The mystical labyrinth has been used throughout the ages as a means to many things. The various purposes of its use has depended primarily upon cultural influences and beliefs. In recent years, the spiritual use of this guided path has seen a resurgence in the U.S., and this one in North Carolina is one that shouldn’t be missed.
If you’ve never experienced walking a labyrinth, then you’re in for a (spiritual) treat.
Flickr/Jack Dorsey The paths are predetermined and always lead to the center. Your focus is on meditation and relaxation, as opposed to finding your way out of a maze. It’s not a maze, and the one shown above is just an example, it’s not the one at the park. We’ll see that one shortly, though, so keep reading.
The Labyrinth Park at the Mountain Valley Center in Otto is a classical design.
Wikimedia Commons/JamesJen Based on the classic seven circuit layout, the huge installation is 65 feet in diameter and has one clear path to the center.
The Mountain Valley Center constructed the Labyrinth in 1998 out of 10 tons of stones.
Flickr/Alex Berger The massive path measures one-half mile in length. Visitors who walk the static path each create their own journey to the center.
The Otto Labyrinth Park (shown here) is situated with water on three sides and a Laurel Forest on the fourth.
Mountain Valley Center Visitors to the park can meditate, relax, and walk the colossal labyrinth as many times as they want. The experience is free, and the park is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
The Mountain Valley Center has periodic labyrinth gatherings at their Labyrinth Park. You can find a complete list for 2018 at this link. Don’t miss the upcoming Fairie and Labyrinth Festival held at the park this upcoming weekend, April 14, 2018, from 10am to 6pm. Get the scoop on the festival at this link.
Flickr/Jack Dorsey
The paths are predetermined and always lead to the center. Your focus is on meditation and relaxation, as opposed to finding your way out of a maze. It’s not a maze, and the one shown above is just an example, it’s not the one at the park. We’ll see that one shortly, though, so keep reading.
Wikimedia Commons/JamesJen
Based on the classic seven circuit layout, the huge installation is 65 feet in diameter and has one clear path to the center.
Flickr/Alex Berger
The massive path measures one-half mile in length. Visitors who walk the static path each create their own journey to the center.
Mountain Valley Center
Visitors to the park can meditate, relax, and walk the colossal labyrinth as many times as they want. The experience is free, and the park is open to the public from dawn to dusk.
The Otto Labyrinth Park is located at the Mountain Valley Center at 43 Shambala Way, Otto, NC 28763. (Otto is located approximately 15 miles south of Franklin.)
Did you realize North Carolina even had a Labyrinth Park? Our state has a number of pleasant surprises, like this magical butterfly farm. Check them both out, and enjoy the new adventures.
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