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Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition treks across one of the Detroit region's most beloved trails - if not THE most beloved trail - Brighton Recreation Area's Penosha Trail. Join us as we rediscover this iconic trail. "Pace yourself, Lucy - the climb is coming." My trail pup pauses for a second to look at me, confused why I'm slowing down our pace as we're hiking through a rolling, mature oak forest. We are roughly two miles in at this point, and she's clearly feeling trail-confident despite resting most of the past winter. She wants to keep pushing on - maybe a distracted squirrel might come into range - but a quick glance at the trail map shows that a challenge waits on the horizon. One last, imposing moraine to summit before a gradual, rewarding decline. All great trails seem to showcase this feature: a notable, slightly unnerving element that adds a flavor of adventure to an otherwise leisurely experience. An "Everest Summit Push" is the quintessential example, but other top-tier trails like the Inca Trail's "Dead Woman's Pass" climb, the ascent for Lake Solitude at Grand Teton National Park, and even Michigan's #1 ranked Mosquito Falls and Chapel Falls Loop all have defining challenges that induct these trails into the proverbial "hall of fame" of unforgettable outdoor experiences. We invite you to test this hypothesis at Brighton Recreation Area's Penosha Trail. Try to ignore the adrenaline rush as the trail's dramatic ridge line steadily contrasts against the sky, finally unveiling the challenge ahead. Fully-embrace the satisfaction of emerging from the tree-line to catch your first glimpse of the exposed summit. And for a moment - a fleeting, beautiful moment - allow the summit experience to completely redefine your perception of the Detroit region's outdoors. The drive, adventure, and opportunity that our wild places incite within all of us. If (no, when) you find yourself standing and smiling on Penosha's summit hill, then you will understand exactly why the Penosha Trail continues to reign as one of Michigan's top 10 trails. This trail has a timeless magic to its forested corridors, marshland boardwalks, and dramatic climbs. An experience that will surely bring you and your trail pup back for many, many more hikes to come. It is our honor to reintroduce the Penosha Trail and Brighton Recreation Area now. MEET BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA Here at Expedition Detroit, we have a bias towards the remarkable. Experiences, landscapes, stories, and equipment that dramatically redefine previous perceptions - and most often misconceptions - of Detroit's outdoor industry. We actively search for the unique opportunities that leave both visitors and life-long residents of the Detroit region in awe of the world-class destinations waiting just around the corner. Exploring Brighton Recreation Area and its 4,947 acres represents one such opportunity. The destination's dramatic landscapes, pristine lakes, and surprisingly steep ridge lines trace the park's 25,000 year history, when receding glaciers forever etched their mark into park's defining moraine hills and other geographic features. The first modern settlements to the area arrived in the 1820s, resulting in the largely unsuccessful cultivation of the rugged terrain and eventual abandonment by the 1940s. Tracing the post-World War II boom in recreation that inspired the foundation of many other Michigan state parks, the Michigan Department of Conservation first established Brighton Recreation Area in 1944 and has since continued to increase its acreage over the decades. The "Brighton Rec" of 2023 continues to pack a knock-out punch with its full menu of outdoor pursuits. Scattered throughout the park's hills, dense forests, marshlands, and lakes, recreationists can pursue mountain biking, hiking, trail running, equestrianism (mostly throughout the western segments of the park), paddling, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping, and cross-country skiing. For camping, Brighton maintains several reservation-only campgrounds, with its Appleton Lake and Murray Lake campgrounds constituting the park's two "rustic" camping options. The Bishop Lake area of Brighton Rec is especially stunning and provides the nexus of Brighton's most enviable paddling, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking opportunities. Most important for our purposes, Bishop Lake provides the starting line for Brighton's crowning achievement: hiking the famous Penosha Trail. