Do you want to try forest bathing in New York? Find the best parks, arboretums, tours to practice Shinrin Yoku in this heavily wooded state.
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Forest Bathing in NY
A full 61% of New York State is covered in forest, adding up to 18.6 million acres. That means that while you are visiting this northeastern state, you will find ample opportunities to be at one with nature.
But with so many opportunities to consider, where should you go for forest bathing in NY? Below, we share recommendations for parks, hotels, guided tours, and more.
State and County Parks and More for Forest Bathing in New York
State parks are a great place for forest bathers. And New York is fortunate to have quite a few to choose from. Here are three of our recommended spots.
Minnewaska State Park Preserve
About an hour and a half north of New York City, you will find Minnewaska State Park Preserve in Ulster County.
Located 2,000 feet above sea level along the Shawangunk Mountain ridge, it offers you access to Lake Minnewaska, two other beautiful lakes, waterfalls, cliffs, and more.
Venture along 50 miles of footpaths and 35 miles of carriage roads, and you will be amazed by all the spectacular natural grandeur that awaits you.
Best For:
Those in search of a forest bathing experience that is not too far from NYC and which also offers recreational lake activities will want to visit this preserve.
Baltimore Woods Nature Center
The Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located in Marcellus, just southwest of Syracuse, NY. There are nine trails across six miles for you to enjoy.
Along with forest bathing, you will discover a wide variety of programs and events at the nature center. There is always something to do here.
Best For:
Those in search of forest bathing experiences close to Syracuse will enjoy a visit to the Baltimore Woods Nature Center.
Highland Forest County Park
Highland Forest County Park is a destination you will find just southeast of Syracuse. Open year-round, the park provides you with access to 20 miles of trails.
When you are not forest bathing, you can partake in other activities like horseback riding, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and exploring historic sites.
Best For:
Because this park is open year-round and offers snowshoe rentals, we would recommend it for forest bathing during the winter. You can use the snowshoes to access a quiet spot that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
Botanical Gardens for Forest Bathing in New York
Botanical Gardens offer unique opportunities for forest bathers, and they are conveniently located for many New Yorkers.
Planting Fields Arboretum
On Long Island, you can visit Planting Fields Arboretum. Famous for its Tudor revival-style mansion, gardens, and greenhouses, this venue sometimes offers forest therapy walks as guided activities.
Even when the walks are not offered, you can still do them on your own.
Best For:
Long Island locals and visitors can get away from the crowds and relax in nature at Planting Fields Arboretum.
Hotels that Offer Forest Bathing in New York
If you fancy a weekend away, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, a hotel experience is a fantastic way to go.
Mohonk Mountain House
Close to Minneswaska State Park Preserve is a resort in New Paltz called Mohonk Mountain House. The resort has a long history spanning back more than 150 years and is focused upon providing occasions for renewal in nature.
Mindfulness is a big component of what this lodging has to offer. In fact, there are a variety of different activities rooted in mindfulness that you can partake in during your stay, including meditative hikes, “Mindfulness in Minutes,” and Hudson Valley forest bathing.
Best For:
This retreat would be a good option if you want to combine forest bathing with mindfulness meditation. You might consider combining a visit here with a trip to the nearby reserve.
Local Guides that Offer Forest Bathing in New York
Local guides offer a personalized experience where you can gain unique insights about the area from someone who knows it well. You’re likely to also learn a lot about the practice of Shinrin Yoku from your guide.
Urban Edge Forest Therapy
Here is a forest therapy tour service that invites you to “come to your senses”—literally. The site says, “Urban Edge Forest Therapy is Manhattan’s first forest therapy provider with a guide certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.”
You can choose to book either a private or public tour for forest bathing. Tours are available not just in Central Park but also in other Manhattan locations and beyond.
Best For:
If you want a forest therapy experience right in Central Park, Urban Edge is the perfect guided tour for you.
What’s Your Favorite Place to Forest Bathe in NY?
Whether you are in search of a forest bathing experience in NYC, Long Island, Syracuse, or any other part of the state, there are so many amazing destinations for forest bathing in NY.
Give one of the locations or tours above a try, and enjoy uplifting your senses and spirit in New York’s beautiful forests.