Group 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 going far or fast. They are about slowing down, paying attention, and letting nature guide the experience.
The two types of group outings we offer are Guided Nature Immersion and Trail Meditation.
Guided hikes combine mindful movement, reflection, and gentle invitations 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, our group outings 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.
Guided Nature Immersion
Back in the 1980s, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries came up with a strategy to address rising urban stress and health issues linked to overwork and industrialization. The idea was to help immerse people in nature to enhance health and well-being, and it was incredibly effective. They called the practice Shinrin-yoku, literally “forest bath” — similar to how sunbathing refers to soaking in the sunlight. Since that time, forest bathing has become an integral part of preventative medicine in Japan and has spread in popularity throughout the globe.
Northlandr’s guided nature immersion walks are our offerings that come closest to the classic “forest bathing” experience.
These sessions are intended to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing through contact with the natural world. Your guide will offer mindfulness techniques, draw your attention to features of the environment, and/or offer prompts to facilitate contemplation. The goal is not to go fast or far, but to fully immerse oneself in nature, breathe fresh air, and experience being part of the inter-connected web of existence.
Sessions last approximately 90 minutes.
Trail Meditation
These group hikes are intended for people new to the practice of meditation who want to learn some basics, or more experienced meditators interested in taking their practice outdoors.
Hikes include a brief introduction to several kinds of meditative techniques, including mindfulness meditation, breath work, walking meditation, and loving kindness meditation.
Participants will have the opportunity to practice all of these techniques while connecting with nature in an outdoor setting.
Sessions last approximately 90 minutes.
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 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, group 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 group outings 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, typically within a one-hour drive of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. Specific locations, duration, accessibility details, and weather considerations are provided for each scheduled hike. Each session is limited to 10 people, and availability is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Participants are encouraged to wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and bring any personal items needed for comfort. A water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable footwear are highly recommended for all outings.
Most of our hikes take place on paved or well-groomed trails. No advanced athletic ability is necessary, but outings typically involve walking up to one mile. You are encouraged to check with your doctor in advance if you have any concerns about being able to participate safely.
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.
Northlandr welcomes people of all gender orientations, races, ethnicities, economic circumstances, religions, sexual orientations, and personal identities. This world belongs to all of us.