The nation’s first grounding park is now open in Flagstaff. The mile-long Barefoot Trail invites kids and adults alike to reconnect with the earth’s energy by walking barefoot on natural surfaces throughout the park.
Leah Williams is the founder of The Barefoot Trail and has traveled extensively in Europe and lived in several countries where grounding and being outdoors are integral to daily life. Benefits of grounding include reduction in stress and inflammation, and improved sleep. “Grounding has been a transformative practice for me, and I am excited to bring this experience to the United States,” says Williams, in a press release. “Our park offers the unique opportunity for people to reconnect with nature, improve their health, and enjoy the beauty of Flagstaff.”
The Barefoot Trail, which is a nonprofit, has 6 Core Values making it a unique destination for visitors of all ages:
- Exercise through Outdoor Recreation: Physical activity is essential for overall health. The Barefoot Trail provides a natural, forested environment where visitors can unplug, exercise, and have fun, whether alone, with family, or in groups. Regular walking is encouraged by the medical community for its cardiovascular benefits.
- Benefits of Grounding/Earthing/Reflexology: The reflexology path stimulates blood flow and enhances the senses by connecting visitors directly with the natural ground. Grounding for 20 to 30 minutes daily can help restore the body’s natural electrical balance, reducing stress and inflammation, and improving sleep.
- Environmental Education: Visitors can learn about the geological and ecological history of Coconino County, including its volcanoes, rocks, trees, and water. This educational component raises awareness and sensitivity to the delicate habitats of the Colorado Plateau.
- Outdoor Youth Development: The Barefoot Trail provides children with new and challenging outdoor experiences, fostering positive attitudes, behavioral changes, problem-solving skills, and leadership development. These safe and fun activities cater to children of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Therapeutic Programs: Also known as Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare or Wilderness Therapy, these programs utilize experiential education in a natural setting to facilitate healing for various emotional, developmental, and relational struggles. Nature has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, enhance immune function, and improve mood.
- Land Conservation: The Barefoot Trail advocates for the protection of the natural environment by preserving the ecosystem, vegetation, and wildlife. The trail uses natural materials like stones, rock, sand, and mud to maintain the land’s natural state while providing a unique recreational experience.
Tickets are $10 for visitors ages 3 and up. Each tickets allows up to two hours of trail time; reservations are preferred but walk-ups are accepted. The first scheduled tour starts at 9 a.m. and the last reserved time is 4 p.m.
The trail will be open through September; this is a seasonal park that will be closed during colder months.
For more information, visit thebarefoottrail.org.
17440 Forest Service 146w Rd.
Bellemont, AZ 86015