Wildlands Conservancy - Bike & Boat: Forest Bathing for Wellness and Recovery
Reconnect with nature and yourself through a unique, full-sensory experience that blends movement, mindfulness, and the healing power of the outdoors.
This free wellness program invites participants on a 4.5-mile paddle and 4.5-mile bike ride along the Lehigh River and D&L Trail, guided by nature-based therapeutic practices including forest bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku. Led in partnership with Stacey Vinci, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and certified forest bathing guide, this program is designed to support emotional, mental, and physical well-being.
Program Highlights:
Begin at Sand Island in Bethlehem with a warm welcome and reflective forest bathing prompts
Bike 4.5 miles to Allentowns, Canal Park, via the scenic D&L Trail
Paddle 4.5 miles down the Lehigh River back to our Sand Island starting point
We will pause for lunch (please bring your own) and a short guided forest bathing activity
Learn about Wildlands’ conservation work along the way
Wellness Benefits:
Boating offers full-body physical activity that improves core strength and cardiovascular health. The repetitive, rhythmic nature of paddling can also help reduce stress and support emotional regulation, important components of recovery and overall wellness.
Forest bathing encourages you to slow down, observe with your senses, and reconnect to the present moment. Cycling builds endurance and boosts mental clarity while encouraging mindful movement through nature.
What to Know:
- This is a 4.5 mile paddle and a 4.5 mile bike ride. All gear is provided.
- Participants must know how to ride a bike.
- Bring: a packed lunch, water, sunscreen, appropriate layers, and a backpack or drybag for your belongings.
- Timing is dependent on river water levels. Low water may make for a more physically challenging paddle, please be prepared.
- Restrooms: Bathrooms are located about 0.3 miles away from the starting location at Sand Island Park and again at Canal Park.
Important Registration Note:
Your registration matters! If you can no longer attend, please notify us as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.
This program is free, thanks to generous support from Lehigh Valley Greenways Conservation Landscape. It welcomes individuals from all walks of recovery, whether from substance use, trauma, grief, mental health challenges, or life transitions. Please register online; registration for May events opens Monday, April 20.
Rediscover wellness through movement, mindfulness, and the natural world.
Questions? Contact Nicole Landis at [email protected]
Event Links
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3587244-0
