Calling out all nature lovers! Spending time in a lush, verdant forest is both exciting and therapeutic. Research says that forests are proven to reduce stress and release negative emotions. Moreover, it is an amazing place that keeps fascinating species, beautiful spots, and impressive mysteries. If you are looking for an extraordinary destination to travel with your group, forests are something you should check out. Unleash your inner adventurer and head to these 10 most beautiful forests in the world. Guaranteed – they will make your jaw drop!
Most Beautiful Forests in the World
- Amazon Rainforest, South America
- Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
- Great Bear Rainforest, British Colombia, Canada
- Giant Sequoia National Monument, California, the US
- Black Forest, Germany
- Hallerbos Forest, Belgium
- Oulanka National Park, Finland
- Crooked Forest, Poland
- Gorbeia Natural Park, Spain
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
- Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
- Deadvlei Forest, Namibia
- Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
1. Amazon Rainforest, South America
It’s only right to start off the list with the mother of all forests, aka the ‘Lungs of the Earth.’ The Amazon covers about 40% of South America and is home to some of the most diverse wildlife in the world. It is home to spectacular animal species, including jaguars, Amazon River dolphins, capybaras, and capuchin monkeys. Exotic birds with colorful feathers can be seen flying through the verdant forest canopies, representing the wealth Amazon Rainforest has.
Amazon Rainforest is under a strict conservation effort as we start to lose parts of it due to deforestation and climate change. However, some parts of the rainforest are open to the public. Travelers can take a peek at Amazon’s exquisite charms, from the dark green landscapes, chirping birds, to the wild animals lurking behind the trees. It is one of the most beautiful forests in the world that a nature lover must visit.
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest, Costa Rica
Costa Rica sits at the top of the list when its come to natural beauty and biodiversity. Verdant rainforests where ravishing species, like jaguar and quetzal birds, roam around coat the country’s fertile land. Therefore, Costa Rica offers an array of ecotourism destinations, including Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Get ready to be swept away by the mystical atmosphere and beauty of the rainforest. Like its name suggest, layers of cloud often veil the forests. The mountainous tropical conditions is the cause behind this phenomenon. Then, when visiting, you can walk along the extensive bridge which cuts through the forest. Hear the tropical birds chirping and primates chattering, also spot bromeliads growing on the tall trees.
3. Great Bear Rainforest, British Columbia, Canada
The province of British Columbia is known for its many magnificent forests with humungous trees. For a forest lover, this area of Canada is the ultimate therapy. The Great Bear Rainforest is special firstly because it’s literally the size of Ireland. Sometimes called the ‘Amazon of the North’, the forest is full of wildlife, cascading waterfalls and ancient cedar trees. In this wilderness, though, roads only get you so far. Sailing along the BC coast is one of the coolest ways to experience the area, and if it’s in your budget, its also possible to experience the rainforest by flying above it. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the white Kermode bear!
4. Giant Sequoia National Monument, California, United States
Home to some of the largest trees in the world, this beautiful park is also one of the most visited forests in the world. Some of the ancient trees in the park are more than 2000 years old, and the tallest tree in the park is nearly 84 meters tall. It is also possible to camp in the park if you make your reservations early enough! In case you need, we have some tips for your first camping trip!
5. Black Forest, Germany
Found in the state of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany, this beautiful forest is also the home to Germany’s highest waterfall. You’ll find the Triberger Wasserfälle in the town of Triberg located inside the Black Forest area. The canopy of evergreens will have you thinking you’re walking in a fairytale, and the hike opportunities here are many. If you’re the road tripper sort, one of the best ways to experience the Black Forest is by driving on the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse, the Black Forest Highway, which literally takes you through the beautiful scenery of this nature reserve. In the autumn, the entire area is covered in a layer of gold.
