26/4/2021 Certified Trails

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Certi ed Forest Therapy Trails

Certi ed Forest Therapy Trails increase awareness and promote the practice of Forest Therapy.
They offer land managers a new ways to reach out to potential visitors and to support quality
experiences of those who come to enjoy their land.

Certified Trails Trail Certification Information Trail Certification Consultants Trail Finder

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The concept of Forest Bathing, also known as Forest Therapy, is gaining global
recognition as an evidence-based approach to wellness and health. Forest Bathing
sessions consist of gentle walks in which a guide uses a range of techniques aimed
primarily at slowing people down from what has become a “normal” frenetic pace, and
calling attention to sensory experiences of the forest and its environment. Trail
certi cation provides a new method for engaging diverse community members, public
health providers and patients, national and international tourists, and a wide array of
partners in the development and implementation of Certi ed Forest Therapy Trail
systems. Health care organizations, employee wellness programs, municipalities and
park systems, public and private forest land managers, universities, organizations that
promote healthy living, and many more, are potential partners for developing Forest
Therapy programs and trails. Maintaining signage promoting designated Forest Therapy
Trails increases public awareness of the health bene ts of being in forests. An of cial
ANFT Certi ed Forest Therapy Trail sign will likely pique the curiosity of visitors and
propel them to seek more information about Forest Therapy and associated events and
programming. 

What is a Forest Therapy Trail

A Forest Therapy Trail is a path or green space where people along a broad spectrum of
tness levels can interact with nature and forests, primarily through their senses. Forest
Therapy Trails do not always conform to typical ideas of what constitutes a trail. Some
Forest Therapy Trails may be found in more traditional settings, like arboreta and
botanical gardens, while other places might include spas, nature-adventure parks,
hospital gardens, farms, urban parks, retreat centers, universities, public or private
forestlands, conservancies and other unique settings. ANFT considers trails for
certi cation based initially on criteria such as accessibility, safety, biodiversity, natural
features, and management. We also consider how infrastructure and signage can
promote both guided and self-guided Forest Therapy experiences on the trail. We strive
to af rm the beauty and dignity of all ecosystems, and so, ask yourself, "Is this a place
where people connect deeply with nature?" If the answer is yes, then this space is
probably a good Forest Therapy Trail candidate.

ANFT certi ed trails fall into three categories

Guided Trails: These are designed to support Forest Therapy Guides and those who
they are guiding so they can have an optimal experience.
Self-Guided Trails: These trails use signs and other cues to allow visitors to replicate
the experience of a guided Forest Therapy session without a guide.
Hybrid Trails: Guides and participants are supported by signs and other
infrastructure improvements. There are enough signs for people to have a self-
guided experience when a guide is not available.

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Our Mission: Nurture heart-centered relationships between all peoples and the More-
Than-Human world of nature.

Association of Nature and Forest Therapy

M-F:  9am – 5pm PST
Guides and Programs 1-707-385-1563
1042 Willow Creek Road, Ste A101 #490, Prescott AZ 86301, USA

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Therapy Guides and Programs
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