National Forests

The North Carolina mountains are home to two National Forests, which were some of the earliest forests to be protected by the US government and are among the most biodiverse.
The Pisgah National Forest – the country's first National Forest – was the site of the first forestry school and the early history of forest conservation in the United States.  The Nantahala National Forest is distinguished by its spectacular whitewater, waterfalls, old growth and the Scenic Byways that pass through it.

Together the two National Forests offer visitors over a million acres of protected landscape for an abundance of recreational pursuits – hiking, camping, picnicking, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, birding, mountain biking, horseback riding and much more.

• Pisgah National Forest
• Nantahala National Forest