12 National Forests in the U.S. That Feel Completely Untouched

Some places in the U.S. still feel completely untouched, where silence stretches for miles and the air smells like pine and rain. These national forests remind you what wilderness really means vast spaces where trails disappear into thick woods and wildlife roams freely. Whether you’re after solitude, scenic backcountry drives, or a quiet campsite beside a mountain lake, these forests offer an authentic connection to nature that feels rare today. Here are twelve that still hold that untouched magic.

1. Tongass National Forest, Alaska

Covering millions of acres of old-growth temperate rainforest, the Tongass feels like another world entirely. Towering spruce trees, glacial fjords, and hidden coves make it one of the wildest places in North America. You can kayak past icebergs, watch brown bears fishing in salmon streams, or hike through moss draped valleys that seem frozen in time. Most of it remains roadless, reachable only by floatplane or boat, which keeps the human footprint minimal. If you want to experience true isolation without leaving the U.S., this is where you go.

2. Gila National Forest, New Mexico

The Gila is rugged, remote, and beautifully unforgiving. It’s home to deep canyons, volcanic cliffs, and the nation’s first designated wilderness area. Trails wind through ponderosa forests and lead to natural hot springs hidden along the Gila River. You might not see another person for hours, maybe even days. With its mix of desert and mountain ecosystems, the Gila delivers both harsh beauty and quiet peace. For anyone chasing the feeling of discovery, it’s a reminder that true wilderness still exists.

3. White River National Forest, Colorado

This vast forest surrounds some of Colorado’s most scenic landscapes, yet many corners remain untouched by the resort crowds. Beyond the ski towns, you’ll find remote alpine basins, turquoise lakes, and trails where elk and mountain goats outnumber people. The Maroon Bells area draws photographers, but quieter spots like the Flat Tops Wilderness offer complete solitude. You can backpack, fish, or simply sit beside a mountain stream and listen to nothing but wind and water. It’s the quieter side of Colorado’s wilderness.

4. Olympic National Forest, Washington

The Olympic National Forest borders the national park but has just as much wild character with far fewer visitors. Rain drenched valleys are filled with ferns, massive cedars, and moss covered logs. You’ll hear owls at night and streams rushing through ancient forests. The terrain shifts from coastal beaches to alpine ridges, offering an unmatched range of landscapes in one place. It’s easy to lose track of time here, and that’s part of its magic. Every trail feels like it leads somewhere forgotten.

5. Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming

Stretching across millions of acres near the Tetons, this forest is where wild truly means wild. Its backcountry lakes mirror jagged peaks, and its meadows fill with wildflowers in summer. You might encounter moose or pronghorn before you ever see another hiker. The forest connects to Yellowstone, forming one of the largest intact ecosystems in the country. With minimal development and vast open spaces, it’s an unmatched spot for those who crave wide open silence and authentic backcountry exploration.

6. Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina

Pisgah captures the raw beauty of the southern Appalachians with its waterfalls, thick hardwood forests, and long ridge trails. The old logging roads and stone ruins scattered throughout give you a glimpse into the past, but much of the forest feels completely reclaimed by nature. Streams cut through narrow valleys, and mist hangs over the Blue Ridge peaks most mornings. You can find solitude within minutes of leaving a trailhead. It’s the kind of place where time slows to the rhythm of running water.

7. Superior National Forest, Minnesota

Tucked near the Canadian border, the Superior National Forest is a northern gem defined by lakes, pines, and solitude. It’s the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast region where motorized boats are banned and silence reigns. Paddling through mirrored water with loons calling in the distance is as close to untouched as it gets. Even the air feels cleaner here. Whether you’re camping on an island or hiking through birch forests, you’ll feel the presence of pure, unspoiled nature.

8. San Juan National Forest, Colorado

The San Juan National Forest spans a mix of snowcapped peaks, alpine meadows, and ghost towns reclaimed by wilderness. Its backroads cut through some of the most dramatic scenery in the Rockies, yet you can still find quiet valleys untouched by tourism. Wildflowers in summer, golden aspens in fall, and endless stargazing at night make it a year round destination. Whether you’re exploring by 4×4 or hiking into the Weminuche Wilderness, the sense of isolation and beauty is unmatched.

9. Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia

This Appalachian forest feels ancient, with dense spruce groves and rolling highlands that seem untouched by modern life. It’s known for its fog draped mornings and peaceful rivers carving through deep valleys. Wildlife thrives here, from black bears to rare birds like the northern goshawk. The combination of rugged peaks and quiet meadows creates an atmosphere that feels both wild and comforting. If you crave stillness and solitude without heading far west, Monongahela delivers that untouched feeling perfectly.

10. Kootenai National Forest, Montana

Far in Montana’s northwest corner, the Kootenai remains one of the least visited forests in the lower 48. It’s a land of waterfalls, vast cedar groves, and clear rivers cutting through steep canyons. Many trails lead to panoramic views where you’ll see nothing but wilderness in every direction. Because it’s so remote, the forest offers a real chance to disconnect completely. Whether you’re backpacking or simply driving its scenic byways, you’ll sense how nature still rules this landscape.

11. Sequoia National Forest, California

While the nearby park gets all the attention, the surrounding Sequoia National Forest holds equally stunning groves of giant trees with fewer visitors. Walking beneath trunks that have stood for over a thousand years is humbling. The forest stretches into wild Sierra Nevada backcountry with granite cliffs, waterfalls, and endless sky. Quiet trails lead to places where sunlight filters through the sequoias like stained glass. It’s one of those rare places where you feel small in the best possible way.

12. Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

Nantahala translates to “land of the noonday sun,” a name that fits its deep, shaded valleys and sunlit peaks. This forest is full of twisting rivers, hidden waterfalls, and miles of scenic byways that rarely see crowds. The sound of water is constant, from small creeks to the rushing Nantahala River. Whether you’re kayaking, hiking, or just breathing in the damp mountain air, it’s hard not to feel grounded here. The mix of lush greenery and quiet makes it feel truly untouched.