25 Most Stunning Forests to Explore Around the World

While all of these famous forests around the world are unique and different, one thing remains the same — they are all beautiful.

From the islands of Southeast Asia to the coastal mountains of British Columbia, Canada, the world is blanketed with some truly beautiful forests. Some of these wooded areas are teeming with wildlife, like the orchid-rich rainforests of Borneo, while others are known for their stunning land formations, like the karst pillars of the Jiuzhaigou Valley Forest in China.

But while all of these famous forests around the world are unique and different, one thing remains the same — they are all beautiful. Here are 25 of the ones that we believe look straight out of a fairytale. How many have you visited?

Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

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Location: Kyoto, Japan

Any scroll through Japan’s most popular travel photography, and you’re bound to stumble upon the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto. It is one of the most photographed sites in the entire country — and for good reason!

The winding path meanders its way through a lush forest of bamboo, which glows an ethereal green as the sunlight penetrates the tubular stalks.

Why You Should Visit

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This forest has been a tourist attraction ever since the 8th century and covers about 3,950 acres.

While you’re there, be sure to make a stop at the Tenryuji Temple, which is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo and has a stunning Zen garden.

Jiuzhaigou Valley Forest

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Location: Sichuan, China

China’s northern Sichuan Province is home to the jagged peaks of the Jiuzhaigou Valley.

It’s a forest of conical karst structures that give way to plunging waterfalls, rich forests and a landscape of jewel-toned lakes.

Why You Should Visit

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The Jiuzhaigou Valley Forest spans 278 square miles and features centuries-old trees that provide a home for many endangered plants and animals, like the giant panda.

In fact, the entire valley has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, specifically for the stunning natural beauty.

Hallerbos Forest

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Location: Halle,Belgium

Belgium’s Hallerbos translates to “The Blue Forest,” and it will be easy to see why, especially around mid-April.

This ancient forest is famous for the carpet of purple bluebells, which always bloom in the spring.

Why You Should Visit

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The pops of vibrant violet make a dramatic contrast against the green moss and reddish Sequoia trees that are also famous in this area.

The earliest mention of Hallerbos dates back to the year 686 A.D., but it didn’t become a Belgian State Forest until 1929.

Green Mountain Forest

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Location: Rutland, Vermont

Vermont’s Green Mountain Forest spans 400,000 acres in southwestern and central Vermont.

Throughout the forest, visitors can see more than 2,000 years of archaeological history, from Native American sites to historic remains of farmsteads from the colonial period.

Why You Should Visit

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The Green Mountain Forest is a four-season destination but is particularly popular during the fall when the sloping hillsides explode in fiery colors. There are many auto foliage tours that visitors can take.

The forest is also one of the best spots in the Lower 48 to spot a moose. If you’re hoping to spot a moose, you may want to look along the Long Trail corridor, a historic hiking route that runs through the forest.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

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Location: Weott, California

California’s redwood forests are the stuff of legend. (They even have their own line in Woody Guthrie’s ‘This Land is Your Land.’)

But none is more beautiful than the 53,000-acre Humboldt Redwoods State Park. About a third of the park is an old-growth forest, which happens to be the largest swath of ancient redwoods on earth.

Why You Should Visit

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Most visitors come to the park to experience the 32-mile-long Avenue of the Giants car route, which makes for a convenient and photo-friendly way to see as much of the park as possible.

Be sure to stop at Founders Grove. Of course, you can also explore the more than 100 miles of trails and more than 250 campsites.

Saguaro National Park

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Location: Tucson, Arizona

Forests come in all shapes and sizes, like the forests of cacti that pepper the deserts of Arizona.

In fact, Tucson is home to the largest cacti in the country, and they are protected by Saguaro National Park.

Why You Should Visit

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Within the park is a system of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the 8-mile, paved Cactus Forest Loop Drive. Cars are permitted on this road as well, so be on the lookout.

For hikes, the first trailhead is about 2 miles down the drive near the Mica View Picnic Area.

Crooked Forest

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Location: Nowe Czarnowo, Poland

One of the world’s most beautiful forests is actually one of the oldest unsolved mysteries as well. Poland’s Krzywy Las, or Crooked Forest, is a densely wooded area that’s home to roughly 400 trees that buckle at the base at a sharp 90 degrees.

The result is a rounded trunk at the bottom of each tree, creating quite the crooked forest.

Why You Should Visit

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Even more unusual? All the bends are pointing in the same direction: north.

There is no explanation for this natural phenomenon, and while there are crooked trees all over the world, nowhere is there such a high concentration in one place.

Tinovul Mohos Reservation

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Location: Lazaresti, Romania

Romania’s Tinovul Mohos Reservation is the result of a volcanic crater that turned itself into a swamp over the centuries.

Today, it is a natural reservation that is home to rare plants, some that can only be found in Romania.

