Experience some of the most beautiful places in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in a whole new way  – through our guided Happiness Hikes. Connecting with nature can improve mood, reduce stress, support physical health, and increase overall happiness. Our Happiness Hikes are designed to help you experience those benefits firsthand!

Hikes go through scenic forests, meadows, historic landscapes, or on beaches, with intentional pauses along the way to stretch, breathe, yoga, and take in the beauty that surrounds us. Led by an experienced wellness guide, these welcoming experiences are designed for all levels and invite participants to connect more deeply with the landscape and themselves. Along the journey, discover stories of the area’s cultural and natural history, gaining a deeper appreciation for the landscapes that make Sleeping Bear so special.

Come ready to walk, breathe, explore, and reconnect—with nature, with community, and with yourself.

JULY 14 BAYVIEW TRAIL – 9 am  12 max. $25 registration required

JULY 21 GOOD HARBOR BEACH  Ctry. rd. 669 – 9 am meet at entrance to beach. Donation on-site, no registration required.

AUGUST 11 ALLIGATOR HILL TRAIL – 9 am 12 max. $25 registration required

AUGUST 18  ESCH BEACH -9 am Donation on-site, no registration required

AUGUST 25  SUNSET SHORES in Port Oneida – 7:30 pm Donation – onsite, no registration required

A portion of registration/or donations support Sleeping Bear Forever, a nonprofit national park partner.

Please bring water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection.

Instructor: Katherine “Kat” Palms 

We’re so grateful to Katherine (“Kat”) Palms for her generosity in leading these hikes. Kat is a Northern Michigan wellness educator, retreat leader, and Program Director of Leland River Studio and Director of The Leelanau Wellness Collective. Through movement, mindfulness, and nature-based experiences, she helps people connect with themselves, their communities, and the places they call home.