Hunting and fishing are allowed in the National Forest, subject to State regulations. Every Forest visitor should become familiar with hunting seasons, license requirements, limits and closed areas. Trails pass through wildlife management areas where the carrying of firearms is prohibited except during hunting seasons. National Forest ownership accounts for 67 percent of the 2,374,265 acres within the Forest boundary. Private lands within the Forest boundary are predominantly forested.
Air quality is generally excellent.
Population within the National Forest boundary is predominantly rural. The Forest offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. Facilities include developed recreation areas, vistas, hiking and interpretive trails, shooting ranges, float camps, visitor information stations, the Robert S. Kerr Memorial Arboretum and Nature Center, Talimena Scenic Byway, and Highway 7 Scenic Byway. Thirty-three developed recreation areas are scattered throughout the National Forest. Each is unique.