A rural mountain enclave just became the unlikely capital of a wellness movement most Americans have never tried.
Jackson County, North Carolina, is now the only destination in the United States with not one but two Forest Bathing trails certified by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy. One of them — the Jackson County Greenway — is the country’s first fully accessible forest therapy trail, meaning anyone can experience it regardless of mobility.
To put that in perspective: there are only 21 certified trails like this in the entire world.
Forest bathing, or “shinrin-yoku” as it’s known in Japan, isn’t about hiking or exercise. It’s about moving slowly through nature, stopping to observe, sitting quietly, and letting the forest work its magic on your nervous system. Think of it as the opposite of a power walk — more meditation than workout.
The newly certified Greenway is a gentle, paved pathway that follows the Tuckasegee River through deciduous forest. Self-guided brochures at the trailheads walk you through the experience, so you don’t need a guide (though certified guides are available if you want one). The trail is designed for people of all ages and abilities, with plenty of spots to pause and simply be present.
“We wanted to create an accessible, self-guided experience that encourages people to slow down, notice the natural world around them, and find restorative benefits in time spent outdoors,” says Michael Hopkins, Director of Jackson County Parks & Recreation.
Jackson County’s other certified trail is at Pinnacle Park (pictured above), a popular local spot. Together, they’re positioning this quiet corner of western North Carolina as an unexpected leader in nature-based wellness. Of course, Jackson County isn’t the only spot to go for a meaningful walk — it’s fitting that nearby Carolina neighbors include Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you’ve been meaning to try forest bathing but didn’t know where to start, this might be your excuse to heed the call of the mountains.