The forest extends over approximately 2,600 hectares (6,500 acres) and is located in the municipalities of Caguas, Cayey, Guayama, Patillas and San Lorenzo.

The state forest was established with the goal of protecting the hydrological basins of the Loíza, Patillas and La Plata rivers which were being affected by erosion caused by deforestation throughout the 20th century.

In more recent times the forest has become an important wildlife preserve, ecological research site and recreational area.

The underlying rocks in the area located between the surface of the forest and depths of 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) were created as a result of volcanic activity that took place during the Early Cretaceous period between 79 and 144 million years ago.

[1] The area is renowned for its population of Puerto Rican plain pigeons or paloma sabanera (Patagioenas inornata wetmorei) which were formerly on the brink of extinction but were saved thanks to conservation efforts and is now considered stable.

[1][4] Recreation in the forest is managed by the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA).

Charco Azul (Spanish for blue pool), located in the municipality of Patillas, is one of the main highlights of the state forest.