A headquarters plus 8 ranger districts take care of the almost 1.8 million acres of this forest that spreads over 3 states, making it one of the largest public land areas in the eastern US. There are a wide variety of landscapes and habitats providing for innumerable bird, plant, and wildlife, year round activities and recreational pursuits, and many educational opportunities as well. Dogs are allowed throughout the forest, in the campgrounds, and on the trails. Dogs must be leashed and cleaned up after in developed recreational sites, and they are not allowed in swimming areas.