For centuries, travelers have sought solace and inspiration by venturing into the natural world. From the poetic musings of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Emily Dickinson to the modern-day adventurer’s Instagram feed, the call of the wild has never truly faded. Yet in 2025, a new wave of nature-focused travel has taken hold, blending ancient wisdom with the digital age’s hunger for connection and visual storytelling. At the heart of this movement lies Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing,” a Japanese practice that’s capturing imaginations—and hashtags—around the globe.
Shinrin-yoku, which translates quite simply to “forest bathing,” isn’t about swimming in woodland streams. Instead, it’s an intentional, mindful walk through the forest, designed to calm the mind and awaken the senses. According to CNBC, Mark Ellison, founder of Pinnacle Forest Therapy, describes it as “slowing down, it’s connecting to nature with all your senses. The key things are to find a place where you can spend some time uninterrupted, and then notice the things that are around you.” This gentle approach to nature immersion is hardly new in Japan, where forests are dotted with Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, but its rise in popularity among Western travelers is a recent phenomenon.
Google Trends data confirms the surge: at the end of 2023, searches for “forest bathing” in English began to climb. By 2025, the practice had become a buzzword not just for wellness seekers, but for the travel industry at large. Resorts and wellness guides across the U.S. are now offering forest bathing experiences, from the towering redwoods of California’s Muir Woods to the tranquil paths of Maine’s Cape Elizabeth and Colorado’s Woodland Park. In Colorado, nature therapy guide Jane Deming Scanlon has launched Above The Clouds Forest Bathing, leading by-donation walks through local forests. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania State University’s Association of Nature and Forest Therapy introduced autumn forest bathing sessions for students and faculty, recognizing the need for respite from the rigors of academic life.
But the forest bathing trend isn’t just about finding peace. It’s also about sharing that peace—often online. Social media platforms have become a digital extension of the natural world, as travelers post photos and videos under the hashtag “forest bathing.” The trend’s reach is evident: Pinterest reported that since 2024, searches for “quiet places” and “calm places” have jumped by 50% and 42%, respectively. As more people seek out serene environments, the idea of escaping to nature—whether physically or virtually—has never been more appealing.
This longing for tranquility dovetails with another undeniable trend: the growing popularity of America’s national parks. According to recent research published in September 2025 and reported by Tuhin Sarkar, Arizona now leads the nation in breathtaking and epic national parks, outshining states like Wyoming, Montana, Maine, Tennessee, California, and Florida. The Grand Canyon, Arizona’s crown jewel, stands as the most popular national park in the United States, boasting a staggering 4.5 million Instagram posts, 208,300 TikTok videos, 12 million annual Google searches, and a 4.8-star rating on Google Reviews.
It’s easy to see why. The Grand Canyon’s vast, colorful expanse stretches for 277 miles, offering visitors not just visual splendor, but a sense of awe that’s hard to capture in words—or even in photos. The park’s popularity isn’t just about its views, either. With activities ranging from hiking to rafting, the Grand Canyon appeals to thrill-seekers and peace-seekers alike. Its dominance on platforms like Instagram and TikTok is a testament to its enduring allure; the canyon’s grandeur resonates across generations and continents.
But Arizona is hardly alone in capturing the hearts—and camera lenses—of travelers. Yellowstone National Park, which straddles Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, ranks second in popularity, with 1.3 million Instagram hashtags, 83,900 TikTok videos, nearly 10 million annual Google searches, and an identical 4.8-star rating. Yellowstone’s legendary geysers, like Old Faithful, along with its abundant wildlife, have made it a must-visit for over a century. The park’s dramatic landscapes and rich history continue to draw millions, and its online presence only fuels the desire to experience it firsthand.
Glacier National Park in Montana comes in third, boasting 1.1 million Instagram hashtags, 100,800 TikTok videos, and 6.6 million annual Google searches. Its photogenic lakes and towering mountains make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. The park’s popularity has soared as more travelers seek out its pristine vistas and share their experiences online, making Glacier a social media sensation in its own right.
Acadia National Park in Maine and Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the Tennessee-North Carolina border round out the top five. Acadia, with its rugged cliffs and coastal beauty, has 643,000 Instagram hashtags, 33,100 TikTok videos, and a near-perfect 4.9-star Google rating. The Great Smoky Mountains, famous for misty peaks and diverse wildlife, attract millions each year, reflected in its 621,000 Instagram hashtags, 48,600 TikTok videos, and an equally impressive 4.9-star rating.
What’s driving this surge in national park popularity? It’s a mix of timeless natural beauty and the modern urge to share experiences. The data makes it clear: social media engagement, search volume, and visitor ratings all play significant roles. The parks’ online presence inspires wanderlust in would-be travelers, who then bring their own stories and photos back to the digital world, creating a virtuous cycle of inspiration.
Meanwhile, for those seeking a deeper, more mindful connection with nature, the traditional practice of Shinrin-yoku offers an alternative to the fast-paced, photo-driven park visit. Some travelers are even skipping the crowds of Tokyo to book trips to Japan’s remote forests, where the roots of forest bathing run deep. Japan’s Tourism Board has described this trend as part of “rural tourism,” as visitors look beyond urban centers for authentic, peaceful experiences.
Ultimately, whether it’s through a smartphone lens or a meditative walk among ancient trees, the desire to find calm and connection in nature shows no sign of slowing down. America’s national parks and the ancient wisdom of Shinrin-yoku are both meeting that need—one Instagram post, one forest path, at a time.
