Guided Hikes in Nature
Mindful, facilitated outdoor experiences for grounding, reflection, and connection.
Northlandr’s guided hikes invite you into intentional time outdoors designed to support presence, wellbeing, and deeper relationship with the natural world. These hikes are not about distance, speed, or performance. They are about slowing down, paying attention, and letting nature guide the experience.
What are guided hikes?
Guided hikes are facilitated nature experiences that combine mindful movement, reflection, and gentle invitation to engage with the land. Drawing from practices such as mindfulness in nature, forest bathing, and eco-therapy, these hikes are designed to help participants reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.
Unlike traditional hiking or outdoor recreation, guided hikes focus less on covering ground and more on cultivating awareness. Participants are encouraged to move slowly, notice sensory details, and reflect on their experience in relationship with the natural world.
Why guided hikes support wellbeing
Time spent in natural settings has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and support mental and emotional health. Practices such as forest bathing and mindfulness in nature emphasize presence, sensory awareness, and connection, all of which can help counter the effects of modern stress and overstimulation.
Guided hikes offer additional support by creating intentional structure and gentle facilitation. Rather than navigating the experience alone, participants are guided in ways that deepen reflection, awareness, and meaning-making.
For many, guided hikes provide a powerful entry point into nature-based wellness and spiritual practice.
Who guided hikes are for
Guided hikes may be especially supportive for those who are:
Seeking mindfulness practices rooted in nature
Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or disconnected
Curious about forest bathing or eco-therapy
Navigating life transitions or periods of uncertainty
Looking for spiritual nourishment without formal religious structure
Interested in deepening their relationship with the land
No hiking experience, fitness level, or spiritual background is required.
What to expect on a guided hike
Each guided hike is intentionally paced and shaped by the land, weather, and group. Experiences may vary, but commonly include:
Slow walking or sitting in natural settings
Invitations to notice sensory experiences such as sound, texture, and light
Guided moments of silence or reflection
Optional sharing or group reflection
Time for personal insight and integration
Hikes typically take place on accessible trails and prioritize safety, inclusivity, and respect for the natural environment.
What guided hikes are — and are not
Guided hikes are not psychotherapy, counseling, or medical treatment. While participants often experience emotional or mental health benefits, these experiences are not intended to replace professional mental health care.
Guided hikes are also not fitness-focused workouts or educational nature tours. There is no expectation to perform, achieve, or master skills. The emphasis is on presence, listening, and relationship with the natural world.
Clear boundaries help create a safe, welcoming space for all participants.
How guided hikes connect to eco-spiritual direction
For some, guided hikes are a standalone practice. For others, they serve as an entry point into deeper one-on-one eco-spiritual direction.
Many participants find that guided hikes help build comfort, awareness, and trust in nature-based reflection before engaging in individual spiritual direction sessions. Both offerings are designed to complement one another while standing fully on their own.
Practical details
Guided hikes are offered seasonally in natural areas throughout the Upper Midwest. Specific locations, duration, accessibility details, and weather considerations are provided for each scheduled hike.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and bring any personal items needed for comfort.
If you have questions about accessibility or accommodations, please reach out prior to registering.
You are welcome exactly as you are.
Guided hikes offer a gentle way to reconnect with nature, your body, and your inner life. Whether you are seeking stress relief, spiritual grounding, or simply a slower way of being outdoors, these experiences invite you to begin where you are.