The Active Life
|
The Great Outdoors
Power Ranking the US National Forests
“Which national forest is the greatest of all time?” This question has divided Americans for centuries. Some believe it comes down to the number of championships the forest has won. Others say it’s a forest’s ability to hit a clutch jumpshot under pressure.
Whatever your criteria may be, there’s one thing we can agree on: our National Forests are national treasures. So to celebrate National Forest Week – and highlight Every Man Jack’s partnership with the National Forest Foundation – we’re putting the debate to bed by ranking the best of the best.
Disclaimer: While we’ve taken great care in this selection process, these forests are mostly ranked according to how cool the name is and how likely you are to survive a picnic there. In other words, it’s all subjective.
#10 - Sequoia National Forest, California
Sequoia National Forest is home to some of the largest and oldest trees on Earth. The forest’s namesake, the giant sequoias, can be found in groves throughout the area, including the famous Giant Forest. Visitors can marvel at these ancient giants, hike through scenic trails, and enjoy the forest’s diverse ecosystems, from chaparral-covered foothills to alpine peaks.
Want to smell like the famous Cedar Grove in Sequoia National Park? Wash yourself with the spicy, woodsy scent of Every Man Jack’s Cedarwood Body Wash.
#9 - Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee
Cherokee National Forest, the largest tract of public land in Tennessee, offers diverse landscapes and a rich cultural history. The forest encompasses parts of the Appalachian Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The scenic Cherohala Skyway and the Ocoee River, a popular spot for whitewater rafting, are highlights of this forest.
#8 - San Juan National Forest, Colorado
San Juan National Forest spans over 1.8 million acres of rugged terrain in southwestern Colorado. The forest is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, including the San Juan Mountains and the Weminuche Wilderness. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking to fishing and whitewater rafting. The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a historic steam train, offers a unique way to experience the forest’s beauty.
Like a slow walk through the San Juan Mountains, our Sandalwood scent fits right in with Colorado’s rocky landscape.
#7 - Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington
Named after the first Chief of the United States Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot National Forest is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. The forest includes Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, where visitors can witness the aftermath of the 1980 eruption. The forest’s diverse ecosystems provide habitats for a variety of wildlife, and its extensive trail system offers endless opportunities for exploration.
#6 - Shoshone National Forest, Wyoming
As the first national forest established in the United States, Shoshone National Forest holds a special place in American conservation history. Adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, Shoshone offers dramatic landscapes, including the Absaroka and Wind River mountain ranges. The forest is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, including sightings of grizzly bears and wolves.
#5 - Tahoe National Forest, California & Nevada
Tahoe National Forest, located in the Sierra Nevada, is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery, clear blue lakes, and diverse recreational opportunities. The forest offers over 850,000 acres of beautiful landscapes, including parts of the Pacific Crest Trail. Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and water activities on Lake Tahoe, one of the most famous alpine lakes in the world.
Inspired by North America’s largest alpine lake, our new Tahoe Blue soap bar is like a crystal-clear plunge into the heart of the Sierra Nevadas.
#4 - Coconino National Forest, Arizona
Coconino National Forest is a land of contrasts, encompassing red rock formations, Ponderosa pine forests, and alpine tundra. Located near Flagstaff, Arizona, this forest offers visitors the chance to explore the iconic red rocks of Sedona, hike through lush forests, and even ski in the winter. The diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities make Coconino a standout national forest.
#3 - Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest is renowned for its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and scenic mountain views. It is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering over 500,000 acres of pristine wilderness for hiking, mountain biking, and camping. The forest’s extensive trail system includes part of the Appalachian Trail, and its diverse habitats support a wide range of wildlife.
#2 - White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire and Maine
The White Mountain National Forest offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the northeastern United States. Known for its rugged mountain ranges, including Mount Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, this forest is a haven for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers. In the fall, the forest transforms into a spectacular display of autumn colors, attracting leaf-peepers from across the country.
#1 - Tongass National Forest, Alaska
Located in Southeast Alaska, Tongass is the largest national forest in the United States, spanning nearly 17 million acres. This temperate rainforest is home to ancient trees, diverse wildlife, and stunning fjords. Visitors can explore glaciers, fish for salmon, and witness brown bears in their natural habitat. The pristine beauty and sheer size of Tongass make it a top contender for the best national forest in America.
Our cold processed Cold Plunge Soap Bars – which includes a signature scent Inspired by Alaska’s Glacier Bay – will transport you to the West Coast’s most iconic locales in every shower.
But the REAL Winner Is …
…whichever forest you’re closest to! America is home to a spectacular 193 million acres of forestland – which means some of it could be right in your backyard.
Whether you seek the tranquility of ancient woodlands, the thrill of rugged mountain adventures, or the wonder of diverse ecosystems, these national forests provide a gateway to some of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in the United States.
Every Man Jack + The National Forest Foundation
As part of our ongoing partnership with the National Forest Foundation, we’re making a $50,000 donation commitment in 2024. These funds will will focus on three areas of support:
- Planting 25,000 trees in the Ouchita National Forest in Arkansas
- Restoring seven acres of forest in the Tahoe National Forest in California
- Contributing to restoring and building new cabins for the public to stay in across National Forests in Alaska
Want to help the NFF and smell like nature’s best? Score a limited edition National Forest Foundation variety set and get four of our best-smelling body washes – all while helping to protect our nation’s forests.
