Forest Therapy & Shinrin-Yoku: Your Guide to Healing in Jackson County, NC

Imagine slowing down, letting go of your to-do list, and simply being present in the quiet, rich embrace of an ancient forest. That is the core of Forest Therapy, a practice rooted in the Japanese art of Shinrin-Yoku (meaning “forest bathing”).

It’s not a workout, and it’s definitely not a hike. Forest Therapy is a research-based path to wellness, inviting you to connect with nature using all five senses. The goal is simple: let your destination be "here," focusing on the relationship with the natural space around you.

The Proven Benefits of Forest Bathing

Forest therapy is backed by decades of research in wellness science and nature-based healing:

Stress Relief & Mood: Studies show time in a forest can lower blood pressure, steady your heart rate, and reduce cortisol, the hormone linked to stress. Participants often report improved sleep, concentration, and an overall sense of calm.
Immune System Boost: Forest Therapy has been shown to enhance immune system function. This is partly due to phytoncides, beneficial chemicals released by trees. When you breathe them in, these natural compounds help increase your body's production of natural killer (NK) cells, strengthening your immune defense and providing a calming effect.

Jackson County: Home to Two Certified Trails

Jackson County is exceptionally proud to feature two distinct Certified Forest Therapy Trails, by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy (ANFT). This distinction means the trails are certified to facilitate experiences of healing and wellness.

A serene outdoor tea setup beside a small forest waterfall. A burlap cloth is laid on the forest floor, topped with a glass jar filled with pine needles and water, surrounded by ceramic cups, pinecones, pebbles, and sprigs of evergreen. The background shows lush green foliage and a softly flowing creek cascading over rocks.

1. Pinnacle Park Certified Forest Therapy Trail (Traditional Immersion)

As the first Certified Forest Therapy Trail in North Carolina, the lower loop of Pinnacle Park offers a traditional, immersive mountain experience.

Location and Landscape: Located in Sylva, NC, Pinnacle Park is a popular 1,529-acre forest on the Plott Balsam Mountain Range. This former watershed offers a quiet location with two streams, abundant wildflowers, and openings to see the sky, creating a setting that is perfect for forest therapy.
The Certified Loop: The dedicated trail is .45 miles long with 153 feet in elevation gain. Brochures are provided at the trailhead to guide your self-guided walk.
The Invitations: The experience is structured around five invitations designed to open your senses:
- Sensory Awareness: Focus on what you can hear, smell, and see as if for the very first time.
- What’s in Motion: A slow, purposeful walk to notice what is moving around you.
- Tree: Find a tree you feel drawn to and just be in its presence.
- Sit Spot: Locate a place to spend 20-30 minutes being fully present.
- Water: Kneel down by the creek to touch and listen to the water.

View the Pinnacle Park Self-Guide Brochure and download the self-guided audio tour for Pinnacle Park courtesy of Pinnacle Forest Therapy Guide Mark Ellison, Ed.D.

Trail Map

Tuckasegee River Greenway - Metal bridge over a river — Jackson County Greenway

2. Jackson County Greenway Certified Forest Therapy Trail (All-Accessible)

This trail is a groundbreaking achievement, designated as the FIRST ALL ACCESSIBLE certified forest therapy trail in North Carolina and the United States.

Accessibility: The Greenway is a gentle, paved pathway with numerous places to pause. This makes it a very user-friendly location, providing a self-guided experience for a wide range of ages and mobility needs.
Location and Features: The pathway travels adjacent to the Tuckasegee River corridor through a rich riparian and deciduous forest ecosystem. The setting provides soothing sounds of moving water and opportunities to see wildflowers, ferns, and songbirds. Mile markers, benches, and pavilions offer convenient locations to stop for an invitation.
The Invitations: The self-guided experience uses a variety of invitations to guide your sensory journey:
- Focus on Breath & Heart: Place your hands over your heart and breathe in rhythm with the space.
- Patterns-Details-Motion: Explore the colors, textures, patterns, and small details in the space.
- Soundscape: Find a comfortable spot to listen for sounds both far away and close to you.
- Art in Nature: Use found objects like fallen leaves and rocks to create artwork for others to discover.
- Water Reflection: Gaze upon the water in the Tuckasegee River and, if you wish, let a thought or concern be carried away downstream.
- Be With a Tree: Stand or sit with a tree to breathe, exchange gratitude, and consider its wisdom.
View the Greenway self-guided brochure and map.

What others are saying

Forest Therapy in Jackson County has been gaining attention as travelers increasingly seek wellness-based, slow travel experiences rooted in nature.

