Restorative Forest Therapy Guides & Programs

Forest therapy is a guided nature-immersion practice that uses slow movement, sensory awareness, mindful pauses, and reflection to support relaxation and well-being. At Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills, it may include forest bathing, meditation, breathwork, sound baths, and quiet time on the 58-acre preserve, depending on your program goals.

Hiking usually focuses on distance, fitness, or reaching a destination. Forest therapy is slower and more intentional, emphasizing presence, sensory connection, and nervous-system restoration. Instead of covering miles, your guide may invite mindful walking, stillness, observation, breathing exercises, and reflection within the forest environment.

No experience is required. Forest therapy programs are designed to be approachable for adults who are new to mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or retreat settings. Your session can be gentle and simple, with guidance adjusted to your comfort level, mobility, interests, and desired balance of quiet reflection and structured activities.

Yes. Forest bathing and related wellness experiences can be included in solo retreats, couples retreats, group wellness retreats, corporate retreats, and team day retreats. Raven helps guests personalize the schedule through a complimentary consult call, so forest therapy can fit naturally alongside meals, meetings, creative workshops, or rest time.

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor walking on natural terrain. Bring a water bottle, weather-appropriate layers, and any personal comfort items such as a journal. Because the experience may involve quiet sitting or slow movement, dressing for the season is more important than dressing for strenuous exercise.

Yes. Raven's Retreat Hocking Hills offers team and group day retreats for small groups of 20 or less, as well as multi-day wellness retreats and private venue use. Programs can support team connection, creative resets, leadership reflection, celebrations, or wellness-focused offsites through customized nature, art, and mindfulness activities.

Yes. Forest therapy can be enhanced with sound bath sessions, yoga classes, somatic breathwork, meditation, massage, instructor-led workouts, and other wellness add-ons. These options help create a deeper restorative experience and can be combined with plant-based chef services, creative workshops, or guided art tours when available.

There are a few ways to start. The simplest is to book the space directly on the website — no curated forest therapy program required, and you're welcome to use the private preserve for your own nature immersion and mindful walking. If you'd like to add certified forest bathing sessions, sound baths, or other wellness add-ons after booking, those can be arranged, though planning them in advance creates a more intentional retreat. For a fully personalized forest therapy program designed around your goals and group size, the complimentary consult call included with direct bookings is the best starting point.