Walking Through the Forest Park Under the Shade on Hot Days

Summer walks can be tougher than expected due to sunlight and humidity, even if the distance is short. Parks with forests reduce radiant heat and provide resting shade, but having many trees doesn’t eliminate the risks of heatwaves and heat exhaustion. There are sections where the shade ends, like in plazas and by the lakeside, and in hillside parks, even short distances can involve steepness.

This list gathers actual parks that are accessible from the city and suitable for choosing shaded paths. Avoid the hottest afternoons, opt for a short walk in the morning or at sunset, and remember to bring water and prepare for mosquitoes and ticks. Instead of walking through the entire park, it's better to manage your stamina by walking to forest paths or water sources and back. Always check for heatwave alerts, fine dust levels, and trail closures before setting out.

If you find yourself sweating excessively, feeling dizzy, or experiencing headaches or nausea even in the forest shade, you should stop walking immediately and move to a cooler place. When you see a bench, take a break beforehand and drink small amounts of water before you get too thirsty. After it rains, dirt paths and wooden decks can become slippery, and increased insect activity means that wearing light-colored long clothes and shoes with good traction can be helpful.

In hillside parks, the strain on your knees can increase when going down, so opting for lower circular routes with continuous shade might be a good choice over hiking to a peak or viewpoint. If you encounter notices about construction, fire prevention measures, or wildlife sightings, please take detours. The goal of forest walks is not to go further but to momentarily slow your pace in the hot city. Planning for a short and safe round trip helps create a lasting summer walking habit.