“Forest bathing is a wonderful way to help create space in your life to be present, reflect and slow down. We live in a world that seems to be addicted to being in a hurry. Stop. Find a place to sit in nature for 15 minutes and just soak in the joy of doing nothing with nature cradling you. It is an incredible feeling. ”
— Mark Ellison Ed.D., Certified Forest Therapy Guide

Recent travel features and national roundups have highlighted Jackson County and its unique role in the wellness and outdoor travel landscape:

CNBC has noted the rise of forest bathing as an accessible way to reduce stress and support mental health.
National Geographic article “You’ve heard of forest bathing. Now try forest therapy” spotlights certified forest therapy trails – citing one in Jackson County as part of the global movement linking nature immersion to wellness.

Go Deeper: Connect with a Certified Guide

While self-guided walks are a wonderful introduction, a certified Forest Therapy guide can elevate the experience and facilitate safe, gentle walks to unlock a deeper connection to nature. They provide instructions - or "invitations" - to help your senses truly open.

Jackson County is fortunate to have two of the leaders in the region's Forest Therapy movement:

Mark Ellison, Ed.D.: A Certified Forest Therapy Guide who helped introduce forest bathing to the United States in 2012. Mark worked to establish and certify the Pinnacle Park trail in 2022. He guides walks and hikes throughout the area.
- Contact: Find more information and book a guided walk at www.PinnacleForestTherapy.com.
Debby Singleton: The Certified Guide & Trails Consultant who led the successful effort to certify the Jackson County Greenway as an all-accessible path. She offers guided forest bathing, nature journaling, and art-centered walks in western North Carolina.
- Contact: To learn more about upcoming guided programs with Debby, contact dsingletonartguide@gmail.com.

What makes the forest therapy trails in Jackson County unique?

Jackson County is proudly home to the only two certified forest therapy trails in the state of North Carolina. Furthermore, the Jackson County Greenway holds the prestigious distinction of being the first all-accessible certified forest therapy trail in the country. The traditional woodland trail at Pinnacle Park is recognized as the first certified Nature and Forest Therapy Trail in North Carolina.

How is forest therapy different from a regular hike?

Pacing and Intent: Forest therapy is a sensory immersion experience where participants walk slowly, stop to observe, sit quietly, and notice their surroundings.
Connection over Distance: The pace is relaxed rather than fast-paced, focusing entirely on connection and building a relationship with the natural space around you.
Mindfulness: Unlike a strenuous hike, forest therapy encourages you to stay with specific sensory "invitations" for 10 minutes or more, letting go of fitness expectations and allowing nature to guide your mind and body.

What are the health benefits of forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)?

Stress Reduction: Research indicates that forest therapy decreases blood pressure, resting heart rate, tension, and anxiety.
Immune System Boost: Trees release chemicals called phytoncides to protect themselves from insects and bacteria, and humans benefit directly from breathing them in or absorbing them through the skin.
Cellular Defense: These phytoncides help increase the production of natural killer (NK) cells in the human immune system.
Mental Clarity: The practice is proven to decrease stress hormones and provide a calming effect, enhancing overall sleep quality, mood, and concentration.

Are there accessible options for forest therapy in Jackson County?

Yes. The Jackson County Greenway is an all-accessible trail located between Sylva and Cullowhee. This greenway features a gentle, paved pathway that travels directly along the Tuckasegee River. The trail is designed for comfort and ease, including convenient mile markers posted every 1/4 mile, alongside benches, picnic tables, and pavilions where visitors of all mobility levels can safely pause and relax.

How long and difficult are the certified trails?

Pinnacle Park: The certified forest therapy trail at Pinnacle Park is a dedicated 0.45-mile loop. This traditional woodland trail features a mild 153 feet in elevation gain.
Jackson County Greenway: This location offers a paved, predominantly flat alternative where visitors can choose to explore a small section or wander the entire length at their own leisurely pace.

What is an "invitation" in forest therapy?

Invitations are carefully designed prompts that support a sensory experience and help guide your journey through the forest. They act as a starting point to open the door for you to experience nature deeply through your senses rather than just walking past it. Examples of self-guided invitations include focusing on your breathing rhythm, finding a secluded sit spot to observe the environment for 15 to 30 minutes, touching the flowing water in a creek, or spending intentional time observing the details of a specific tree.

What should I bring and be aware of before my walk?

Apparel: Visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and dress in clothing appropriate for the current mountain season.
Distractions: You are encouraged to put your phone away to fully immerse yourself in the present moment and the surrounding soundscape.
Wildlife and Hazards: As with any natural environment, be mindful of your surroundings and potential hazards such as poison ivy, snakes, slippery roots or rocks, and sudden changes in the weather.
Insects: The Greenway trail area may have stinging insects and bees. Ticks may be present in the Pinnacle Park forest.