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After a brief hiatus, our #TrailTownSpotlight series is back! This edition crosses the border to explore the outdoor gems of Amherstburg, Ontario - possibly the single most historic recreational trail town in the Great Lakes region. All roads lead to Amherstburg, Ontario. Or at least that's our lingering sentiment after researching the Detroit region's outdoors over the past several months. Allow us to explain. Our first encounter with colonial Amherstburg dates back to our article on the Battles of Frenchtown - known predominately in the U.S. as the Battle of River Raisin - during the War of 1812. The decisive British, Canadian, and Native American forces that routed the outnumbered Americans at Frenchtown (now Monroe, Michigan) had assembled at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, crossed the frozen Detroit River into Michigan, and later returned across the river on foot with hundreds of captured American soldiers during the infamous blood march now known as the "River Raisin Massacre." In an unintended twist of fate, Amherstburg popped back up on the Expedition Detroit radar just a few weeks later. In honor of Black History Month, we published a two-part series on the Underground Railroad and its lasting legacy within the Detroit region. To our surprise, the long, clandestine trails of the railroad did not typically end in Windsor. Amherstburg, and specifically Fort Malden again, provided the final destination for tens of thousands of fugitive African Americans. While Detroit had the Underground Railroad codename of "Midnight," Amherstburg was referenced symbolically as "Dawn" - the light at the end of our history's most dark and dangerous trail. Beyond history, our research into southwestern Ontario's most popular trails (future article spoiler) led to uncovering 5 "Top Trails" within cycling distance of Downtown Amherstburg. Add in a healthy mix of Essex Region Conservation Areas, regional parks, and a dramatic coastline along the Detroit River and Lake Erie - well, let's just say that it didn't take much convincing for us to grab our hiking boots, passport, and hit the road. Here's our point: Amherstburg should be on the bucket list of every traveler to the Detroit region. A must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, street art fans, and foodies alike. It's our pleasure to formally introduce this quintessential Great Lakes colonial destination now. MEET AMHERSTBURG Located just under 30 kilometers (~18 miles) south of Windsor, the Town of Amherstburg has maintained a constant and historically-imposing presence on the eastern banks of the Detroit River since 1796. Originally settled by the Ojibe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples, the British established the first European presence in the area at the turn of the 19th century with the construction of "Fort Amherstburg" in the colonial settlement of "Malden." The fort and its surrounding town proved to be of utmost importance to the control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812, despite switching names in the official records of the British Canadian Government by the 1830s. As the 19th century bled into the 20th and 21st, Amherstburg continued to maintain - and expand - its historical, economic, and national significance. Coinciding with Amherstburg's boom as a shipping and logging port during the 1850s, the town's docks converted into the chief importer of freedom for its hundreds of newly-minted African-Canadian citizens that had successfully stowed away from Detroit. The legacy of Amherstburg's role as the "great landing place" in the Underground Railroad continues today with the preservation of the abolitionist-founded Amherstburg First Baptist Church, Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The industrial wheels of the 20th century also incorporated Amherstburg as a plastic manufacturing and whiskey distilling hub - especially during the "Prohibition Era" in the United States. The Amherstburg of today maintains its storied history alongside a vibrant and dynamic modern community. Impressive forts and monuments coincide effortlessly with chic cafes, manicured promenades, incredible street art, boutique shops, and year-round festivals. And yes, the town also provides an ideal gateway to several of the Detroit region's most historic, accessible, and beautiful outdoor destinations. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: Fort Malden National Historic Site While Amherstburg is arguably the most historic destination in Ontario, Fort Malden is definitely the most historic destination within Amherstburg. The fort's foundations date back to the initial settlement of the town in 1796, and during the next two centuries served as a military barracks, strategically-vital naval base, outpost to crush the Rebellions of 1837, first nations conference host, and even a "lunatic asylum" (as dubbed by the government of Canada West in 1859). In 1921, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada formally recognized the fort and its historic grounds as holding "historical importance" and therefore worthy of governmental preservation. Parks Canada has since included substantial additions to the protected area comprising the historic site, including a restored 1819 barracks, remnants of the 1840-period earthworks barriers, and two additional preserved buildings. A visit to Fort Malden includes opportunities for guided tours along an interpretive trail, scenic lookouts, youth programs, dog walking, and picnicking along the banks of the Detroit River. BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Navy Yard Park Just down the shoreline from Fort Malden, the remainder of Amherstburg's colonial and maritime history waits for your discovery at Navy Yard Park. The park's previous life as a coastal stronghold is impossible to ignore, as evidenced by the cannons, plaques, and dramatic naval statues that define the 10.5-acre park. The park's modern design actually mirrors the original Navy Yard from 1796, which was responsible for the construction of several war ships that fought in the War of 1812. Beyond its impressive history, Navy Yard Park is also celebrated for its award-winning gardens, mature trees, walkways, and idyllic river bank. The 0.8 mile loop trail depicted above guides visitors through the park in a comprehensive yet succinct route. This trail is popular for recreationists of all ages and interests - a local favorite for birding, fishing, and paddle sports, as well as some solitude during quieter times of day and less busy times of the year. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are also welcomed, but must be on a 6 foot (2 meter) leash. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Holiday Beach Conservation Area Alright, describing Holiday Beach Conservation Area as "Off the Beaten Path" may prove to be decisive for our readers. If you're an American, then you're most likely confused as to why I've started with this disclaimer. If you're Canadian, then chances are that you've visited Holiday Beach countless times - especially when Point Pelee National Park seemed either just a little too outside of your travel plans or overrun by tourists. For our readers who haven't visited Holiday Beach, the protected Essex Region Conservation Area is located just over 13 kilometers (~8 miles) southeast of Downtown Amherstburg. The park is widely viewed as a pristine destination for world-class kayaking, fishing, wildlife photographing, bird-watching, hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and even hunting. Bird-watching from the park's observation tower is especially popular in the park; in 2000, Holiday Beach received international recognition as an "Important Bird Area" by BirdLife International. This designation largely resulted from the park's massive concentration of raptors, prompting the annual "Festival of Hawks" that coincides with the migration of thousands of hawks, vultures, eagles, falcons and other birds of prey across the Detroit River and south for the winter. The Holiday Beach Long Loop Trail leads hikers, trail runners, snowshoers, and dog walkers through the heart of the park, with the trail's pinnacle landmark comprising of the park's three-story observation tower. The route oscillates between marked paved roads, board walks, and forest trails. The observation tower will come into view just before the 1 mile marker (don't get too close to the large tree on the right side of the trail the tower - raccoons are known to burrow inside). From the tower, continue down the shaded trail until you reach roughly the 1.2 mile marker. We strongly encourage you to break off from the trail at this point and head due south towards the Lake Erie coastline. The views are magnificent, the sandy beach is perfect for a lunch break, and your trail dog will be convinced that you've stumbled upon paradise. You will pick up the trail again within 0.1 of a mile and continue inland through expansive fields, mature forest, and the marshlands that are native to this corner of Ontario. MORNING FUEL: Downtown Espresso Cafe When we at Expedition Detroit think of an ideal coffee shop, we imagine three specific ingredients: amazing coffee, delicious pastries, and an ideal location. The Downtown Espresso Cafe has all three elements in spades - especially when it comes to the cafe's location (trust us, not at all a knock on the coffee and baked goods). The Cafe's friendly "hometown diner" atmosphere invites you to sit back and enjoy your traditional espresso, latte, or cappuccino as you watch Downtown Amherstburg wake up from the Cafe's panoramic windows. Once caffeinated, the best attractions of downtown are mere steps away. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: Lord Amherst Pub and Wine Lounge If you find yourself traveling north into town after a day spent exploring the parks, marshlands, and beaches of southern Ontario, then you won't need to travel very far up Dalhousie Street to find your post-trail beer. The famous Lord Amherst Pub and Wine Lounge awaits your arrival at the southern entry to the heart of Downtown Amherstburg, complete with its upscale British pub dishes served for lunch and dinner. Lord Amherst's direct access to Navy Yard Park across Dalhousie also provides the perfect avenue for a post-poutine stroll. This article only scratches the surface on all that Amherstburg has to offer for its residents and visitors. For more information on local businesses, organizations, and outdoor recreation opportunities, be sure to check out fantastic local information outlets like Visit Amherstburg and the Essex Region Conservation Authority. Do you live in or around Amherstburg? Have any additional suggestions for our community's attention? Please feel free to suggest any extra experiences, retailers, or outdoor events in the comments below!

