Forests in United States

This page aggregates over 540 forests in the United States, including national, state, and local woodlands, featuring more than 22,000 routes. It covers diverse ecosystems from the alpine landscapes of White River National Forest in Colorado to the temperate rainforest of Raging River State Forest in Washington.

The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with over 22,000 routes available across these sports. Many forests offer extensive trail networks suitable for all three activities. Specific guides are available for MTB Trails in the United States of America and Road Cycling Routes in the United States of America.

Based on komoot user activity, some of the most visited forests include Coconino National Forest in Arizona, known for its red rock landscapes, and White River National Forest in Colorado, the state's largest national forest. In Washington, Raging River State Forest is also frequently visited for its trail systems.

Coconino National Forest in Arizona contains a variety of landscapes, from desert to alpine tundra. It offers over 100 routes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. The terrain includes the red rocks near Sedona and the high elevations around Humphreys Peak, providing a wide range of trail difficulties.

White River National Forest in Colorado is a destination for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling, with over 140 curated routes. Its 2.3 million acres feature extensive trail systems through alpine landscapes and mountains. The forest contains over 50 designated hiking trails, from valley floors to high-altitude passes.

Raging River State Forest in Washington is known for its extensive network of trails designed for mountain biking and hiking. It features over 120 routes through temperate rainforest, with terrain that includes river canyons and rocky outcrops. The forest is a popular destination for its purpose-built singletrack mountain bike trails.

Yes, many forests in the United States offer trails suitable for beginners and families. These routes are typically shorter, with less elevation gain. For example, the Easy hikes in the United States of America guide provides a selection of accessible trails.

There are thousands of hiking trails across U.S. forests, catering to all ability levels. These range from short nature walks to strenuous multi-day treks through mountain wilderness. For example, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest offers over 50 distinct hiking routes through glacier-covered peaks and old-growth forests.

Yes, many U.S. forests feature dedicated mountain biking trails. These range from flowing singletrack to technical downhill routes and gravel forest roads. For instance, Tiger Mountain State Forest in Washington has over 130 routes, with a significant number designed for mountain biking.

The best time to visit depends on the region and elevation. Forests in mountainous areas like Colorado and Washington are most accessible from late spring to early fall. Forests in lower-elevation or southern regions like Arizona can be visited year-round, though summer can be extremely hot.

U.S. National Forests are typically managed for multiple uses, including recreation, timber, and wildlife habitat, while National Parks prioritize preservation and recreation. This collection focuses on forests, but you can explore National Parks in United States for routes in those specific areas. Both offer extensive networks of trails for outdoor activities.

The terrain is highly diverse, reflecting the country's vast geography. It ranges from the high-altitude alpine environments of the Rocky Mountains to the dense temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Other landscapes include the granite formations of the Sierra Nevada and the desert canyons of the Southwest.