WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT:
Shinrin-Yoku is a Japanese term that, literally translated, means something like “immersing oneself in a forest atmosphere” or what, in the west, is typically referred to as “forest bathing.” It is a practice of relaxation where one spends time and proceeds slowly and thoughtfully in a forest or natural environment, focusing on engaging as many senses as one can to deeply connect with nature. One attempts to focus on tiny details, grand landscapes, and everything between; to take it all in. It has been linked to numerous health benefits and can be performed solo or with others and with or without a guide.
The purpose of this field trip is to introduce HNP members to the concept of shinrin-yoku and to have you document your experiences with your cameras. When I mentioned bringing a group to do forest bathing to Daingerfield State Park’s Superintendent, he soberly asked if it involves disrobing. I assured him it did NOT. Toward the end of this document, I included several Internet brief resources t0 help you understand more about forest bathing. You probably don’t need to read them all, but I encourage you to read at least a few.
I explored several state parks in and around the Metroplex, but I didn’t find anything that said “forest bathing.” So, going further afield, I visited three state parks in northeast Texas. They all have lovely forests, but Daingerfield State Park is known as the “Cathedral of Trees.” It’s a small, intimate park with a well-groomed 2.5-mile trail around a small lake. It has benches along the trail for when one wants to stop and soak it in. It has beautiful Little Pine Lake edged by water lilies and allows no motorboats to spoil the tranquility. The park and some of its facilities were built by the CCC during the Great Depression in the 1930s.
Admission to the park costs $4.00.per adult (anyone over 12). If you have a current Texas State Parks Pass, everyone in your vehicle gets in for free. The passes cost $70 per year and can be purchased at any state park. A map of the park is provided on the last page of this document.
Most of the drive is on I-30. Allow a little more than two hours each way. The park office opens at 8:15 a.m. I will be there at 8:00 a.m. Let me know if you are interested in carpooling, and I will attempt to put people who are interested in touch with each other. But this will be difficult for anyone who registers at the last minute. So, register early and tell me in the comments if you want to ride with someone or if you are willing to take someone with you. Once we’re there and things get going, I’ll park in the Dogwood Camping Area on the east side of the lake. There is a general store at the Little Pine Interpretive Center should you need snacks, water, or general supplies.
LUNCH:
We will meet for lunch starting at about 11:30 a.m. at Outlaw’s Bar-B-Que. It’s a five to ten-minute drive from the park entrance. They serve good Texas barbecue and large portions for a reasonable price, so be ready to eat. The restaurant does not accept reservations; it’s first-come, first-served. Since it’s not a huge place, there may be a short wait for late arrivals. But it’s the best food I could find in Daingerfield.
Starting at about 11:30 a.m.
Outlaw Bar-B-Que
1404 Linda Drive
Daingerfield, TX 75638
903 643-3444
LODGING:
For those who might prefer to arrive the day before and avoid an early drive the day of the field trip, the park office recommended the Wildflower Inn & Restaurant in Hughes Springs. It’s about a ten-minute drive from the state park. It does not include a free breakfast, but they have an attached restaurant that the park staff assured me, serves a great breakfast. You pay extra for it, but it seems convenient. I did not have time to check out the Wildflower Inn & Restaurant during my reconnaissance trip.
There is a hotel/motel in Daingerfield that is not recommended. There is additional lodging including hotels, motels, and B&Bs in the area around Daingerfield, Mount Pleasant (in particular), and Pittsburgh. Mount Pleasant and Pittsburg are about 20 to 30 minutes from Daingerfield State Park. Mount Pleasant is larger, easier, and closer (right along I-30), but Pittsburg probably has more history and charm.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT:
Tripod (if you plan to shoot landscapes) or Monopod.
Wide-Angle Lens (A zoom lens adds flexibility.)
Telephoto Lens (Again, a zoom lens adds flexibility.)
Macro Lens (For Close-up shots.)
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards
Water
Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat with a brim are advisable to reduce risk from mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks, and sunburn. Bug spray and sunscreen are also advisable.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Contact me if you have questions:
Tom Martin
HNP Field Trip Coordinator
469-261-3045
ntmarti1@tx.rr.com
Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing) Resources
(All Sources Are Quite Brief)
· Title: “The Japanese Art of "Forest Bathing" Can Improve Focus, Lower Stress: What It Is and How to Get the Most Benefit”
· Source & Author: CNBC Web Site: Make It Section (by Renée Onque)
· Publication Date: August 10, 2025
· URL: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/10/the-japanese-art-of-forest-bathing-can-improve-focus-lower-stress.html
· Title: “The Joy of Forest Bathing”
· Source & Author: North Texas Master Naturalist Web Site (No Author Cited)
· Publication Date: Undated, but first located on August 11, 2025
· URL: https://ntmn.org/the-joy-of-forest-bathing/
· Title: “How to Make Your Nature Walks Even More Restorative, According to Science”
· Source & Author: NPR Web Site (by Marielle Segarra)
· Publication Date: August 24, 2023, updated April 22, 2025
· URL: https://www.npr.org/2023/08/22/1195337204/a-guide-to-forest-bathing
· Title: “Forest Bathing Is the Secret to Feel-Good Travel. Here's Where to Try It”
· Source & Author: National Geographic Web Site (by Sunny Fitzgerald)
· Publication Date: July 24, 2025
· URL: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/forest-bathing-nature-walk-health
· Title: “Forest Bathing: What It Is and Why You Should Try It”
· Source & Author: Kaiser Permanente Web Site (No Author Cited, but Kaiser Permanente is a Large National Nonprofit Healthcare Organization))
· Publication Date: January 30, 2025
· URL: https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/healtharticle.what-is-forest-bathing
· Title: “Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits”
· Source & Author: Cleveland Clinic Web Site (No Author Cited, but the Cleveland Clinic is a Nationally Renowned Non-Profit Academic Medical Center)
· Publication Date: December 6, 2023
· URL: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/why-forest-therapy-can-be-good-for-your-body-and-mind
· Title: “North Texas Guide Leads ‘Forest Bathing’ Walks”
· Source & Author: Green Source Texas Web Site (by Amy Martin, Author of the Excellent Book "Wild DFW")
· Publication Date: April 14,2022
· URL: https://greensourcedfw.org/articles/north-texas-guide-leads-forest-bathing-walks