In January 2022, Pinnacle Park opened its forest therapy trail in North Carolina, United States. The sign instructs users to close their eyes and listen to the rhythm of near and far sounds, stop to explore the smells around them, and watch as a leaf placed in a stream drifts away.

Although the park is known as a hiking destination, with some climbs exceeding 2,300 feet, the accessibility of the forest therapy trail makes it popular among those seeking a thoughtful, sometimes emotional, connection with nature, said Mark Ellison, one of the trail’s creators. . “I have been contacted by people who have lost loved ones. “They take advantage of this experience to enjoy nature and remember it,” he explained.

For others, the trail is a place to disconnect. “Our society today moves very quickly,” adds Ellison; “It is very connected through technology. Being out there without those things can be a different experience.”

A number of therapy trails have recently opened in small parks in the United States, such as Silverwood Park in St. Louis. Anthony, Minneapolis, and Washington Park Arboretum in Seattle, and in larger parks, such as El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. and Gros Morne National Park in Newfoundland. Ecolodge Qii House sets its therapeutic trails among eucalyptus and beech trees in Australia’s Great Otway National Park. ANFT has a trail directory on its website, and GIFT hopes to launch one soon.

Porchuk said these therapy trails can also benefit the parks where they are located. “The more deeply connected we are, the more likely we are to make good decisions in our lives and support natural areas,” he said.