The fifth installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, we're re-introducing an outdoor destination that truly needs no introduction: Brighton, Michigan. Join us as we explore this regional outdoor powerhouse and its wealth of world-class recreational opportunities! On a global scale, there are only a handful of destinations that inspire adventure with just a single word. Patagonia. Alaska. Himalayas. Banff. Sahara. Outback. For us Michiganders, you could also add "Tahquamenon" or "Keweenaw" to that list. Like a kid passing through the turnstiles at an amusement park, each of these hallowed places leaves even the most ardent outdoor enthusiast nearly paralyzed in anticipation of the exhilarating experiences about to unfold. Unbridled adventure has that effect on us all. Within the growing circle of Detroit's most impassioned outdoor recreationists, "Brighton" is another one-word denomination that evokes the call to adventure. If the Detroit region represents the future of North America's recreational infrastructure, then Brighton has provided the quintessential archetype on how to create a thriving community built around preserving and promoting its outdoors. A near-perfect case study on interweaving small-town charm with cutting-edge innovation, while simultaneously providing trail access to two of Michigan's largest state recreation areas, a Metropark, a world-class ski resort, and countless other community parks and waterways. In full transparency, this article's writing journey has been the most difficult since Expedition Detroit's launch last fall. Trying to capture the immensity of Brighton's outdoor recreational outlets has led to hundreds of burnt calories pacing across my office, plus a few mid-day jogs, trying to sustain a fool's errand of framing a lifetime's worth of outdoor opportunities within a web article. Brighton has pushed our research and writing capacity to its brink - but for the best reasons imaginable. Challenging articles make the best articles, and we sincerely hope that these words will inspire you to rediscover the best of Brighton in these long, beautiful days ahead. MEET BRIGHTON Located on the northwestern rim of the Detroit region - just on the cusp of the "frontier communities" between Detroit and Lansing - lies the quintessential "Pure Michigan" community of Brighton, Michigan. First established in 1832, Brighton's initial structures consisted of a saw mill on the stream now known as Ore Creek (also the city's original namesake until 1838) and the humble homes of its first settlers, brothers Almon and Maynard Maltby. Over the next two centuries, the settlement gradually grew in industry, population, and amenities to support and establish the modern city that visitors know and love today. The Brighton of 2023 prominently features a dynamic downtown that has carefully balanced its historic charm with the necessities of modern innovation. Brighton's postcard-worthy Main Street corridor prominently features trendy shops and cafes, artisan restaurants and bars, pristine public spaces, monuments, street and sculpture art exhibitions, and live performance venues - both inside and outdoors. Better yet, Brighton has retained its outdoor-centric culture that originated from its initial settlement along the banks of Ore Creek and continues through its investment into improving its outdoor spaces. OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS Oh boy, where to begin... Starting at the heart of Downtown Brighton, a stroll along the city's shops and restaurants must include exploring the boardwalks and paved walkways of the Millpond Trail. Easily one of the most scenic urban trails throughout the Detroit region, the stunning beauty of the roughly 1-mile Millpond Trail resulted from 5 years of habitat restoration and shoreline beautification initiatives spearheaded by the Brighton City Council and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Countless volunteer hours produced what's now described as the "focal point of the Brighton community," where the hustle and bustle of downtown meets a one-of-a-kind natural beauty. Downtown Brighton also maintains a city-wide outdoor sculpture exhibit, featuring several permanent and circulating pieces aimed towards enhancing the vibrancy of downtown. The Brighton Arts and Culture Commission has curated a self-guided tour to enable the public to experience the walking exhibition and the Brighton community. Several art installations are located along the Millpond Trail and its adjacent Brighton Imagination Station, which harnesses the synergy of natural and artistic beauty for a truly impactful experience. For most of Detroit's outdoor community, however, the allure of Brighton begins just outside the limits of downtown. For paddlers and anglers, Woodland Lake and Brighton Lake are directly accessible from downtown via their respective north and south passages of South Ore Creek. For skiers and snowboarders, "Brighton" is ubiquitous with Mt. Brighton, one of the Detroit region's "Big Four" resorts that features the slopes, events, amenities, and experience that any big mountain skier would expect of an Epic Pass resort. Last, but certainly not least, we have the triple crown of Brighton's outdoor ecosystem: Island Lake Recreation Area, Hudson Mills Metropark, and Brighton Recreation Area. Collectively, these three world-class destinations highlight Brighton's highest ranked destination, the Detroit region's premiere water trail, several of the most sought-after hiking trails in the entire state, and much, much more. Let's explore why Brighton is the Detroit region's adventure capital. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: Island Lake State Recreation Area On a shockingly frequent basis, a well-intentioned jerk asks me the single most difficult question related to this business: "Which park is your favorite?" For us at Expedition Detroit, this inquiry is akin to asking a parent to pick out their favorite child. Once the tangible "ugh" wears off, I try to provide an honest answer, which admittedly is usually influenced by whichever park I most recently had the privilege to explore. However, more often than not, my answer to that dreaded question is Island Lake State Recreation Area. Apparently I am not alone in that sentiment. And here's why. Within its 4,000 acres, Island Lake provides a comprehensive spectrum of experiences and landscapes that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the Detroit region - maybe even the entire state of Michigan. As such, the park is extremely popular for almost every recreational pursuit: mountain biking, road cycling, paddling, hiking, trail running, swimming, triathlon training, camping, canoe camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, trapping, and snowmobiling. Island Lake even has its own shooting range and connects directly to and from the paved Kensington Metropark Bike Trail and the Huron Valley Trail. For me personally, the shifting topography of Island Lake is the park's "X Factor," best experienced by foot, peddle, or paddle. Looking for a grand tour of Island Lake? Opt to hike or mountain bike the park's beloved Yellow Loop (5.5 miles, moderate terrain) and Blue Loop (9 miles, easy terrain) trails - either separately or together. These trails guide hikers or bikers on an expedition spanning the park's rolling hills, mature forests, prairie grasslands, and stunning "Badlands" terrain only found at Island Lake. Prefer a more direct route? The Huron River National Water Trail provides the central vein of Island Lake, starting at the southern terminus of Kent Lake at the cascading Kent Lake Dam, and gently flowing through 9 miles of the park. The twists and turns of the Huron will guide you along a journey through Island Lake's wetlands, wooded hills, thick boreal forest, and grasslands along its southwestern edge. There are four launch areas along the Huron's route, as well as one of the four canoe campgrounds along the entire HRNWT (reservation required in advance). BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Huron Meadows Metropark Just downstream and across US-23 from Island Lake, you'll find your next priceless gem in the triple crown of Brighton's outdoor destinations: Huron Meadows Metropark, a family-centric destination laden with experiences for every genre of outdoor enthusiast. Starting with the Huron River, Huron Meadows features approximately 2 miles of a gently-flowing segment of the HRNWT. Especially if you're newer to paddling or fishing, this segment of the Huron that is directly accessible from the Cedar Ridge Picnic Shelter provides a beginner-friendly avenue for enjoying the river (remember to always start by paddling upstream). Beyond the river, Huron Meadows also comprises of 11 miles of well-maintained rustic hiking trails, a par-72 golf course, playgrounds, softball fields, and cross-country skiing facilities at its Ski Center during the winter. Especially with regard to cross-country skiing, Huron Meadows is widely regarded as the "Southeast Michigan destination for skate-style and classic cross-country ski trails," as evidenced by hosting regional prominent nordic skiing events like "Frosty Fest!" last January. Skiers can choose from 14.8 miles of trails for classic skiing or 9 miles of skate skiing. All trails are groomed daily and are lighted at night. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Brighton State Recreation Area Only in Brighton would its namesake state recreation area receive the designation of "Off the Beaten Path," but that just further demonstrates how jam-packed with outdoor opportunities Brighton truly is. Having the ever-popular Island Lake and Huron Meadows as next-door neighbors could be viewed as an unfortunate twist of events for a world-class park like Brighton Rec, but hear us out: Brighton's more isolated location and rugged terrain make the park a "hidden gem" for Detroit's most adventuresome outdoor community. Let's start with the basics. Just like any top-tier Michigan state recreation area, Brighton Rec packs a knock-out punch with its full menu of outdoor pursuits. Scattered throughout the park's nearly 5,000 acres of steep ranges of hills, dense forest, marshlands and pristine lakes, recreationists can engage in mountain biking, hiking, trail running, equestrianism (mostly throughout the western segments of the park), paddling, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping, and cross-country skiing. The Bishop Lake area of Brighton Rec is especially stunning and provides the nexus of Brighton's most enviable paddling, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. For camping, Brighton maintains several reservation-only campgrounds, with its Appleton Lake and Murray Lake campgrounds constituting the park's two "rustic" camping options. Before signing off on Brighton Rec, we wanted to especially zero-in on two of the park's outdoor features that truly certify Brighton as an outdoor adventure hub. First, the celebrated Penosha Trail - a roughly 5 mile route traversing Brighton's easternmost rolling hills and dense forests that commonly ranks as the #1 hiking trail throughout the entire Detroit region. Second, for our advanced mountain bikers and trail runners, Brighton Rec's full MTB Loop Trail System - comprising a heart-pounding 14.8 miles in total - represents one of only three "Black Diamond" ranked trails existing within the Detroit region. Amazingly, both of these world-class caliber trail systems originate at the same trailhead, therefore providing our recreational all-stars with an opportunity to complete two bucket list-worthy feats back-to-back. Damn. Only in Brighton. FEATURED OUTFITTER: Running Lab Downtown Brighton's Running Lab isn't your typical shoe store. Or running apparel outlet. Yes, it is technically is a running store where anyone from 5K hopefuls to seasoned ultra marathoners can purchase industry-leading footwear, accessories, and other running gear. But if you take on aspect with you from this featurette, we hope it's that Running Lab represents a community of likeminded runners - regardless of experience level, demographic, or purchase powering - looking to improve the Brighton and greater Detroit region's running faithful. New to running? Sweet, check out Running Lab's "5K Training Group," which conducts its own 8 week training plan and coached runs on Tuesday nights. Growing as a runner? Solid, Running Lab has a larger training group that supports and prepares runners for races of all lengths. Simply looking to make an impact on your community and environment? Awesome, Running Lab also supports several foundations, including the MORE Foundation Group that recycles and re-purposes used athletic shoes. MORNING FUEL: Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater Location. Location. And coffee. When we're scouting out an area in the hunt for a prime "morning fuel" coffee shop, those three (alright, two) variables are right at the top of our list, and Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater has all of them in spades - plus much, much more. Let's start with the coffee house's location. Not only is the coffee house and theater located right on Downtown Brighton's Main Street, but the spot is literally steps away from easily the most scenic destination in downtown: Mill Pond Park and its boardwalk trail, including Brighton's "AMP" amphitheater and Veteran's Memorial. As expected, the "coffee" portion of the Coffeehouse and Theater serves up your go-to orders of coffee and specialty drinks, as well as tea, lemonade, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads. Oh, as you may have guessed, the coffee house AND THEATER also maintains an in-house theater for promoting dramatic arts, cinema, music art, and other crafts. The Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater truly has something for everyone. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: Brewery Becker Admittedly, I have a soft spot in my heart for the folks at Brewery Becker. Back in the late spring of 2020 - right after indoor dining restrictions were loosened during the Covid-19 Pandemic - my friends and I finished up a trail running and mountain biking session at Island Lake. One of us realized that we could, finally, enjoy that coveted post-trail beer in a real establishment. "Have you guys ever been to Brewery Becker in Brighton?" my buddy Ryan inquired of the group. Alas, we had not. "Oh, we're going. See you there." Since that fateful outing, Brewery Becker has been my go-to spot in Brighton for post-ride, run, or paddle craft beers. Besides the brewery's impressive on tap menu and ample "Bill of Fare" food menu, the restaurant easily has one of the most enviable venues in terms of its Main Street location and ornate architecture in all of Downtown Brighton. Complete with its award-winning biergarten, fire pits, generous bring-your-own wine and carry-out food policy, and family-style environment, a visit to Brewery Becker truly provides a unique experience that we unequivocally endorse. This article only scratches the surface on all that Brighton has to offer for its residents and visitors. For more information on local businesses, organizations, and outdoor recreation opportunities, be sure to check out fantastic local networks like Explore Brighton Howell Area and the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. Do you live in Brighton? Have any additional suggestions for our community's attention? Please feel free to suggest any extra experiences, retailers, or outdoor events in the comments below!

