This Is the Most Forest-covered State in the U.S.-and No, It's Not Washington or Oregon

"The positive effects of being in nature-and among trees, specifically-are well documented. According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, citing a number of scientific studies, spending time in forests helps reduce stress, improve sleep and mood, and lower blood pressure. While you can certainly find forests across the U.S. to reap these benefits, it may be most effective to visit one state in particular: Maine."

"After pulling data from the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Inventory and Analysis Report, World Population Review ranked states based on the percentage of total land covered by forests-and the Pine Tree State came out on top at 89 percent. The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry confirmed the ranking, noting that "90 percent of the state remains forested." The New England state has about 3,292 trees per capita and around 18 million acres of forest land."

"Start with Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, which is also one of the darkest places for stargazing in the country. Located in the present and traditional homeland of the Penobscot Nation, the national monument has more than 50 miles of hiking trails for day hikers as well as those who plan to backpack over the course of a few days."

Spending time in forests reduces stress, improves sleep and mood, and lowers blood pressure. Maine leads U.S. states in forest cover, with about 89–90 percent forested land, roughly 3,292 trees per capita and about 18 million acres of forest. Visitors can experience extensive trails and dark-sky stargazing at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, located in the Penobscot Nation homeland, offering more than 50 miles of trails for day hikers and backpackers. The Appalachian Trail’s eastern section includes the remote 100-Mile Wilderness in Maine. Bog Brook Cove Preserve provides cedar, spruce and waterfront views. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park is on Casco Bay.

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