Top 10 Incredible Forests to Visit

From dense and verdant jungles, sublime green bamboos, to towering redwoods, forests around the world come in different types, shapes, and sizes. They seem like distinct universes, providing them striking views of nature and an otherworldly yet humbling experience that will last a lifetime. If you’re an adventure seeker, a nature enthusiast, or a person simply looking for a place on Earth to escape modern life’s stresses and hustle, here are the top ten incredible forests you should visit, exuding so much beauty it may be hard to believe they’re real.

Amazon, South America

 

Covering about 40 percent of South America and encompassing Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and other countries, the Amazon is the largest rainforest on the planet. Home to 10 percent of the world’s flora and fauna, the Amazon rainforest contains 40,000 plant species, 3,000 freshwater fish species, 1,300 bird species, and more than 427 mammals and 370 reptile species. Some of the iconic wildlife living around the rainforest include the piranha, giant anteater, giant armadillo, jaguar, anaconda, and the Amazonian dolphins and manatee. Boat along the Amazon River for a chance to see many animals, relish the gorgeous dense forests, and travel to some of the nearby tribal villages for a full, awe-inspiring experience.

Daintree Forest, Queensland, Australia

Hailed as a UNESCO World Heritage, Australia’s Daintree Forest is one of the most jaw-dropping and oldest rainforests in the world, having been in continuous existence for the past 110 million years. This dense green jungle is among many of the Land Down Under’s best-kept secrets. Trek to its heart for a chance to see its diverse wildlife, which includes wallabies, kangaroos, platypuses, and the elusive cassowary. You can also go crocodile spotting in the nearby Daintree River or witness the forest’s beauty from the top on a zip line – it’s a stunning refuge for all wildlife and nature lovers around.

Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica

Situated in Costa Rica’s central highlands and named after its town, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is always enveloped with mist, seemingly taking any visitor to another realm entirely. Amidst the mystical clouds, the 26,000-acre forest reserve covers six ecological zones. 90 percent of its area are virgin forests and is the haven for 2,500 plants and over 600 animal species. The legendary forest is a very popular attraction, receiving over 70,000 tourists annually.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan

Located on the western outskirts of Kyou, Japan, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is amongst the country’s most favorite attractions. Here, you will stroll a path surrounded by thousands of soaring bamboo stalks on both sides. They seem to grow ceaselessly into the air in all directions while the sunlight sips in from atop providing a majestic panorama. Running from the Tenryū-ji temple until the Ōkōchi Sansō villa, visit the forest from October to November or April to May, for the best atmospheric and ethereal experience. 

Crooked Forest, Poland

A forest shrouded with mystery, the Crooked Forest in Nowe Czarnowo, West Pomerania, Poland is a young grove of 400 strangely-shaped pine trees, believed to be manipulated through a human technique or tool for them to grow that way. Planted around the 1930s, the exact method or the true motive behind the odd forest is unknown. Whatever the purpose, the man-made wonder is still among the incredible forests you shouldn’t miss visiting.

Redwood National Park, United States

Coastal redwoods are the tallest trees on the planet, easily reaching heights of 300 feet (91 meters). 45 percent of these remaining trees can be found on the Redwood National and State Parks in California. Visit the forest, stand next to a coastal Redwood tree and see yourself dwarfed by these old-growth natural skyscrapers.

Borneo Rainforest

The third-largest island in the world and the largest in Asia, Borneo is covered with rainforests and is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The biodiverse destination comprises 15,000 plant species and 1,400 animal species, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Some of the impressive wildlife to see on the island include the Bornean Orangutans, the Borneo pygmy elephants, and the Sumatran Rhinos, but all of which are now critically endangered. The surrounding rainforest has an age of 140 million years, placing it among the oldest in the world.

Hallerbos Forest, Belgium

Every spring, Belgium’s Hallerbos Forest turns into a fairytale destination as thousands of bluebells bloom and carpet the forest floor. Situated 9 miles and a train away from Brussels, the sight draws many tourists, leaving them with utmost enhancement. Visit this forest from mid-April to the beginning of May and you’ll also be surely filled with awe by this natural wonderland.

Great Bear Rainforest, Canada

Nearly the same size as Ireland, Canada’s Great Bear Rainforest is a large stretch of coastal temperate rainforest with massive old trees, such as the red cedar, western hemlock, Sitka spruce, and the amabilis fir. Apart from these impressive trees, it’s also the dwelling of hundreds of animal species, such as cougars, grey wolves, Sitka deers, and mountain goats. It’s best to go from late August to mid-October, as thousands of salmon go back to the local rivers, enticing other wildlife such as grizzly bears and the rare cream-colored Kermode bear. Afterward, enjoy the pristine wilderness that’s right before your eyes.

Black Forest, Germany

Situated in Southwest Germany, the Black Forest is the land of the classical German cuckoo clock and the setting of the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tales. Its name was derived from the dark color generally exuded by numerous pine trees growing in the area. Historically known for mining ore deposits and for forestry, it’s now a famous tourist destination, brimmed with scenic lakes, rivers, hills, valleys, and evergreen canopies.

Takeaway

While deforestation and human intervention have resulted in the destruction of many of the world’s forests, it’s good to note there are still many incredible forests that are still there to explore, serving as a reminder of people’s responsibility to nature. So, go ahead and get your bag from the best backpack brands, bring the essentials, and head on to enjoy the beauty while devoting the utmost care for these incredible forests around the world.