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FAQ,
Health Benefits and Readings

FAQ, Health Benefits and Readings

The most common questions we receive, and their answers, some of the health benefits our services provide, along with some suggested readings.

Here you will find answers to questions you might have. Information common to all our programs are first, followed by information for each experience. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, give us a call or reach out through our contact page. We welcome your questions!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here you will find answers to questions you might have. Information common to all our programs are first, followed by information for each experience. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, give us a call or reach out through our contact page. We welcome your questions!
“Our group of five really enjoyed the experience, including two teenagers. I was amazed and a little surprised at how much my 17 year old son enjoyed it and how insightful he was. I am so grateful to have shared this experience with him and our friends.”
C.D.

Health Benefits

Why Forest Bathing in Five

More than 30 years of research studies into the health benefits of Forest Bathing have identified the following:

 

  1. Reduces stress and anxiety as measured by lower levels of the stress hormone Cortisol
  2. Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
  3. Improves heart rate variability, a sign of reduced stress
  4. Increases immune system T cells, which are responsible for fighting infection
  5. Facilitates anti-cancer protein production

Health Benefits

Why Forest Bathing in Five

More than 30 years of research studies into the health benefits of Forest Bathing have identified the following:

 

  1. Reduces stress and anxiety as measured by lower levels of the stress hormone Cortisol
  2. Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
  3. Improves heart rate variability, a sign of reduced stress
  4. Increases immune system T cells, which are responsible for fighting infection
  5. Facilitates anti-cancer protein production

General Questions

What happens if the weather calls for rain?

We run our trips shine or showers. If the weather calls for steady rain, heavy snow or a thunderstorm, we will work with you to find another time to reschedule. Safety comes first. If it isn’t possible, we will give you a voucher for the full amount, valid for 3 years.

Do you need to be fit or athletic to come on an experience?

Our experiences are for everyone. Our clients have ranged in age from five to eighty five years old, with all levels of abilities. Here’s some additional information about each experience:

Forest Bathing takes place on trails that are mostly level, on gentle terrain, so you can focus on your sensory experience and nature around you. Most of our Forest Bathing walks cover half to two-thirds of a mile, and can easily be adapted.

If you are still concerned about your ability to complete a Forest Bathing walk, give us a call. Maybe Accessible Forest Bathing is a better choice for you. We have several trails in the area that are ADA compliant. We have guided Forest Bathing in an area less than a quarter of a mile. Participants told us the experience was very immersive.

Riverwalking requires some balance and strength. The river bottom is not always smooth or even. We give you a staff to help with balance. There’s always a choice of deeper or shallower water, so you can find what feels comfortable to you. It is meant to be a relaxing experience; our locations are selected accordingly.

Sensory Snowshoeing is our winter version of Forest Therapy, with snowshoes. Our trail selection is easy terrain, with some gentle and short hills to help you stay warm. If you have never used snowshoes, most people get comfortable with them in five to ten minutes. If the conditions are icy, the snowshoes have grips to keep you from sliding. If it’s icy, without much snow, we’ll switch over to Micro-spikes, an equipment alternative that does not impact your experience.

Can we take our cell phones with us?

We recommend that you leave your cell phones behind on all of our guided experiences so you can really focus on your sensory experience. We can even take a few photos during the trip if it’s important to you to have visual memories. If you bring your cell phone with you, it must be turned off, except in special circumstances. Please discuss with your guide ahead of time.

The waders you wear Riverwalking have a pocket that is not completely waterproof, and people do occasionally fall in the water. Please be aware that we will not be responsible for loss or damage to your cell phone or other electronic devices if you choose to bring them.

What is your cancellation policy?

For cancellations made 7 days or more from your experience date, you will receive a refund for the full amount minus a $25 administrative fee.

For cancellations made less than 7 days from your experience date, you will receive a voucher for the full amount minus a $25 administrative fee.

For cancellations by Adirondack Riverwalking due to weather, you will receive a voucher for the full amount.

