The Forest is located in northeastern Tennes-see, in Scott and Fentress Counties. It is completely surrounded by the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Some land was purchased by the State, but the main portion of the Forest was acquired by the State at a tax delinquent sale in 1938. The Forest is unique in the system in that it is completely surrounded by the Big South Fork National River and recreation Area. There are no interior holdings, cemeteries, or natural areas. The forest is used for research including tree improvement studies, where improved strains of various species are grown and tested. Most timber stands on the Forest are sawtimber size hardwood stands, with many of the stands at or near rotation age. Superior stands of eastern white pine were located on the Forest, but most have been lost to the southern pine beetle in the last two years. Recreational activities (hunting, hiking, horseback riding) will be a primary use for this Forest.