Forest Wellness - 森林浴 (Forest Bathing)

Park Event · Congaree National Park · Sep 6, 2026 · 12:00 PM–2:00 PM

Please join us for a forest bathing walk as part of our Forest Wellness Program. We will open our senses to the trees & ecosystem, but please leave your rubber ducky at home (think experiential not literal, like sunbathing).

Trip Information

Beginning at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center, our trip length will be less than 2 miles on easy terrain, with some root obstructions and un-level ground. Stairs can be avoided on request.

Please Bring

• Water
• Weather appropriate clothing

For portions of our time together, we will be stationary for up to 25 minutes at a time. If you prefer to not stand or sit on the forest floor, please bring a towel, mat, stool, or light chair.

Forest Bathing Background

Forest bathing originates in Japan, where it emerged as part of a national health program in the 1980s. Your guide was trained by the Association of Nature & Forest Therapy Guides.

Forest bathing is currently being researched by medical schools in Japan and around the world for its beneficial physiological and psychological effects (e.g., DOI:10.3390/ijerph14080851), but this session should not be considered as medical practice and your guide is not a medical practitioner.

Source: National Park Service (public domain).