Forest Bathing

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing in layers you can easily add or remove, long pants are preferred, comfortable walking shoes or boots, a rain jacket and a hat. More detailed recommendations will be included in your confirmation letter.

Can I bring my dog?

Caring for your dog will detract from your experience, as well as other peoples. Please leave your dog at home unless it is a trained service animal that needs to be by your side.

What happens if it rains?

Rain can add a lot to Forest Bathing! The sound of the rain, a certain quietness, the sight of raindrops hanging on leaves. If showers are forecasted, we go ahead. We have rain ponchos to keep you dry if you forgot to bring a rain jacket.

If the forecast is calling for steady rain most of the day or thunderstorms, we will contact you to discuss alternatives. We will try to reschedule, and if it’s not possible, we will give you a voucher for the full amount.

Riverwalking

What should I wear and bring?

Wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt, bottoms of your choice and bring a rain jacket. A hat with a brim and socks are required. We will have sunscreen on hand, but feel free to bring yours. A small water bottle is also good on a hot day and will fit in the pocket of your waders.

Why do we wear waders? Can’t we just wear a bathing suit?

You will be in the river for about two hours. Without waders, your body temperature would drop, even on a hot summer day. You would be cold and uncomfortable.

Where and how do we meet?

We guide Riverwalking on several sections of the West Branch of the Ausable River near Lake Placid to ensure that we protect the river’s eco-system from overuse. The number of people, their age and additional information we gather about you and your group also helps us determine our location. Given that we have more than one meeting place, your location and driving directions will be included in your confirmation letter.

What happens if it rains?

A rain shower can add a lot to Riverwalking. The sound of the rain, the added movement, the sight of raindrops hanging on leaves. If showers are forecasted, we go ahead. If the forecast is calling for steady rain or thunderstorms, we will contact you to discuss alternatives. Safety comes first. We will try to reschedule, and if it’s not possible, we will give you a voucher for the full amount.

Sensory Snowshoeing

What should I wear and bring?

While Sensory Snowshoeing, you will not be generating much body heat. It is very important to dress warmer than you would for the forecasted temperature. If it’s a windy or cloudy day, it’s even more important. We recommend dressing for 10-15 degrees colder than the actual temperature. Please avoid cotton against your skin. Wear layers that can easily be added or removed, insulated winter boots, heavy socks, warm hat and mitts or gloves.

What do you do if it’s really cold?

We keep very close watch on the weather and the temperature forecasts for winter experiences. Temperature, cloud cover and wind are all important factors in our decision making process. If our assessment tells us it will be too cold for everyone’s safety, we will contact you to discuss options such as starting earlier or later, or moving to another day. If we can’t find a suitable alternative for everyone’s schedule, you will receive a voucher for the full amount of your experience.
Dirt path through foreset trees while Adirondack Forest Bathing

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here you will find answers to questions you might have. Information common to all our programs are first, followed by information for each experience. If you don’t find the information you are looking for, give us a call or reach out through our contact page. We welcome your questions!

“Our group of five really enjoyed the experience, including two teenagers. I was amazed and a little surprised at how much my 17 year old son enjoyed it and how insightful he was. I am so grateful to have shared this experience with him and our friends.”

C.D.

General Questions

What happens if the weather calls for rain?

We run our trips shine or showers. If the weather calls for steady rain, heavy snow or a thunderstorm, we will work with you to find another time to reschedule. Safety comes first. If it isn’t possible, we will give you a voucher for the full amount, valid for 3 years.

Do you need to be fit or athletic to come on an experience?

Our experiences are for everyone. Our clients have ranged in age from five to eighty five years old, with all levels of abilities. Here’s some additional information about each experience:

Forest Therapy takes place on trails that are mostly level, on gentle terrain, so you can focus on your sensory experience and nature around you. Most of our Forest Therapy walks cover half to two-thirds of a mile, and can easily be adapted.

