the forbidden forest

To the east of Hogwarts castle is a large, dark forest. This forest is strictly off limits to Hogwarts students, except in the course of occasional Care of Magical Creatures lessons or detentions. The forest is thick with trees -- beech, oak, pine, sycamore, and yew are mentioned, as well as undergrowth such as knotgrass and thorns, but there are paths, brooks, and some clearings. Off the path, the way is almost impassable, although people have moved through it and creatures as large as Acromantulas have been able to get through.