Underrated State Forests That Feel Like National Parks

When it comes to outdoor adventure, most people immediately think of national parks. But scattered across the country are state forests that offer the same breathtaking scenery without the entrance fees or crowds. These public lands feature rugged mountains, pristine lakes, old-growth trees, and quiet trails that rival the best federally protected areas.

Many of these forests fly under the radar, even though they protect some of the most beautiful natural areas in the United States. With fewer visitors and just as much to explore, they offer a national park-worthy experience for travelers willing to look beyond the marquee names.

Here are seven of the most underrated state forests in America that deserve a spot on your outdoor adventure list.

Mohawk Trail State Forest, Massachusetts

Location: Western Massachusetts

Size: 6,400 acres

Tucked deep in the Berkshires, the Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of New England's most scenic wilderness areas. With sweeping views from high peaks, old-growth hemlock groves, and the rushing waters of the Deerfield River, it packs a lot of natural drama into its 6,400 acres.

This forest is home to some of the tallest trees in Massachusetts, including pines reaching over 150 feet. A fire tower atop Todd Mountain offers expansive views of the surrounding valleys. With its rugged terrain and wild feel, it rivals some of the quieter corners of the White Mountains.

Visitors can hike, camp, fish, or cross-country ski. There are drive-in campsites, group camping areas, and rustic shelters along the trail network. The Mohawk Trail itself, a scenic byway, passes right through the forest.

Forbes State Forest, Pennsylvania

Location: Southwestern Pennsylvania

Size: 58,000 acres

Tucked into the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, Forbes State Forest is a hidden gem that rivals nearby national parks in scenery and solitude. Named after British General John Forbes, this forest blends deep Appalachian ridges, windswept plateaus, and remote valleys.

What sets Forbes apart is its elevation and variety. At over 3,000 feet, the forest contains some of Pennsylvania’s highest peaks and coldest climates. Fog drifts through spruce groves, and rare alpine ecosystems cling to the slopes of Laurel Ridge. In autumn, the hardwood forests explode in a patchwork of orange and crimson.

Visitors can explore more than 250 miles of multi-use trails, including sections of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Mountain biking, backcountry camping, and cross-country skiing are all popular, and secluded trout streams run clear even in midsummer.

Despite its natural beauty, Forbes remains uncrowded. With quiet overlooks, hidden waterfalls, and rolling summits, it delivers the raw, wild feel of a national park without the crowds.

Hickory Nut Gorge, North Carolina

Location: Western North Carolina

Size: 6,000 acres

Located near the famous Chimney Rock and just outside Asheville, Hickory Nut Gorge is part of a rugged corridor where mountains, waterfalls, and dramatic cliffs define the terrain.

The forest includes dramatic rock outcrops, scenic overlooks, and waterfalls cascading from high elevations. The biodiversity here is exceptional, with rare plants and a variety of wildlife.

Hiking and rock climbing are popular, as well as scenic photography. Many trails connect to the larger regional trail systems in western North Carolina.

Tuscarora State Forest, Pennsylvania

Location: South-central Pennsylvania

Size: 91,000 acres

Stretching across the rugged ridges of the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians, Tuscarora State Forest offers a raw, wild experience that often escapes the spotlight. This vast forest spans several counties and is shaped by long, forested ridgelines and deep hollows teeming with wildlife.

At elevations exceeding 2,100 feet, Tuscarora feels more remote than many better-known destinations. Hardwood forests dominate the landscape, with patches of pine and hemlock tucked along creeks and sheltered slopes. The remote feel is enhanced by the absence of development. Just miles of woodland, rocky overlooks, and the sound of wind in the trees.

The forest is laced with trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The Tuscarora Trail, a long-distance hiking path that parallels the Appalachian Trail, passes through the forest and offers secluded backcountry experiences. Hunting and wildlife watching are also popular, and in winter, quiet snowfall transforms the terrain into a haven for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Though few outside Pennsylvania have heard of it, Tuscarora rivals the solitude and natural diversity of any national park in the East.

George Washington State Forest, Minnesota

Location: Central Minnesota

Size: 320,000 acres

Named to honor the first US president, this forest preserves a diverse swath of northern Minnesota wilderness. From trout streams to pine ridges, it offers the kind of solitude usually found in national forest lands.

This forest boasts old pine stands, sparkling lakes, and miles of hiking and ski trails. Wildlife sightings are common, with everything from foxes to bald eagles making appearances.

Fishing, canoeing, camping, and trail exploration are top activities. The forest includes both backcountry campsites and developed areas for easier access.

Morgan-Monroe State Forest, Indiana

Location: South-central Indiana

Size: 24,000 acres

Nestled in the hills of south-central Indiana, Morgan-Monroe State Forest is a surprisingly wild and dramatic landscape, often overlooked but striking enough to feel like a miniature national park. Its ridges and ravines are draped in thick hardwood forest, with foggy mornings and golden sunsets filtering through towering oaks and maples.

The terrain is rugged for the Midwest, with steep slopes, rocky outcrops, and quiet hollows carved by seasonal streams. In fall, the foliage lights up in rich hues that rival those of Appalachia. The forest is also home to a restored fire tower offering panoramic views over miles of unbroken canopy.

Visitors hike miles of scenic trails, including the popular Low Gap Trail and the more remote Tecumseh Trail. Primitive backcountry camping, hidden ponds, and wildlife sightings, from bobcats to barred owls, make this an underrated gem with serious national park vibes.

Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Virginia

Location: Central Virginia, spanning Appomattox and Buckingham counties

Size: 20,000 acres

Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest is one of Virginia’s largest and most scenic state forests, offering a mix of rolling hills, mature hardwoods, and numerous streams that feed into the nearby James and Appomattox Rivers. This forest preserves diverse habitats including oak-hickory forests, pine stands, and riparian zones that support a wide variety of wildlife. You'll see everything from white-tailed deer and wild turkey to elusive bobcats and numerous bird species.

Visitors will find over 50 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking. The trails range from gentle loops through quiet woods to rugged ridge-top routes offering panoramic views. Popular trails include the Appomattox River Trail, which follows the river corridor and provides excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching.

Primitive camping is allowed in designated areas, providing an immersive backcountry experience far from developed campgrounds. The forest is also used for seasonal hunting, following Virginia’s regulated seasons, which helps maintain a healthy ecosystem.

A National Park Experience Without the Crowds

These state forests prove that you don’t have to visit a national park to find spectacular landscapes and memorable outdoor experiences. With fewer crowds, lower costs, and scenery that holds its own against the most famous wilderness areas, these state-managed lands offer an appealing alternative.

Whether you're looking for mountaintop views, forested solitude, or a weekend escape that feels worlds away, these underrated state forests should be on your travel list. They remind us that some of America's best natural treasures are still waiting to be discovered just off the beaten path.

State Forests Worth Visiting Immediately