By Michelle Werts

This week in history, five of our states officially joined the United States:

• Georgia (1/2/1788)
• Connecticut (1/9/1788)
• Utah (1/4/1896)
• New Mexico (1/6/1912)
• Alaska (1/3/1959).

In celebration, I wanted to share some of the forested beauty that you can experience in each.

Georgia
Our fourth state contains two national forests: Oconee and Chattahoochee National Forests, which includes the popular Anna Ruby Falls.

Connecticut
Our fifth state isn’t home to any national forests, but the famous Appalachian Trail crosses its boundaries, and dozens of state parks contain breathtaking vistas.

Utah
Our 45^th state boasts five national forests — Ashley, Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-La Sal and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests — in addition to its five national parks, which contrast the stark beauty of the state’s rock formations and desert climate with lush flora.

New Mexico
Our 47^th state finds itself with five national forests — Carson, Cibola, Gila, Lincoln and Santa Fe National Forests — and three national grasslands, representing the state’s diverse landscape.

Alaska
Our 49^th state may only have two national forests in quantity — Chugach and Tongass National Forests — but when it comes to sheer land mass, they’re huge: Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the U.S. at 17 million acres.

What are your favorite forestlands in each of these states?