Race Weekend for the 2023 Detroit Free Press Marathon is HERE! As runners finalize their pre-event prep and arrive in Detroit, here are the 4 most iconic routes that runners and spectators alike should explore before AND after the race kicks off. "This...this is...wow." I mumbled those eloquent words to my father nearly four years ago as I paused my morning run in the middle of one of the most striking architectural landmarks in the Great Lakes region: the Ambassador Bridge. The sunrise unfolding in front of us illuminated and contrasted the glowing skylines of Downtown Detroit and Windsor like a Van Gogh masterpiece, complete with a myriad of colors and abstractly-defined shapes. Truly one of the most beautiful sights that I've ever seen. Or should I say *we've ever seen, because I was far from being alone. I was joined in that magical morning moment by thousands and thousands of Detroit Free Press Marathon participants hailing from all corners of the running world. When I finally managed to peel my eyes away from the scenery surrounding us, I was equally intrigued by the expressions of the fellow runners also enjoying this spectacular moment. I wondered how many of these runners had never visited our corner of the outdoor world before. And how many would have their perception of the Detroit region forever altered by experiences like that. If any first time Detroit Free Press Marathon runners are reading this article as part of their pre-race prep - especially anyone who has never visited Detroit before - then we'd like to be the first to welcome you to our great city and region! We wanted to start this article with that micro-memory for illustrating just a snippet of the incredible moments that await you during the race. The Detroit Free Press Marathon truly constitutes the crown jewel of Detroit's outdoor events calendar, one in which our international community pulls together to host the running universe in spectacular fashion. Once you're settled in to your Detroit or Windsor accommodations, we strongly encourage you to explore the marathon's course. Beyond the massive race day boost that stem from visualizing the route, the race coordinators purposefully planned the 2023 course to highlight certain neighborhoods and destinations that are integral to the history, culture, and future of the Detroit region. Even long-time race runners should consider scouting this year's route due to its several updates and course modifications. Updated for 2023, here are the Detroit Free Press Marathon's four most iconic routes: 1. The Windsor Riverfront Marathon Route Markers: Miles 3 to 8 Route Highlights: Ambassador Bridge, Windsor Sculpture Park, Riverfront Trail, Trans Canada Trail, Dieppe Memorial and Gardens, and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel You may be tempted to think that running over the Ambassador Bridge right at daybreak may represents the highlight of the race. Yes, it's an undeniably remarkable moment. But we've got even better news: the Bridge marks the just the starting line of one of the most unique, memorable, and beautiful segments of the race. Runners: welcome to Canada! The next five miles will guide you right along the pristinely-maintained Windsor Riverfront, complete with direct access to the 17,000+ mile Trans Canada Trail and the best views of the Detroit skyline. The route also leads runners past the Windsor Sculpture Park, Dieppe Memorial and Gardens, the largest Canadian flag that you'll ever seen, and thousands of cheering Canadian spectators. Oh, and this unforgettable route also concludes with the only official underwater international mile in the world, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Talk about a whirlwind, bucket list-worthy visit to Windsor..! 2. Downtown Detroit Marathon Route Markers: Miles 8 to 10 Route Highlights: Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Hart Plaza, Spirit of Detroit Plaza, Monument to Joe Louis, Grand Circus Park, Comerica Park, and The District Detroit Welcome back to Detroit City, international travelers! As you venture towards the depth of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, you may notice a small gathering of runners huddled to the left side of the tunnel. They will most likely be taking selfies at the mid-point of the tunnel, with one foot in Canada and the other in United States. PRs be damned, this is a fantastic photo op. Emerging from the tunnel is also one of the most energetic - and for Americans, patriotic - experiences of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. You will run into a sea of waving American flags, cheering crowds lining Jefferson Avenue, and the gleaming towers of Downtown Detroit. Peering through the crowds you will catch glimpses of the famous Spirit of Detroit statue, the iconic (and soon to be renovated) Dodge Fountain at Hart Plaza, and the Joe Louis Fist. Continuing north, the route's self-guided tour of downtown concludes through the heart of Grand Circus Park down Woodward Avenue, past the roaring tigers of Comerica Park, and into the renovated core of The District Detroit. 3. Midtown and Woodbridge Neighborhoods Marathon Route Markers: Miles 10 to 16 Running Trail Highlights: Cass Park, Woodbridge Neighborhood, Wayne State University, Cultural Center, Little Caesars Arena, and Brush Park With nearly a fourth of the race occurring in Detroit's Midtown and Woodbridge neighborhoods, you know that the route coordinators designed the Detroit Free Press Marathon to purposefully showcase these beautiful blocks of the city. Starting at Cass Park, the route follows popular 2nd Avenue north past the Masonic Temple and Midtown's trendiest bars and shops. This segment continues through the Woodbridge neighborhood's victorian home-lined streets, just south of Wayne State University's main campus, and around Wayne State's Hogwarts-esque "Old Main" Building. A few miles down famous Cass Avenue completes this route as runners head directly south towards Little Caesars Arena and east into ultra-modern Brush Park. As a Wayne State University Law School alum, I'm personally stoked for the race to finally showcase this incredible and often-overlooked area of Detroit. Running routes through Wayne State's campus, Midtown, and New Center was a favorite post-class (and de-stress) ritual of mine, so it's beautiful that the Detroit Free Press Marathon has re-routed to include the cultural heart of the city. 4. The Dequindre Cut Greenway Marathon Route Markers: Miles 17.5 to 19 Route Highlights: “Art Walk” murals, Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, Eastern Market, and Wilkins Street Plaza Possibly the most famous "Rail Trail" in Michigan, the Dequindre Cut Greenway trail was part of the Grand Trunk Railroad line in a former life, running parallel to St. Aubin Street. In its current glory, the Dequindre Cut is a 2 mile trail that serves as a lightening rod for invigorating community recreation, social events, and urban art inspiration. A run down the Dequindre Cut is a quintessential Detroit experience - a microcosm showcase of the past, present, and future of one of America's greatest cities - so it's no surprise that the greenway is making its Detroit Free Press Marathon debut this year! The marathon's Dequindre Cut route begins on the trail's north end at Mack Avenue. Heading south, runners will jog past several landmarks, including Wilkins Street Plaza, Eastern Market, and the lively Dequindre Cut Freight Yard. Continuing south, runners will enjoy an uninterrupted display of Detroit's finest street artwork - known as the "Art Walk" - until verging off the greenway trail at the E Lafayette Street exit. ATTENTION ALL RUNNERS! We wanted to end this article with a few Race Weekend Reminders from the Detroit Free Press Marathon Team: PACKET PICKUP: You must come in-person to pick up your race bib and runner packet at the Health & Fitness Expo at Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Hall). You can NOT have a friend or family member pick up your race bib for you. DOCUMENTATION: You must bring proper proof of identifcation to receive your race number. This means your WHTI-Compliant ID. For most participants, that means Passport, Passport Card, or Enhanced Driver's License. BORDER AGENCIES: A small percentage of participants will need to speak with border agencies at the Expo. Border agents and marathon staff will guide you through the process. RACE DAY: On race day, please carry your WHTI-compliant travel document on your person. Please note REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel and will NOT be accepted as a valid travel document to cross into Canada. Good luck, runners - we'll see you at the starting line!

In a world where ounces equal pounds - and pounds equal pain - here's why you should treat yourself for peak hiking season this summer with CTUG's Michigan-made ultralight gear! #ExpeditionPartner "Yeah man, your kit is definitely looking a bit heavy." Those were extremely generous words from Austin Gongos, cofounder and one of the "Main Dirtbags" of U.P.-based Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear ("CTUG"). We first connected literally days after I completed a thru-backpacking trek of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, the Detroit region's preeminent backpacking trail. So, my 50 lbs of decades-old backpacking gear was on full display for the entirety of the online world to see. Fortunately, I can get away with heavy packs for extended periods of time. Maybe that's due to the extensive cardio that I work into my everyday life. Or perhaps a distant ancestor of mine was a Sherpa. Who knows, but regardless of whether I'm trekking in the Detroit region, in the upper peninsula of Michigan, the Rockies, or the Andes, I have been fortunate enough to complete multi-day backpacking expeditions regularly carrying 45+ lbs on my back. That doesn't mean that I should - and neither should you. The truth is, the extra pounds that I typically carry reflect the age of my gear, antiquated manufacturing methods, and outdated belief systems that surrounded its production. My old REI 65 liter pack dates back to 2008. Most of my sleep system and other accessories have a carbon date of circa 2016. Compared to 2023 gear, my kit is a dinosaur. A heavy relic from a bygone era. The outdoor industry has changed dramatically in the last 15 years - and especially since the pandemic. Spear-headed especially by gear manufacturers like CTUG, the recreational world is moving towards producing equipment where the minutiae of each product is designed to enable you to hike farther, explore more terrain, endure harsher conditions, and increase sustainability from both environmental and athletic longevity perspectives. Don't worry - we're not here to convert you to the ultralight faithful that treks off into the woods with 20 lbs or less on their backs. However, the everyday outdoor gear that the ultralight community relies on greatly improves even shorter day hiking trips, mountain biking rides, afternoon kayaks - even mowing your lawn. We know this firsthand because we tested CTUG's everyday products. Spoiler alert, they're awesome. CTUG WATERBOTTLE SLEEVE Cost: $30.00 Weight: 1.4 - 1.6 oz (depending on size) Recommended Use: Backpacking, Hiking, and Kayaking When Austin and I connected on the phone, one of the first questions that he asked me was whether I had joined the "Smartwater Bottle Team" yet. Alas, I had not - I was still using an older water system including a reservoir, nozzle, and hose. I did mention to Austin that I had noticed the recent uptick in thru-hikers opting for larger water bottles lately, especially Smartwater-sized bottles. Turns out that the data backing the "Smartwater Movement" proves that it's far more than just a recreational fad. Larger plastic water bottles are cheap, durable, featherlight, recyclable, readily, replaceable, and work effortlessly with most screw-on water filters. Better yet, these bottles fit into just about any water bottle pocket on most commercial backpacks. But what if your backpack doesn't have a dedicated water bottle pocket? Or one that has a pocket so inconveniently located that you either rely on buddies to grab your water, or completely take off your pack? We'll raise the stakes even higher - what if your reservoir opens while you're hiking, only alerting you to the disaster when your pack starts leaking (based on a true, personal horror story)? Friends, that's where CTUG's top-selling Water Bottle Sleeve swoops in to save your trek. Designed to easily attach to virtually any backpack shoulder strap, the Water Bottle Sleeve will fundamentally change your perspective regarding your on-trail water system. Immediately accessible, extremely lightweight, and an absolute space-saver inside your pack, it blows our mind that this sleeve isn't a mainstream staple in the outdoor hiking community. Plus, the mesh visibility eliminates the potentially fatal guessing-game of "How much water do I have left?" from your hiking concerns. CTUG SHOULDER STRAP ZIPPER POCKET Cost: $40.00 Weight: 1.6 - 1.7 oz (depending on stitching) Recommended Use: Backpacking, Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Trail Running, and Snow Sports In full transparency, I have been skeptical of shoulder strap pockets for a few years now. That's solely because of a test-run with a similar product 8 years ago, produced by a renown national gear manufacturer. That first experiment ended poorly; the pocket was too narrow for my iPhone, didn't attach reliably, and wasn't remotely water resistant. I've since opted to keep my handheld gear in my pants pocket, despite the aspirational practicality of a shoulder strap pocket. Sad. The awesome CTUG Team must have run into similar issues, because their Shoulder Strap Zipper Pocket remedies every single one of those previous complaints. The Zipper Pocket is easily - and securely - attachable to any backpack shoulder strap. The pocket has plenty of room for my iPhone X, PLUS room for fruit snacks and other trail goodies. The sealed pocket is highly water resistant and is manufactured with waterproof Xpac on the seam. Oh, and my favorite part is that the front of the pocket has a "bonus mesh pocket" with an elastic band that is perfect for holding my GoPro camera. In summary, the Shoulder Strap Zipper Pocket is a lightweight no-brainer for casual adventurers and a must-have for outdoor content creators. Founded in 2018 by Austin Gongos and Nathan Ackerman, CTUG strives to make durable and lightweight gear for people who love wild places, Michigan backpacking opportunities, and need gear that will last thousands of miles. CTUG's mission focuses on helping to get more people outside and develop a passion for the natural world. CTUG also incorporates "Leave No Trace" principles into their manufacturing process and outdoor operations. This is a sponsored article featuring the products of one of our #ExpeditionPartners, Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear LLC. Please note, however, that Expedition Detroit retains the right to decline creating sponsored content based on our experience with certain products or services. Stated differently, we only publish if we fully endorse what our partners produce. CTUG's products absolutely fit in that category. Do you produce or provide outdoor goods or services in the Detroit region? Looking for an innovative, multimedia platform to feature your operations? CONTACT US today to learn more about our #ExpeditionPartners program and collaborative marketing opportunities!