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 4.9 miles Elevation Gain: 393 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at Bishop Lake trailhead (Michigan Recreation Passport required) The Bishop Lake Trailhead at Brighton Recreation Area often feels more like a family reunion than a typical trailhead parking lot. Think big, BIG family reunion - uncles, aunts, and cousins across multiple generations, timezones, and lifestyles. A kaleidoscope of personalities and interests, brought together solely for one singular purpose. For reunions, that purpose is family. At Brighton Rec, that purpose is adventure. Multi-faceted, unbridled adventure. By paddle or peddle, day hike or trail run, a quick 2 mile sprint or an overnight backpacking expedition. Regardless of the pursuit, outdoor enthusiasts can exercise their vice at Brighton Rec - and the Bishop Lake Trailhead is where the vast majority of those pursuits spectacularly collide. For both hikers and mountain bikers, your recreational adventures start just east of the official trailhead origination point. Once you pass by the informational kiosks, the first divergence point waits around a wooded corner. Mountain bikers (and advanced trail runners), venture left to access Brighton's famous MTB loops (signs for Appleton, Murray Lake, and Torn Shirt Trails). Hikers and trail runners looking for Penosha (Ojibwe word meaning "long") or the Kahchin (Ojibwe word meaning "short") Trails should keep right to follow the "Hiking Trail" sign. The official-unofficial Penosha starting marker waits for you just up the trail at the 0.1 mile marker. While you can hike the Penosha Trail loop in either direction, this guide analyzes the loop as it is presented in the above map: clockwise, i.e. starting with the northernmost segment. An Eagle Scout recently marked the trail using blue markers in a counter-clockwise direction, but we enjoyed hiking clockwise since it felt like we were "counting down the miles" back to the trailhead. To each their own. The first 2.5 miles of Penosha are relatively flat and largely traverse rolling ridge lines through mature oak and pine forests. The trail includes a moderately challenging climb at the 1.1 mile marker, but otherwise this segment effortlessly oscillates between gentle climbs and descents, dropping into marshlands and then rising again for sweeping vistas. Volunteers have also installed benches throughout the trail, so you will never hike more than a half mile or so from a rest location. Please exercise moderate caution on the steep stairs leading to Teahen Road at the 1.5 mile marker, and take your time on the boardwalks that immediately follow across one of Brighton Rec's largest marshes. During our visit, these boardwalks were largely flooded over, other than a plank of wood that required what felt like an Olympic-level balance beam routine to cross. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and try not to turn your hike into a swim. The rolling terrain continues past the boardwalks, although a quick glance at a topographic trail map will keep you on alert for the trail's one true test: the half mile, 17% grade, 147ft. climb to Penosha's summit at the 3 mile marker. For the majority of hikers, this climb will not pose much a challenge - to the contrary, we bet that you'll thoroughly enjoy the sharp rise into Penosha's "highlands," complete with the sweeping views that accompany reaching a mid-climb plateau at the 2.7 mile marker. For newer hikers, note that the first length of this climb is the most difficult. Remember: slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Take short, intentional steps, sip on your water bottle as needed, and know that there is a perfectly-placed bench waiting to greet you at the top. Past the plateau, the oak trees that have covered the trail for most of your hike will dissipate as you gradually reach the "true summit": an exposed grassy knoll with impressive views to the south and east. Is this the most dramatic summit experience that you'll log into the annals of your hiking achievements? No, but it is nonetheless a rewarding experience to reach this dramatic point on the trail. Feel free to enjoy this accomplishment however you'd like - if you packed a trail beer with you, this is the spot to enjoy it (seasonal restrictions are in effect at Bishop Lake). There is only one element of the Penosha Trail that detracts from its otherwise immaculate wilderness experience. Local hikers and trail runners already know where this is heading, but new inductees to the trail might feel slight disorientation when the literal and figurative peak of the trail experience abruptly morphs into a residential area. After completing the "summit push" at the 3 mile trail marker, your steady decline back towards the trailhead will provide a brief reminder that you are still hiking within one of the largest metropolitan areas in North America. The southern loop of Penosha will dead-end into Teahen Road, where you turn left to continue trekking downhill while humming "Country Roads" to yourself. In case you have any questions on where to go, the blue arrow that's spray-painted into the tree directly across from the trail will guide the way. The natural trail picks up again on your right at the very bottom of the Teahen Road straightaway. Once safely returned to the refuge of Brighton Rec, the trail steers north away from the houses and back into the park's rolling hardwood hills. The initial 0.8 miles of this segment provide a steady decline, culminating beside two scenic marshes to your right. Penosha does keep one final hill in store for the last half mile, but hikers are immediately rewarded for this effort with a direct "beeline" descent for the trailhead. Extra points to you if you coordinate your triumphant return with an epic sunset viewing across Bishop Lake. