National Forests in North Carolina
North Carolina has four beautiful National Forests: Croatan, Nantahala, Pisgah, and Uwharrie. These National Forests range from the mountains to the Atlantic Ocean.
North Carolina's National Forests are home to more than 5,700 miles of streams and 38,000 acres of lakes offering both warmwater and coldwater fishing. With that bounty of water it's no surprise that waterfalls are main attractions on these National Forests.
North Carolina's National Forests are a summer home for more than 63 kinds of neotropical birds, such as the red-eyed vireo and indigo bunting. Neotropical migratory birds account for 340 of the 600 species of birds that breed and nest in North America. These birds migrate each fall to warmer climates in tropical regions of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
Long distance trails cross every National Forest in North Carolina, providing many miles of trails for hikers and backpackers. These trails include, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT), the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, the Mountains-to-the-Sea Trail, the Bartram Trail, the Uwharrie Trail, and the Neusiok Trail.
These forests also offer a number of horse trails. If you want someone to show you around these forests, consider a guided trip with a Forest Service-approved outfitter. The recreation opportunities are unlimited within these lush forests.
