[Nyororin]

I think a better translation of the difference between 森 and 林 would be that 森 is forest while 林 is a grove.
There is a distinct difference in size. A clump of trees is a 林 while a real forest is a 森.

It`s really best to look at the kanji actually being used than alone. Some are only used in a certain compounds, some hardly ever, etc. If you just look at them alone and try to remember them... Well, you`re setting yourself up for a lot of stress and confusion. Kanji are something that are good to learn after you actually know the words that they represent.