Rold Skov comprises several distinct areas and woodlands in a very hilly terrain, giving rise to a number of springs (Lille Blåkilde, Ravnkilde, Gravlevkilden, Egebækkilden), streams and lakes such as Madum Lake, Økssø, Mossø and the newly restored Gravlev Lake.
The forest is part of the Natura 2000 network (#18 Rold Skov, Lindenborg Ådal og Madum Sø) and is both a EU habitat and Ramsar area of international importance.