They are built to connect the national forests to the existing state highway systems, and to provide improved access to recreational and logging areas.

United States federal law defines the term Forest Highway as "a forest road under the jurisdiction of, and maintained by, a public authority and open to public travel.

"[2] Forest highways are designated by the United States Forest Service and funded by the federal government, but are generally owned and maintained by the states or counties in which they are located.

The forest highway system comprises approximately 29,000 miles (47,000 km) of roads.

[3] Forest highways are usually marked with markers in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid, wider at the top and narrower at the base.