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Welcome to the Southern Region
The Southern Region of the Forest Service is a dynamic collection of lands that encompasses 13 states and Puerto Rico. Known as Region 8 within the Forest Service, the Southern Region consists of 14 National Forest units and two special units. The Forest Service employs about 250 people at the Region 8 headquarters in Atlanta, and nearly 2,500 throughout the South.
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Find Your Forest
The Southern Region is pretty big, and we want to make sure you can easily find the National Forest website you're looking for! We've got a complete list to help you out, by state and territory!
Recent News
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USDA Forest Service invests $25M into deferred maintenance projects in Southern Region
Release Date: Jun 26, 2024
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USDA Forest Service Seeks Public Comment on Draft Guidance for Old Growth Management on National Forests
Release Date: Jun 25, 2024
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USDA invests $5M to protect communities from wildfires, restore forest ecosystems and improve drinking water across Southern Region
Release Date: Jun 18, 2024
Features
Soothing the soul: Forest bathing in the tranquility of nature
<head><body>Last summer, a military veteran seeking solace experienced tranquility in an unexpected way. He visited the Bankhead National Forest in Alabama for a guided tour to experience “forest bathing.” Joel Cruz, a retired U.S. Marine who served two tours in Iraq, didn’t know what forest bathing was and wondered if he should pack his swim trunks.
Forest bathing is a concept that became popular in Japan in the early 1980s. The Japanese call it Shinrin-Yoku, but subtle nuances get lost in translation. It really means to bathe all the senses while walking slowly through the forest. No bubble baths, no water, swimsuits required. Just the soothing sounds, sights, smells and calming effect of nature.
