Bristol City snatched a point in the dying moments as a dull game at the City Ground sprang into life late on.
The most exciting incident in the first half was Nicky Maynard's foul on Chris Gunter that saw the Robins striker booked after just 14 seconds.
A goalless draw seemed inevitable before Wes Morgan smashed home from close range in the 85th minute.
But a fine strike in injury time from forward Danny Haynes secured a last-gasp point for the visitors.
Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies told BBC Radio Nottingham:
"I thought in the first-half we didn't play too well, we didn't pass it, we didn't keep it.
"We have got to play against whatever set-up they play, we have to break them down and be patient.
"We're disappointed it's not three, but it's another point on the board."
Bristol City boss Gary Johnson:
"It feels more like a win from a game that could've gone away from us. It's not easy to come to the City Ground these days.
"Forest manager Billy Davies has got them playing really well and you have to come here and compete.
"I think we did but there were not many highlights before the late stages."