Heading out of the city for a hike this Fourth of July weekend?
It could be good for your mental health.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found participants who took a 90-minute walk through a natural environment reported fewer negative thoughts.
Those who went on walks in natural environments, as compared to those who took walks through urban environments, showed less activity in the part of the brain linked to the risk of mental illness.
As NPR recently reported, those who walk and hike report less anxiety and showed fewer signs of depression.
Hear the full NPR report below.
And if you're looking for a place to hike, check out some of these trails in the area.
Location: Nashville, Ind.
Distance: Six trails ranging from half a mile to 42 miles.
Location: Martinsville, Ind.
Distance: Seven trails ranging from half a mile to 10 miles.
Location: Spencer, Ind.
Distance: 10 different trails ranging from half a mile to 2 miles.
Location: Nashville, Ind.
Distance: 12 trails ranging from half a mile to 3.5 miles.