October means that FALL IS BACK IN DETROIT, along with your favorite autumnal traditions, seasonal treats, and the optimal opportunity to experience your favorite parks, trails, and waterways. With the best of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem waiting for your arrival, here's our short list of the Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit remaining in the best month of the year!
We’ve said it once, twice, and possibly a million times: nothing beats October in the Detroit area.
Crisp mornings, warm days, screensaver-worthy foliage, less crowded trails and campgrounds, open season for hunting, premiere racing…one does not simply top the optimal recreational opportunities that October entails.
With an adventure-packed month like October that's already flying by, the sheer scope of the wealth of outdoor experiences available to you may come off as overwhelming at first. Trust us, you're not alone in the sentiment. If we're being honest, every October morning starts with a catharsis of which recreational aspirations we will pursue that day.
Start the morning in the tree stand for the morning hunt or with a trail run?
Paddle out into the Huron River for reflective fall colors or pump up the tires for a mountain bike ride?
Head out for a stroll along Detroit's most scenic urban trails or book a guided hike for a backcountry adventure?
Don't worry though - when it comes to October in Metro Detroit, as long as you're outside on a bluebird sky and color-filled day, then you're living your best life. Regardless of your recreational pursuit. That being said, if you're searching for a shortlist of the best outdoor events to provide some structure to the last half of this month of months, then you've clicked on the right article.
Here are Expedition Detroit's "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" occurring throughout this action-packed month!
1. Dare to Peddle on a Haunted Bicycle Tour through Detroit
Throughout October | Detroit, Michigan | Noon
Celebrate Halloween on two wheels with Wheelhouse Detroit! This spooky cycling tour combines some ghostly anecdotes with factual historic info about Harry Houdini, the Nain Rouge, Elmwood Cemetery, and the St. Aubin Street Massacre. The three hour tour also visits a few spots rumored to be haunted, including the Fort-Shelby and Leland Hotels, The Whitney, and the Masonic Temple.
The Detroit central route includes Rivertown, Elmwood Park, Poletown, Midtown/Cass Corridor, and Downtown. There will be time for a beer or coffee stop, per the group's preference. The total route distance is 13 miles and cost is $45/$55 with bike rental.
2. Get in the Woods for Whitetail Deer Bow Season
Throughout October | Statewide in Michigan
Fall technically started on September 23rd, but the overwhelming consensus among Michigan outdoorsmen is that the season kicks off the moment that you get into your stand for whitetail deer season on October 1st. Months of gear preparation, scouting, land maintenance, target practice, and stand assembly have led to this moment. The temperature may be slightly warmer than preferred, but there’s no better place to sit back, watch the changing leaves wave in the wind, and wait for that buck of a lifetime to wander your way.
This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy. More specifically, in order to alleviate the significant stress that an overpopulation of deer has levied upon the lower peninsula's ecosystem, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe during October's opening weeks. While that may seem counterintuitive to the longstanding - i.e., way outdated - approach to "bucks only" hunting, the DNR's action call also notes that taking an early-season doe will most likely entail increased rut activity, decreased young buck harvests, and improvement of overall herd ratios. Most importantly, increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland.
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3. Join a Guided Hike under the Full Hunter’s Moon
October 17th | Lake Erie Metropark | 7 P.M.
October’s full moon - appropriately named the “Hunter’s Moon” - will reach its peak on October 17th. Be sure to catch a glimpse of this bright orange moon by heading over to Lake Erie Metropark for a guided “Hunter's Moon Hike” led by a metropark ranger equipped with special historical and astronomical knowledge.
We couldn’t resist doing some of our own research, though; it is believed that this full moon came to be called the “Hunter’s Moon” because it signaled the right time to start hunting in relation to the impending winter. We embrace this omen and proudly endorse this moon..
4. Ride into the MTB Life at Brighton Recreation Area
October 19-20th | Brighton State Recreation Area | 7 A.M.
Looking to FINALLY break into mountain biking?? Join Dynamic Cycling Adventures for a weekend of mountain bike clinics taught by local certified coaches!
This upcoming Saturday will feature a fundamentals clinic appropriate for all skills and abilities. The fundamentals clinic will focus on laying the foundation of sound mountain biking skills. Sunday will consist of an intermediate/advanced clinic to explore more advanced mountain bike skills - cornering, jumping, caps, and rock rollovers. Combine the two clinics for a great two day clinic experience to take your riding to the next level!
The event staff requests that all participants bring helmets, appropriate bike shoes (preferably flats), plenty of water, snacks, lunch, and rain gear. Online preregistration is required. The cost is $249 for one day or $449 for two days.
