Key Characteristics of Forest Therapy Trails: A Guided, Integrative Approach

Forest therapy is an emerging holistic health practice that uses multisensory immersive engagements in forest settings to achieve and wellbeing outcomes. Many take place via slow walks along a trail optimally experience the array of sensory phenomena afforded route, yet surprisingly few studies date have investigated characteristics sites trails give rise healthful experiences. In this research, we employ hybrid approach understand conditions features contribute good trail, using interviews with guides identify highlight concepts for further refinement structuring broad, integrative review relevant research planning literature. Through iterative approach, describe three site-related criteria (landscape character quality, tranquility, accessibility) two trail-related (design construction key qualities), each number sub-criteria detailing specific considerations. This effort helps build conceptual foundation evidence base assessment procedures can be used existing design new ones meet needs planners, managers, guides, participants growing international therapy.