Looking to get out and do something truly invigorating for yourself? How about trying your hand at forest bathing? No matter what time of year it is, we always have free public access to some truly wonderful parks and green areas in the Northland. For your own health, it might be time to take advantage of that.
But what is “forest bathing?”
“Shinrin-yoku” or “forest bathing” was coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 1982. Loosely translated, it means allowing your senses to take in the forest habitat. Simply taking in the scenery as you leisurely walk or sit in the forest — indulging in the sights, sounds, and scents of the earth around you — is what this practice consists of. A blend of fitness and mindfulness, forest bathing is becoming more and more popular as people rush to detach from the world around them and yearn for more authentic connection.
So, how can an act as simple as standing and experiencing the air as you breathe it in a particular environment be so beneficial for your body?
Fresh air alone is known to optimize digestion, strengthen the immune system, and improve blood flow. If you have ever heard the rustling of leaves or birds chirping in your backyard, you know how safe and inviting the ambiance is. In a forest, you have the distinct pleasure of being completely cocooned by a natural soundtrack and energetic vibrations of vegetation and wildlife.
Connecting with nature is a sustainable form of entertainment, allowing space to detach from screens and opportunities to develop healthy curiosities about nature and the world around you. Notice a plant you haven’t seen before? Experience a small creature in your stillness that you may never have paid attention to previously? Anything goes in nature, and it is so lively year-round.
Living closer to greenery — or getting regular amounts of fresh air in natural settings — is a known mood booster, cortisol reducer, and can aid in sleep regulation, as with all exposure to natural anti-inflammatories. Exposure to the sun can help to maintain your natural circadian rhythm, and is especially important right now as nearly two-thirds of Americans are vitamin D deficient.
Below, a few top-notch places to forest bathe in Kansas City.
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
While people love the riverfront, Parkville Nature Sanctuary is where it is at for a complete forest bathing experience. Not far into the trail loop and off to the left, you will find running water and some convenient seating options to really take it all in. You may find full families splashing around in the water on warmer weekends, but it feels like an uninterrupted gem in the cold weather months.
Bennett Park
While there isn’t much space to get lost in the trees in Bennett Park, this hidden gem is convenient for people who live in or near Liberty. Centrally located to much of the area, you can park close, walk to the greenery, and enjoy the stillness in small, scattered areas. You might even happen upon the albino squirrel family that lives there.
Weston Bend State Park
Platte County neighbors, rejoice! A small trek north of the suburbs of the Kansas City metro, you will find one of the most beautiful state parks in the area, Weston Bend. Charming hills and (sometimes) challenging trailheads that give way to incredible views make this park a perfect mini getaway.
Hodge Park
Once you walk past the buffalo and living history museum portions of the area, Hodge Park actually offers some winding trail options through the trees. With less elevation, these trails are easier to navigate and there are some fantastic stumps and boulders to rest on. Start or end your walk with a picnic out in the field to really connect with the entire park.
Teresa Lynn Rynard Park
The entry to one of the paths in this park – often referred to as “Buckeye Greenway” – was built just within the tree line on Chouteau, just south of Parvin Road. A short walk from the Francois Chouteau and Native American Heritage Monument, this breathing room is easily accessible from a main street. The park is beautiful, expansive and feels like you are nowhere near the city center, even though the main entrance is just off of 210 Highway.
Hidden Valley Park
This hilly landscape has several trailheads to choose from and is truly hidden, north of 210 Highway, between North Brighton Avenue and 435 Highway. I have been on this trail for hours without seeing another person, and there are a lot of picturesque places to stop and relax for a while. There are several routes and inclines, and many opportunities to relax along the path. (Including abandoned cars and creaky bridges!)
Happy Rock Park
While Happy Rock Park’s trailhead is mostly concrete and relatively easy to traverse, there is more to it than meets the eye. Popping into the creek area can provide a sense of adventure and detachment that will have you buzzing. While the nearby baseball diamonds and the busyness of the area may discourage you from forest bathing here, it is surprisingly cozy if you wander just a little way into the treeline.
Maple Woods Natural Area
Tucked just south of 152 Highway, you will find a small parking lot and bridge to the Maple Woods Natural Area. The trail is relatively expansive, kept up throughout the year, and a true escape from people. There is some incline, but so many opportunities to hang out and be still beneath the trees.
Stocksdale Park
If you have space to travel east a bit, just past William Jewel College is an expansive park filled with neat features. From disc golf to art, to fields and baseball diamonds for all types of organized sports, you could truly spend a good chunk of time here. Wander off into the trees and you will very quickly feel like you are in a fairy tale. This is the park where I first heard cicadas, and is truly a place to disconnect.
Spending at least 20 minutes a day in nature is linked to your overall well being. Pop into a wooded area to get a few moments of connection with mother earth – particularly at any of these spots – year-round!
“Simply taking in the scenery as you leisurely walk or sit in the forest."