yes it is illegal in most national forest unless you possess a conceled weapon permit.

Yes, because you might accidentally shoot a unicorn, and unicorns are a protected species.

depends on your state it's legal in Indiana if you have a handgun permit

beedsarefunak..........so I am clueless.........I know the law in my state..........just got a bulletin from DNR about it

If you are in a forest with a rifle, it will be considered that you are hunting in most cases.

National Forests allow firearms and target practice, but there are many rules and exceptions, like not near buildings, roads, populated areas, etc. In National Parks, no firearms are allowed. National Wildlife Management areas, no firearms, BLM land usually allows firearms. ALL are also subject to state law.

Find the webpage of the National Forest you are visiting and see what theuir policy is. You should at the very least have a Michigan permit to carry. Know the difference between a Park and Forest.

I do overnite hiking trips or canoe trips at least a couple times a year, some in popular areas and some in remote backwoods. While 98% of the people you run into are polite nature lovers like me, there have been a few incidents that cause me to carry whenever I am away from civilization. When law enforcement may be days away, you need to be self-reliant.

Also, I have had my car broken into at trailheads more times that I can remember, so my 4x has no radio or valuables in it, and I actually carry my registration and insurance papers with me on the trail.

I do an extensive amount of hiking and camping in national forest and wilderness areas as well. Have never had any issues-in any states carrying a pistol on my belt. And have met numerous forest service personnel, rangers, etc. who have never questioned me.

As for as concealed? I do have a ccw permit. And my state has reciprocity agreements with most others that also has ccw permits. But have found it is much easier to access your gun (should the need arise) if you have it on a belt than keeping it concealed under bulky clothing.

Still-a good idea to just go on line and quickly view the website for the area your going into.

National forest -okay.
National parks -noway!

it will vary from state to state
you can hunt on many National Forest properties but in TN you could run afoul the hunting regulations since some wildlife management areas are in the national forest and you can't carry a weapon in a management area except on an authorized hunt
better check with Forest ranger for area you plan to hike