The Barefoot Trail, the country’s first grounding park, is now open in scenic Flagstaff.

This innovative park is designed to promote holistic health and well-being through grounding. By walking barefoot on natural surfaces, people can reconnect with the earth’s natural energy, which has been shown to reduce stress and inflammation and improve sleep. At a time when people are becoming more health conscious, the barefoot trail offers an accessible and enjoyable way to incorporate grounding into daily life.

“Grounding has been a transformative practice for me and I’m excited to bring this experience to the United States,” said Leah Williams, founder of The Barefoot Trail. “Our park offers people a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature, improve their health and enjoy the beauty of Flagstaff.”

Williams has traveled extensively throughout Europe and lived with her family in several countries where grounding and outdoor activities are an integral part of daily life. The timing to bring this popular practice to the U.S. couldn’t be better, as the grounding movement has recently gained momentum on social media platforms like TikTok and millions of people have discovered that connecting with nature can improve their health. Additionally, the Barefoot Trail has six core values ​​that make 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, wooded environment where visitors can unwind, exercise and have fun, whether alone, with family or in groups. Regular walking is recommended by the medical community for its cardiovascular benefits.

• Grounding/Reflexology Benefits: The reflexology path stimulates circulation and heightens the senses by connecting visitors directly to the natural ground. Grounding for 20 to 30 minutes daily can help restore the body’s natural electrical balance, reduce stress and inflammation, and improve sleep.

• Environmental Education: Visitors can learn about the geologic and environmental history of Coconino County, including its volcanoes, rocks, trees and waters. This educational component increases 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 and promotes positive attitudes, behavior change, problem-solving skills, and leadership development. These safe and fun activities are appropriate for children of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds.

• Therapeutic programs: Also known as outdoor behavioral healthcare or wilderness therapy, these programs use experiential learning in a natural setting to facilitate healing of various emotional, developmental, and interpersonal issues. Nature has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, strengthen the immune system, and improve mood.

• Land Conservation: The Barefoot Trail is committed to protecting the natural environment by preserving the ecosystem, vegetation and wildlife. The trail uses natural materials such as stones, rocks, sand and mud to preserve the natural state of the land while providing a unique recreational experience.

The Barefoot Trail, a nonprofit organization, also worked closely with local businesses to create a beautiful park and organize community-building activities. The overall mission is to encourage everyone to get outside, exercise, and have fun in nature, which will ultimately contribute to a healthier and happier community.

For more information about the Barefoot Trail, visit thebarefoottrail.org.