Why America’s Greenest States Still Struggle With Mental Health
Despite having some of the most forested landscapes in the United States, states like Maine, Vermont, and West Virginia still report among the highest rates of mental illness.
Americans spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, even though almost 300 scientific studies on ScienceDirect show the emotional, restorative, and vitalizing effects of forest bathing.
The studies say “nature heals.” However, abundant forest access does not always equate to better mental health outcomes.
Trust for Public Land’s 10-Minute Walk Program also revealed that 1 in 3 U.S. residents do not have access to a green space within a 10-minute walk from home.
A surprising picture emerges when you compare U.S. Forest Service data on forest coverage with the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report.
Some of the most forested states also rank among the worst for mental illness prevalence. Meanwhile, several states with much less forested land report relatively better mental health.
High Forest Coverage Does Not Guarantee Lower Mental Illness Rates, New Data Shows
Take Maine, for instance. With a staggering 89.46% of its land covered in forest—the highest in the country—it might seem like a haven for mental wellness.
Yet over 24% of Mainers are reported to experience mental health challenges, above the national average of 23.08%.
The trend holds for Vermont (77.81% forested, 26.8% mental illness rate)and West Virginia (79.01%, 26.28%).
On the flip side, Delaware, with only 27.26% forest coverage, reports a mental illness rate of just 20.93%, below the national average.
Similarly, New Jersey—41.72% forested—has the lowest rate in the country at 19.38%.
These findings remind us that mental health is multifaceted. Access to green spaces can undoubtedly be a part of the solution, but it is not enough.
A Forest Alone Is Not Enough
The data shows that forest access alone doesn’t guarantee better mental health outcomes, especially when underused or inaccessible due to infrastructure, lifestyle, or socioeconomic barriers.
Iowa, with only 8.43% of its land forested, has a high mental illness rate of 26.71%.
Utah, with 34.48% forest coverage, reports the highest mental illness rate in the country at 29.19%.
Even Oregon, known for its natural beauty and outdoor culture, has 48.51% forest coverage and a 27.48% mental illness rate.
Meanwhile, with 62.88% forest coverage, New York reports a relatively lower rate of 21.11%, hinting that access, culture, and urban policy may influence how people engage with nature.
Forest Bathing Is Not A Silver Bullet, But It Helps
Japan popularized the concept of ‘shinrin-yoku,’ also known as forest bathing. Research supports that time spent in forests can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and boost immune response.
But access alone isn’t enough. People need the time, knowledge, and motivation to use these spaces. Science also says being forced can take away all the benefits.
Unlike hiking or jogging, forest bathing invites participants to experience the forest through all their senses, like breathing in the scent of pine, touching bark, or listening to rustling leaves.
Several wellness destinations across the country now offer structured forest bathing experiences.
The Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, based in Arizona but operating worldwide, has trained over 2,500 certified guides in 65 countries and maintains a searchable network of over 500 Certified Trail Consultants.
Another resource is Forest Bathing Finder, an online platform, designed to connect people with certified forest therapy guides and live forest bathing walks across the U.S. and worldwide.
Forest bathing is possible in locations ranging from the bamboo forests of Alabama to the boreal forests of Alaska or the redwoods of California.
Several county parks and arboretums offer scheduled programs. At the Morton Arboretum in Illinois, participants can join 2–3 hour guided walks designed to deepen sensory connection and calm the nervous system, concluded with a tea ceremony.
In the Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Minnesota’s Washington County organizes forest bathing events timed with the full moon or summer solstice, led by nature therapy guide David Motzenbecker.
Bottom line? Forests may be the lungs of the Earth, but unless we actually step into them, breathe deeply, and connect, their healing potential goes untapped.
Syndicated from The Roam Report.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.