What is the Difference Between National Park and National Forest?

The main difference between national parks and national forests lies in their management and purposes. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

National Parks:

• Managed by the National Park Service, part of the Department of the Interior.
• Focus on preserving natural and cultural resources "unimpaired for future generations".
• Usually have more developed amenities, such as paved roads, visitor centers, and paid campgrounds.
• Dogs are typically allowed only on paved roads and in parking lots, not on trails.
• An annual pass for national parks costs $30.

National Forests:

• Managed by the US Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture.
• Emphasize not only resource preservation but also multiple uses, including timber, recreation, grazing, and wildlife.
• Often have fewer amenities compared to national parks.
• Dogs are generally allowed on trails, as long as they are on a leash.
• An annual pass for national forests costs $30, but the America the Beautiful Pass covers both national parks and national forests.

Both national parks and national forests are federally managed public lands, but they serve different purposes and have distinct management styles. National parks prioritize conservation and preservation, while national forests focus on multiple uses and sustainable management of resources.

Comparative Table: National Park vs National Forest

Here is a table comparing the differences between National Parks and National Forests:

In summary, National Parks focus on preserving and protecting natural resources, while National Forests are managed for multiple uses, including timber, recreation, grazing, and wildlife. National Parks are typically larger and more strictly regulated, while National Forests are smaller and allow for a wider range of activities.