Why You Should Visit

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Visitors may be able to see vegetation, such as certain species of rosemary and cranberries, that dates back to the Ice Age.

To visit the swamp, visitors must use a guide and only stay on the marked trails and wooden bridges.

Monteverde Cloud Forest

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Location: Monteverde, Costa Rica

There’s something inherently magical about the term, “cloud forest.” Cloud forests are rare and only exist within tropical or subtropical mountain environments where cloud cover is consistent.

You can find them in countries like Panama, Cambodia and, of course, Costa Rica.

Why You Should Visit

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The Monteverde Cloud Forest spans more than 35,000 acres, three hours away from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose. Within the cloud forest are more than 100 species of mammals, 400 species of birds and 1,200 species of amphibians and reptiles.

In fact, it is one of the last places on Earth where all six species of the cat family can be found, including jaguars, ocelots, pumas, oncillas, margays and jaguarundis.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

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Location: Tulum, Mexico

Spread along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, south of Tulum and north of the Belize border, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is an expansive protected area (and UNESCO World Heritage Site) that covers more than 1.3 million acres.

As part of the land preserve, the biosphere also includes the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world.

Why You Should Visit

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Nearly 400 species of birds have been identified in the reserve as well as 115 species of mammals.

Keep a lookout for manatees, turtles, howler and spider monkeys, Jabiru storks, jaguars, pumas, tapirs and much more.

Black Forest

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Location: Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany

Germany’s Black Forest is one of the largest forests in Europe, located in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg in southwestern Germany, spanning more than 2,300 square miles.

The Rhine valley in the west and the south creates some of its borders.

Why You Should Visit

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The forest takes its name from the thick canopy of evergreen trees that leave the forest floor dark and full of mystery. Within the forest, visitors will find waterfalls, meadows, valleys and traditional farmhouses, where people have lived for centuries.

Hop on a bicycle or rent a car to explore one of the main paved and unpaved pathways that vein the forest from Baden Baden to the Swiss border.

Great Otway National Park

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Location: Victoria, Australia

Rainforest meets the sea in the stunning Great Otway National Park, an expansive protected natural environment that stretches along the state of Victoria in the south.

Within the park is a series of magnificent environments, from coastlines and beaches to tall eucalyptus forests, waterfalls and lakes.

Why You Should Visit

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A must is the Great Ocean Walk, which runs between Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles. The walk can be done in its entirety over eight days or in smaller sections for those who don’t want to commit.

Another must-see is the Melba Gully at night when the trees come alive with the ethereal glow of hundreds of glowworms.

Gorbeia Natural Park

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Location: Basque County, Spain

Stretching across the Basque region of Spain, Gorbeia Natural Park is a protected region home to karst formations, undulating meadows and thick oak forests.

Mountaineers love this part of Spain thanks to Mount Gorbeia and the towering mountain range that sits between the Cantabrian Sea and the Mediterranean.

Why You Should Visit

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But tucked within the park is the Otzarreta Forest, which is pure magic.

The trees have branches that seem to reach eternally upwards, while a blanket of red leaves and green moss leave a colorful contrast against the mist.

Mossy Forest

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Location: Pahang, Malaysia

Spread across the Cameron Highlands, near Mount Brinchang, in Malaysia is one of the most enchanted forests in Asia — the Mossy Forest.

The verdant, misty cloud forest sits at more than 6,660 feet above sea level, which means it is the perfect growing environment for fragrant spices, exotic orchids, rich mosses and ferns.

Why You Should Visit

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It is one of the oldest forests in the world, home to different species of frogs, birds and mammals.

All visitors are required to use a guide as well as obtain a permit.

Amazon Rainforest

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Location: South America

We can’t mention the most beautiful forests in the world without naming The Amazon.

The largest rainforest in the world, the Amazon spans eight countries, including Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.

Why You Should Visit

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Within the 1.4 billion-acre forest are one in 10 known species on Earth, 4,100 miles of rivers and animals like jaguars, macaws, river dolphins and poison dart frogs.

The Amazon is hugely responsible for the health of the planet, as the forest contains 90-140 billion metric tons of carbon, which helps stabilize the global climate.

Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

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Location: Kanungu District, Uganda

Located in Uganda’s southern Rift Valley, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is packed with more than 25,000 years of history, including a population of about 400 plant species and, most importantly, more than 300 mountain gorillas.

The thick jungle, named Bwindi, which means “darkness,” is misty, lush, dark and has a steep terrain making it not for the faint of heart.

Why You Should Visit

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Gorilla trekking tours are most popular in this forest, which has more than half the world’s population of gorillas left.

Other species spotted here include baboons, chimpanzees, antelope and beautiful butterflies.

Olympic National Forest

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Location: Olympia, Washington

Washington State’s Olympic National Forest has the claim to fame as being the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48 states.