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Pick an adventure. Any adventure. Guess what - you're just 10 minutes away from starting on it. That's the caliber of outdoor experiences immediately available to wonderfully-spoiled recreation hubs like Brighton, Michigan. Even if you were to limit your geographic scope to just Brighton Rec - no, even just the Bishop Lake Trailhead area - you would already be well-positioned to pair your Penosha Trail hike with a mountain biking, backpacking, or paddling expedition. Now that we're heading into the warmer months, we especially recommend bringing your bike along for the ride to tackle Brighton Rec's full MTB Loop Trail System: a heart-pounding 14.8 miles in total that constitutes one of only three "Black Diamond" ranked trails existing within the Detroit region. Beyond Brighton Rec, we advise allocating the rest of your recreational weekend around seasonal outdoor opportunities. Has fresh snow covered the trails? Awesome - head over to either Mt. Brighton ski resort to carve your tracks into groomed runs or take on nordic skiing at Huron Meadows Metropark's nationally-acclaimed facilities. Does the summer sun have you heated? No sweat - allow the Huron River to cool you down, especially in light of the pristine paddling opportunities waiting for your launch at Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area. Again, pick any adventure and a general direction. Regardless of the season or conditions, we guarantee that you will find a destination around the Brighton area to scratch that recreational itch. 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 weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition traverses the lakeside bluffs, forested ravines, and panoramic views of the Newburgh Lakeview Trail in Livonia, Michigan. We're excited to provide this "hidden secret" trail with much overdue recognition. Have you ever made a split-second decision that fundamentally changed the course of your life? A "gut instinct" that originated without explanation and manifested into immediate action? Maybe it was "I should call them back" or "screw it, I'm applying for that job" or "I'm going to book this flight right here and now." Well, nearly five years ago, I inexplicably decided to deviate from my normal road running route along Hines Drive, just east of the I-275 underpass. Hines Drive is one of the best running and biking routes in the Detroit Region, so I wasn't dissatisfied in any sense with my typical ~5 mile out-and-back route. I just looked to my right, saw a sign for the I-275 Metro Trail, and traded one paved path for another. And then I saw it. A dirt trail verging off of the I-275 Metro Trail to my left. There was no formal gateway sign to the Lakeview Trail back then - just a hunch that a real adventure awaited me just off of the pavement. I had no idea if this "dirt trail" was really a trail after all, let alone how many extra miles it would add to my run that evening. I simply had an inclination to follow it. Thank God that I did, because over the next five years - and especially during the depths of the Covid-19 Pandemic - the Lakeview Trail solidified its place as my favorite local trail. My old house was exactly 1.01 miles away via the I-275 Trail, so Lakeview became my de facto pre or post-work trail destination, alternating between running, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and kayaking in Newburgh Lake on "off days." I couldn't believe that such a stunning destination, with its golden trees in the fall, crisp snowfall in the winter, and wooded panoramic lake views in the warmer months, had remained off of my radar for over a decade of living in the Detroit area. Turns out that I was far from being the only person who had never heard of this immaculate, "hiding in plain sight" trail. My running and biking buddies couldn't believe that such a beautiful and decently challenging trail existed in the heart of Metro Detroit, especially given its U.P.