If you are still concerned about your ability to complete a Forest Therapy walk, give us a call. Maybe Accessible Forest Therapy is a better choice for you. We have several trails in the area that are ADA compliant. We have guided Forest Therapy in an area less than a quarter of a mile. Participants told us the experience was very immersive.

Riverwalking requires some balance and strength. The river bottom is not always smooth or even. We give you a staff to help with balance. There’s always a choice of deeper or shallower water, so you can find what feels comfortable to you. It is meant to be a relaxing experience; our locations are selected accordingly.

Sensory Snowshoeing is our winter version of Forest Therapy, with snowshoes. Our trail selection is easy terrain, with some gentle and short hills to help you stay warm. If you have never used snowshoes, most people get comfortable with them in five to ten minutes. If the conditions are icy, the snowshoes have grips to keep you from sliding. If it’s icy, without much snow, we’ll switch over to Micro-spikes, an equipment alternative that does not impact your experience.

Can we take our cell phones with us?

We recommend that you leave your cell phones behind on all of our guided experiences so you can really focus on your sensory experience. We can even take a few photos during the trip if it’s important to you to have visual memories. If you bring your cell phone with you, it must be turned off, except in special circumstances. Please discuss with your guide ahead of time.

The waders you wear Riverwalking have a pocket that is not completely waterproof, and people do occasionally fall in the water. Please be aware that we will not be responsible for loss or damage to your cell phone or other electronic devices if you choose to bring them.

What is your cancellation policy?

For cancellations made 7 days or more from your experience date, you will receive a refund for the full amount minus a $25 administrative fee.

For cancellations made less than 7 days from your experience date, you will receive a voucher for the full amount minus a $25 administrative fee.

For cancellations by Adirondack Riverwalking due to weather, you will receive a voucher for the full amount.

Forest Bathing

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing in layers you can easily add or remove, long pants are preferred, comfortable walking shoes or boots, a rain jacket and a hat. More detailed recommendations will be included in your confirmation letter.

Can I bring my dog?

Caring for your dog will detract from your experience, as well as other peoples. Please leave your dog at home unless it is a trained service animal that needs to be by your side.

What happens if it rains?

Rain can add a lot to Forest Therapy! The sound of the rain, a certain quietness, the sight of raindrops hanging on leaves. If showers are forecasted, we go ahead. We have rain ponchos to keep you dry if you forgot to bring a rain jacket.

If the forecast is calling for steady rain most of the day or thunderstorms, we will contact you to discuss alternatives. We will try to reschedule, and if it’s not possible, we will give you a voucher for the full amount.

Riverwalking

What should I wear and bring?

Wear a lightweight long sleeve shirt, bottoms of your choice and bring a rain jacket. A hat with a brim and socks are required. We will have sunscreen on hand, but feel free to bring yours. A small water bottle is also good on a hot day and will fit in the pocket of your waders.

Why do we wear waders? Can’t we just wear a bathing suit?

You will be in the river for about two hours. Without waders, your body temperature would drop, even on a hot summer day. You would be cold and uncomfortable.

Where and how do we meet?

We guide Riverwalking on several sections of the West Branch of the Ausable River near Lake Placid to ensure that we protect the river’s eco-system from overuse. The number of people, their age and additional information we gather about you and your group also helps us determine our location. Given that we have more than one meeting place, your location and driving directions will be included in your confirmation letter.

What happens if it rains?

A rain shower can add a lot to Riverwalking. The sound of the rain, the added movement, the sight of raindrops hanging on leaves. If showers are forecasted, we go ahead. If the forecast is calling for steady rain or thunderstorms, we will contact you to discuss alternatives. Safety comes first. We will try to reschedule, and if it’s not possible, we will give you a voucher for the full amount.

Sensory Snowshoeing

What should I wear and bring?

