How to Find Forest Bathing Services Near You
If you have gone to google and searched for "forest bathing near me" hoping to find a local place, you might be sorry to see there is not one. Originating in Japan during the 1980s, forest bathing is the practice of immersing oneself in nature, not just by walking through a forest but by fully engaging all the senses—hearing the rustling leaves, feeling the cool breeze, inhaling the fresh air, and observing the beauty of the trees. While forest bathing may not yet be as popular in America yet, we have compiled a list of the best locations in North America to practice forest bathing. For those of you who don’t live near a forest but still want to enjoy the many health benefits of forest bathing benefits, learn more about forest field’s forest bathing inspired products.
Here are some of the best places in North America and around the world to experience forest bathing:
1. Redwood National and State Parks, California, USA
The towering coast redwoods, some of the tallest trees in the world, create a majestic atmosphere perfect for forest bathing. Their ancient presence and the ethereal mist often floating between them make for a serene environment. The gentle rustling of leaves and the quiet paths envelop visitors in calm. Explore Fern Canyon or walk along the Prairie Creek Redwoods for an immersive experience.
2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina, USA
This lush, biodiverse park offers an ideal backdrop for forest bathing. The combination of misty mountains, trickling streams, and an array of hardwood trees provides a peaceful environment for immersion. Popular trails like the Alum Cave Trail and the Deep Creek Loop offer secluded spots where you can pause, breathe, and reconnect with nature.
3. Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington, USA
One of the finest temperate rainforests in the world, the Hoh Rain Forest is a paradise for those seeking forest therapy. Dense moss carpets the ground and drapes trees, while streams and waterfalls offer a soothing soundtrack. The Hall of Mosses trail is a particularly magical route, where towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock trees stand guard over your slow, mindful walk.
4. Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
Canada’s first national park, Banff is renowned for its pristine wilderness, encompassing glacier-fed lakes, alpine meadows, and dense forests. The trails through the park’s lush forests provide ideal settings for mindful walks, surrounded by towering pines and distant mountain vistas. The air here is crisp, fresh, and rejuvenating, making every breath feel restorative.
5. Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Yosemite’s mix of towering sequoias, ancient oaks, and breathtaking granite cliffs provides a stunning landscape for forest bathing. While the park can get busy, quieter trails like the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias or the trail to Sentinel Dome offer peaceful spots to reconnect with nature’s rhythms.
6. Saguenay Fjords, Quebec, Canada
The forests around the Saguenay Fjords offer a unique blend of boreal wilderness and dramatic coastal scenery. Towering pine and spruce trees meet the fjord’s rugged cliffs, creating a striking contrast between forest and sea. This remote area offers excellent opportunities for mindful walking, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Quebec’s wilderness.
7. The Black Forest, Germany
Known for its dark, dense woods, the Black Forest in Germany has long been a place of inspiration, mythology, and healing. The towering fir and spruce trees create an otherworldly feel, especially when the forest is cloaked in mist. Numerous trails wind through these woods, offering a peaceful setting for reflection and deep immersion in nature.
8. Aokigahara Forest, Japan
Also known as the Sea of Trees, Aokigahara Forest at the base of Mount Fuji is famous for its dense woods and eerie quiet. Despite its somber reputation, the forest is an excellent place to practice shinrin-yoku due to its isolation and tranquility. The lava rock underfoot absorbs sound, leaving only the soft sounds of wind and leaves for a deeply meditative experience.
9. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
Fiordland, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers some of the most remote and untouched wilderness on Earth. Its lush rainforests, ancient trees, and moss-covered valleys create an immersive experience for those seeking solitude and connection to nature. The Routeburn and Milford Tracks, in particular, offer stunning landscapes to explore at a slow, reflective pace.
10. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Portugal
Located just outside of Lisbon, this lush park is a hidden gem for forest bathing enthusiasts. The dense forests of pine, eucalyptus, and oak trees are laced with footpaths that wind past historical ruins and stunning sea views. The park’s rich biodiversity and varied landscapes provide a unique opportunity to immerse in nature while exploring Portugal’s natural beauty.
How to Forest Bathe
- Leave technology behind: To truly connect with nature, avoid distractions like phones or cameras.
- Move slowly: Unlike hiking, forest bathing isn’t about covering distance but about being present in the moment. Walk slowly and mindfully.
- Engage all senses: Tune into the sounds, smells, sights, and textures around you. Feel the bark of trees, listen to birdsong, or watch the interplay of light and shadow.
- Find a quiet spot: After walking, find a place to sit and simply be with the forest. Let the natural environment soothe and calm your mind.
- Breathe deeply: Fresh forest air is rich in phytoncides, natural compounds emitted by trees that have been shown to boost the immune system. Slow, deep breathing helps absorb these benefits.
Conclusion
Forest bathing is a simple, yet profound way to reconnect with the natural world. Whether you’re among California’s giant redwoods, deep in the Smoky Mountains, or exploring the misty forests of New Zealand, the practice allows you to step away from the fast-paced modern world and immerse yourself in nature’s calming embrace. The best places to forest bathe are those that speak to you personally—forests that invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and find peace within.