-reminiscent cliffs. On a personal level, Newburgh Lakeview Trail sparked a curiosity in me regarding what other world-class might be obscured in the midst of our metropolitan area, waiting to be re-discovered during an era where the masses increasingly search for natural escapes from life's encroaching monotony. Yes, this trail may have single-handedly planted the seed that grew into Expedition Detroit. MEET HINES PARK The Lakeview Trail is conveniently nestled within one of the most beautiful northwest segments of Hines Park: a string of independent parks within Wayne County that insulate the 17 mile long Edward N. Hines Drive. Stretching from Northville to Dearborn, Hines Drive runs parallel to the historic Middle Rouge River - once an aquatic transportation highway for local Native American tribes, European fur trappers, and later a pathway to Canada for escaped slaves traversing the Underground Railroad. The Hines Park of the 21st century - complete with natural and paved trails, athletic fields, picnic shelters, historic mills, fishing docks, and annual Wayne County Lightfest - originated as a simple means of combining outdoor recreation ambitions with strategic flood management. Hines Drive is (in)conveniently located within the naturally-occurring flood plain of the Middle Rouge River, subjecting the road to consistent flooding during periods of heavy rain. Fortunately, rather than sealing the natural area's fate as a mosquito-infested, industrial backwater flood plain, transportation and community recreation innovators like Henry Ford devised a plan in 1949 to convert the area into a multi collective of public parks. Such innovators within the Wayne County Road Commission decided to name both the road and park system after Edward N. Hines, a lifelong cyclist, transportation safety advocate, and land conservationist along the Huron and Rouge Rivers. One of the lands acquired under Hines' directive included the area now known as Newburgh Pointe - the 152 acres surrounding Newburgh Lake, and the location of the Lakeview Trail. Although originally constructed as a millpond around 1819, Newburgh Lake expanded to its current size in 1935 when Henry Ford demolished the old mill and replaced it with a new "Village Industry Plant." The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project cleaned the lake in 1998, as well as stocked its waters with bluegill, bass and other pan fish. The lake's ongoing popularity with kayakers, stand-up paddlers, and angles represents the continuing legacy of such environmental actions. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 147 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Out & Back Parking Specifics: Free parking lot located at trailhead parking just south of Hines Drive The Lakeview Trail starts just southeast of the trailhead parking lot located south of Hines Drive - just east of the I-275 overpass. You should be able to see the formal trailhead sign from the parking lot, but in case you're there on a busier day and have to park closer to Hines Drive, walk uphill towards the boulders that mark the end of the parking lot. You'll see the trailhead directly in front of you, on the eastern side of the paved I-275 Metro Trail. Hike past the sign and take your first left to follow your first blue "Lake View" trail marker. Although Lakeview is technically an out-and-back trail, our friends at the Motor City Mountain Biking Association have clocked in countless hours in creating singletrack segments throughout the trail. The first of these "singletrack deviations" occurs just 0.1 miles into the trail. Remember that this trail is heavily used by mountain bikers, including fat tire mountain bikers in the winter, so hikers should travel in the opposite direction of the blue trail markers. As such, hikers will stay left at this first deviation. The Lakeview Trail as mapped on AllTrails guides hikers and snowshoers along the segments of the trail that run parallel to the Middle Rouge River and Newburgh Lake. While there are other segments of the trail that take hikers, runners, and bikers into the flatter and more wooded segments of the trail, this lakeside route will consistently provide you with the most dramatic landscapes and views of the trail's bluffs and deep ravines. Your steepest climbs will occur at the 0.3 and 2.4 mile markers, but otherwise the trail provides a rollercoaster of ascents and descents along forested ravines and lakeside landings. The turnaround point is just west of the Lakepointe Yacht Club at Ann Arbor Road. One point on caution: we strongly believe that this trail is marked as moderate only because of notable danger resulting from the combination of the trail's traffic and natural features. At this point of the article, you may have laughed once or twice at the thought of "cliffs" actually existing in Livonia. Friends, I can tell you first hand that the mix of 30 foot drops, narrow trails, and two-way traffic, can add up to some very dicy conditions - especially during the winter. Don't get me wrong, the natural features of the trail add an undeniable element of adventure to the experience - like a taste of Pictured Rocks in the heart of Metro Detroit. But PLEASE exercise caution on the