Times flies when you're exploring Detroit's outdoors! Now that we have officially crossed into Year 2, here's a quick recap of our favorite highlights from Expedition Detroit's inaugural year in the field - as well as glimpses into where we're heading with our platform. "OK... we're live." I'll never forget saying those words audibly, by myself, sitting on my living room couch. The moment occurred late on a Friday night - actually, it was probably Saturday morning by then - after reading and re-reading my first article for the 100th time that day. Our digital marketing and web design specialist had finally gone to bed after I had lit up her phone incessantly over the previous month. The branding was complete, design work wrapped up, initial concepts planned, and the site appeared somewhat user-friendly. All that remained on my to-do list was click that one, terrifying button. "Here we go..." With that unceremonious action, a dream that had consumed far too many early morning coffee cups and dinnertime conversations instantaneously became a reality. Suddenly every aspect of my professional life became geared towards supporting this fledgling enterprise, a vision for creating the ultimate value incubator for the entirety of our region's outdoor industry. A one-stop shop for the best trails, experiences, retailers, events, causes, and more within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. A mission to fundamentally change the way that Detroit, the Great Lakes, and the rest of the world views our magnificent natural environment. And most importantly, an unquenchable desire to serve our outdoor community by advocating for the creation, expansion, and protection of our outdoor spaces. To summarize, it was finally time to get to work - a ****-ton of work - with no guarantee of how the Detroit region's outdoor community would react to our arrival. Well, one year later, we're ecstatic to announce that we have found our place amidst Detroit's thriving, exciting, diverse, and overwhelmingly-welcoming community . This past year has brought forth more ground-breaking experiences, dynamic partnerships, and once-in-a-lifetime chances than we could have ever hoped for. Yes, this year has also featured a plethora of mistakes made and lessons learned. However, we as a team couldn't be more excited for the breadth of opportunities that are already starting to align for Year 2 and beyond. Truly, we still feel like we're just getting started. Before moving full steam ahead into this next year of our operations, we wanted to briefly pause and look back on our favorite highlights from this past year . While we would never bother you with a short novel on our brief history, we wanted to share our most popular articles and memorable adventures from this past year. Long-time readers, we hope that you enjoy this trek down memory lane. Recent converts, hopefully this provides a glimpse into where we've been and the momentum that we're carrying into our next phase of expeditions. Here's a quick recap of our favorite highlights from Expedition Detroit's Inaugural Year: TOP READS : OUR 3 MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

Expedition Detroit is proud to announce that we are now leading guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running outdoor adventure trips across ELEVEN Michigan state parks near Detroit! Learn more about our trips - and how to book your next local adventure - here. "When are you guys going to start leading guided trips?" If we had a nickel for every time that we've heard that question, well, let's just say that business would be booming. Since the launch of Expedition Detroit last fall, we have sought to explore every aspect of Detroit's rapidly emerging outdoor industry. The trails, parks, ski hills, waterways, and trail towns that our recreational community flocks to. The governmental agencies, organizations, and advocacy groups that meticulously maintain our beloved outdoor spaces. The major corporations and hometown retailers that supply our expeditions. The coffee shops that fuel our adventures and breweries that host our post-trail stories. In the midst of this industry-wide exploration, we found that one critical component was largely missing: guided services. Yes, the fantastic teams at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Huron-Clinton MetroParks host excellent guided events, but these events are typically far-and-few between or have very cool, but nuanced, themes attached to them. In fact, while we were working with the DNR on aligning our online store with their "These Goods are Good for Michigan" campaign, our negotiations almost stopped dead in their tracks when we brought up the prospect of leading guided services. "Please, please tell us when you're ready to launch," the DNR representative said, "we're desperately looking for guides!" Well, friends, that day has come. Starting this month, Expedition Detroit is officially the largest supplier of commercial guided services in state parks throughout Michigan. Better yet, and keeping to our core ethos, we are solely providing guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running services in the following 11 state parks and recreation areas throughout the Detroit region: Belle Isle Park, Brighton Recreation Area, Highland Recreation Area, Holly Recreation Area, Island Lake Recreation Area, Maybury State Park, Pinckney Recreation Area, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Proud Lake Recreation Area, Seven Lakes State Park, and Waterloo Recreation Area. Here's everything that you should know about our guided trips: WHAT GUIDED TRIPS WILL EXPEDITION DETROIT OFFER? We will initially be offering guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running trips. For hiking, trip participants should expect a fantastic day hiking experience across the most beautiful and sought-after trails in the Detroit region. If you're a fan of our #TrailTuesday Series, then you will recognize and thoroughly enjoy exploring several of the trails that you've read about. With our backpacking and trail running services, we enhance the exploration factor by including instructional and coaching elements to your experience. For backpacking, our guides will not only lead your trip while providing tips on pacing, water intake, and proper form, but also will hold instructional sessions on gear assembly and utilization, proper packing technique, wilderness safety, Leave No Trace principles, and any other questions that aspiring, new, or growing backpackers might have. Our trail running services take the coaching element to a whole new level. Each of our running guides will have ample running coaching qualifications to assist you with preparing for your next race or reaching fitness goals. The best part? You will simultaneously reap the physical and mental health benefits of exploring the Detroit region's best trails while being led by a knowledgable and experienced guide. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOOKING A GUIDED TRIP WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT? Let's start here by affirming a core belief of our guided services operations - your recreation time is sacred. We know firsthand that every hour spent on the trail is earned, not given. As such, we have designed our entire guided services with one goal in mind: Maximizing the value of your experience in the Detroit region's outdoors. This goal starts with your safety in mind. Each of our guides are Wilderness First Aid certified and carry industry-standard gear in the unlikely event of a medical emergency. We firmly believe that safety starts with knowledge, so our guides are required to complete mandatory "trail awareness hikes" prior to leading a guided trip. Each guided route has also been independently reviewed and confirmed by the Michigan DNR. Our guides will also comprise of accomplished outdoor recreationists resulting from years of academic, professional, or field experience. From backcountry trips up north, out west, or around the world, to knowing our state parks like the back of their hands, our guides have the outdoor experience to successfully and safely guide you along each of our featured trails. With our safety plan and qualifications in place, the main reason why you should book your next guided outdoor adventure with Expedition Detroit is our unrelenting passion for Detroit's outdoors. Each of our guides have experienced the transformative power of our region's great outdoors - the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits obtained only by time spent in nature - and they can't wait to share their local knowledge and passion with you. To further evidence this, we have aligned our operations to financially support the Michigan DNR's efforts towards protecting, maintaining, and expanding our state's parks, trails, and waterways. Expedition Detroit's slogan is that the Detroit region is a world-class outdoor destination worth exploring, celebrating, and protecting. Each of our guides believe this to their core, and you should expect this belief to emanate throughout your experience on our pristine trails! HOW DO I BOOK A GUIDED TRIP? Head over to our "Guided Expeditions" page here at ExpeditionDetroit.com! Offered are organized by activity, experience difficulty, and price. Clicking on any particular trail will provide you with additional information on the trail, as well as a satellite image of the route map that includes mileage and elevation gain. With regard to pricing, we have an established sliding scale that reflects trail length, trail difficulty, and the chosen activity. For example, the shorter hikes on "Easy"-rated trails are priced the lowest, while long trail runs on "Advanced"-rated trails are priced the highest. All trip prices and other information are available online. Please note that guided trips may only be reserved in advance and online. There is also a mandatory waiver that all trip participants must sign online as part of the booking process. WILL ANY DESTINATIONS BE REGULARLY FEATURED? Yes! We are planning on conducting weekly, consistent trips at specific parks. Currently, we will be hosting a weekly Monday morning 5K trail run at Maybury State Park titled "Maybury Mondays," as well as a weekly Thursday evening hike (and occasional backpacking trip) also at Maybury. Other weekly scheduled trips that we are in the process of finalizing will include Friday evening hikes at Proud Lake Recreation Area and Sunday afternoon introductory trail running and hiking at Belle Isle Park. While our regular schedule for guided trips will vary between the parks, we are planning for Saturdays to feature one specific park during all-day, multi-trip offerings. Our first Saturday feature will occur at Island Lake Recreation Area this Saturday, June 17th, kicking off with a 9:00 a.m. trail run at the Yellow Loop Trail, a 1 p.m. hike also along the Yellow Loop Trail, and a 5 p.m. backpacking trip along the Hickory Ridge Trail. Wednesday evenings will round out our initial weekly trip offerings, alternating between a guided hike or trail run at featured trails across our state parks. TOMORROW, June 14th, will kick off our initial Wednesday evening hike at Highland Recreation Area's famous Haven Hill Loop trail! DO YOU PLAN ON EXPANDING YOUR GUIDED SERVICES? To summarize, 1,000% yes. These initial services are intended largely to fill a critical gap in Detroit's outdoor recreation industry - i.e., the virtually complete absence of any guided services. Beyond eventually expanding our backpacking services to overnight trips, we also plan on increasing our platform to include guided mountain biking, kayaking, canoe camping, bikepacking, paved trail cycling, and even hunting and fishing expeditions. We also plan on expanding into other state parks throughout the Detroit, especially those in the northeast and southeast sections of the Metro Detroit area. We also fully intend on hiring additional guides in the near future! As outlined in our article, each guide should be at least Wilderness First Aid and Leave No Trace certified. Aspiring guides should also have a broad range of backcountry experience, local expertise, and a palpable passion for Detroit's outdoors. If you or someone you know might be interested in a part or full-time position as a guide, please CONTACT US! As always, we would love to hear your ideas and feedback regarding every aspect of the Expedition Detroit platform - especially regarding our guided trips. We are a community-driven venture aiming to maximize value for you, so your thoughts are worth their weight in gold for us. We're especially thankful for our subscribers, we get special discounts on both our online store AND our guided trips. These codes come out in our monthly Newsletter, so subscribe today to get yours next month! Thank you for your continuing support of Expedition Detroit. We can't wait to see you at the trailhead!

