6. Yakushima Forest, Japan
This lush forest is found on the island of Yakushima. The isle is 37 miles south of southern Kyushu, another Japanese island. It is rife with Yakusugi trees which have been there for nearly 7,000 years. This isolated spot has an unusual ecosystem. It includes subtropical lowlands and even cool highlands where it sometimes snows. Interested parties must travel by ferry to see the forest. It has a number of different hiking trails and is the home of such animals as white sika deer and macaque monkeys.
5. The ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, California
This “Golden State” forest contains some of the world’s oldest trees. Known as bristlecone pines, have odd twists and gnarled growths can live to be more than 4,500 years-old. Each tree is unique and they are truly fine examples of species diversity and have no problem surviving in the high, harsh weather 10,000 feet up in the state’s highlands. The forest also features great views of the well-known Sierra Nevada Crest.
