Wild Dining in the United States

Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Enjoy the outdoors but crave more than just hot dogs and s’mores? Well, the Forest Service has great news! They have identified five beautiful and excitement-filled forests that are a mere 30-minute drive from some of America’s great food destinations.

Albuquerque, NM-Cibola Nation Forest

Spend the day hiking on one of the 60 gorgeous trails in the Sandia Mountains and in the evening, head to Nob Hill for Southwestern dining, vintage clothing boutiques, galleries and brew pubs.

Portland, OR-Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Enjoy a variety of activities at the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, or explore 200 miles of trails. When dinnertime rolls around, check out Portland’s organic and local restaurants and world-class microbreweries.

Boulder, CO-Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests

Stop for a breathtaking view of the Continental Divide on the Peak to Peak Scenic and Historic Byway, a 55-mile mountain road that twists and turns across lovely mountains, or take a hike on a trail located below the Divide. For night activities, enjoy a wide variety of one-of-a-kind restaurants in Boulder.

Houston, TX-Sam Houston National Forest

Look out for the endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers while hiking on the 128-mile Lone Star Trail, or rent a canoe and relax on Lake Conroe or Lake Livingston. For Tex-Mex food and world-famous barbecue, visit Houston.

Asheville, NC-Pisgah National Forest

Known as the “Cradle of Forestry,” Pisgah National Forest is home to thousands of acres of old-growth trees. Check out the amazing Linville Falls and zoom down a 60-foot natural waterslide at Sliding Rock. Named Beer City USA in 2010, Asheville has unique, organic eats and a great cultural scene.

For more information, and to find a forest near you, visit the US Forest Service website

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