Hiking therapy - NEW OFFERING for 2025

During hiking therapy sessions, clients are able to achieve multi-faceted benefits from both the therapeutic relationship, and its approaches, along with the many benefits of being in nature and engaging in the process of hiking. As cited in National Geographic’s review of the benefits of hiking, “Hiking provides a host of mental and physical health advantages including improved cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, better balance and coordination, and mental health improvements unmatched by other forms of exercise.”*

WHY Hiking?

Hiking in nature offers significant mental health benefits, supported by substantial research. Just 30 minutes of hiking can reduce stress hormones by up to 28%, with longer and more frequent hikes improving physiological stress markers like heart rate variability and cortisol levels. Hiking has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression, enhance cognition, memory, and problem-solving skills.

One key factor that differentiates hiking from other forms of exercise is how it engages the brain's frontal lobe to process hazards on the trail, promoting mental focus. Additionally, hiking boosts neuroplasticity, which supports learning, memory, and brain function. Social hikes can reduce loneliness and improve social connections.

Nature itself plays a critical role in these benefits. The calming effects of natural surroundings, including the fresh air and exposure to phytoncides from trees, help improve immunity and recovery, while hiking in nature has been linked to improved mood, endorphin release, better sleep, and more efficient regulation of circadian rhythms. Nature also reduces rumination and enhances attention spans by up to 20%.*

*Quotation and summary from National Geographic’s review on the benefits of hiking in nature: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/benefits-hiking-brain-heart-mental-health by Daryl Austin. June 27, 2024.

options offered:

1.        3-4 miles, moderate difficulty, 1.5 hour session

2.        Less than 3 miles, easy or moderate difficulty, 1 hour session

If you would like to schedule a free consultation call to determine if Hiking Therapy could be a fit for you, please call or text @ 636-422-0146.