Forest Bathing at Cranberry Lake Preserve

Come join us for a leisurely forest bathing hike at Cranberry Lake Preserve, reachable on Metro-North to VALHALLA

NO! We are not taking a bath in the forest

WHAT IS FOREST BATHING? Simply, forest bathing is the Japanese practice of spending time and walking in a relaxed way in a living forest — to "bathe" in its peace and beauty -- and research has found the practice of forest bathing to reduce blood pressure, ease stress, improve mood and sleep, and increase focus and simply recharge the body's batteries.

You can read more about it here: http://www.westchestermagazine.com/Westchester-Magazine/May-2017/What-Is-Forest-Bathing/

HIKE HIGHLIGHTS: Remnants of quarry operations, old stone walls, a small cascade, and scenic 20,000 year old glacial lake, Cranberry Lake, are features on this hike at Cranberry Lake Preserve.

GETTING THERE: We'll meet at Grand Central to take the 9:14AM Metro-North to VALHALLA station.

AGENDA: Once we get to Valhalla, we'll pick up Uber for a 6-min ride (2 miles) to Cranberry Lake Preserve. It's also possible to walk from Kensico Dam Plaza to Cranberry Lake Preserve (about 20-30 min walk over a busy Mt. Kisco Road).

TRAIL MAP: https://parks.westchestercountyny.gov/images/stories/pdfs/2026cranberrylakepreservetrailmap.pdf

After hike we'll make our way back to Valhalla. We'll then explore Kensico Dam Plaza and "The Rising" sculpture, a memorial to those Westchester residents who perished on September 11.

HIKE INTENSITY: Easy breezy to moderate. There are some minor uphill and downhill but nothing strenuous

TOTAL MILEAGE: up to about 6-7 MILES, maybe more...who the heck can tell?

PACE: Hiking pace will be LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. Throughout day, we'll have lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers. NO SPEED DEMONS!!!!

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking -
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.
• Bring a sense of adventure and a positive attitude. A smile also goes a long way. Please leave the drama and crankiness at home.

DURATION: I cannot guarantee finishing time. We will finish when we finish

WEATHER: Rain or extreme heat and humidity will cancel.

MEETUP FEE: a $2.00 meetup fee will be collected to help defray the cost of keeping this group going

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.