trail. I've had a few MTB rides abruptly interrupted by ambulances navigating down the parallel dirt trail that was once Old Lakeview Drive... WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Did we mention that the Lakeview Trail is immensely popular with mountain bikers? Well, especially if you are fortunate enough to own a fat tire bike, we strongly encourage you to trade in your snowshoes for the big tires during these pristine powder days - and then continue to ride post-thaw into spring. The Lakeview Trail is actually the northernmost segment of a string of world-class MTB and hiking trails within Hines Park and running parallel to the Middle Rouge River. We highly recommend exploring each of them as a full day or weekend-long adventure, starting with Lakeview and continuing on to the recently-renovated Riverview Trail just across Newburgh Road. The tight turns and drops of the 1.7 mile Riverview Trail end at Levan Road - turn left at Levan to cross over the Middle Rouge River and pick up the River Ridge MTB Trail just east of a quick stint on the main Hines Park Paved Trail. The brief 0.3 miles on the River Ridge MTB Trail will land you back on the paved Hines Park Trail. Keep riding due east until you reach the Oak Grove Trailhead Parking lot. Turn south to cross the scenic Stark Road Bridge and embark on the Oak Grove Trail to your left, including its 1.3 miles of natural contours and challenging features. Continuing across Ann Arbor Trail, you will turn left to continue along the trail system within the Holiday Nature Preserve towards the trailhead of the Three Fires Confluence Trail. The final trail - the creatively named Trail 47 - starts after another brief traverse back on the Hines Park Paved Trail north of the Middle Rouge River. You will see trail sign markers for Trail 47 on your right, thus initiating a final 1.4 mile scenic segment that's aptly designed to test your climbing skills. Once you have conquered Trail 47, the world of Hines Park's paved and natural trails are yours to enjoy at your leisure - just remember to add in the 5.5 point-to-point mileage back from Trail 47's eastern terminus to the Lakeview Trail parking lot. 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 to August - the pinnacle of Detroit's peak recreational season! With our area's outdoor opportunities exploding with incredible events this month, we have zeroed in on these "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" for navigating your perfect August in our region's outdoors. August is my favorite month of the year. Alright, that conclusion may come from a place of bias - it is my birthday month. Personal celebrations aside, this final month of pure summer has always struck me as a 31-day period of opportunity. With summer's bliss starting to fade, August provides a reality check that our recreational time spent frolicking in the Detroit area's warm weather bliss is a fleeting sensation. We at Expedition Detroit absolutely love the new genres of adventure that the colder months bring, but for a significant proportion of our recreational community, the end of summer means the start of the southward migration. Stated differently, August is the perfect month to capitalize on every summertime recreational goal. Have a particular mountain bike trail that you have been eyeing to ride? Awesome - now is the time to rip it. Still have yet to dust off the paddle board and explore the Huron or Clinton Rivers? Grab your paddle and hit the river, the weather is perfect. Looking for one last great adventure to close out your summer? Fill up your pack and hit the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail or Chief Pontiac Trail, August is prime time for Detroit region backpacking. The outdoor recreational magnitude of a month like August can often appear overwhelming - especially when the Detroit area's parks, waterways, trails, and campgrounds are dialed in for peak season traffic. That's where we come in with our curated list of "Top Ten Outdoor Events" to help navigate the flurry of outdoor activity occurring over this month. Without further delay, here are the Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit going down in August. We can't wait to see you out there! 1. Float your Zen at a Paddleboard Yoga Class Throughout August | Island Lake and Pinckney State Recreation Areas | 6:00 p.m. Do you identify as a yogi? How about a SUPer? Let's raise the stakes a bit - how about BOTH? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions - or aspire to - then the Michigan DNR has the perfect event series lined up for you this month! Head over to Island Lake and/or Pinckney State Recreation Areas throughout August to find your zen during an Eclipse Yoga "Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) Yoga" session. These SUP Yoga sessions will involve paddling out, anchoring down, completing an hour of yoga on the boards, and then paddling back in to shore with your new best yoga friends. Eclipse Yoga provides participants with paddleboards and life jackets. Come connect with your breath, on the water, unplugged in nature. Island Lake sessions meet at the Spring Mill Pond, while Pinckney sessions meet at Silver Lake Beach. The price per session is $35 and you can register HERE. 2. