National Forests of the United States Quiz

Answer: Yellowstone National Forest

The main impetus behind the creation of Yellowstone National Forest was General Philip Sheridan who visited Yellowstone National Park in 1882 and then recommended expanding its boundaries. When created in 1891 the area was called Yellowstone Park Timber and Land Reserve and in 1907, its name was changed to Yellowstone National Forest.

In 1908 Yellowstone National Forest was divided into seven other National Forests and eventually its name was discontinued.

Answer: Theodore Roosevelt

In response to Theodore Roosevelt's creation of numerous areas in the National Park and National Forest system without their approval, the United States Congress enacted the Weeks Act in 1911 which among other things established a special commission "to consider and approve purchase of these identified lands". Roosevelt was a renowned conservationist and during his time as President, there were five National Parks created, 18 National Monuments, 51 Bird Reserves, and 150 National Forests (many of which have been discontinued).

Answer: El Yunque National Forest

Within El Yunque are 23 species of trees that are not found anywhere else on Earth, an endemic parrot called the Puerto Rican amazon, and several species of frogs called coquí. El Yunque is located about 29 miles (47 kilometers) from San Juan (the capital of Puerto Rico) and it was formerly known as Luquillo National Forest and the Caribbean National Forest.

Answer: North Carolina

The name Nantahala comes from a Cherokee word meaning "Land of the Noonday Sun". Within Nantahala National Forest there are three distinct wilderness areas including the Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness that was named in part for the famous writer of the poem "Trees". One of the most well-known sites of the forest is Standing Indian Mountain that rises 5,499 feet (1,676 meters).

Answer: Tongass National Forest

Alaska contains more national forest area than any other state and with an area of 17 million acres (69,000 km2), Tongass National Forest is actually larger than 10 states within the Union. The sheer size of Tongass prompted there to be ranger offices located in the cities of Craig, Hoonah, Juneau, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Thorne Bay, Wrangell, and Yakutat. Tongass has 19 wilderness areas and in 2013, it hosted nearly one million visitors, many of which from cruise ships stopping in Southeastern Alaska.

Answer: Idaho

In addition to the aforementioned National Forests, Idaho also contains Boise National Forest that shares its name with the state capital. After Idaho, Oregon has 24.7% and Colorado has 20.9% of its area covered by National Forests. In 2016 there were 10 states, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Dakota, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, that did not have any National Forests.

Answer: Black Hills National Forest

Over 200 species of birds can be found in Black Hills National Forest as well as large mammals like elk, pronghorn, black bears, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Located near Black Hills National Forest are other areas within the National Park Service including Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Wind Cave National Park.

Answer: Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Shasta Lake and the 14,179 feet (4,322 meters) high Mount Shasta are likely the most popular spots within Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The area was previously administered as two separate National Forests until 1954 when they were combined.

Answer: Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest is located in parts of 18 counties in Eastern Kentucky and several endangered animals including three species of bats and the red-cockaded woodpecker are found there. Another site within the forest is Natural Bridge State Resort Park which includes an impressive sandstone arch (bridge) that formed after millions of years of weathering.

Answer: Dixie National Forest

Dixie National Forest lies near Cedar City in Utah and it became a National Forest in 1907. The forest contains four geographic zones that feature numerous lakes and plateaus. The name 'Dixie' has been used to describe the southern part of Utah that is warmer than the rest of the state.