Most Forested States in the US in 2024
Green is a color that symbolizes the abundance of wealth in the future. When talking about green color, we imagine forests standing as the guardians of our environment. They have an extraordinary duty of sustaining life. So, forests are not only about walking in the park. Imagine being around trees in a forest, it’s like living in the heart of a world with trees.
In the United States, you can discover a diverse array of woodland wonders acting as crucial sentinels in our battle against climate change.
If you’re ready to learn about resilience and sustainability that come from nature’s vitality, let’s join us in exploring. In this article, we’ll discover the greenest corridors of the US. We’ll uncover the story of the most forested areas in the US.
Forests in the US
The US Forest Service is responsible for guarding the greenery of the United States. They have a critical role in preserving the vitality, abundance, and variety of forests and grasslands of the US for future generations. It’s a responsibility with over 193 million acres of public terrain. This guidance, under the Department of Agriculture, offers support to both private landholders and state authorities. The world’s most extensive forest research entity is another factor that distinguishes this department, contributing $13 billion to the US economy each year. What’s more, it’s purely from tourist expenditure.
According to a USDA review, an intriguing shift has been revealed. Vast new swathes of woodland had been unlocked by the Forest Service for the public use. Timber sales experienced a surge and increased by 75 million board feet over the previous year’s total. Moreover, the agency championed forest health, mitigating wildfire risks by striking 4 million acres.
However, we don’t mean that the green canopy drapes equally across all states in the US. Besides, every corner of America is unique, with the charm of nature and the wild. So, forests play a significant part here. While some states wear a thicker green cloak, others don’t have the same one. The ranking is based on forest cover percentage rather than total acreage, determined by a detailed examination by Stacker. In the Forest Inventory and Analysis report by USDA, the most slender veils of green are North Dakota (1.72%), Nebraska (3.20%), South Dakota (3.93%), Kansas (4.78%), and Iowa (8.43%). These percentages tell us that states in the Southwest and New England regions are predominantly forested.
20 Most Forested States in the US
The following table showcases the 20 most forested states in the US.
Rank | State | Proportion of Forested Terrain | Size of Forests (Acres) | Trees Per Capita |
20 | Washington | 52.74% | 22,000 | 722 |
19 | Tennessee | 52.83% | 14,000 | 513 |
18 | Louisiana | 53.2% | 14,000 | 753 |
17 | Rhode Island | 54.38% | 366 | 86 |
16 | Connecticut | 55.24% | 1,680 | 118 |
15 | Michigan | 55.62% | 20,000 | 501 |
14 | Arkansas | 56.31% | 18,700 | 1,549 |
13 | Pennsylvania | 58.6% | 16,900 | 330 |
12 | North Carolina | 59.73% | 18,600 | 443 |
11 | Massachusetts | 60.57% | 3,220 | 117 |
10 | New York | 62.88% | 18,900 | 243 |
9 | Virginia | 62.93% | 15,720 | 460 |
8 | Mississippi | 65.07% | 19,800 | 1,663 |
7 | Georgia | 67.28% | 24,800 | 584 |
6 | South Carolina | 68.19% | 13,000 | 631 |
5 | Alabama | 70.57% | 22,800 | 1,163 |
4 | Vermont | 77.81% | 4,500 | 1,803 |
3 | West Virginia | 79.01% | 12,000 | 1,674 |
2 | New Hampshire | 84.32% | 4,800 | 883 |
1 | Maine | 89.46% | 17,700 | 3,292 |
From the northernmost reaches of the United States to the heart of the Southeast, the US has some of the most forested states with an lush, verdant tableau teeming with natural wonder. Meine develops almost 90% of its terrain in a green embrace, for example. It spans approximately 17.7 million acres, letting visitors explore an abundance of 158 trails.
When we follow closely, we realize that New Hampshire’s small towns nestle around 4.8 million acres of forests. It’s a refuge for wildlife, including black bears and moose. In addition, West Virginia beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its national and state parks, with about 79% forest cover.
Vermont has a small population but vast landscapes encapsulating the beauty of New England, and it’s charming, especially in the fall. From Alabama to South Carolina, there is densely forested terrain, and they are enriched by multiple national forests and abundant hiking rails. You can discover trails constuituting over 70% and 68% of their total land, respectively.
Georgia has woodlands that are interesting for outdoor lovers. On the other hand, Mississippi houses 19.8 million acres of forested terrain. And this state is nestled among state parks and wildlife refuges. Virginia boasts 24 state forests that are managed by numerous forest landowners. And this state has about 63% of its land clad in forests. Although New York City is seen from the perspective of its urban flair, it also cradles 19 million acres of forests within its bounds. More than 200 state parks in New York provide an escape from the concerned jungle.
Why Cherish the Canopy: The
Positive Impact of Forests
🍃 Acts as nature’s air purifier. They also absorb harmful pollutants and release oxygen.
🐾 Provides a rich habitat for diverse species, acting as a sanctuary for wildlife.
🏞 Offers stunning landscapes for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and bird-watching.
🌧 Acts as a natural sponge, preventing flooding and soil erosion by absorbing rainwater.
