Distance: 3.3 miles out and back.

Difficulty Level: Easy.

Know Before You Go: There’s a $12 day use fee and a lot of cyclists on the trail, so expect to share it and keep your eyes and ears open (especially if you have little ones). Come prepared with water, dress in layers, and bring proper footwear with traction.

Why We Love It: This is an easy—and easily accessible—family-friendly hike with nice views of Folsom Lake and some steep sections to help you stay fit through winter. There are several trails and ways to extend the route for added mileage, too.

The Japanese coined the term shinrin-yoku, meaning “forest bathing”—the act of allowing your senses to be flooded by nature—in the early ’80s. A study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency found that the average American spends 93% of their time indoors, so it’s no wonder why connecting with nature can have such powerful health benefits. Here are just a few of them:
Decreased stress levels.
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Lowered heart rate.
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Lowered blood pressure.
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Improved creativity.
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Boosted immune system.

So how does one “forest bathe”?
 It’s easy. The purpose is to go into nature with no objective, no destination, no technology, and simply open the senses to the sights, sounds and smells you find. Challenge yourself to see how many things you can notice about your surroundings, walk slowly or even sit, and simply “bathe” (immerse yourself) in the world around you.