Pinnacle Forest Therapy at Half-Mile Farm

June 27 - 29, 2025 June 27, 2025 June 29, 2025 Old Edwards Hospitality Group

Woodsy Weekend with Dr. Mark Ellison and Pinnacle Forest Therapy

Join us for a relaxed weekend and learn about the flora and fauna with Dr Mark Ellison.

• Friday and Saturday Social Hour from 5 - 6 pm in the Woodland View Room with Dr. Mark Ellison.
• Saturday Morning Guided Nature Walk starting at 10 am with Dr. Mark Ellison.
• Saturday from 4 - 5 pm join Dr. Mark in the Woodland View Room for a chat about forest bathing and its benefits.

About Mark Ellison:

Mark was born and raised in rural Randolph County, North Carolina where his family goes back generations. He moved to the mountains in 1988 to attend Western Carolina University and quickly fell in love with the forests, trails, people and places of the Appalachian Mountains, as well as the sense of wonder and tranquility that living here offers. 

Mark's passion for helping others connect with nature started in college and followed him to graduate school at NC State where his doctoral research focused on the restorative benefits of hiking in nature. It was during this time that he discovered the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or forest bathing, helping introduce the practice to the United States after meeting with Dr. Qing Li who started the practice in Japan. He traveled to Japan in 2023 to visit the birthplace of Shinrin-yoku and meet and learn from their guides.

He is a certified forest therapy guide and trail consultant, and the founder of Pinnacle Forest Therapy. He helped create the first certified forest therapy trail in North Carolina at Pinnacle Park in Sylva, one of just twenty in the world. He also teaches an introduction to hiking class for a local college.

His walks have been featured in O (Oprah) Magazine, National Geographic, Garden & Gun, Our State, Birmingham Home & Garden and many other regional, national and international magazines, books, and broadcast news features. Spending time with Mark will help you tap deep into the restorative power of nature and learn about the many wonderful natural places to explore on the plateau..

View other Hosted Events at Half-Mile Farm.

Hosted events are for Half-Mile Farm guests only.

To attend these complimentary events at Half-Mile Farm from June 27-29, book your stay today.