Centred Outdoors: Awaken the Senses at Bear Meadows Natural Area

Join Centred Outdoors on Sunday, July 17, and Wednesday, July 20, to explore Bear Meadows Natural Area, one of the last remaining areas of ancient boreal forest in Pennsylvania. The 320-acre area is nestled in Rothrock State Forest and can be accessed via Bear Meadows Road at Tussey Mountain Recreation Area in Boalsburg.

Guided group walks on Sunday and Wednesday will take visitors through one of only 603 National Natural Landmarks in the country and one of eight designated natural areas in Rothrock State Forest. Here is a rare type of wetland surrounded by a forest of black spruce, red spruce and balsam fir.

Rare plant and animal communities grow and live among historical features and distinct forest characteristics that have earned Bear Meadows its designations from the National Park Service and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

These features make Bear Meadows Natural Area well-suited for practicing shinrin-yoku, a Japanese term coined in 1982 which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.”

Forest bathing is a low-impact activity intended to promote mindfulness by observing one’s natural surroundings at a relaxed pace that allows time and attention to take in the many sights and sounds of the natural world.

Centred Outdoors guides will lead free guided group hikes approximately 1.5 miles in length on July 17 at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and July 20 at 6 p.m.

For those seeking a longer hike, the Bear Meadows Loop trail is part of a 6-mile trek connected by the Jean Aron Path, a trail named after the local poet and author of “The Short Hiker.”

Aron encourages hikers to adopt a hiking style and pace consistent with forest bathing to allow time and space for admiring the beauty and intricacies of the natural world.

On Sunday, participants can also join Lucy Haggenstaller, certified nature therapy guide and Pennsylvania master naturalist, for a guided forest bathing experience intended to awaken the senses and imagination while promoting one’s connection with nature and mindfulness.

All Centred Outdoors guided events are free and open to the public. For complete details about this adventure, as well as the full 2022 schedule, visit www.centredoutdoors.org.

Where to meet:

• Bear Meadows Natural Area, Petersburg; and

• Cell service is limited, so note directions prior to leaving home

What to expect:

• 1.5-mile guided walk, easy;

• Mostly gravel trail with a small amount of uneven terrain; and

• Minimal elevation change.

What to bring:

• Water bottle;

• Sturdy sneakers/footwear (sandals not recommended);

• Sun protection, including a hat and sunscreen;

• Bug spray, long sleeves, socks and pants for tick and insect protection;

• Light snack or picnic; and

• Child carrier/backpack for very young children.

Visit www.centredoutdoors.org for safety tips