⛰ Helps in maintaining the balance of the Earth’s carbon cycle, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
🏡 Provides an abundant resource for timber and non-timber forest products that sustain economies.
🧘♀️ Serves as a serene getaway for individuals seeking solace, relaxation, and a deeper connection with nature.
🔬 Facilitates scientific research and education, providing an open-air laboratory for ecological studies.
💧 Plays a critical role in watershed protection, ensuring clean water supply for surrounding areas.
🌳 Acts as a natural shield against extreme weather events and climate-related disasters.
10 Least Forested States in the US
The following states have the least land covered with forests.
Rank | State | Proportion of Forested Terrain | Size of Forests (Acres) | Trees Per Capita |
10 | Arizona | 25.64% | 4,000 | 137 |
9 | Indiana | 21.06% | 4,500 | 167 |
8 | Wyoming | 18.42% | 10,500 | 4,536 |
7 | Nevada | 15.89% | 10,600 | 860 |
6 | Illinois | 13.64% | 4,400 | 87 |
5 | Iowa | 8.43% | 3,000 | 238 |
4 | Kansas | 4.78% | 5,200 | 446 |
3 | South Dakota | 3.93% | 1,940 | 548 |
2 | Nebraska | 3.2% | 1,570 | 203 |
1 | North Dakota | 1.72% | 797 | 261 |
Strategies to Boost Forests in the
Sparse States
👥 Engage local communities in afforestation and reforestation efforts.
📚 Promote education and awareness about the importance of forests and biodiversity.
💼 Create incentives for businesses to invest in sustainable forest management practices.
🌱 Initiate and support tree planting campaigns on public and private lands.
📜 Implement strong policies and legislation for forest conservation and expansion.
🔄 Encourage agricultural practices like agroforestry, which integrates trees into farming systems.
🔬 Invest in research and development for improved tree-planting techniques and resilient tree species.
👩💼 Partner with non-profit organizations, research institutions, and businesses to fund and execute large-scale reforestation projects.
🌍 Integrate forest conservation into broader land-use planning and development strategies.
Most Forested States: Conclusion
These lush landscapes we mentioned in this article not only contribute to the US but also to the world. The US has the most forest-rich states. Also, these places are known as nature’s lungs, cleansing our air and hosting a range of biodiversity. We’re lucky to have forests that are an irreplaceable part of our planet. How can we foster recreational opportunities and economic development? Thanks to forests, we get to experience priceless moments of tranquility and have an enhanced quality of life.
In the end, we can say that the states are reminiscent of the urgency of sustainable practices. They help promote the growth of the green havens. In this article, we focused on the most forested states in the US. If you live in one of them or plan to move, you’ll find many interesting options for natural beauty.
FAQs
Which are the most forested states in the US?
In the US, Maine, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Vermont, and Alabama have the highest cover among other states. There are millions of acres of forest land in these most forested states. In addition, diverse ecosystems and spectacular landscapes can be found in these states.
How is the forest land area measured in different states?
The amount of land covered by trees are assessed to determine the forest land area in each state. National forests, state parks, and privately-owned woodlands are included in this assessment. What else, trees and palm trees are considered in these assessments among others.
What role do national forests and national parks play in the overall forest cover of a state?
There are some factors that contribute to the total land covered with forest of a state. For example, national parks and nationals forests are significant contributors. They house many acres of forest land and play a crucial role in preserving diverse tree species. These include pine trees, palm trees, and supporting wildlife habitats.
Does the presence of national parks and national forests impact the ranking of the most forested states?
Yes, it does. National parks and national forests can impact a state's ranking among the most forested states. The states that have larger national parks and national forests generally have greater forest land area. Eventually, this contributes to a higher percentage of tree cover.
Can a state with less forest land area have more trees than a state with larger forest acres?
The answer is yes. The number of trees in a state doesn't only depend on the total forest acres. Some regions may have a higher density of trees including pine trees and palm trees. And this can be even with a smaller forest land area. In the end, it's the mixture of tree density and forest land area determining which state has the most trees.
How can states with less forest cover increase their forest land?
It's known that states have the possibility of increasing their acres of forest land by investing in sustainable forest management practices. This could be manageable by planting more trees, protecting existing forest land, and implementing policies favoring forest conservation and expansion.
How do hiking trails in the most forested states allow people to connect with these natural habitats?
Hiking trails in the most forested states offer great opportunities for people who wish to experience these natural habitats. They're intimate encounters with everything from towering hardwood trees to delicate forest floor flora. It is hikers' advantage to absorb the essence of the state's land. They can, and most probably will do appreciate the diverse species that call these forests home.
How does forest cover impact the natural habitats of a state's land?
A vital role belongs to forest cover in shaping the natural habitats of a state's land. No matter if forests are home to hardwood trees or they're willed with pine, provide food, shelter, breeding grounds for a vast array of wildlife. Climate and soil health are also affected by the forests, making them indispensable for maintaining ecological balance.
Are there states with both the Atlantic Ocean and significant forest cover?
South Carolina and Georgia are some of the states that have substantial forest cover and they boast Atlantic Ocean coastlines. Thanks to these states, the beautiful balance of forest land and seascapes are highlighted. These are the aspects that contribute to the unique natural beauty.