If there were ever a perfect adjective to describe North Idaho, ‘enchanting’ would be it. This mesmerizing landscape of towering conifers, lush green vegetation, rugged nature, and blissful waterfront is positively idyllic. But even Idaho’s breathtaking Panhandle still has its secrets.
If you know your Disney movies and/or English history, you no doubt know the legend of Robin Hood and his merry band of thieves. You also know that the magnificent, ancient Sherwood Forest played home to this infamously-attired band of tights-wearing vigilantes. But did you know that Idaho has a Sherwood Forest of its own, an entire ocean away from the fantastic English setting of the same name? This lush, whimsical treasure is definitely worth visiting! Check it out!
Officially owned and protected by the Kaniksu Land Trust in North Idaho, this stretch of land near Sandpoint sits snugly in the Kaniksu National Forest.
Beata Ratuzniak/Unsplash This 143-acre preserve and trail system is much more than just a hill with a trailhead. It starts on Pine Street and leads visitors through through tall brush and directly into Sherwood Forest, which is an area of land that was privately donated for recreation.
However, this beautiful trail system and reserve was actually developed (and is now maintained) by a local bike club and private land owners.
Pend Oreille Pedalers/Facebook
The paths are extensive, with just a touch of whimsy…
Pend Oreille Pedalers/Facebook You might also hear Sherwood Forest called the Syringa Trails.
And the woods are lovely, dark, and deep.
Eden Bachar/Unsplash The Kaniksu National Forest is slightly different than many of Idaho’s other dense, woodsy locations. A variety of diverse tree types - both coniferous and deciduous - and harder soil makes this the perfect place for a bike ride or all-seasons stroll. You won’t have to worry about any of Robin Hood’s crew popping out of the trees though!
With names like Little John Trail and the Bier Bridge, though, you might think you’ve walked into a romantic setting of English romance and heroism.
Andy Mai/Unsplash You’ll even find several artifacts on your way through Sherwood Forest – although not of English or Robin Hood-esque origin. But these old pieces among the trees and shrubbery are just part of the landscape now, with trees and shrubbery growing in, around, and through their various metal parts.
Jim Mellen/mtbproject
Pay close attention to the details… locals know that there are a number of sculptures hidden around here as well!
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
And keep an eye out for wildlife!
Sherwood Forest is a rich treasure trove of flora and fauna - it’s also a protected white-tail deer habitat, and many of the small creeks that run through the forest are tributaries of the Pend Oreille River nearby.
With a setting as lovely as the idyllic and lovely as this, how can you not fall in love?
D.Taylor in Idaho/Flickr
It’s not often you get to set foot in a real-life fairy tale or legendary setting… at least in name, that is! This may not be the original home to Robin Hood, but it’s a legendary place to explore all the same.
Beata Ratuzniak/Unsplash
This 143-acre preserve and trail system is much more than just a hill with a trailhead. It starts on Pine Street and leads visitors through through tall brush and directly into Sherwood Forest, which is an area of land that was privately donated for recreation.
Pend Oreille Pedalers/Facebook
You might also hear Sherwood Forest called the Syringa Trails.
Eden Bachar/Unsplash
The Kaniksu National Forest is slightly different than many of Idaho’s other dense, woodsy locations. A variety of diverse tree types - both coniferous and deciduous - and harder soil makes this the perfect place for a bike ride or all-seasons stroll. You won’t have to worry about any of Robin Hood’s crew popping out of the trees though!
Andy Mai/Unsplash
You’ll even find several artifacts on your way through Sherwood Forest – although not of English or Robin Hood-esque origin. But these old pieces among the trees and shrubbery are just part of the landscape now, with trees and shrubbery growing in, around, and through their various metal parts.
Jim Mellen/mtbproject
Bureau of Land Management/Flickr
Sherwood Forest is a rich treasure trove of flora and fauna - it’s also a protected white-tail deer habitat, and many of the small creeks that run through the forest are tributaries of the Pend Oreille River nearby.
D.Taylor in Idaho/Flickr
Have you ever visited Sherwood Forest for yourself?
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