Don't let the heat fool you - October's cooler temperatures are coming, along with the vibrant foliage that will decorate our parks, trails, and waterways! Updated for Fall 2023, here are Expedition Detroit's 5 best fall hikes for experiencing peak colors this season. Happy hiking! Fellow trail enthusiasts and fall foliage aficionados, we have incredible news for you. In the words of the great Rafiki: "It is time." Well...it is almost time. While the original predictions for the arrival of peak fall colors in the Detroit area slated October 5th as the kick-off date, that ETA has since been pushed back to tomorrow, October 7th. We can all blame summer's sudden resurgence over the past week for the color delay. But hey, if that means that we'll get to enjoy peak fall conditions for an extra few days on the tail end of the season, then we'll take it. With fall's brightest and most vibrant days just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan your local outdoor getaways. Last year we zeroed in on the best paddling destinations along the Huron River for discovering the season's reflective colors. This year - and as requested by popular demand among our guided trip guests - we have trekked through mountains of research to curate a list of the best fall hikes for foliage hunters near Detroit. From generational favorites to hiding-in-plain-sight gems, we attempted the impossible (and possibly sacrilegious) by whittling down the wealth of our region's forested destinations into an exclusive "Top 5" list. Not exactly an easy feat. Fortunately for all of us, however, each of these five trails contain the variety of trees, landscapes, and contrasting elements that you would expect from any instagram-worthy fall outing. Better yet, each of these trails also entail a damn good hike - outdoor experiences worthy of your exploration any time of the year, but especially during fall's most vivid days. So...lace up your hiking boots and get your camera ready. Mother Nature's peak colors are ready to pop off, and you'll capture all of the season's most unforgettable moments on these five best fall hikes near Detroit. 1. Pinckney State Recreation Area | Crooked Lake Trail Distance: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 324 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop In a world as divided as ours, isn't it a breath of fresh air when we can all agree on something? In Detroit's outdoor world, one of those "somethings" includes unanimous love for the Crooked Lake Trail at Pinckney State Recreation Area - especially during the fall. Consistently praised as one of the best trails in the entire state, the Crooked Lake Trail specializes in picturesque views of fall colors around Crooked and Pickerel Lakes. In the words of Pure Michigan, "Pinckney’s untouched terrain is perfect for a stroll amid spectacular fall foliage." Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit, the Crooked Lake Trail is my single favorite trail in the entire Detroit area. This beloved loop has played host to several of my past trail races, brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear out the noise of modern life. I absolutely love this trail - and I have no doubt that you will too after exploring it under peak fall colors. EXPLORE PINCKNEY RECREATION AREA WITH US THIS FALL! 2. Belle Isle Park | Belle Isle Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail Distance: 2.2 miles Elevation Gain: 22 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Detroit's Belle Isle Park represents Southeast Michigan's premiere destination for pairing urban views with miles of greenery and animated fall colors. Setting off from the Ralph Wilson Gateway, Belle Isle's easternmost Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail traverses the parks treelined southern shore, including stunning views of the Ontario coast, vibrant Detroit River, and industrial freighters passing by. The trail also passes by the stunning Belle Isle Lighthouse, Blue Heron Lagoon, and locally-named "Hipster Beach" - all of which become even more memorable when decorated with stunning fall foliage. EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK WITH US THIS FALL! 3. Maybury State Park | Maybury Hiking Loop Trail Distance: 3.1 miles Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Golden leaves gently fall from all directions as you glance around you. Towering trees overhead and shimmering glimpses of a bright pond through the foliage may trick you into believe that you've miraculously transported to another world. Perhaps a realm in Middle Earth or Narnia, complete with frequent wildlife sightings right off of the trail. No, friends, you have ventured into a film location for the Lord of the Rings. You're actually in the very heart of the Detroit region at Maybury State Park. A destination which features idyllically gentle and rolling terrain for one of Metro Detroit's best fall hikes amidst peak fall foliage. A generational hometown getaway for Northville residents and out-of-town explorers alike. EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH US THIS FALL! 4. Kensington Metropark | Fox Trail and Chicadee Loop to Wildwing Trail Loop Distance: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 203 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Exploring the nature trails at Kensington Metropark under peak colors represents a favorite fall pastime for Detroit's outdoor enthusiasts. Readily accessible from I-96 and a stone's throw away from Downtown Milford, even a quick trip to Kensington Metropark truly entails a unique adventure for each visitor to the park's expansive Kent Lake shores, dense forests, Huron River banks, and rolling hills. Kensington also provides a home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl, which are very active especially along the Wildwing Nature Trail. 5. Seven Lakes State Park | Seven Lakes Loop Distance: 4.1 miles Elevation Gain: 177 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Last but certainly not least, eLast but certainly not least, Seven Lakes State Park's namesake Seven Lakes Loop Trail closes out our list as the northernmost destination for this year's best fall hikes! Located in Holly, Michigan, Seven Lakes' northern location means that not only will you escape most of the foliage-frenzied crowds that flock to the Detroit region's more central parks, but also that the leaves should start changing earlier than the other destinations included here. Enjoy the lighter crowds and vibrant colors as you trek through the trail's panoramic lakeside views, rolling ridge lines, and vividly-colorful forests. What are your outdoor recreation plans for this fall? Are there any destinations that we should highlight for the Expedition Detroit community? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition digs into one of the most popular trails in the entire Detroit region - a well deserved designation - within the heart of Maybury State Park. Join us as we traverse the rolling hills and expansive wetlands of Maybury! Have you ever experienced the joy - and frustration - of recognizing that something beautiful was hiding in plain sight? Maybe you finally realized that an old friend from your school years also constituted your ideal romantic partner. You serendipitously dropped into that one coffee shop that you’ve commuted right past for years, only for daily stops at said coffee shop to evolve into a staple of your workweek. You finally launched that business venture based on your natural gifts and interests. Or maybe you sat down and had a conversation with that one relative that you never thought you could form a strong bond with - and years later you’re practically joined at the hip. Detroit’s outdoors, in the aggregate, represent another “hidden in plain sight” opportunity. For us at Expedition Detroit, the scales from our recreationist eyes didn’t largely fall until the pandemic shut off the valve to the rest of the outdoor world. Especially during the spring of 2020, the only places available to explore were our immediate surroundings: the parks, rivers, forests, and lakes that most of us have rarely visited despite such places being “home.” For me personally, Maybury State Park had been hiding in plain sight for 13 pre-pandemic years. From my childhood home, you can clearly see the headlamps of mountain bikers riding at night along the park’s far-eastern trails. Owls, hawks, and even the occasional coyote could easily venture into our backyard from the sanctuary of the park. World-class experiences on some of the Detroit region’s best kept trails were a mere stone’s throw away. If this article serves one purpose, we hope that it will inspire you to explore that local trailhead that you may pass by on a daily basis but have yet to hike, run, or bike. And don’t lose any sleep if there is such a trail in your life - just like that hypothetical coffee shop or hometown sweetheart, I’m happy to report that Maybury’s trails have become a staple in my outdoor livelihood. It’s an honor to share one of our favorite parks and trails with you now. MEET MAYBURY STATE PARK Maybury State Park originated from the visionary reimagining of what was once the Detroit Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Back in 1919, William H. Maybury, the park's namesake patron who spearheaded the sanitarium's development, believed that the beautiful natural surroundings would help nurse some patients back to health at a time when no cure existed for the disease. Although the sanitarium closed in 1969, resulting in its 944 acres becoming Wayne County's first state park in 1975, its legacy lives on through the provision of a small patch of wilderness that alleviates the masses from the chronic stresses of urban life. The Maybury of 2023 provides the crown jewel of Northville's outdoor recreation ecosystem. Especially in light of its proximity to the demographic core of our (over)developed metropolitan area, Maybury contains recreational opportunities that Metro Detroiters typically need to travel to our region's periphery - or Up North - to experience. Hiking and trail running? Check. Mountain biking? 6.3 miles of one of our favorite single-track loops . Equestrian trails? Day camp options? Family-friendly farms, sports fields, and fishing piers? Checks all around. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 3.1 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking . Despite the map shared above, there are actually two primary trailheads at Maybury that you can utilize as "points of attack" for this trail . As noted above, there is an expansive parking lot and trailhead just south of 8 Mile Road that serves as the "designated trailhead" via AllTrails. If you plan to hike the trail during "peak visit times," e.g. a Sunday afternoon mid-summer, then parking here is your best bet to ensure a spot. The other option is parking just east of Maybury Pond via the Beck Road entrance to the park. This is our preferred route to start the trail, seeing as you will finish the route with a decline vs. incline , but the smaller parking lot does fill up quickly. For the purposes of this article, we will describe the trail from the main 8 Mile parking lot. The trail quickly leads hikers and runners into the "wooded highlands" section of the park, ideal for bird and deer sightings (which will be plentiful, especially during late fall). The trail does provide opportunities within the first 0.2 miles to venture north onto additional loops through the "prairie" area of the park. If you would like to stretch your perfect 5K hike into a 4-miler, this is the best opportunity to do so. Otherwise keep pressing on via a steady decline in the woods, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for roots. There are only two potential hazards on this trail. The first occurs at the 0.6/2.6 mile marker, where the hiking trail directly bisects the equestrian trail. Always remember to yield to equestrian traffic on the trail . This golden of rule of trail etiquette is intended to protect you, the rider, and the horse from easily avoidable harm. Give the horse and rider plenty of space, especially if you have no better option than to walk behind the horse (try to avoid this movement if possible). If venturing off-trail, try to avoid damaging the flora around the trail. The second dangerous point occurs between the 0.7-1 mile markers, or 2.2-2.5 on the return. This short segment of the trail consists of surprisingly steep and root-filled declines/inclines. Take your time on this section, paying extra attention to secure footholds. The final section of this trail, which will serve as your grand "turnaround point" if starting at the 8 Mile trailhead, surrounds Maybury Pond. The trail circumnavigates the pond via a series of boardwalks, which are very popular with anglers during the warmer months. The views of the pond and its wildlife are spectacular year-round, but especially in the fall during peak foliage and winter after fresh snowfall. Look out for trumpeter swans, Canadian geese, mallards, and even a snapping turtle that's spotted regularly on the banks of the pond. Once your circumnavigation of the pond is complete, the hiking trail will guide you back into the highlands for another stint under Maybury's thick canopy. Other than a westward deviation at the 2.7 mile marker, this trail will follow your exact route that led downhill towards the pond. Keep your eyes peeled for relics from the sanatorium era during the hike, and don't forget to bask in the natural beauty that surrounds you. EXPLORE THIS TRAIL ON A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Maybury is an all-season state park, and for reasons far beyond its ever-popular hiking and walking trails. Maybury's mountain biking trail - the first MTB trail that I ever rode - has a near cult-following within the Detroit region. The Motor City Mountain Biking Association has maintained the moderate-ranked trail for years in immaculate condition, including building additional features over the last two off-seasons. The trail also provides fantastic cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking terrain. Beyond the park's proprietary trails, visitors recreating near Maybury Pond may also notice little blue and red lines designating " The Link " trail. If you find yourself lucky enough to visit Maybury on a weekend day with nothing but time on your hands and calories to burn, then we strongly recommend that you follow this trail. Where do these little signs lead, you may ask? First, into the heart of Downtown Northville - one of our favorite "Trail Towns" in the Detroit region. Second, to the northern terminus of Hines Drive - another world-class recreation destination that we reference frequently across our content. To summarize, Maybury represents just the tip of the ice berg of thrilling outdoor recreation opportunities within an interconnected trail system surrounding northwestern Wayne County. Lace up your shoes, fill up your water bottle, and pump up those tires - you, my friend, are about to set out on a great expedition. FEELING ADVENTUROUS ? JOIN A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI AT MAYBURY STATE PARK ! The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

