The Smoky Mountains offer guests gorgeous mountain views, outdoor adventures that are equally relaxing as exciting, history lessons, and chances to see wildlife. Yet, perhaps the most important thing it provides is the opportunity to heal! In a world that’s more fast-paced than ever, the Smokies provide a much-needed break from all the challenges and stresses of life. The region gives visitors a chance to relax, recharge, and reconnect while surrounded by the peaceful beauty of nature. Here’s why the Smoky Mountains are a haven for nature therapy:
What is Nature Therapy?
Nature therapy is the practice of utilizing the power of nature to help improve mental health. Science has shown that spending time outdoors provides benefits like reduced stress and anxiety, elevated mood, improved cognitive function, lower blood pressure, and more. Nature offers opportunities to connect with our natural surroundings in a way that restores the mind, body, and spirit, ultimately leading to improved emotional well-being. There’s no better place to experience this than the Smoky Mountains!
The Healing Power of the Smoky Mountains
Great Smoky Mountains National Park features more than 850 miles of hiking trails, more than 100 cascading waterfalls, biodiverse forests, fascinating wildlife, and so much more! The park is a serene escape where visitors can escape into the wild for some nature therapy. Here’s how:
- Peaceful Isolation: Even though the Smokies are the most-visited national park in America, there are plenty of opportunities for peace and quiet. From lesser-known trails like the Boogerman Trail Loop to areas that sit still in solitude like the Cataloochee Valley, visitors can discover a quiet spot to relax and reflect.
- Sensory Immersion: Nature therapy focuses on stimulating all 5 senses. Listen to the sounds of Smoky Mountain streams, feel the mountain breeze, smell the trees and flowers, and watch warm rays filter through the treetops.
- A Break From Screens: You’ll find in certain areas of the park cell service is weak or doesn’t work which helps you to disconnect. Trade in the pings of notifications for the solitude of the Smokies.
- Open to Everyone: Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or it’s your first time out in nature, you’re welcome at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There’s all sorts of trails and activities for every skill level.
- Natural Beauty That Encourages Mindfulness: Your worries tend to melt away when you’re soaking up stunning views of the Smokies or watching a log drift along the water. Nature therapy is about slowing down and paying attention to your natural surroundings.
Planning Your Nature Therapy Escape
There’s no need for a guide to enjoy nature therapy in the Smoky Mountains. Simply plan a day or weekend to visit where you focus on connecting with nature. Take your time, find a peaceful spot that puts your mind at ease, and enjoy the time away from screens. Before you try our nature therapy check out more about the history of the Smoky Mountains!