While Sensory Snowshoeing, you will not be generating much body heat. It is very important to dress warmer than you would for the forecasted temperature. If it’s a windy or cloudy day, it’s even more important. We recommend dressing for 10-15 degrees colder than the actual temperature. Please avoid cotton against your skin. Wear layers that can easily be added or removed, insulated winter boots, heavy socks, warm hat and mitts or gloves.

What do you do if it’s really cold?

We keep very close watch on the weather and the temperature forecasts for winter experiences. Temperature, cloud cover and wind are all important factors in our decision making process. If our assessment tells us it will be too cold for everyone’s safety, we will contact you to discuss options such as starting earlier or later, or moving to another day. If we can’t find a suitable alternative for everyone’s schedule, you will receive a voucher for the full amount of your experience.

HEALTH BENEFITS

After an experience or an immersive program you might like to learn more about nature sensory practice, an author or a book we mentioned. You will find below additional resources, readings and more. We welcome questions, feedback and suggestions!
“Nature is restorative because it frees up the executive function part of our brain in a way that allows it to recover. Nature makes us happier and smarter.”
A. Gazzaley

Health Benefits

Why Forest Bathing in Five

More than 30 years of research studies into the health benefits of Forest Bathing have identified the following:

 

  1. Reduces stress and anxiety as measured by lower levels of the stress hormone Cortisol
  2. Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
  3. Improves heart rate variability, a sign of reduced stress
  4. Increases immune system T cells, which are responsible for fighting infection
  5. Facilitates anti-cancer protein production
Participants also report anecdotally improved mood, a more positive attitude, better sleep and a quieter, peaceful mind.

Directed attention is a set of mental functions that include focus, concentration and problem solving among others. Focused tasks, such as using technological devices, learning and repetitive detail oriented tasks require our directed attention. Our work tasks combined with time spent on devices often place more demands on our directed attention than we can effectively deliver, resulting in what is being termed as directed attention fatigue. It is challenging for us to learn or process new information and complex tasks when we are experiencing directed attention fatigue. Much like our computer or cell phones when they malfunction, we also need a reboot, a break to restore our directed attention capacities.

Open meadow with trees and mountains in the distance
What restores our directed attention? Research studies show that a natural environment with a combination of open meadow or grass, with in the distance trees or shrubs are the most effective settings. Nature, our original environment is where we heal and restore. Yet, several years ago a large study found that on average, Americans spend 92% of their waking hours indoors. Comparing walking in an urban environment to walking in a park with trees, shrubs and grass, researchers found that the first group were as stressed as before and did not improve on performance focused tasks while the second group who walked in nature improved in both areas.
Combining getting out of doors in a natural environment and the use of our senses to engage with nature enhances both directed attention while providing the benefits of Forest Bathing.

This is true not only for adults, but also for children. Researchers are finding directed attention fatigue in school age children. It is not surprising when we consider the focus and attention required for learning during the school day, which are no longer followed by self-directed outdoor play, which was the norm in previous generations and an opportunity to refresh directed attention functions.

Girls hugging tree Adirondack forest bathing
Boy and girl with arms around each other forest bathing in the Adirondacks
The Children & Nature Network reported on another study with pre-school students that time in nature contributes to the development of empathy, kindness and caring. Another study with children with mild to moderate symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorders and their parents found that symptoms were at their lowest when children where in nature environments, particularly open grass or meadow with trees and shrubs in the background.
Tree lined Adirondack forest path with fog between trees

HEALTH BENEFITS

After an experience or an immersive program you might like to learn more about nature sensory practice, an author or a book we mentioned. You will find below additional resources, readings and more. We welcome questions, feedback and suggestions!

Health Benefits

Why Forest Bathing in Five

More than 30 years of research studies into the health benefits of Forest Bathing have identified the following:

 

  1. Reduces stress and anxiety as measured by lower levels of the stress hormone Cortisol
  2. Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
  3. Improves heart rate variability, a sign of reduced stress
  4. Increases immune system T cells, which are responsible for fighting infection
  5. Facilitates anti-cancer protein production
Participants also report anecdotally improved mood, a more positive attitude, better sleep and a quieter, peaceful mind.

