is a national treasure sure to satisfy the wanderlust of all who explore its 1,107,571 pristine acres. Bighorn is home to literally thousands of miles of trails, myriad mountains, and dozens of lakes, and it's hard to imagine a better place to get away from the world -- especially within the park's Cloud Peak Wilderness. One of Earth's last true wilderness areas, this is an immensely beautiful forest that truly is a bucket-list must for all explorers.

Redwood National and State Parks are 139,000 acres of lush, old-growth forest in Northern California, and one of our country's most precious and protected treasures -- and success stories. During western expansion in the 1800s, the redwoods were under siege. The massive trees offered early settlers a seemingly endless lumber supply; however, within 100 years, the vast forests had dwindled to a shadow of their former glory. By the early 1900s, it was apparent that the future of the old-growth redwood forests was in jeopardy. Thanks to the actions of California's Save-the-Redwoods League, the redwoods received the protection they needed. Today, Redwood National and State Parks, or RNSP, is one of the least-visited sites in the National Park System, and its expansive size means this national treasure is generally not very crowded. If you want to lose yourself in the forest, à la John Muir, visit these awe-inspiring, ancient forests.

California's Sierra National Forest is a show stopper; a place of pristine pools, majestic mountains, and lush forests. The landscape includes rolling, oak-covered foothills, heavily forested middle elevation slopes, and the starkly beautiful, snow-covered alpine scenery of the High Sierra. Abundant fish and wildlife, varied flora and fauna, and numerous recreational opportunities make Sierra National Forest an outdoor lover's paradise, and absolutely a must-visit for those seeking the sublime solace of the woods.

One of Nevada's greatest treasures, Great Basin National Park is a place that will wholly surprise you. While technically located in the desert, this is a lush land with some of the most fertile and flourishing forests in the West. What's more, Great Basin National Park's remote location makes it one of the best places in the country for stargazing -- it's one of the darkest places in the entire country, in fact -- an adventure that absolutely deserves top spot on your bucket list.

While the West might not be the first place that comes to mind in terms of "lush forests," Coconino National Forest defies all desert stereotypes. From the iconic red rocks of Sedona to its mountainous alpine tundra, this woodland expanse is one of the most diverse national forests in the country. This epic expanse was made for hiking, boasting some of the very best, bucket-list-worthy treks in the country. At the top of the list is the Fossil Creek Waterfall Trail, a 2.6-mile, out-and-back hike that traverses past, among other things, a real-life tropical oasis.

In the Natural State, there's nowhere more beautiful than the Ozarks. This sea of green spans 1.2 million acres across Arkansas, and contains some of the most pristine and untouched wilderness in the Midwest. The hiking and camping here is unrivaled, as is the fishing and floating on the Buffalo National River, America's first nationally designated river. If you've yet to experience the untold beauty of the Arkansas Ozarks, what are you waiting for?

Everglades National Park is only a one-hour drive from Miami, but it’s quite literally a world away from this bustling metropolis. The park encompasses 1.5 million acres of tropical and subtropical habitats with one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. Within the Everglades, there are five unique habitats, 750 different varieties of native plants, over 300 types of birds, and hundreds of animal species — 60 of which are endangered. In order to protect and preserve this idyllic region, Congress established the Everglades as a National Park in 1934. The park has since been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a World Heritage Site. Everglades National Park is a real-life Garden of Eden — a pristine oasis that offers an authentic, up-close experience with nature that’s simply unparalleled.

Minnesota gets a lot of attention for its myriad lakes, and rightfully so. But Minnesota is so much more than just 10,000 lakes; the state is home to over 17 million acres of forest, including 54 state forests. These lush landscapes are full of many different kids of trees, flowers, and abundant foliage -- not to mention some of the most diverse and wondrous wildlife in the country. One of the most notable forests? Superior National Forest, the ancient forest in Minnesota that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Superior National Forest is made up of 3.9 million acres of woods in the northernmost region of the state; this boreal forest is teeming with towering pine, birch, oak, maple, and aspen trees. What's more, the forest is home to the grandest view in the state: the summit of Eagle Mountain, which, at 2,301 feet above sea level, is the highest point in Minnesota.