EXPERIENCE BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA'S FAMOUS PENOSHA TRAIL
5. Hike under Peak Fall Colors with Expedition Detroit!
Throughout October | 11 State Parks and Recreation Areas
Peak fall colors are JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and there's no better way to experience them than on the trails of the Michigan State Parks! Not sure where to explore? No problem - we've curated dozens of guided trips intended to showcase the best of the best of the Detroit region's outdoors.
EXPERIENCE PEAK FALL COLORS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
The Expedition Detroit team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coach across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience.
We will be gradually adding new guided trips over the coming weeks, as well as special trips like night hiking safaris. So, stay tuned friends. We can't wait to host you on one of our trips soon!
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P.S. Expedition Detroit+ subscribers save 40% on every guided trip AND 20% on online store purchases.....
6. Run the Detroit Free Press Marathon
October 20th | Detroit, MI | 7 A.M.
We are certainly not alone in declaring that the Detroit Free Press Marathon is the crown jewel of the Detroit region’s fall outdoor season. The internationally-celebrated course guides runners not only along the crowd-favorite Windsor Riverfront, but also through several featured neighborhoods and destinations. The recently-updated course includes routes within the District Detroit, Midtown, New Center, Eastern Market, and the world-famous Dequindre Cut Greenway!
On a personal note, my all-time favorite racing moment is watching the sunrise while running across the Ambassador Bridge. I don’t know how the race planners perfectly time that year after year, but it’s the icing on the cake for an already bucket list-worthy outdoor event. We hope that you'll join us at the starting line this year!
7. Experience the Enchantment of Glenlore Trails
Throughout October | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan | 7 P.M.
Have you experienced the Detroit region's newest Halloween outdoor tradition..? For the fifth year in a row, Glenlore Trails will once again be delighting guests with their immersive and illuminated Enchanted Forest!
From Thursday to Sunday evenings, guests will be captivated and enchanted as they venture into a spellbound forest where "the line between mortals and magic recedes." This magical Halloween experience was transformed by wistful wraiths, frolicking fairies, and the weird wayward witch of the woods. Guests of all ages are immersed in this one-mile outdoor hike complete with sensory installations designed to amaze and entertain. During the walk, which begins at dusk, guests are encouraged take part in a variety of interactive games and installations that can be found throughout the trail.
But wait, there's more! Glenlore Trails are also sponsoring a special 21+ night event on October 25th featuring live music. So if you're hunting for a unique date night this month, the ghouls and gobblins lurking around Glenlore have you covered.
LOOKING FOR MORE HAUNTED HIKES? BOOK A SPECIAL HAUNTED HIKE AT BELLE ISLE!
8. Hoot and Holler at the Hootenanny Endurance Run
October 26th | Gregory, Michigan | 7 A.M.
Do you have what it takes to be the last runner standing? Put your stamina to the test at the 2024 Hootenanny Endurance Run, an all-day, all-out running festival!
The Hoot consists of several endurance running events ranging from 4 hour, 8 hour, 12 hour, and "Last One Standing" options. The timed events follow a 2-mile forested loop, with the goal being to complete as many loops as possible within the time window. The "Last One Standing" race occurs on a separate 1 mile loop, with the allotted time decreasing slightly with each loop. There's also a classic 5K race for the whole family to enjoy.
Last note - the more loops completed, the more prizes runners will receive..!
9. Wear your Mask, Cape, and Helmet at the Batman Ride
October 26th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 7:00 p.m.
Looking to get some extra use out of your Batman halloween costume this year? Of course you are, you festive outdoor enthusiast. Pack it in alongside your nighttime MTB gear for a special themed "Batman Ride" sponsored by the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association. In full disclosure, the only description for this event is "Ride the Poto, backwards, at night," so get ready for a night full of awesome mid-fall riding and whatever other surprises that the Poto MBA might have waiting in their utility belt...
10. Run a Halloween-Themed Race
October 26th and 27th | Kensington Metropark and Maybury State Park | 9 A.M.
We’re admittedly suckers for hometown 5Ks and 10Ks, and themed races that are enjoyable for runners and spectators alike absolutely top our lists. Running in one of the “Halloween races” occurring across Metro Detroit will undoubtedly get you in the holiday spirit, especially if you forgo your typical race attire for the most sweat-resistant costume in your basement. Finish Line Runs’ “Michigan Monster Dash” at Kensington Metropark kicks off the seasonal races on October 26th, which includes 1K, 5K, 10K, and half marathon events. Kona Running’s “Wicked Halloween Run” 5K at Maybury State Park closes out Spooky Season racing on the 27th.
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Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.comto discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.