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve August 11th | Point Pelee National Park | 7:30 p.m. The days may be reaching peak length as we approach the Summer Solstice this month, but the stars at Point Pelee National Park - the single best stargazing destination in the Detroit region - are still shining as bright as ever! Point Pelee's "Dark Sky Nights" are especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave near-freezing temperatures at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours (the park is open ALL NIGHT on August 11th-12!), seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. 3. Conquer the Elements at the Watermoo Ultra Gravel Cycling Race August 11th | Waterloo State Recreation Area | 7:00 a.m. The Watermoo is not your typical gravel race. The Watermoo is a 111-mile gravel cycling adventure - or dare we say expedition. The race occurs mostly on gravel, some tarmac, and a road "that is no longer a road" with a river crossing in the farmlands of southeastern Michigan. It will be an honest challenge for most, an unforgettable experience that riders will surely be proud of completing, and is part of the Ultra Michigan Gravel Race Series. 4. Marvel (and Paddle) under the Perseid Meteor Shower August 12th | Huron Meadows Metropark and Leamington, ON | 8:00 p.m. Dark skies mean amazing stargazing opportunities - and when it comes to stargazing, absolutely nothing beats an unforgettable meteor shower! This month, the Detroit region's skies will be treated to the annual Perseid Meteor Shower, including a special viewing event hosted by Huron Meadows Metropark. Our friends across the border at the Pelee Wings Nature Store - just outside of Point Pelee National Park - will also host a special BBQ, paddling, AND meteor shower viewing event. Hard to imagine a better trio! 5. Celebrate Trail Town Life at Milford Memories August 13th | Milford, MI | 8:30 a.m. Trail Towns truly are what make the Detroit region a world-class outdoor destination. From Amherstburg to Brighton and beyond, these communities provide the recreational foundation that supports our trails, parks, waterways, forests, wetlands, and so much more. And of these Trail Towns, the small town of Milford, Michigan - and its annual primetime event, "Milford Memories" - constitutes a key fixture in the Detroit region's rapidly growing outdoor ecosystem. While Milford Memories at its core consists of a summer arts, music, and food festival, the festival also properly caters to the town's outdoor enthusiasts. On Sunday, August 13th, the festival sponsors its annual 5K Run, including an "Adventure Run" option with additional fitness challenges like jumping rope and push-ups, starting at 8:30 a.m. Milford Memories then hosts a "Blind Canoe Race" event at 12:30 p.m. where teams of three paddle through an obstacle course, while one team member calls out directions to the two blindfolded paddlers. 6. Retrace History at a War of 1812 Battlefield August 13th | Lake Erie Metropark | Ann Arbor, MI Did you know that the Detroit region constituted a pivotal theater during the War of 1812? In fact, one battlefield of the war is literally feet from the boundaries of Lake Erie Metropark! The park invites you to join an interpreter for a special program highlighting the historical significance of the War of 1812, including the key roles that Detroit area combatants and civilians alike played in the conflict. For more information on the War of 1812, you should absolutely consider combining this experience with a visit to River Raisin National Battlefield - the closest National Park site to Downtown Detroit! 7. Bark in the Park with your Trail Pup August 19th | Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit, MI | 12:00 p.m. Calling all Trail Pups and their proud owners! The DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center invites you to bring your four-legged best friend to their "Dog Days of Summer" event. Dog Days will consist of a fun-filled day of games, agility runs, frisbee toss, hikes, and water games. A Trail Pup photo station and swimming pools will also be available for large and small dogs. All dogs should be friendly with people and other dogs, and current vaccines, licenses and leashes are required. 