22 SEPTEMBER 2025 By Kylie de Best Have you ever wondered what it feels like to climb or wander around barefoot in public? Of course, if you did this anywhere else, you would probably get strange looks from passersby. At the Barefoot Trail in Flagstaff, however, people are encouraged to walk barefoot – in fact, if you have shoes on, they might tell you to take a hike! Founder Leah Williams was inspired to open this one- mile manicured trail after experiencing similar parks in Germany and Belgium while living in the Netherlands with her family. After searching for two years for the right property in Northern Arizona, followed by another two years of dealing with permits, and finally a year to build the trail, she was able to bring her vision to life. Williams said that she adapted the concept to fit “American preferences,” with patrons walking through dirt, mud, water, sand, stone, and rocks. She also added 35 adventure segments and stations to enhance the experience, including an obstacle course, a zip line, a musical garden, and labyrinths. Living in the Valley, where trails are aplenty, most may be aware of the benefits of hiking. But did you know there are even more benefits to hiking barefoot ? “Being barefoot counteracts the absorption of positive ions from computers, phones, and other electrical equipment, and allows the exchange with negative ions to detoxify our bodies. This helps reduce anxiety, depression, chronic pain, fatigue, and helps improve cardiovascular health,” Williams said. On the trail are also creative sensation paths that provide visitors with a reflexology experience on their feet, helping to stimulate blood flow, strengthen muscles, improve balance, and overall enhance mental awareness of their physical surroundings. “It increases awareness of how the different temperatures and textures make their feet feel. Since people always wear shoes outside, they immediately notice how much more aware they are of their surroundings and how the sensory information is communicated from their feet to their brain,” Williams said. Visitors come away from the experience learning more about their physical abilities and the strengths and weaknesses of their feet. Williams also mentioned that people know what they like and don’t like walking on – for example, some people love walking on wine corks…some don’t! Once you’ve exhausted your toes, you might be hungry – that’s where the Barefoot Boutique comes in, with a variety of snacks and water available for purchase. There are picnic tables at the front of the park for guests to use, as well as a picnic area halfway along the trail where they can rest and relax. Pack a lunch and make it a day-long adventure. Williams has big plans for the future, as the park is currently in Phase 1 of the fully approved design. With the entrance fee, donations, and grants, the park is excited to raise the necessary funds to start other phases and add more segments. The Barefoot Trail Foundation is also looking to be involved in building more parks throughout the United States and is actively working with interested individuals and groups. The Barefoot Trail will offer outdoor yoga classes beginning September 4. They will be held every Thursday and Sunday at 10 am and 1 pm. thebarefoottrail.org Feel the ground beneath your feet, thanks to the Barefoot Trail LET’S GO ON AN ADVENTURE! The Barefoot Trail is a one-mile long path where patrons walk through dirt, mud, water, sand, stone, and rocks. PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEAH WILLIAMS