Plan Your Visit

Every National Forest and Grassland is unique, and any trip to one of these beautiful places should start with getting to know the place you’re visiting. Forests and grasslands vary widely in terrain, climate, accessibility, and rules. Before you go, do some information gathering:

• Look up the specific location you plan to visit on the Forest Service website. This is where you’ll find information about recreation activities, including camping, safety alerts, trail maps, permits, entry fees, and more.
• In the days leading up to your visit, check for updates on weather, closures, wildfire risk, and road conditions.
• Cell service may be unreliable, so it’s a good idea to download or print maps and directions ahead of time.

• Pack layers, sun protection (hats and sunscreen), water, snacks, insect repellant, and a simple first aid kit. Keep your snacks in sealed containers to prevent attracting animals.
• If traveling with children, dress them in brightly colored clothing and pack additional essentials like wet wipes, extra bandaids, and stash an extra set of clothes in the car.
• Don’t forget your nature exploration tools like binoculars, magnifiers, field guides, a digital camera, and a nature journal! 

Respect nature and other visitors, helping children develop early outdoor ethics.

• Follow Leave No Trace principles, which you can read more about here. Leave No Trace means respecting yourself, others, and the environment so everyone can enjoy it.
• Before your visit, check if it’s okay for you to bring your pet. Many National Forests and Grasslands allow dogs on leash, but there are often limits on which trails they are allowed on. Knowing this information in advance helps keep everyone safe.
• Talk with children about what it means to be a good steward and model respect for both people and wildlife. 

A visit to a National Forest or Grassland doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Chances are everything won’t go as planned, so embracing flexibility and curiosity are key to a successful outing.

• Don’t focus on the distance traveled—a half mile walk filled with moments of discovery is more meaningful than a 2-mile-hike that feels rushed.
• Let children lead the way! Slow down, notice what excites them, and follow their interests.
• Plan flexible activities for the trail (like nature scavenger hunts or I Spy) but stay open to unexpected discoveries.
• Notice and celebrate small wonders like the crunch of leaves beneath your feet, patterns in tree bark, colorful fungi, or the wooshing of the wind.

Document the experience with photos, drawings, or stories that you can reflect on later to remember your visit and to use as inspiration for your next adventure.

• Have everyone share a “rose, thorn, and bud” (something you liked, didn’t like, and look forward to).
• Talk about something you did during your visit to respect people, wildlife, or the environment. How did it make you feel?
• Discuss where you might want to go next! It doesn’t have to be a National Forest or Grassland. Is there somewhere in your community you’d like to explore?  

Whether you’re seeking active adventure through hiking, biking, or kayaking, searching for calm through wildlife watching or wildflower photography, or looking for a campsite to rest after a day of exploring, National Forests have it all. With modest entry fees and five annual fee free days spread across the seasons, what’s stopping you?