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UP NORTH
Nation’s first barefoot park opens in Flagstaff
Reconnect with nature by walking barefoot on natural surfaces
(Photo provided by The Barefoot Trail)
Jaxon demonstrates the rope walk at The Barefoot Trail in Flagstaff.
(Photo provided by The Barefoot Trail)
Ezra tries The Barefoot Trail’s log step walk.
(Photo provided by The Barefoot Trail)
The opening of the new Barefoot Trail in Flagstaff is shown.
Posted
Where is the park located and how do I get there?
The Barefoot Trail is located in Bellemont, just 10 minutes by car west of Flagstaff, along I-40. Take exit 185 off the I-40 in Bellemont and proceed north toward the Pilot gas station. Follow the road east and drive the roundabout (take 3rd exit) and continue through to the stop sign. Drive west on Brannigan Park Road and in approx. 2.2 miles take a left onto Forest Service Road 9202K. Look for park signs at the turn off. Drive 0.6 miles and turn left again onto Forest Service Road 146W. Drive 0.4 miles and the park will be on your right. Parking is limited. No park access through the ADOT rest stop.
FYI
The Barefoot Trail’s park location is 17440 Forest Service 146w Road, in Bellemont. But trail organizers recommend following their written directions rather than Google or Apple maps because the trail is in the forest and sometimes Google/Apple does not always guide you to the property, but instead takes you to the AZ DOT rest stop nearby.
Special to Independent Newsmedia
The Barefoot Trail, the nation’s first grounding park, is now open in Flagstaff.
This 1-mile innovative park is designed to promote holistic health and well-being through grounding, also known as earthing, a press release explains. By walking barefoot on natural surfaces, individuals can reconnect with the earth's natural energy, which has been shown to reduce stress, inflammation, and improve sleep.
"Grounding has been a transformative practice for me, and I am excited to bring this experience to the United States," Leah Williams, The Barefoot Trail founder, stated. "Our park offers the unique opportunity for people to reconnect with nature, improve their health, and enjoy the beauty of Flagstaff."
Williams has traveled in Europe and lived in several countries where grounding and outdoor activities are integral to daily life. The Barefoot Trail has core values as a destination for visitors of all ages, including exercise through outdoor recreation, environmental education, outdoor youth development, therapeutic programs, and land conservation.
The trail is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Tickets are $10 for children and adults. Kids 2 and younger are free. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
The seasonal park is open through September and is closed during colder months.
