Anyone who reads gadling regularly knows that I am a passionate fan of the National Parks. I think that the parks represent the jewels in the crown of American lands...uh, for lack of a better way of putting it. The parks, as you likely know, are administered by the National Park Service, which is part of the Department of Interior, where I actually worked early, early in my career. Well, there are also public lands that in their own way are just as nice as the parks. I'd say they are a bit rougher around he edges, a bit less regulated, but they cover an even larger area than the parks. These are the National Forests, and if you are an outdoor recreator, you might find in the forests a paradise of things to do and see. Therefore, I offer you this guide to the forests that I know you will find sueful as you plan your next adventure on American lands.