6. Hallerbos Forest, Belgium
A beautiful forest that will take you into a fairytale land lies just a stone’s throw away from Brussels. Hallerbos Forest is an ordinary forest with green hues on warm summer days. However, as spring approaches, it transforms into a magical field of blue. Thanks to the blooming bluebells, Hallerbos Forest has become one of the most beautiful forests in the world. The bluebell flowers bloom in mid-April, making it a wonderful spring destination. Even better, public transportation is available from Brussels for tourists who want to see the bluebells.
7. Oulanka National Park, Finland
Finland is the spot for forest lovers. In fact, around 75% of Finland is covered in forests. One of the most legendary things to do at this park is to hike Karhunkierros, which stretches out over 82 kilometers. Here, it’s of course recommended to camp on the way. However, you can also hike Pieni Karhunkierros, which is a shorter version of the hike. This trail is only 12 kilometers. There are plenty of camping opportunities along the way and areas where you can stop to make a fire and eat. Whatever your hiking preferences are, you can be sure to enjoy some forest meditation in Oulanka.
8. Crooked Forest, Poland
No one quite knows how the oddly shaped trees in Crooked Forest came to be, but our guess is that these trees just had a little bit too much to drink.
9. Gorbeia Natural Park, Spain
Sitting on the foot of Mount Gorbeia, this natural park boasts a collection of unique ecosystems. Dense woodlands dotted with Pyrenean oak, spacious land veiled in a variety of moss, and steep limestone cliffs are what you can find in the natural park. Moreover, many animal species, like deer and elk, call this park home. Gorbeia Natural Park has caught the attention of both travelers and researchers.
10. Arashimaya Bamboo Forest, Japan
Although usually packed with tourists, walking through the towering tunnels of bamboos is just one of those things that you have to experience for yourself. In the wind the trees crack eerily, and hearing this odd sound is a reason to visit in itself. In fact, this sound is included in the ‘100 Soundscapes of Japan.’ This is just one of the spots you’d add on your list of ‘places to see before I die.’ If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists, head over with your TripMates in early morning or during the week.
11. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park features a landscape that will blow your mind. It has large, pillar-like rock formations cloaked in soft clouds, making it look like floating. Moreover, lush forests grow densely at the bottom of the rock formations. Zhangjiajie National Park’s landscape inspires the setting of the Avatar movie, which might ring a bell as you arrive on the spot. With all it has to offer, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is one of the most beautiful forests in the world.
12. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar
Madagascar is a country that has one of the most beautiful trees in the world, which is the baobab. The tree has a towering physique with a large trunk and thin branches stretching out from its top. Then, travelers can see a ‘forest’ of baobab trees in Madagascar’s renowned Avenue of Baobabs. More than a dozen baobab trees line a road in Menabe region, creating a movie-like landscape. Meanwhile the Avenue of the Baobabs is not necessarily a forest, it is a must-visit destination for everyone who loves nature and adventure. Furthermore, the best time to visit Avenue of the Baobabs is during the sunset as you can see silhouettes of these beautiful trees.
13. Deadvlei Forest, Namibia
This Deadvlei or ‘dead marsh’ makes for one of the most unique forests in the world. This dreamlike scenery of trees blackened by the sun against the dunes almost makes for an alien-like experience. The contrasts of the landscape also make this one of the best spots for photographers.
14. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Africa is a treasure trove of natural wonders, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. It comprises a vast ocean of green from an abundance of tree species. Centuries-old trees, moss, and eccentric leafy plants are the prominent inhabitants of the forest. Besides that, Bwindi also becomes home to spectacular faunas, including chimpanzees and gorillas. It is Africa’s most famous gorilla trek destination, as thousands of visitors want to greet the fascinating primate.
Okay tree-huggers, that’s it for now! From rainforests to forests in the desert, we got it covered. If you’re looking to adventure, check out the upcoming trips at JoinMyTrip! Or, perhaps we’ve inspired you to create your own trip? In any case, gather up your Travel Buddies and start discovering amazing destinations!