Are you planning your next outdoor adventure? Well, it just got easier. The U.S. Forest Service is offering free access by download to its Forest Service Digital Maps, a comprehensive collection of topographic and administrative maps designed to help you navigate public lands with confidence.
These maps cover all areas managed by the USDA Forest Service and include detailed visual data for national forests, regional zones, administrative boundaries, forest-wide areas, and individual ranger districts. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or simply exploring, these maps provide essential information about trails, roads, elevation, and landmarks.
What You’ll Find in the Collection
• Forest Series Maps: Show entire national forests at various scales
• Ranger District Series: Focused maps with detailed information about individual ranger districts
• Topo Maps: Updated topographic maps for precise terrain navigation
• Topo Legacy Maps: Historical topographic maps for comparison or research
How to Download
• Visit the Forest Service Digital Maps website https://www.fs.usda.gov/mapfinder/.
• Choose the map series you’re interested in from the menu
• You’ll be taken to a web map that displays each map’s footprint on an interactive chart
• Click on a map footprint or choose a map from the chart list
• Select your preferred file type (usually PDF or GeoTIFF), and download directly
This annual collection is updated regularly and available at no cost to the public, making it a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts, educators, and conservationists.
Whether you’re trekking through the Carson National Forest or planning a backcountry excursion anywhere in the U.S., Forest Service Digital Maps provide the clarity and detail you need to stay safe, informed, and on track.
