After a brief orientation at the trailhead parking lot, participants will walk slowly to a base camp where the group will meet in a circle for an introduction to the practice of Forest Therapy/Bathing and an opening invitation. Several invitations and sharing circles will follow. The experience will end with a traditional Shinrin Yoku Forest Tea Ceremony and snacks. All aspects of the experience are voluntary and easily adapted to individuals’ needs, desires, and intuition. Each participant knows what’s right for them.

A Forest Therapy experience is typically 3 hours long though this can change depending on the type of walk, participants, and size of the group. Most Forest Therapy experiences are not less than 1.5 hours. The length of time will be listed on any walk you sign up for on this site. If you are requesting a private individual or group walk and have a preference for length of time, please indicate that in your message.

Upon arrival at the trailhead parking lot, participants can expect an orientation to the experience which will include information on any safety awareness. While the walking and invitations are gentle and easily modifiable, I am prepared to help in the event of any injury or emergency. I have been trained in wilderness first aid and carry a first aid kit and supplies on every walk. While cell phone coverage is not dependable at some sites, all locations are relatively close to trailheads and easily accessible to emergency services. If you have specific health concerns or needs that may require extra supplies or attention, please let me know when you sign up so we can work together to be prepared.

This depends. The amount of walking and type of terrain are included on the walk description for each location. The China Bar- Oregon Hill location is a popular one for people who are wanting an experience on level ground with less walking. Several people recovering from injuries and with chronic health issues affecting energy levels have enjoyed that experience. All walks are slow and once at the gathering site in the forest, participants can choose to wander far or near. That said, you know your body best so think about what would be comfortable and safe for you. Unfortunately there are currently no sites with wheelchair access.

Snacks are a part of the closing tea ceremony and are usually simple and seasonal- fruit, crackers, sweet treats, etc. All snacks are vegan. Every effort will be made to accommodate any dietary restrictions so please indicate that when you sign up. If you know you’ll need a snack before the closing ceremony, feel free to bring some food that will be easy to eat on the trail.

No, you can sign up for a regular walk with your partner or anyone else. Choosing to do a couples walk would provide a slightly different focus for the walk but the practice is the same.

Forest Therapy guides are not therapists. The ANFT motto explains it best: “The forest is the therapist and the guide opens the door.” ANFT Certified Forest Therapy guides have completed a rigorous 6 month Forest Therapy certification program and have attended a 4 day immersive experience. Some Forest Therapy guides happen to be therapists in addition to being a guide, but the two roles are separate. The forest gets the credit for any therapeutic effects or healing you experience on the walk.

No dogs are allowed on walks at this time. However, some Forest Therapy Guides specialize in dog-friendly forest bathing. I don’t know of any in this area at this time but you can check out the ANFT directory of guides periodically. And if you’re interested in self-led forest bathing experiences with your pup, check out this book: Forest Bathing With Your Dog by ANFT guide Nadine Mazzola https://www.forestbathingwithyourdog.com/

Arriving late is tough because after the initial gathering in the parking area the group walks to a spot in the woods to begin the experience. If you arrive a few minutes late while we’re still in the parking lot going over safety awareness and logistics, you are welcome to join. However, if we’ve left the parking area there’s no way to come back to get you and lead you to our site. Most sites have spotty or no cell coverage. It’s best to contact Sweet Pine and reschedule your walk

If heavy rain, dangerously high or low temperatures, or unsafe air quality is forecasted for the day of the walk, it may be canceled. You will receive an email with news of the cancellation and next steps for rescheduling as soon as possible and no later than the evening before the walk. The walk will not be canceled if it is drizzling or the weather is colder or warmer than expected. Please pack what you might need in order to feel safe and comfortable. The walk may end early if the weather becomes unbearable or unsafe.

Cancellations 24 hours before the walk are fully refunded. Funds can also be applied to another walk if you’d like to reschedule right away. For cancellations less than 24 hours before a walk you are welcome to reschedule your walk and will be charged a $20 late fee.