The National Forests we hike through are more than just beautiful wilderness; they are ancestral homelands with deep-rooted histories. Many National Forests in the United States are located on lands traditionally inhabited and stewarded by Indigenous peoples. These vast, forested landscapes have become treasured places for recreation and renewal, yet it’s often overlooked who the original caretakers were.
In many cases, Indigenous communities were displaced from their homelands to make way for the designation and expansion of these forests. That’s why, especially during National Forest Week, it’s essential to recognize and honor the Indigenous nations who have lived in, moved through, and protected these lands for thousands of years. Their strong connection to the forests has played a vital role in preserving the natural spaces we are fortunate to enjoy today.
At Adventures in Good Company, honoring Indigenous history is an integral part of our travel philosophy. Our guides are trained to understand the significance of the lands they walk on and to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral territories we explore. Whether we're hiking through the Coconino National Forest in Arizona or the Olympic National Forest in Washington, we recognize that these lands were not "discovered"—they have long been inhabited, cared for, and protected by Indigenous communities. Acknowledging this truth matters. It deepens our connection to the places we visit and reminds us to tread with greater respect and awareness.
Why National Forests Are Also Indigenous Homelands
Land acknowledgments are more than a trend. They are a meaningful way to recognize the sovereignty of Indigenous nations and the historical trauma tied to U.S. public land management.
Most national forests were established without the consent of the original inhabitants. This includes forced removals, broken treaties, and suppression of Indigenous land practices that maintained healthy ecosystems.
When we acknowledge this, we take a step toward more ethical and inclusive outdoor recreation.
National Forests and the Tribes Who Call Them Home (the Forests we Travel to)
Coconino National Forest, Arizona
Home to the Hopi, Yavapai, Western Apache, Hualapai, Havasupai, and Diné (Navajo) peoples, Coconino’s red rock canyons and ponderosa pine forests were once part of vibrant trade routes and seasonal food-gathering grounds. These lands remain culturally and spiritually significant to many Indigenous nations today.
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Present-Day Connection: Sacred sites are still revered; tribal nations continue to advocate for land protection and cultural preservation.
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AGC Connection: On our Sedona and the Grand Canyon trip, we hike among iconic rock formations and forest trails, acknowledging the enduring legacy of Indigenous stewardship.
Forests in the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
The Kenai Peninsula is the ancestral homeland of the Dena’ina Athabascan people, who have lived on and stewarded this land for over 1,000 years. The Dena’ina are unique among Alaska Athabascans for their strong maritime traditions, relying on both inland forests and coastal waters for sustenance and cultural practices.
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Present-Day Connection: Dena’ina people continue to live throughout the Kenai region, contributing to land management, cultural education, and preservation of traditional lifeways. Their language and knowledge systems remain vital to the area’s identity.
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AGC Connection: On our Alaska: The Kenai Peninsula trip, we explore dramatic coastlines, alpine valleys, and boreal forests as we travel through a landscape shaped by generations of Dena’ina stewardship.
Superior National Forest, Minnesota
The Ojibwe people have called the Superior National Forest home for centuries, relying on its lakes, forests, and wildlife for subsistence and cultural practice. Treaties still protect their rights to hunt, fish, and gather in these ancestral lands.
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Present-Day Connection: Ojibwe communities actively manage land use and uphold traditional practices within the Boundary Waters.
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AGC Connection: Whether dog sledding in winter, canoeing in summer, or searching for fall foliage, our Minnesota trips honor these living traditions by traveling mindfully through this sacred landscape.
George Washington National Forest (Shenandoah region), Virginia
This Appalachian region was once the territory of the Monacan and Manahoac peoples, who lived in semi-permanent villages, practiced agriculture, and moved seasonally through the mountains long before colonization.
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Present-Day Connection: Although many were displaced, descendants continue to reclaim cultural identity and advocate for recognition.
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AGC Connection: Our Hiking through History in Shenandoah National Park includes a reflection on this land’s deeper history as we traverse ridgelines and take in the views.
The Forests in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
The misty ridgelines and lush valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains are the ancestral homelands of the Cherokee people, who lived, farmed, and traveled through this region for thousands of years. These mountains were once the heart of a thriving Cherokee homeland before the forced removal during the 1830s Trail of Tears.
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Present-Day Connection: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI), whose headquarters are just outside the park in Cherokee, NC, continues to preserve its heritage and care for the land through education, storytelling, and stewardship programs.
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AGC Connection: On our Fall in the Great Smokies and Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies trips, we hike through forested trails and visit scenic overlooks, all while being mindful of the Cherokees’ enduring presence and history.
Six Rivers National Forest & Redwood National and State Parks, California
The Yurok, Karuk, Tolowa, and Hupa peoples have lived in the Redwood Forests of northern California for generations, managing the land through cultural burns, building redwood canoes, and fishing the Klamath and Smith Rivers.
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Present-Day Connection: Tribes lead ecological restoration efforts, language revitalization programs, and cultural tourism initiatives.
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AGC Connection: During our Wonder and Wellness in the Redwoods trip, we paddle a redwood canoe on the Klamath River with Yurok guides and hike beneath ancient trees, experiencing a deep sense of place and gratitude.
We share these stories on our trips not only to educate but to encourage mindful travel. Our guides help participants reflect on the land’s layered history and consider how they can be good guests.
How We Honor Indigenous Lands on AGC Trips
Recognizing that many of the forests and trails we explore sit on ancestral Indigenous lands is just the first step. Honoring those connections means engaging with the land, and its history, with intention, humility, and respect. Whether you're hiking through a national forest or visiting a cultural site, here are a few meaningful ways to deepen your awareness and support Indigenous communities.
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Learn the names of the tribal nations whose land you visit. Websites like Native Land Digital offer helpful maps.
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Support Indigenous-led conservation efforts, such as the Native American Land Conservancy.
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Be mindful of sacred spaces, especially when visiting natural landmarks or archaeological sites.
Remember to Travel More Intentionally
At Adventures in Good Company, we strive to create more intentional experiences in the natural world. Whether we’re exploring the red rock canyons of the Southwest or the misty trails of the Great Smoky Mountains, we do so with respect, curiosity, and humility.
This National Forest Week, we invite you to explore the Indigenous roots of your favorite forests and walk with greater awareness and appreciation.