Grit. Tenacity. Resilience. Detroiters take pride in these attributes when applied to our work ethic, sports, and generational "we will overcome" spirit. Better yet, Detroit's outdoors provide the perfect arena for acquiring and sharpening our resiliency skills. Midwesterners - and especially Detroiters - are tough. This statement doesn't reflect a biased opinion from a homegrown writer. This is an all but universally-recognized fact, and the supporting evidence is overwhelming. Revitalized neighborhoods. Transformed downtowns. Reclaimed green spaces. Enterprising entrepreneurship. Undying fan bases. And most importantly, our intangible-yet-undeniable approach to all of life's challenges and opportunities. A "screw the conditions, let's get after it" ethos that has provided the bedrock for our region's global leadership in innovation, productivity, and resilience for a century. A recent article from Ski Magazine reinforced this theme. In an article aptly titled "Skiing Needs More Midwestern Vibes," the author notes that midwesterners have developed a "toughness that is impenetrable to the cold and sound decision-making." The article further defines midwesterners as the most "no frills" contingency on any mountain. Regardless of the conditions, "folks are skiing for skiing's sake . . . they only need to go downhill, anywhere, with snow." Amen to that. We at Expedition Detroit are immensely proud of this "hard work heritage" that our region has inherited. While applying these traits to our operations, we've found ourselves caught in a serendipitous productivity cycle: the more that we lean into exploring our outdoors for value creation opportunities, we've returned to the office taking far more lessons away from the experience. Stated differently, our forests, trails, beaches, and waterways constitute the supreme sensei on all facets of life. A wilderness experience provides the ultimate masterclass on ingenuity, creativity, tenacity, self-care, and resiliency - a core skill that applies just as much to setting up camp as launching a new enterprise, strengthening a marriage, or recovering from a major setback in life. A skill that we should all actively seek to incorporate and strengthen within our daily lives. A skill that you can sharpen in Detroit's outdoors through these five resilience-building ways. 1. WAKE UP EARLY Goal: Rise before sunrise on a regular, if not daily, basis. Rationale: Studies have consistently supported the physical, mental, and other personal benefits of rising early. Application: For roughly two years, Robin Sharma's best-selling book The 5AM Club collected dust on my bedside table. For anyone who knew me pre-2023, this scenario was predictable - I was a notorious night owl, including regularly going to bed at 4AM during my college years. While I occasionally harnessed the solitary hours of midnight through 4AM for undisturbed productivity, I always knew that this unorthodox lifestyle was unsustainable. Getting married, joining the legal profession, and developing my interests in outdoor recreation further drove home the hypothesis that a regular circadian routine - including rising early - would strengthen each of these core interests. Spoiler alert, this hypothesis turned out not only to be correct in my personal life, but also a scientifically-verified practice. As stated in The 5AM Club, rising early - especially when coupled with exercise - produces the physiological benefits of cleansing the stress hormone cortisol from your body, increasing your dopamine and serotonin levels, elevating your metabolism, and releasing "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" which repairs brain cells damaged by stress and accelerates the formation of neural connections. The cumulative benefits of these micro-processes include increased and sustained focus, productivity, creativity, energy, fitness, and longevity, coupled with decreases in depression and stress. As anyone who has ever slept in the field can attest, spending a night in a tent, shelter, or under the stars will certainly strengthen this life-giving, resilience-building habit. The symphony of bird calls coupled with the gradual increase in daylight will trigger nature's circadian alarm clock to go off in your neurobiology, thereby kick-starting the other benefits listed above. No backpacker, hunter, or rider has ever complained about boosted levels of focus, energy, and creativity while on the trail - nor has any corporate associate, artist, or other professional in their workspace. These benefits translate A-to-A from the field to the desk, and the outdoors provide a perfect environment for cultivating this early-riser habit. 2. SLEEP OUTSIDE ONE NIGHT EACH MONTH Goal: Spend one night each month sleeping in a tent, shelter, or under the stars. Rationale: Sleeping outside improves sleep quantity and quality, increases cognitive function, reduces stress, and improves your immune system. Application: Alright, so now we know the benefits of early rising - as well as that camping alone facilitates acquiring that resiliency habit. However, science further defends that "tent sleeping," or really any outdoor overnight sleeping method, provides a litany of additional physiological benefits beyond realigning our circadian methods. And yes, the benefits actually increase during the colder months. To begin with, simply sleeping outside throughout the year has proven to improve immune system functionality and speed up metabolic rates. Scientific research has demonstrated that when sleeping outdoors, you expose your body to helpful microorganisms that give your immune system a test drive and help you prepare for more dangerous viruses or bacteria. Additionally, research supports that spending more time outside will increase the white cells and protein levels in your blood, thereby protecting you from life-threatening diseases like cancer. During the winter, leading research supports the notion that these benefits are further enhanced by the colder air. Studies show that winter camping helps reduce inflammation, improve our brain's cognitive functionality, and increase metabolism as the body burns more fat to keep you warm. In summary, since we have the blessing of recreating in a four-season environment, why not harness winter's benefits while also improving the resiliency of our physical and mental capacities? Quick word of caution here: you need the right equipment to maximize the benefits of this outdoor resiliency method. Yes, sleeping on a deflated air mattress, in a warm-weather sleeping bag, over exposed rocks, and in 15ºF conditions will undoubtedly build "resiliency" (if that example sounds oddly specific, let's just say that my back is still sore). It will also greatly increase the likelihood that you will never want to sleep outside ever again. Especially for winter camping, make sure that you buy - and "backyard test" - the right winter gear BEFORE heading out into more isolated locations. 3. LEARN ONE NEW (SURVIVAL) SKILL EACH YEAR Goal: Every year, pursue at least one particular skillset that you are not proficient at but would greatly benefit from mastering - especially in the outdoors. Rationale: Developing a lifelong habit of learning not only will equip you with new and valuable skills, but also augment your cognitive capacity. Application: Always Be Learning. If there's one key takeaway from the inundation of "self-optimization" audiobooks and podcasts that narrate our commutes and workouts, then that's it. Just as Isaac Newton's First Law of Motion states that "an object at rest remains at rest," we further theorize that a "mind at rest remains at rest - and therefore atrophies." The inverse of our theory as that a "mind in motion remains in motion - and therefore grows." When it comes to the outdoors, the single best skill, gear, or other utility that you can bring into the field is a sharp mind. The simplest method of sharpening your brain is by improving your cognitive capacity via regularly "exercising your brain." An exercised brain is a challenged brain, so learning new skillsets - especially those geared towards equipping you for experiences in the outdoors - will have a compounding benefit of improving your memory, focus, reasoning, processing, problem-solving, technical, and outdoor skills. Wondering which outdoor skills to start with? We recommend starting right at the basics: read a survival skills book, practice building a shelter and/or contained fire, learn about wilderness first aid, and regularly practice with your camping or backpacking gear. Beyond the outdoors, you can also great improve your cognitive abilities through enrolling in community educational classes, learning a second language, practicing a musical instrument, and regularly dancing. As an extra benefit, scientific studies summarily agree that an aggregate resiliency effect of lifelong learning includes diminishing the onset of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other memory-affecting ailments. 4. ADD 1% TO YOUR PURSUITS Goal: Plan your ideal duration for training runs, paddling mileage, hiking treks, or other physical pursuits - and then add 1% more to that duration. Rationale: Adding incremental increases to physical endeavors cumulates in sustainable, consistent, and significant growth in the aggregate. Application: At the end of a long run - especially those monster 10+ mile runs as you're getting closer to your half-marathon, marathon, or ultra race day - the tendency to glance at your watch to hit your target distance becomes more and more tempting. Harsh conditions or rapidly declining energy levels can further allow an appeasing voice to whisper into your ear; although gently at the beginning, soft nudges towards ending a run early can snowball into screaming demands for the experience to end, numbers on the watch be damned. No, giving into such demands does not equate to weakness. This voice that we all hear simply means that we're human, and therefore we naturally lean into our innate survivalist state to take the path of least resistance. Which has collectively served us well over the course of human history...but in our bloated 21st century lives, this tendency has also led to skyrocketing figures of obesity, complacency, and lack of resiliency across every sphere of our lives. In other words, our contemporary comforts + survivalist nature = decreased drive to venture into the realm of discomfort. What can we do to combat this? Quoting long-distance runner and former special operations solider David Goggins, "The reason it’s important to push the hardest when you want to quit the most is because it helps you callous your mind." A calloused mind is a trained mind, which sometimes requires some harmless manipulation in order to train properly. The 1% Rule, as captured in the best-selling book by Tommy Baker, is a simple, time-tested means of such beneficial manipulation. The core concept of the rule is that by consistently and persistent increasing the intensity of physical pursuits by just 1%, you will make significant and successful progress over the course of a year, decade, and lifetime. For me personally, I typically apply this concept at the start of my runs - if I'm scheduled to run 5 miles, I set my watch at 5.05 miles. That way, when that tempting voice starts to creep in towards the end of my run, I already have the extra distance hardwired in. Now, at the end of that run, I have not only completed the required 5 miles, but added a little extra mileage on top of resisting the urge to ease up on my workout. A win-win for both physical and mental resiliency. 5. COMPLETE A SOLO AND GROUP TREK EACH YEAR Goal: Complete at least two overnight camping trips per year - one by yourself and one with at least one other person. Rationale: Actively developing both your self-reliant and collaborative skillsets while in the wild will equip you with the experience to successfully handle the broad spectrum of life's challenges. Application: "Survival Shows" are truly having a moment right now in the media spotlight. For several years now, "Alone" has been my personal favorite show: a "last person standing" contest where several survival experts are dropped off at dispersed locations in a wilderness destination, forced to live off of the land in complete isolation from one another. Then, just this past March, Netflix flipped the survivalist concept on its head with its groundbreaking "Outlast": a "last team standing" show where contestants must collaborate with at least one other person or else face elimination. Collectively, these shows demonstrate the core skillset required to survive and thrive not only in the wilderness, but also back home: an ability to successfully operate both independently AND in team environments. Where should one go to test and hone in on such skills? Grab your pack, and then a buddy or two. You're headed to the woods. Okay...so why two trips? Well, for starters, camping is not easy - regardless of how many hands are available around a campfire ring to assist with seemingly basic tasks. With a group trip, while you will have strength in numbers for gathering firewood, filtering water, running your camp stove, setting up tents, and other "home base functions," the lethal combination of sore feet, inclement weather, incessant insects, and - most dangerous of all - clashing personalities, can all but nullify the benefits of a group. In order to successfully camp with a group, the group must be willing to leave their egos at the trailhead, allocate responsibilities equitably, and collectively agree to maintain positive vibes regardless of what the trail throws at them. For example, I was lucky enough to join a group of 15 backpackers that traversed one of Colorado's most challenging trails last summer. Maybe the altitude affected my memory, but I do not remember a single argument within our group despite the mileage, climbs, different backgrounds, and weather. To summarize this point, as author Yvonne Prinz famously penned, "If you can survive camping with someone, you should marry them on the way home." On the other end of the spectrum, you have the ultimate test in resiliency: solo camping. Don't get us wrong, while is an undeniable beauty in the unrestrained freedom that solo backpacking provides to those daring enough to embark on it, there is also an unrelenting uncertainty regarding the "What ifs." On a personal note, despite my decade+ of group backpacking experience, my stomach was in a knot as I took my first solo steps on my thru-hike of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail last month. My trusted companions were not available to share in transporting the gear. My small med kit was the only true professional medic on the trail (I have the luxury of typically hiking with an E.R.'s quantity of doctors). Solo backpacking or camping means that you are truly alone, along with the responsibility of addressing any and all variables that the trail may throw at you. That may sound scary, but now imagine fast-forwarding to the end of your solo trip. You have just completed 24 hours+ by yourself in the elements, a completely self-sustaining machine of an outdoor enthusiast. You have embraced and conquered every challenge without the assistance of another. You have definitively answered the questions of "Can I do this..." or "Am I capable of..." in the affirmative. Yes, you are capable. Yes, you have what it takes. And yes, this newfound confidence translates to other realms of your professional and personal life, further boosting the benefits of the first four aspects of this article. To summarize this two-for-one outdoor resiliency method, taking time each year to develop your ability to work successfully with others AND by yourself might be the single greatest skill that you could meaningfully develop. A successful, resilient life incorporates both of these elements flawlessly: acquiring the skills that you need to survive alone, while also recognizing and delegating certain responsibilities to others. In honor of #MentalHealthAwareness month, we wanted to share these five outdoor ways of building resiliency during a time when our "indoor culture" is reeling from a mental health epidemic. A perfect storm of oppressive work commitments, poor dietary and sleep habits, insufficient time to exercise, and an increasing dependency on technology for cognitive stimuli is undeniably eroding our culture's ability to obtain and sustain peace, joy, and productivity. Unfortunately, all indicators point towards this "mental health crisis" remaining a turbulent force for the foreseeable future. Please, friends - don't toss in the towel on this issue. There are a wealth of mental health resources available to us all, but ultimately each of us must be willing to implement daily practices towards building our fortitude against this crisis. Fortunately, the most potent AND accessible resource is waiting just outside your door. Our great outdoors provide an idyllic sanctuary for healing and strengthening our core resiliency skillsets - and our sincere hope is that these 5 methods will provide an initial framework for embarking on this lifelong expedition. We can't wait to see you out there.

