Gisburn Forest lies about four kilometres north of Bolton-by-Bowland, a substantial area of conifer and mixed woodland managed by Forestry England. The forest has been developed into one of the better mountain biking destinations in the north of England, with a range of waymarked trails from easy family rides to technical single-track through the trees. Walking routes are also waymarked and provide good access to the interior of the forest.
The forest is home to red squirrels in some sections, and the woodland edge is good for birds including crossbills, siskins, and raptors hunting the open moorland beyond the tree line. A Forestry England car park and visitor hub at the Stocks Reservoir end of the forest provides the main access point. The reservoir itself is worth a walk around and has good views across the Bowland fells.