Sierra National Forest, located in the eastern part of the state near the Nevada border, is home to some of the best wilderness exploration in the area. The John Muir Wilderness runs throughout the park and boasts stunning views and hiking trails for hikers of all expertise levels. For less strenuous options, be sure to add some of the various natural waterfalls throughout, from Rancheria Falls to Angel Falls. Or, if lakeside camping is more your thing, George Lake is a must.

Sure, you may know of the Black Hills as the site of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, but this national forest is home to some of the most rugged topography in the midwestern region. Sprawling more than 1.6 million acres (648,000 hectares), it's home to beautiful ponderosa pine forests covering the jagged peaks. Beneath the surface, you’ll also find some cool (literally) subterranean caves to explore. And with lakes, streams, and designated campsites, there's something for everyone.

When you think of Illinois, you may just think of Chicago, or the Great Lakes. Look further though, and you’ll discover rolling farm pastures and even world-class forests like Shawnee National Forest. Located in Southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is home to the famous Garden of the Gods, featuring otherworldly natural rock structures. Hike through the many trails to discover dramatic mossy sandstone cliffs, rock formations, and waterfalls.

Just beyond the pass from the famed ski resort, Sun Valley, you’ll find the Sawtooth National Forest, home to the stunning and dramatic Sawtooth Mountain Range. (The name comes from the jagged, saw-like peaks of the mountains.) While hiking is a big draw to the national forest, it's also home to some world-class trout fishing in the Salmon River (permits are required) and tons of public camping space along the roads and trails so you can post up after a long day of adventure.

New Hampshire’s White Mountains boast the tallest peak in the northeast: Mt. Washington. But amid the dramatic cliffs and peaks are stunning alpine forests that make this destination a draw for tourists and hikers alike, as well as a winery or two where you can sample some local vinos. During the quintessential New England autumn, the hills of the White Mountains are peppered with bright orange, yellow, and green hues seen so often in tourism pictures—book well in advance for that time of year.

Home to the highest peaks in the east, Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, North Carolina boasts an impressive 500,000 acres (202,000 hectares) of old-growth forests and natural wonders. Pisgah is nestled in and around the Blue Ridge Mountains and was once owned by magnate George W. Vanderbilt. Pisgah has world-class hiking trails (check out Mt. Pisgah for the highest peak), an abundance of waterfalls (Moore Cove Falls is a local favorite), and tons of wildlife.

Located in Olympic National Park in western Washington, the Hoh Rain Forest is one of the most lush rainforests in the US, receiving around 14 feet, or 4 meters, of rain per year (yes, you read that right). With dangling moss from the Sitka Spruce and Hemlock trees, walking through the Hoh Rain Forest is a surreal experience—especially as thick layers of fog and rain cover the rainforest each week, thanks to the mountain effect of the Olympic Mountains.