Lincoln National Forest

Lincoln National Forest spans across approximately 1.1 million acres of land that is situated in south-central New Mexico and near cities and towns like Artesia, Alamogordo, Ruidoso, Carlsbad, Capitan, Cloudcroft, and Roswell. Several routes can be used to access the protected forest including US 60, US 70, US 380, NM 83, NM 24, NM 37, and NM 48. The forest was established on July 26, 1902, and is governed by the U.S. Forest Service.

When visitors get to the park, they can expect to see a wide variety of fascinating features some of which include the following. First, the forest is home to a famous a black bear cub nicknamed ‘Hot Foot Teddy’ that was rescued in a forest fire that happened in 1950. The cub was found clinging to a tree in the northern section of the forest. ‘Hot Foot Teddy’ later became immortalized as ‘Smokey Bear,' the symbol of wildfire prevention. 

Other forest attractions include the Apache Point Lunar Observatory and Sunspot Solar Observatory at Sacramento Peak. The forest is also home to Sitting Bull Falls which is located in a bowl canyon. Besides these natural features, the forest is also popular for its amenities which include eight group camps, 14 campgrounds, dispersed camping, scenic drives, trails (400 miles), picnic sites, two ski areas, and scenic viewpoints. 

These facilities can be used for several recreational activities including hiking, camping, hunting, birdwatching, fishing, ORV riding, mountain biking, horseback riding, spelunking, cross-country and downhill skiing, inner tubing, and snowmobiling. Dog owners can bring their tail-waggers into Lincoln National Forest, but some rules must be followed. 

Some of the basic rules at the Lincoln National Forest regarding dogs are as follows. First, dog owners are expected to keep their dogs leashed or in a secure enclosure at all times. Dogs are not allowed into some sections of the forest, and this behooves dog owners to know areas of the forest that they can and cannot visit with their dogs.