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores a trail widely recognized as one of the Top 100 Trails in the entire country: Pontiac Lake's Mountain Bike Trail. Join us as we scale the climbs and ride the bends of this classic biking and hiking trail! "Yeah, I've been riding for a while now. Pontiac Lake was what really got me into it." Flashback to April of 2020, and my buddy has formally inducted me into the Detroit region's mountain biking faithful. I'm far from being the most recent convert - cycling in general, and mountain biking in particular, exploded as recreational interests during the peak pandemic era. There are legions of new bikers on Maybury's MTB trail that day, but I'm one of the lucky few to have an experienced guide waiting for me at each check point. I try to pick his brain about the sport at each of those points, mostly in an effort to buy myself an extra minute to catch my breath. "This trail's great, but Pontiac Lake is just another level. Definitely harder than this, but it might be my favorite in the state." Regardless of the pursuit, new minds are immensely impressionable. I can still vividly recall that conversation because of the imprint that it left on my perception of some local park known as "Pontiac Lake" - a place that I had never heard of and, frankly, was intimidated by. A trail that I would surely explore someday, via bike or boot, but certainly not that day. A little over three years later, I find myself finding standing at 1,118 feet - the highest point of Pontiac Lake's MTB Trail Loop. Despite the years of trail experience that I have now logged in the saddle of my bike, I'm actually a hiker during this inaugural pilgrimage to Pontiac Lake (bike is finally out of the shop and ready for the season!). As my eyes catch fleeting glimpses of the glistening waters of Pontiac Lake through the recently-bloomed canopy below, I'm a juxtaposition of emotions. Disappointment for not reaching this exact vista sooner in my life. Gratitude for having the interest and ability to stand here now. And excitement for presenting this miraculous trail to an audience so that they too can explore it - hopefully soon. It is our honor to reintroduce Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area now. MEET PONTIAC LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA 1944 was a pivotal year for conservation in the Detroit region. After 23 years of surveys, fundraising, negotiations, and land acquisitions, the Michigan Department of Conservation acquired roughly 100,000 acres to establish 10 "state recreation areas" throughout southeast Michigan. One of those fortunate recreation areas consisted of 3,745 acres situated along the northern banks of Pontiac Lake, largely former farm parcels and woodlands that blanketed the hills of central Oakland County. As exciting as finally realizing a decades-long dream was, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Pontiac Lake Recreation Area was just the start of the park's modern development. Over the next 80 years, the generations of Michigan Conservation and DNR staff that directed the preservation and progression of the park witnessed the construction of the massive PLRA Beach, the construction of a modern campground, the establishment of an Off-Road Vehicle area, and the construction of hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking trails. In 2023, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area continues to serve as an oasis of wilderness within the heart of Oakland County. The park's kaleidoscope of lake, pond, marsh, mature forest, rugged moraine, and former farmland habitats provides a refuge for a vast variety of wildlife. Pontiac Lake represents sacred ground for the Detroit region's most ardent mountain bikers, hikers, hunters, anglers, bird watchers, equestrians, and casual day trippers just looking to catch some rays on the longest beach in southeast Michigan. The mountain biking trail has garnered special praise since its initial planning in 1976; the trail has been recognized as one of the "Top 100 Trails" in the United States and is considered one of the most technical trails in southeast Michigan. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 9.4 miles Elevation Gain: 649 feet Trail Rating: Moderate-Difficult Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at Pontiac Lake trailhead (Michigan Recreation Passport required) Some parks in the Detroit region, we're convinced, get a sadistic satisfaction out of hiding their trailheads. Maybe the trail builders back in the 1950s just had a bad day because their Elvis record got scratched, who knows. On the other hand, a select few parks idiot-proof their trailheads: there's only one prominent place to park that's within direct eyesight of one core trailhead. Let's take a moment to collectively thank the bygone trail builders of Pontiac Lake's main MTB and hiking trailhead for conveniently idiot-proofing the trailhead. The westernmost parking spots at Pontiac Lake's massive beach parking lot are essentially the starting point of the famous Mountain Biking Trail, marked conspicuously by the metallic sign depicted in this article's cover photo. Seriously, you can't miss it. The first 0.4 miles of the trail are equally easy to follow. Once past the metallic trailhead sign, the trail leads you on a straight line northwest through flat and relatively open fields. Pause at the somewhat busy Gale Rd. crossing to check for traffic, but then you will continue due north until you reach Trail Marker #2 - the "real" starting point of the famous MTB Loop. Quick note on the trail orientation described in this #TrailTuesday article. Similar to our article on Highland's A-B-C-D Loops, we will provide instructions regarding Pontiac Lake's MTB Loop in the orientation that mountain bikers ride it, not hikers or trail runners. Remember that hikers and trail runners should always move in the opposite direction of mountain biking traffic whenever possible, which for Pontiac Lake means that mountain bikers will turn LEFT at Trail Marker #2 and hikers/runners will continue RIGHT. There is a "Bike Trail" directional sign just behind the Trail Marker sign in case you need a blatant reminder of which direction bikes should travel. Assuming that you have elected to ride the trail, then we have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that you're starting the trail with fresh legs. The bad news is that Pontiac Lake will throw its most challenging climbs at you within the first 3.7 miles of the 9.4 mile trail - including its steepest 14% grade incline at mile 1.7. In light of this, use the rolling terrain of mile leading up to this steep climb to warm up your legs. Especially if you're a newer rider, recognize that speed compared with the confidence of fresh legs could spell caloric disaster later down the trail. Pace yourself. Enjoy the rolling, wetland terrain of the rev up. And ready to hit the switchback-esque incline with all pistons firing. Once you've reached the top of what I dubbed the "false summit" - the top of the 14% climb described above - the trail briefly flattens out before dipping into an "inner-peak" lowland. The 0.4 mile stretch to the "true summit," marked by an exposed hilltop with impressive panoramic views in the post-foliage months, provides an excellent opportunity for "active recovery" after the initial climb. The true summit provides ample space to rest if you need a breather, but downhill junkies might be tempted to power through due to the next 0.7 miles of almost entirely flowy, speedy fun. Starting at the 2.9 mile marker - the lowest point of the MTB Trail beyond the shores of Pontiac Lake proper - you will start climbing again towards the "Peak #3" of the trail. This stretch of the trail is relatively straight through the density of Pontiac Lake's hardwood forests. Keep your eyes peeled for the scattered equestrian crossings through this segment, although you should be forewarned of each of these crossings via the ample signage. Once at the unceremonious forested summit of Peak #3, your well-earned sustained decline does unfortunately get short-circuited by a Maceday Rd. crossing. Enjoy the 0.2 miles of speed while you can. Across Maceday Rd., a relatively flat section of the trail becomes one of its most memorable due to the dramatic juxtaposition of moraine ridges and deep marshland kettles left by glacial activity 10,000+ years ago. Other than a brief grassland opening just south of White Lake Rd., this rolling, rocky, and densely forested terrain remains largely uninterrupted over the next two miles. Past the trail variances near Robinson Lake (look for the orange "EASY" vs. "HARD" directions, and don't overestimate your ability...), you have nearly reached the "beginning of the end" of the nearly 10 mile trail. While the final 3 miles of the trail still contain some sharp climbs and adrenaline-pumping descents to keep even advanced riders engaged, the main challenges are behind you at this point. Turning south at the 7.3 mile marker indicates that you are truly in the homestretch, although a final ascent at the 8.7 mile marker known as "Final Climb Peak" waits to welcome you back with one final dropkick to your ego. Once you have completed your conquest of Final Climb Peak, Pontiac Lake truly rewards with you smooth sailing back to the trailhead. There's a technical downhill just past Final Climb, but otherwise you will enjoy a remarkably straight route through the forest, into the grasslands, and back to the lakeshore trailhead parking lot. You'll know that you're close to completing the trail once the hills completely dissipate and the only sounds that you can hear are the airplanes taking off above you. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Pontiac Lake undoubtedly represents an outdoor adventure destination in its own right, but maritime recreationists may also be unaware that the park's lakes, creeks, and wetlands provide the de facto launching point for literally multiple streams of adventures. In fact, the headwaters for each of the Clinton, Huron, and Shiawassee Rivers originate within the park's boundaries. While intrepid outdoor enthusiasts could surely find a way to navigate each of these river systems from in or around the park's boundary, the park's eastern boundary along Maceday Lake means that PLRA directly connects to the Clinton River Water Trail's western origination point. Similar to its larger cousin on the Huron, the Clinton River Water Trail consists of 72 miles of interstitial paddling between Maceday Lake and Lake St. Clair. at its eastern terminus. Other than a notable interruption in Pontiac, paddlers can traverse the beautiful Clinton River through the idyllic "lakelands" villages of Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake, the downtowns of Rochester, Utica, and Mount Clemons, before finally completing the journey past Lake St. Clair Metropark and into Anchor Bay. Along the way, paddlers will venture through multiple environments, including marshlands, woodlands, and parks ripe for wildlife viewing opportunities. From Maceday Lake, multi-sport outdoor enthusiasts can easily pair a Saturday on Pontiac Lake Recreation Area's trails with a Sunday on the water. Launching from the southernmost Maceday Lake Access Point, the Clinton River Water Trail provides 20.8 miles of paddling exploration opportunities. This segment of the water trail passes through multiple inland lakes, lakeside parks, and Dodge #4 State Park. In full transparency, we at Expedition Detroit have yet to explore any segments of the Clinton River Water Trail. Yikes. But here's the silver lining: launching out from Maceday Lake represents a top priority for our Summer 2023 "bucket list," and we hope that you'll join us in rediscovering the hidden gems of one of the Detroit region's most prominent water trails during these warm days ahead. As always friends, we can't wait to see you out there. The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the lakeside vistas and dramatic forested ravines of the Seven Lakes Loop, the flagship trail of Seven Lakes State Park. Join us as we traverse one of the most beautiful trails of the Detroit region! I've never understood why anyone hates a surprise. I'm referring to "good" surprises, of course. All of your best friends surprising you on your birthday, serendipitously running into your favorite professional athlete on the street, landing your dream job when you had heard nothing but crickets for weeks, or seeing your phone light up for the first time with an unexpected text or call from your crush. Moments that reaffirm a childlike belief that there's some magic still left in this world - and that it may appear in just a moment's notice. Exploring the Detroit region's outdoors - especially as part of our #TrailTuesday Series and new Guided Trips platform - has not only reignited this childlike sensation, but set it ablaze in spectacular fashion. An initial curiosity regarding a destination or trail inspires a visit, and each visit comes along with preexisting expectations of what a "Detroit region trail" should look like. Woods. Bugs. Maybe a lake or pond. Hopefully some incline/decline action. Then you finally get to the trailhead, grab your gear, and start your trek. What comes next - without fail - is a fundamentally life-altering surprise. Trails and woods that you have commuted past hundreds of times unveil a new world that's been hiding in plain sight. Stunning lakeside vistas. Towering oak trees. Dramatic ravines. Vast stretches of untouched forest, inducing the solitary reflection that our modern minds crave yet seldom find. I am extremely lucky. As a necessary component of this new venture, I get to experience moments like this on a fairly regular basis. And yet, during my hike yesterday afternoon along the Seven Lakes Loop trail - my first time ever visiting Seven Lakes State Park - I experienced this exploratory fire ignite yet again. An increasingly familiar sensation that