New Mexico’s Most Underrated National Forest You Need to Visit

What’s your favorite destination for a weekend getaway in New Mexico? Have you seen the powdery dunes at the White Sands National Park or explored the underground crevices at Carlsbad Caverns National Park? If not, you’re missing out on two bucket-list-worthy destinations. But have no worries; I’ve got another location in southern New Mexico that is equally packed with adventure.

Gas up the car and plan a weekend trip to Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft. This remote national forest in New Mexico has over a million acres filled with hidden gems you will absolutely love. As a true road-tripper, I don’t mind going off the beaten path to explore new destinations. After all, those remote places have some of the best natural treasures imaginable. That’s exactly what you’ll find when you spend the weekend inside Lincoln National Forest. 

Hidden amongst the three mountain ranges (Sacramento, Guadalupe, and Capitan), the forest features flowing waterfalls, deep canyons, crystal-clear lakes, scenic overlooks, and a diverse desert oasis. Moreover, a mixture of firs, pines, junipers, and acres of open meadows makes the landscape even more dreamy. This magical forest might just be the reason why New Mexico is known as the Land of Enchantment.

Unlike the other popular national parks and forests, you won’t find large crowds of hikers here. Plan your weekend in the colder months, and you could possibly have the trails all to yourself. Hikers who don’t mind braving the cold weather can witness one of the best waterfalls in New Mexico: Bridal Veil Falls. You haven’t lived until you’ve gazed at this gorgeous cascade frozen with ice. The dreamy scene will leave you inspired. 

What I like most about the forest is its mixture of trails for all explorers. If you’re like me and prefer short and sweet hikes, check out the Grindstone Lake to Winchester Road trail. The easy two-mile trek is dog- and kid-friendly, so the entire family can join this adventure. The views of the lake are simply breathtaking, and you might want to look out for wild horses as you trek. 

For those experienced hikers seeking more adventure, the Dog Canyon Trail is for you. The hike is rated as extremely difficult on AllTrails, so I recommend that you wear sturdy boots, use trekking poles, and bring lots of water. Having AllTrails+ downloaded on your phone wouldn't hurt because you never know when offline maps can come in handy. If you’re up for this challenge, you’re in for a treat. Be prepared for an elevation gain of 3,500 feet. You’ll encounter loose rocks and dangerously narrow paths along the way. But once you conquer those obstacles, the rewards are literally out of this world. It’s a hike that you will never forget.  

With over 100 named hiking trails, there will be plenty of hidden gems to discover inside the forest. Aside from the hiking trails, there are three main recreational areas where you can camp, picnic, and ride mountain and dirt bikes. In addition, there is a waterfall swimming hole that is great for cooling off during the warmer months. One thing's for sure: with all the activities and fun things to do inside this beautiful forest, it’s definitely worth a weekend trip to New Mexico.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s pack our bags and camping gear to explore this remote national forest in New Mexico. And if you're looking for more trails or things to do in the area, be sure to visit our itinerary planner for nearby recommendations!