Hacklebarney Water Soundscape

With the Black River and several brooks running through it, Hacklebarney State Park is perfect spot for Nature & Forest Therapy. From just about anywhere in the park you can hear the sound of running water which, when combined with all the bird sounds, creates a very pleasing soundscape. Adding to this soundscape are several small waterfalls. Additionally, the park is covered with quite a few boulders of all shapes and sizes. Our walk here will take us under the trees, to the river, and into a large grove of stones, providing a diversity of those natural elements critical to a successful Forest Bathing experience. The walk here is designed to engage the participant through all their senses. Several breathtaking vistas will be encountered along the walk route. While this is a 4 season walk, optimal times are from March – November. The walk is graded as moderate with a steep climb and some rocky areas to be aware of. The walk covers about 1.5 miles in length and is mostly on paved trails. The park can get very crowded on summer and fall weekends.

Rich is a Certified Guide for the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs (ANFT), based in Morristown & Barnegat Light, New Jersey. His company, Friendly Territory, specializes in Nature & Forest Therapy walks. He is a husband, proud father and grandfather, entrepreneur, and daily meditator. Why I'm A Guide “Having traveled to Japan for many years, I began to hear about Forest Bathing and the amazing effects it was having on people’s health through the deepening of a reciprocal relationship with the natural world. So, I began trying it on my regular visits there. After a particularly powerful experience on a recent visit, I thought to myself: 'This is something I can do for the rest of my life'. I returned home with the intention of starting a Forest Bathing practice here. To my delight I discovered that the ANFT was operating with an approach inspired by the Japanese concept but adapted for North America. I applied, was accepted, and took part in their intensive training program. I most appreciate their vision of what our job is as Guide: The Forest is the Therapist, the Guide holds the space for the healing to occur.”