But it is also home to saltwater fjords and the lofty Mt. Washington.

Why You Should Visit

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The lush, misty forest is surrounded on three sides by salt water and has the Olympic Mountain range at its core. The forest extends more than 633,000 acres and encompasses Olympic National Park.

Visitors can explore the forest’s 270 miles of trails, 87 of which are deep in the forest’s five Wilderness Areas.

Great Bear Rainforest

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Location: British Columbia, Canada

Stretching more than 250 miles along the central and northern coast of British Columbia, Canada, the Great Bear Rainforest covers 15.8 million acres.

It is a temperate rainforest and one of the only places in the world where you may be able to see the white Kermode bear.

Why You Should Visit

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But there is much more wildlife to see — brace yourself for everything from eagles and sea otters to grizzly bears, dolphins and whales.

Top activities include hiking through the ancient forests, or kayaking and fishing along the coast.

Cocora Valley

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Location: Armenia, Colombia

About 15 miles north of the city of Armenia is Colombia’s Cocora Valley.

The valley is known for its lofty, almost Dr. Seuss-like wax palm trees, which can grow up to nearly 200 feet.

Why You Should Visit

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The wax palm tree is Colombia’s national tree, and set against a backdrop of rolling, jade-colored hills and lofty peaks, it is truly a spectacular sight to see.

This valley is also protected by UNESCO, as it is part of Colombia’s coffee plantation landscape.

Aokigahara Forest

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Location: Yamanashi, Japan

Aokigahara Forest is one of Japan’s most beautiful places, but it also is one of its most tragic. The dense, gnarled forest at the base of Mt. Fuji has the unfortunate reputation as being one of the places in Japan that people go to contemplate suicide.

With the nickname “Suicide Forest,” the practice is so common here that signs are posted urging people to seek help, consult the police or remember that life is precious.

Why You Should Visit

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Still, the forest is remarkably beautiful, layered with thick vines and blanketed with a lush canopy.

Apricot Valley

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Location: Xinjiang, China

Near China’s border with Kazakhstan is one of the most breathtaking and colorful forests in the world.

Apricot Valley, in the Xinjiang province, has been attracting the more adventurous travelers for years who have heard the tales of pink and white apricot blossoms that blanket the rolling green hills as far as the eye can see.

Why You Should Visit

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While the province is fairly remote and a bit of a hike to reach, the good news is travelers willing to make the journey have a huge window in which to see the forest in full bloom.

Peak season runs from the beginning of June through the end of September.

Forest of Ardennes

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Location: Manhay, Belgium

Spread across the southeast corner of Belgium is the mythical ancient Forest of Ardennes. The extensive forest happens to touch the countries of Luxembourg, Germany and France as well.

This wild part of the country is blanketed with thick forests and carved with deep valleys. But more than that, the forested region has many stunning towns and villages that give visitors a glimpse into the traditions of Belgian rural life.

Why You Should Visit

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Any time of year is a good time to visit the Forest of Ardennes.

While in the region, be sure to sample its cheese, smoked hams and wild game.

Borneo Lowland Rainforests

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Location: Borneo

Among the richest rainforests in the world, the Borneo Lowland Rainforests are on par with the Amazon in terms of diversity.

Within the steamy, mist-covered foliage, you can find some of the world’s most exotic animals, from Sumatran rhinoceros to the Asian elephant.

Why You Should Visit

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You’ll also uncover the Rafflesia arnoldii, which is a plant that produces the world’s largest flower — a blossom that can max out at 3 feet in diameter.

An estimated 10,000 plant species are said to live within the rainforest as well.

The Crooked Bush

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Location: Saskatchewan, Canada

Way out in the rural corners of Canada’s Saskatchewan province is the beautiful, bizarre forest known as The Crooked Bush. Much like the Crooked Forest in Poland, this small forest has perplexed the minds of botanists due to its kinky-branched trees.

The aspen tree forest is iconic for its atypical branches, which do not grow upward but instead twist and turn sideways and down.

Why You Should Visit

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While scientists have established this is a result of a genetic mutation, they are not sure what caused it.

Visitors today can explore the forest via a series of wooden pathways that wind their way through the crooked vegetation.

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

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Location: Tandayapa, Ecuador

Ecuador’s Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve blankets 2,000 acres of Andean mountain slopes in the Tandayapa Valley. Some of the forest reaches into Venezuela and Colombia as well.

The forests start at 3,000 feet above sea level and climb to 8,000 feet. The lush, wet forest is teeming with wildlife, with the highest level of diversity among air plants than anywhere else on the planet.

Why You Should Visit

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Orchids are especially abundant here. In Ecuador, there are more than 4,000 species of orchids — more than 10 percent of all orchid species in the world.

Where there are orchids, there are hummingbirds, so visitors can expect to see a wide variety of these small but powerful creatures all throughout the reserve.