Connect to the Restorative Power of Nature
Experience the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku in the beautiful Southern Appalachian mountain forests of Sylva, Cashiers, and Highlands, NC
ABOUT Mark
Hi, I’m Mark Ellison, founder of Pinnacle Forest Therapy. I can help you experience the restorative power of nature through the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, also called forest bathing or forest therapy. I am certified as a forest therapy guide and forest therapy trail consultant by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy. I was one of the first guides in the United States when I started offering walks in 2012, and an article in O (Oprah) Magazine in 2014 that described my walks raised awareness of forest therapy and gave it considerable momentum.
What is Shinrin-yoku?
Shinrin-yoku originated in Japan in the early 1980's as a way for people to enjoy leisurely time in nature that also offers many scientifically-demonstrated health benefits. Guided forest therapy walks facilitate sensory awareness, invite you to slow down, and open the door for nature to heal.
My Guided Forest Bathing Walks
My walks are in Pinnacle Park in Sylva, NC where I partnered with the Town of Sylva to establish the first and only certified forest therapy trail in North Carolina and one of the first 20 in the world. I also offer walks in Highlands and Cashiers on public properties of the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust. We are located in the epicenter of wellness and adventure experiences in the Great Smoky Mountains region of Western North Carolina.
Walks are approximately 2.5 hours and are not strenuous. I will offer several invitations for you to experience nature through your senses. The walk ends with a relaxing tea ceremony.
My walks have been described as "bone deep relaxation, awe inspiring, restorative, spiritual, calming, peaceful, rejuvenating, immersive, a deep nature connection, the best day ever," and much, much more.
Ready to Schedule Your Walk?
Schedule a walk to experience the restorative power of shinrin-yoku in the beautiful Southern Appalachian mountains of North Carolina. You can use the chat form on the website, email hikingresearch@yahoo.com or text/call 704-796-5031. Private walks are $70 for up to two people and $35 for each additional person. Information about scheduled public group walks is available on Instagram.
Grab a cool t-shirt to remember your time in this amazing place-proceeds help me offer free walks to students and those in need in the community.
About Your Certified Guide
I earned my doctorate in adult education and human resource development from North Carolina State University, focusing my research on the restorative benefits of hiking in wilderness solitude, making my first presentation on the topic at a research conference in Oxford, England in 2007. It was during my time at State that I learned about shinrin-yoku. This, combined with my love of helping people experience and learn about the natural environment through walks, help me provide a unique sensory experience in the lush forests of Western North Carolina.
I helped introduce shinrin-yoku to the United States in January 2012 in an article I wrote for my blog, and followed up several months later with an interview of Dr. Qing Li, who helped develop the practice of shinrin-yoku in Japan in the 1980's. I began to teach about shinrin-yoku in my nature and human health classes and offering forest therapy walks in 2012 as well.
I met with Dr. Li in 2013 to learn more about the practice and to assist him with a presentation about shinrin-yoku at the joint conference of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations and the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals in Traverse City, MI.
In October 2023 I visited Japan and was guided on the trails where shinrin-yoku originated and learned more about how it is practiced there.
I am an Expert in Residence at The Swag, and a guide for the Old Edwards Inn & Spa, both Relais & Chateaux luxury inns. I also guide for Trailborn Highlands and the Highlands Cashiers Land Trust. I teach a nature hiking class each spring that meets on five Friday afternoons (March-May) for Southwestern Community College.
I am also a contributing writer for The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's website and Journeys Magazine on topics related to the importance of dark night skies, healthy forests, what inspires us to be in nature, and conservation.
I am an experienced public speaker and experiential learning facilitator developing and delivering virtual and in person wellness, self care and nature/forest therapy programs for medical centers, chambers of commerce, colleges, retirement communities and corporate clients.
My commitment to practicing a Leave No Trace philosophy in my outdoor adventures was highlighted by the State of North Carolina on VisitNC.
Perspectives on My Walks
Print and broadcast journalists, freelance writers, and others have reached out for interviews as well as to join me on a walk. They include:
-National Geographic Thailand (2023)
-Walter Magazine -Raleigh (2023)
-The Laurel Magazine (Highlands & Cashiers) (2023)
-North Carolina Travel Guide (2023)
-SouthPark Magazine -Charlotte (2023)
-This Working Life (2022 Australian Career Book of Year)
-South Magazine (magazine of the coastal south) (2022)
-First Presbyterian Church Sylva, NC (2022)
-Plateau Magazine (Highlands/Cashiers) (2022)
-Spectrum News North Carolina (2022)
-National Geographic:1000 Perfect Weekends Book (2021)
-North Carolina Travel Guide (2021)
-Styleblueprint.com (2020)
-Birmingham Home & Garden (2019)
-Mountain Xpress (2016)
-A Plus (Ashton Kutcher’s digital magazine) (2014)
-Appalachian Trail Journal (2011)
With singer/songwriter Amy Grant on her farm near Nashville, TN guiding a music and forest therapy experience for senior adults for the Trails Please Foundation.
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Participants on a guided walk for the Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust at Satulah Mountain Preserve in Highlands, North Carolina.
