Largest Metro Area Surrounded By The Largest Amount of (National or State) Park Lands? (houses, camps)

[brubaker]

NOT National Forest Land.

In the Lower 48.


Any Thoughts?

Any Stats?

Any Links?

Thank you...I'm looking into it myself and will report back what I find.
Can always use help though.
And like sharing the results of my personal little explorations.

[PDX_LAX]

Depending on your definition of metro, Los Angeles has 1-4 national forests in its area.

[ckhthankgod]

Maybe the Albany-Schenectady-Troy area of NY due to it's proximity to the Adirondacks and being not too far from the Catskills.

Maybe Seattle, Las Vegas, Buffalo and NYC....?

[Daytonnatian]

Cleveland definitely fits the true definition for this one since it is surrounded by the "emerald necklace".

[brubaker]

'Amount' more like square mile.


Basically I'm looking for that elusive combo of large city with plentiful recreation opportunities super close by. (I.E. under an hour away)

State & National PARKS over Forests because National Forests (to my knowledge) still incorporate privately owned land (houses, businesses)...who may not appreciate you tromping, traipsing, wandering, meandering or just plain hiking around their property.

EDIT:
"U.S. citizens are allowed to camp anywhere in national forests as long as their campsite is at least 200 feet away from any roads or paths."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_...ational_Forest

[ckhthankgod]

The Adirondack Park is bigger than Yellowstone, the Great Smoky, Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Glacier Parks combined. Yes, there are some private lands, but they are a very small part of the park. Adirondack Park - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Capital District is the closest metro(close to 1 million people) to the Park.

[Westerner92]

I don't know about state parks, but Seattle has three national parks (Mt. Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades) within a short drive. Denver has Rocky Mountains Nat'l. Park closeby.

[westhou]

Houston has Sam Houston National Forest just 50 miles to the north.

[Badger]

Albuquerque has the Sandia mountain peak 45mins away.

[SesGlatteva]

Hello. And Bye.