Directed attention is a set of mental functions that include focus, concentration and problem solving among others. Focused tasks, such as using technological devices, learning and repetitive detail oriented tasks require our directed attention. Our work tasks combined with time spent on devices often place more demands on our directed attention than we can effectively deliver, resulting in what is being termed as directed attention fatigue. It is challenging for us to learn or process new information and complex tasks when we are experiencing directed attention fatigue. Much like our computer or cell phones when they malfunction, we also need a reboot, a break to restore our directed attention capacities.

Open meadow with trees and mountains in the distance
What restores our directed attention? Research studies show that a natural environment with a combination of open meadow or grass, with in the distance trees or shrubs are the most effective settings. Nature, our original environment is where we heal and restore. Yet, several years ago a large study found that on average, Americans spend 92% of their waking hours indoors. Comparing walking in an urban environment to walking in a park with trees, shrubs and grass, researchers found that the first group were as stressed as before and did not improve on performance focused tasks while the second group who walked in nature improved in both areas.
Girls hugging tree Adirondack forest bathing
Combining getting out of doors in a natural environment and the use of our senses to engage with nature enhances both directed attention while providing the benefits of Forest Therapy.

This is true not only for adults, but also for children. Researchers are finding directed attention fatigue in school age children. It is not surprising when we consider the focus and attention required for learning during the school day, which are no longer followed by self-directed outdoor play, which was the norm in previous generations and an opportunity to refresh directed attention functions.

Boy and girl with arms around each other forest bathing
The Children & Nature Network reported on another study with pre-school students that time in nature contributes to the development of empathy, kindness and caring. Another study with children with mild to moderate symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorders and their parents found that symptoms were at their lowest when children where in nature environments, particularly open grass or meadow with trees and shrubs in the background.

“Nature is restorative because it frees up the executive function part of our brain in a way that allows it to recover. Nature makes us happier and smarter.”

A. Gazzaley

READINGS

We like to share stories and bits of information from our favorite nature connection related authors. Below is a list of our favorite readings about plant sentience, Forest Bathing and so much more. Enjoy!
“Nature is restorative because it frees up the executive function part of our brain in a way that allows it to recover. Nature makes us happier and smarter.”
A. Gazzaley

Your Guide to Forest Bathing, M. Amos Clifford

Healing Trees, Ben Page

Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer

The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben

Thus Spoke The Plant, Monica Gagliano

The Nature Principle, Richard Louv

The Nature Fix, Florence Williams

Book cover for Your Guide to Forest Bathing
Book cover for Blue Mind

Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols

The True Power of Water, Masaru Emoto

Becoming Nature, Tamarack Song

The Forest Unseen, David Haskell

What the Robin Knows, Jon Young

The Last Child in The Woods, Richard Louv

The Healing Woods, Martha Reben

Woman Reading on Rocky Shore of Adirondack River

READINGS

We like to share stories and bits of information from our favorite nature connection related authors. Below is a list of our favorite readings about plant sentience, Forest Bathing and so much more. Enjoy!

Book cover for Your Guide to Forest Bathing

Your Guide to Forest Bathing, M. Amos Clifford

Healing Trees, Ben Page

Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer

The Hidden Life of Trees, Peter Wohlleben

Thus Spoke The Plant, Monica Gagliano

The Nature Principle, Richard Louv

The Nature Fix, Florence Williams

Book cover for Blue Mind

Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols

The True Power of Water, Masaru Emoto

Becoming Nature, Tamarack Song

The Forest Unseen, David Haskell

What the Robin Knows, Jon Young

The Last Child in The Woods, Richard Louv

The Healing Woods, Martha Reben

“Nature is restorative because it frees up the executive function part of our brain in a way that allows it to recover. Nature makes us happier and smarter.”

A. Gazzaley