Kripalu Is Taking Leaf Peeping to the Next Level This Fall

Kripalu/Photo provided

Each fall, thousands of leaf peepers pour into New England for a chance to see our famous fall foliage. And this year, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health is giving you the chance to play tourist in your own region.

The Berkshires yoga center is hosting a Forest Bathing and Walking Meditations retreat from October 1 through October 6, at the height of the area’s autumnal brilliance. During the five-night retreat, you’ll get to soak in the scenery through “forest bathing,” an in-vogue Japanese practice that basically boils down to mindfully spending time in nature, and is said to reduce stress and promote general well-being. (Even if you’re skeptical of the concept, the Berkshires is an undeniably lovely place to spend an autumn week walking through the woods.)

Aside from forest bathing, the retreat includes walking meditations and mindfulness exercises, walking lectures, and gentle yoga. There will also be plenty of free time to enjoy Kripalu’s yoga and fitness classes, healthy meals, massage and healing arts, and outdoor amenities.

The trip may not be the most affordable leaf peeping excursion—tuition costs $389, while on-site lodging and meals start at $435 for the entire stay—but it’s hard to imagine a more relaxing way to embrace the season.

Starting at $824, 10/1-10/6. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, 57 Interlaken Road, Stockbridge, kripalu.org.

Forest Bathing/Photo provided