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George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
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Everything about George Washington National Forest totally explained

The George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are U.S. National Forests that combine to form one of the largest areas of public land in the Eastern United States. They cover 1.8 million acres (7,300 km²) of land in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. The forest extends the along the entire length of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Alleghany Mountains to the North Carolina border. Just over one third of the forest is actively used for timber harvesting, with the bulk of that used for furniture manufacturing and pulp for paper products. Approximately one million acres (4,000 km²) of the forest are remote and undeveloped and 89,862 acres (363.66 km²) have been designated as wilderness areas, which eliminates future development. George Washington National Forest was established in 1917, and Jefferson National Forest was established in 1936. The two forests were administratively combined in 1995. North of the James River the forest is called George Washington National Forest. South of the James River it's called Jefferson National Forest.

Notable features

Flora and fauna

There are over 500 species of trees and plants and the forest is dominated by various species of oaks and hickory with maple and pine also common. The black bear is relatively common, enough so that there's a short hunting season to prevent overpopulation. White-tailed deer, bobcat, bald eagles, weasel, otter, and marten are also known to inhabit the forest.

Activities

The forests are popular hiking, mountain biking, and hunting destinations. The Appalachian Trail extends for 330 miles (530 km) from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park through the forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The forest is within a two hour drive to over 10 million people and receives heavy visitation, especially in the region closest to Shenandoah National Park.
   The George Washington National Forest is a popular destination for trail runners. It is the location for several Ultramarathons, including the Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 miler, the Old Dominion 100 miler, and the Old Dominion Memorial 100 miler.

Counties

Counties are listed in descending order of forestland area within county. Note that Jefferson National Forest is located in 22 separate counties, more than any other National Forest except Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, which lies in 29 counties. Note also that Botetourt, Monroe, and Rockbridge counties, at the dividing line between the two forests, include parts of both forests. Thirdly, note that the state of Kentucky actually has very little acreage, with its two counties bringing up the tail end of Jefferson National Forest. As of 30 September 2007 George Washington National Forest has a total area of 1,065,389 acres (1,664.7 sq mi, or 4,311.5 km²). Jefferson National Forest has a total area of 723,350 acres (1,130.2 sq mi, or 2,927.3 km²). (External Link)
Further Information

Get more info on 'George Washington National Forest'.


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