Happy National Forest week! I’m not sure about you, but I look forward to and enjoy funny “holidays” like National Hamburger Day and National Take Your Dog to Work Day. I am pretty sure there are five national coffee days but, hey, sometimes we need a fun reason to celebrate something.

This week, however, is the best week of them all. It is National Forest Week. Yes, all week! As if we needed an excuse to go explore the great wonders of being in the woods; we didn’t. But, this gives us even more motivation to strap on our favorite sandals, throw on our backpack, and go out and relish in our magnificent national forests. 

Did you know that we have 668,000 acres of national forests in Alabama? Our national forests stretch across 17 counties and include some of the most diverse landscapes, species, and recreational activities.

Alabama’s national forests

William B. Bankhead National Forest is in northwest Alabama near Double Springs. Bankhead National Forest covers 181,230 acres and is home to one of three wilderness areas in Alabama, the Sipsey Wilderness. The Sipsey Wilderness is also known as the “Land of 1,000 Waterfalls.” Don’t-miss spots in Bankhead National Forest are: Kinlock Falls, Sipsey River Trail, Caney Creek Falls, and the longest natural bridge east of the Rockies.

Conecuh National Forest in Escambia County, near Andalusia and Florala, is the southernmost national forest in Alabama. It covers 84,000 acres along the Alabama and Florida border. One of the most popular trails, the Conecuh Trail, covers 20 miles of trail along the coastal plain. The national forest also has the Open Pond Recreation area, where you can enjoy your time bicycling, fishing, camping, and more. 

Talladega National Forest in Central/Eastern Alabama near Sylacauga and Talladega covers 392,000 acres, making it the largest national forest in Alabama. Talladega National Forest is also home to Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama at 2,411 feet, in Cheaha State Park. Bald Rock and Pulpit Rock also offer stunning panoramic views of the forest.

Tuskegee National Forest in east Alabama is the smallest national forest in Alabama and smallest in the United States, coming in at a mere 11,252 acres. Roots Rated said it best: “What Tuskegee lacks in acreage, it makes up for in history, recreational opportunities, and off-the-beaten-path solitude.”  While you are there, spend some time hiking the Bartram National Recreational Trail, mountain-biking on Pleasant Hill, and then call it a day at one of the park’s primitive campsites. 

National Forest Week activities

To honor National Forest Week, the National Forest Foundation is hosting virtual events and Instagram photo contests all week long. Check out the list of events below and remember to take only memories and leave only footprints when you go adventure in our beautiful forests this week! Click here for more information on all events listed below. 

• Monday, July 12, 1 p.m. CDT  For the live kick-off event + celebration with NFF President, Mary Mitsos, other supporters and live music from Jackson Holte and the Highway Patrol!
• Tuesday, July 13, 11 a.m. CDT  Instagram Live Virtual Field Trip on the Lolo National Forest in Western Montana.
• Wednesday, July 14, 12:30 p.m. CDT  Live Naturalist chat with the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum about the Sonora Desert and the Coronado National Forest!
• Thursday, July 15, 6 p.m. CDT  Live Draw Along with artist Bryn Merrell
  
• Submit your photos all week long for the National Forest Photo Contest. This years theme is “Explore It All.” Click here for further details and guidelines for the photo contest.

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