Celebrate Earth Day in the Huron National Forest

In Japan, they practice “forest bathing” or shinrin-yoku (shinrin means “forest” and yoku means “bath.”) This is not hiking, jogging or taking photographs. Rather it’s the meditative and considered practice of taking in the forest through all of your senses. If you haven’t heard of forest bathing, read this article from Time magazine that defines what it is and how to do it. 

April 22nd is Earth Day and, during your stay with us on the shores of Lake Huron, forest bathe in the wilds of the Huron National Forest. With breathtaking views of the Au Sable River, historic monuments, sacred springs and miles of trails through thousands of acres of woods, it’s the perfect setting to reconnect with the natural world again ― and it’s right next door to us!

Notable trails to explore within the Forest are the Highbanks River and Eagle Run. Soak in the sacred site of Iargo Springs at the trailhead of the River Road National Scenic Byway or the panoramic view of the Au Sable River at the Overlook. The Hoist Lake foot travel area has 19 miles of moderate to difficult trails through 10,000 acres of forest, while the 3,000-acre Reid Lake area has 12 miles of gently rolling trails lakeside. The Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area offers a great opportunity for bird watching and wildlife viewing. You might see white-tailed deer, fox, coyote, wild turkey or trumpeter swans. The threatened Kirtland’s warbler nests in the area as well as bald eagles, loons and beavers.

Once you’re done, you may want to drive the Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour, a self-guided, 58-mile auto tour through the Au Sable River Valley and unique Jack Pine ecosystem that are home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Kirtland’s warbler.

When you return to the Huron House, gaze at the stars over beautiful Lake Huron and reflect on your new experience.

Not just beautiful, though—the stars are like the trees in the forest, alive and breathing. And they’re watching me. ― Haruki Murakami