'Forest bathing' in Lake County: ONF's Clearwater Lake and the first Florida Trail tract

According to National Geographic, shinrin-yoku means “forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere."

Halfway around the world, Skogsbad, the Swedish word for "forest bathing," has an entry in the official Swedish dictionary, according to the Scandinavian nation's tourism publication.

"Forest bathing has beneficial effects on human health via the showering of forest aerosols as well as physical relaxation," says one study, "Terpenes from Forests and Human Health," published in the journal Toxicological Research.

Fortunately for us here in Lake County, we have the wonderfully dynamic Ocala National Forest uplands, lowlands, lakes, ponds, swamps and prairies just inside the county line. Not to mention a slew of cute critters.

Think of the ONF as a ginormous, (mostly) free woodland spa resort for your inner wellbeing and overall physical health.

Walking our forest trails is a great way to decompress, indulge in nature photography and breathe in those soothing, pine-y terpenes. It especially feels great after fighting off a respiratory illness.

In the Ocala National Forest, majestic pines neighbor sprawling oaks and juniper bushes with a silvery sheen in the sun. Golden aster decorate the trails, and cypress stands guard the lowlands like dutiful sentinels.

Above, scrub jays dart out of sight before you can lift your camera or binoculars. If you're still you might capture one on a nearby branch. Herons and ibis don't play hard to get quite as much as the jays, but they seek refuge inside the trees and thickets.

Squawking squirrels and catbirds add to a gentle but odd symphony that surround you.

One of the most scenic and historic forest areas, the Clearwater Lake Nature Trail, offers camping, swimming and a 1.3-mile loop starting at the day use area.

Sadly, no pets are allowed on the lake shore. Probably for the best, since gators enjoy snacking on our beloved pups. If you're short on time, the Clearwater Lake loop is an easy jaunt that winds through habitats around the lake, including pine flatwoods, freshwater marsh and oak scrub. Benches and picnic tables offer a place to relax and enjoy a picnic. But if you really want to take in some healing terpenes, head to the Florida Trail's first-ever documented trailhead. The entrance for the Florida Trail's 62-mile linear path can be found on the right of the recreation area's entrance road.

The trail is free, and you might be able to access the recreation area's restroom for free before your hike if you ask the guard at the recreation area gate past the trail parking area.

But if you want to stay for a picnic or swim, you must pay a day use fee of $8.

As stated on the historical marker, the first-ever Florida Trail Association crew of trailblazers and maintainers labored under the leadership of Florida Trail founder Jim Kern.

Florida panther road kills still low for the year, about half the typical number

Mountain bikers can explore 22 miles of single track along the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail between Clearwater Lake Recreation Area and the Alexander Springs Recreation Area.

The 10.5-mile Clearwater Lake-area segment of the Florida Trail is not only the oldest but it's the most consistently enduring, according to Florida Hikes! Dating back to October 1966, the Lake County segment of the trail traverses "beautiful, moderately hilly stretches of longleaf pine forest with an open understory, this piece of trail slips around wet prairies and through hydric hammocks....and meanders "through miles of sandhills and scrubby flatwoods on its way north to one of the largest springs in Central Florida."

As someone who contends with allergies, asthma and autoimmune flare-ups, I myself have found walking in the forest and taking it in has become one of my favorite pastimes.

Incorporating ONF trail walking into your routine involves some preparation. And learning safety guidelines. We share the forest with the state’s largest populations of Florida black bears and scrub jays. Also present are alligators, white-tailed deer, turkey, sandhill cranes and a bevy of smaller critters such as foxes, raccoons, river otters, skunks, squirrels, bats, gopher tortoises, armadillos and a vast range of songbirds and shorebirds.

Some things to remember before visiting the forest:Consider picnicking in populated recreation areas if you have little to no experience hiking in the wilderness because preparing food out in the open can lure black bears, which have been known to ransack tents and tear into unlocked vehicles rummaging for food. Bear-resistant containers or lockers are an option for campers.

Black bears, for the most part, are more afraid of us. Never try to harm a bear that's just passing through. It's illegal to harm a bear unnecessarily.

There are no registered fatalities caused by black bear attacks in Florida, but the bears can be protective of their territory and cubs. If they approach you, hold up your arms and try to "look big."

Never, never turn your back, run away from them or feed them.

Bear spray is available if the rare aggressive bear charges toward you. Read here on what the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission says to do if a bear approaches, how to be "bear aware."

Lake between Ocala/Gainesville is No. 2 in Florida for number of gators. Which is No. 1?

What you need to bring with you, of course, is going to vary according to your length of stay.

As residents who live near the forest, we have the advantage of having the springs nearby for a quick dip or a brief stroll in the woods.

Wearing tick tape or tucking your pants into your socks can help prevent tick bites, especially during warmer months when the bugs are more bothersome.

If you're going deep you might want to spray permethrin on your clothes and gear.

In the winter, hunters and hunting dogs abound but they're usually far from the more popular hiking trails. As a safety precaution, consider wearing a hat, shirt or vest with bright orange or fluorescent colors for easy visibility.

Florida Hikes! provides some smart tips on what to bring on a Florida hiking trip.

One last bit of unconventional advice to round out your experience: Consider taking the long way home.

If you turn left instead of right after leaving the forest, you can head down Maggie Jones Road, a scenic dirt path with views of wetlands, farm pastures and wildlife in the Seminole Forest Wildlife Management Area. Maggie Jones Road leads into Royal Trails Road, which leads to a surprisingly scenic stretch of State Road 44.

Click here for information on camping in the Clearwater Lake Recreation Area.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Fla. history and scenic wonders hide inside Clearwater Lake rec area