I had just rediscovered an experience so beautiful, unassuming, exhilarating, and accessible that I had to share it with this community. ASAP. It is our honor to reintroduce Seven Lakes State Parks now. MEET SEVEN LAKES STATE PARK Seven Lakes State Park resulted from one of the best failures ever. Traveling back to the 1960s, a certain private interests group purchased the 1,434 acres of farmland, rolling hills, forests, and lakes - lots and lots of lakes - with the goal of creating a new development on the banks of one massive impoundment of water. To accomplish this goal, the group constructed a dam on Swartz Creek to create one massive 170 acre lake from seven smaller lakes. The dam accomplished its goal, but the project as a whole rapidly fizzled out. C'est la vie. Thankfully, the developers sold the acreage surrounding this new "Big Seven Lake" to none other than the Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation Division in 1969. With the name of neighboring "Holly Recreation Area" already snatched up, this new state park would adopt the name of its most beautiful and prominent feature - and living monument to the benefits derived from failure. Six decades later, Seven Lakes State Park has firmly established itself as a final frontier for world-class recreation in the northernmost stretches of the Detroit region. Unsurprisingly, Seven Lakes is a maritime paradise for aquatic activities: swimming, paddling, and no-wake boating are immensely popular at the park, although fishing for bluegill, bass, pike, tiger muskie, or catfish represents Seven Lakes' favorite generational past time. Unique for a state park, Seven Lakes also provides hunting and shared-trail mountain biking opportunities. On this inaugural visit, we opted to stick to our go-to exploration method: hiking. Ideal for exploring Seven Lakes' trail network of over 6.5 miles that criss-cross the park's near-endless variety of topography and ecosystems. Beyond daily use by hikers, cross-country skiers, and mountain bikers, the wetlands surrounding Seven Lakes' trail ecosystem provides a home for songbirds, muskrats, beaver, turtles, squirrels, deer, waterfowl, heron, and many other species of wildlife. And of these magnificent trails, the "grand daddy of them all" is none other than the Seven Lakes Loop. Now let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 4.1 miles Elevation Gain: 177 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at trailhead off of park service road - enter park from northeast Fish Lake Road entrance and continue 1.2 miles straight until parking lot appears to your left (Michigan Recreation Passport required) Some trails make you work for their best attributes. Think of a pristine alpine lake or exposed summit that's 12+ miles, one way, from the trailhead. Worth the strenuous effort? Undoubtedly. But still, the effort alone will test both the willpower, physical ability, and daylight restrictions of even the most ardent recreationist. The trailhead of the Seven Lakes Loop trail does not bother with playing such games. To the contrary, you will emerge from your vehicle to immediately gaze downhill at a forested, lakeland paradise, unveiled before you like a buffet of adventure. Even more convenient, the first trailhead marker (#4) awaits your arrival directly downhill from the parking lot. Check it out, orientate yourself for a moment or two, and then turn left towards #5 to descend into the heart of this natural wonderland. The first half mile of the trail provides you with an immediate highlight reel of Seven Lakes' trademark features. You will initially traverse an exposed natural bridge separating massive Big Seven Lake to your right and Little Seven Lake to your left. This area is immensely popular with shoreline fishers, so try to contain any enthusiasm for this stunning display of outdoor majesty as you traverse the land bridge towards a small forested inlet. Once in the woods, the next two miles of your adventure will consist of following the roller coaster of a hardwood ridge line. A part from two offshoots towards Big Seven Lake - one at the 0.4 mile marker and a longer one at the 1 mile marker - the trail will guide you along an oscillating path of steep climbs with sweeping vistas to declines into vernal pool depressions. You may notice the bike paths through the dirt under your boots; yes, these are permitted, and yes, this trail also rips on a mountain bike - especially this fun section. At around the 1.5 mile marker (including the tangents towards Big Seven Lake and back), the trail briefly juts out in its forested route towards Dickinson Lake before curving back to continue circumnavigating Big Seven Lake. Let us be abundantly clear here: EXPEDITION DETROIT does not condone unnecessary adventurism. However, if necessity dictates, there is a downed log around this section across a creek that leads directly to one of the steepest inclines that one could hope to find in the Detroit region. Again, if you reasonably find it necessary to traverse said log and climb this uphill, you will shave off roughly 0.2 miles of this hike, but supplemented with an immensely fun "micro-adventure." But, again, only if necessary. Of course. Around the 2.4 mile marker - once you catch a glimpse of the clear-cut utility area - you'll notice that the joyfully unpredictable terrain that you spent the last two miles scaling and descending starts to mellow out a bit. This "mellowing" reaches its zenith at the 2.7 marker, when you will (reluctantly) trade Seven Lakes' natural trails for an exposed paved road running adjacent to the western shoreline of Big Seven Lake. Fortunately, whatever quantity that this 0.4 segment may lose in "wilderness aesthetic," it easily regains in "unfiltered beauty." While simultaneously hiking back into civilization as you traverse past the picnickers and sunbathers of the immensely popular Seven Lakes Beach, your eyes will feast upon the unobstructed views of the immensity of Big Seven Lake - views that were physically impossible to obtain during the heavily-forested portions of the trail. There are also modern amenities like restrooms and water fountains near the beach, which will certainly come as a welcomed sight for many after 3 miles on the trail. The final mile of the loop provides a welcomed return to the wild, although not before passing by the massive Big Seven Lake Dam at the far northern tip of Big Seven Lake. If you're looking for a rushing, powerful dam, then this is not the dam for you - any water flow over the dam results solely from higher than normal lake levels, so it was hardly a trickle when I trekked past it. Warning: this is some sort of large animal skeleton at the base of the dam, which some hikers will find intriguing and others off-putting. Around Big Seven Lake Dam, the trail starts its final extended climb through grassland and wild flowers before descending into lakeside forest. Some stretches of this portion of the trail are situated right only the water, so please exercise caution with your foot placement while hiking here. When you notice a surprisingly steep climb towards an open field at the 4.1 mile marker, you will know that you have reached your final destination - the trailhead parking lot where your journey began waits for you at the top of the hill. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Did we mention the beach? For the sake of transparency, the only downside of completing the Seven Lakes Loop trail consisted of having to high-tail it out of the beach area in order to complete the trek/assignment. The area simply looked fun - plenty of trees for hammocks, grilling pits, horseshoes and corn hole courts, playground areas for kids, picnic tables for relaxing, and more than enough beach space to lay out and relax. Big Seven Beach also provides boar rental opportunities, so you can easily pair your relaxation agenda with some maritime exploration fun. Especially in light of its relatively remote location from the heart of Downtown Detroit, Seven Lakes also fortunately features a modern campground at Sand Lake. With spaces equipped for both rustic and RV camping, you and your loved ones can easily stretch out your exploration of the park and nearby Holly Recreation Area over a weekend. So go ahead, pack the bike, kayak, fishing pole, and hiking boots - you're going to have plenty of time and unfettered access to utilize all of your favorite gear. Want to explore trails like this for yourself but would prefer hiking or running with a guide? Look no further! Expedition Detroit proudly leads guided trips across 11 MICHIGAN STATE PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS. Book your next adventure by CLICKING HERE! The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

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 during 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, 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 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 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. Attend a Michigan DNR Fall Festival Throughout October | Several State Parks and Recreation Areas Looking for a festive autumnal getaway? Well, there’s a good chance that if you camp at one of Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas during the month of October, you will find yourself conveniently camping in the midst of a DNR-sponsored Fall Harvest Festival. The tradition that started at Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area over 30 years ago has spread throughout the Detroit region, with most festival events only open to weekend campers. The festivities include hay rides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted trails, nature programs, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Oh, and don’t forget to explore some of the most beautiful trails in the State of Michigan while you’re at it. 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 issued an open letter 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. 3. Hike and Sip at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery Throughout October | Essex, ON | 10 a.m. If a good hike and great wine in peak fall colors don’t get you excited for fall, then you just might be a lost cause. For the rest of us, our friends across the border at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery host a weekly “Hike 42 Degrees” event where hikers and tasters alike can enjoy the winery’s 40 acres of colorful Carolinian forest. The event’s entry ticket includes a guided hike, wine tasting, and an outdoor camp-style gourmet lunch prepared by the Bistro 42 Culinary Team. 4. Explore the Dequindre Cut during the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally October 7-8th | Detroit, MI | 11 a.m. In a month filled to the brim with outdoor adventure, sometimes we all need a day or two to take a nice, leisurely stroll through an open-air festival. Especially when said festival is hosted by the award-winning Detroit Riverfront Conservancy along one of the most famous trails in the city. Featuring live music, 50+ gourmet food trucks, renown street art, and events for the entire family to enjoy. You can experience all of this and more at the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally, which will be kicking off this Saturday at the Dequindre Cut Greenway! 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. 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, photography-specific treks, and eventually guided snowshoe, mountain biking, and kayaking trips. So, stay tuned friends. We can't wait to host you on one of our trips soon! P.S. Subscribers to our content get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store items..... 6. Run the Detroit Free Press Marathon October 15th | 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. This year is especially noteworthy since the 2023 course will guide runners not only along the crowd-favorite Windsor Riverfront, but also through several new neighborhoods and destinations. The updated course includes routes within the District Detroit, Midtown, New Center, Eastern Market, and - FOR THE FIRST TIME - 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. Hike with the Departed at Cemetery Tales October 21st | Willow Metropark | 7 p.m. With the month of October halfway gone, why not take “Spooky Season” to another level by hiking in a cemetery? The fearless folks at Willow Metropark have you covered - join their annual “Cemetery Tales: Stories from the Passed” hike through Huron Township Cemetery, which is located within the metropark. Your guided trek will also include history and folklore insights regarding the dear departed that you will be hiking amongst. The web advertisement for this event states, in all caps, “THIS IS NOT A HAUNTED ATTRACTION,” but come on… if that doesn’t make you superstitious, it must make you at least a littlestitious… 8. Wear your Mask, Cape, and Helmet at the Batman Ride October 28th | 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... 9. Join a Lantern Hike under the Full Hunter’s Moon October 28th | Oakwoods Metropark | 7:30 p.m. October’s full moon - appropriately named the “Hunter’s Moon” - will reach its peak on October 28th. Be sure to catch a glimpse of this bright orange moon by heading over to Oakwoods Metropark for a guided “Evening Lantern Tour” 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. 10. Run a Halloween-Themed Race Throughout October | Various Locations 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. RF Events’ “RUN, SCREAM, RUN” race kicks off the holiday season on October 7th at Wiard's Orchard in Ypsilanti (voted the number one horror attraction in Michigan). Finish Line Runs’ “Michigan Monster Dash” at Kensington Metropark occurs next on October 28th, which includes 1K, 5K, 10K, and half marathon events. Last, Kona Running’s “Wicked Halloween Run” at Maybury State Park closes out Spooky Season racing on the 29th. 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.