You might not think to include Ohio in a roundup of bucket-list-worthy forests, but once you've visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park, you'll surely change your tune. Ohio's one and only national park is a stunner; it's 33,000 acres of pristine beauty that rivals any of its big-name national park brethren. Lauded for its amazing trails, waterfalls, and fall foliage, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a lush landscape offering near-endless opportunities for year-round recreation in the Midwest.

In the Mountain State, Harpers Ferry National Park is a vision of endless emerald greens in the spring, golden yellow hues in the summer, bold oranges in the fall, and a white wonderland in the winter. Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in the eponymous West Virginia town, Harpers Ferry National Historic Park really does have it all. This site of great history and national significance is one of the most beautiful places in the country, and its location along the Appalachian *and* American Discovery Trails make it the perfect place for numerous bucket-list-worthy adventures.

The national forests of North Carolina are home to some of the best scenic overlooks, waterfalls, hiking trails, and natural beauty in the country. At 531,270 acres, Nantahala is the largest national forest in North Carolina -- and it's gorgeous. The forest lies in the southwestern region of the state and spans from mountains at 5,800 feet elevation to valleys at 1,200 feet. With the powerful Nantahala River running through the forest, as well as several others, Nantahala is home to hundreds of North Carolina waterfalls, including the show-stopping Upper Whitewater Falls. Known as the tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, Whitewater Falls boasts two tiers -- one in North Carolina and one in South Carolina -- totaling a stunning 811 feet!

Established in 1923, Allegheny National Forest is the only national forest in Pennsylvania, spanning a magnificent 517,000 acres in the northwestern region of the state. Within this expanse -- a lush, fertile land of trees, knobs, mountains, and valleys -- the Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Area lays claim to the biggest old-growth forest in the state. The ancient forest, boasting eastern hemlock and American beech trees dating back 400 years, spans more than 2,000 acres, and is rife with opportunities for exploration and adventure. This is an area of immense natural splendor, sure to both stoke and satisfy your wanderlust.

The Adirondack Mountains of New York are a place that needs to introduction. It's home to over 100 marvelous mountain towns, pristine peaks, verdant valleys, commanding cliffs, and placid lakes. Spanning more than six million acres, the Adirondack Mountains are actually home to the largest protected natural area in the Lower 48. An outdoor enthusiast's mecca, the Adirondacks are made up of 10 distinct regional destinations, each offering their own variety of adventure. From paddling and hiking to skiing and cycling, the offerings in this resplendent region are unmatched. Of course, if you prefer to snuggle up for a cozy mountain retreat in this lush landscape, you can most certainly do that here as well.

This picturesque region in Vermont is a vision, and while the fall foliage tends to steal the spotlight, Green Mountain National Forest is truly beautiful all year long. This gorgeous region is rife with opportunities for outdoor recreation: skiing and ice skating in the winter, hiking and paddling in the summer, and epic leaf peeping in the fall. A natural beauty, while the region is home to several top-tier resorts and attractions, nothing beats simply spending time basking in the flourishing forests of the Green Mountains.

In the Last Frontier, there is a place of extraordinary beauty that offers a glimpse into the past. Tongass National Forest is home to some of the most ancient trees in America. These old-growth trees are usually Sitka spruce, yellow or red cedar, or Western Hemlock; the Western Hemlock tend to be the tallest, and can grow upwards of 135-170 feet tall, with diameters of up to 11 feet. An important part of southeast Alaska, some of these majestic trees are over 1,000 years old; they are an awe-inspiring testament to the history of the area, and a stark reminder of why we need to treat our planet with the upmost respect and care.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to some of the most incredible tropical forests in the world, and Akaka Falls State Park is truly a nature lover's dream come true. The headlining act of the park -- Akaka Falls -- is 442 feet tall and well-worth seeking out. But the magic of this waterfall is as much in the journey as it is the destination; the park is teeming with lush greenery, vibrant native flowers, vivacious birds, and an abundance of tropical wildlife. This is a place where photographs simply can't do justice, and the very definition of a bucket-list experience.