8. Get Jurassic at the T-Rex Triathlon August 23rd | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 6:00 p.m. Completing an outdoor race of any kind typically represents one of the crowning achievements of a month well spent. With a triathlon - especially at a destination as idyllic and well-suited for swimming, biking, and running as Island Lake State Recreation Area - you get a 3-for-1 special that's a bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Anyone who's completed such a feat will back us up on this point. As August's heat continues to bake the Detroit region this summer, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by diving into the cool waters of Kent Lake during the RF Event's T-RexTriathlon race! The "T-Rex" represents the fourth and FINAL installment of RF Event's summer-long "T-Rex Triathlon Series" - everyone's favorite mid-week triathlon race! 9. Gain Life-Saving Skills at a Summer Survival Event August 26th | Oakwoods Metropark | 10:00 a.m. August constitutes the tail end of peak camping and backpacking season. The single month where the most outdoor enthusiasts hit the trails for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, a notable portion of such enthusiasts may find themselves ill-equipped physically, mentally, or materially for the grand adventure they had planned. Thanks to the Metroparks, there's no reason why you should ever find yourself in that demographic! Head over to Oakwoods Metropark for their Summer Survival event. This two hour interactive experience will provide a crash-course on survival basics specifically purposed for warm weather wilderness situations. Aspects covered will include fire starting, shelter building, and water collection. 10. COME EXPLORE WITH US! Throughout August (and beyond!) | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Looking to FINALLY capitalize on August's beautiful weather and explore your local Michigan State Parks?? Perfect - we are ECSTATIC to invite YOU to join us on our brand new Guided Trips platform! 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 summer trips over the coming weeks, as well as special trips like night hikes, 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..... 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.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

From the heights of Mt. Omich to the lowlands of the Huron River, we retraced the generational footsteps of one of the Detroit region's oldest backpacking routes: the Chief Pontiac Trail. Join us on Part 1 of this series as we traverse this classic Michigan hiking trail from Highland to Proud Lake! "There's no way that it was like this in the 1950s." I say those words audibly to myself as yet another set of headlights blind me along Wixom Trail. It's just past 10 p.m., and I've got the red light setting on my headlamp turned on to alert oncoming traffic that there is, in fact, a rouge vagabond backpacking along the side of a major road on a Friday night. A few cars flash their headlights at me. Maybe they think that I'm lost. Or they're checking to confirm that an apparition of Chris McCandless hasn't returned to haunt the outskirts of Milford. Regardless, they're obviously - and understandably - confused at the spectacle in front of them. Against all odds, however, I'm right where I'm supposed to be. Not arriving at the trailhead at 6:30 p.m. for a 10.5+ mile backpacking trek would've been ideal, but regardless of my tardy departure, I'm exactly on-trail for the first segment of the traditional Chief Pontiac Trail. A prestigious expeditions that generations of Boy Scouts have traversed since 1958, when these roads assuredly were sleepy, backcountry routes to the outskirts of a growing Oakland County. A welcomed sigh of relief hits my tired legs as I finally verge off of the main roads and back into the sanctuary of Proud Lake State Recreation Area. I have another 2.6 miles to go, but the familiar woods - even in the pitch dark - feel like home. A beautiful, natural environment that has hardly changed in the last 65 years thanks to ardent conservationism and prevailing common sense. My calorie-deprived mind is complete mush at this point, but as I cross the Moss Dam Bridge I start to think about the trail that I'm following - and how it so accurately reflects the state of the Detroit region's outdoors. The grand history and decades-long visions that led to its establishment. The maintenance actions - or lack thereof - the led to its current state. The almost total lack of online visibility regarding its navigation and operation. And, most importantly, the opportunities for its future. Out of all of our exploits on the Expedition Detroit platform, thru-hiking the Chief Pontiac Trail undoubtedly holds the title as our truest "expedition" to date. It's a rigorous, often overgrown, and occasionally unmarked trail that requires backpackers to stay dialed-in throughout the journey. It's our great pleasure to introduce this quintessential trail to our audience now. MEET THE CHIEF PONTIAC TRAIL In the mid-20th century, the state of the outdoors throughout North America - and especially in the Detroit region - was booming. As the assembly lines of Detroit's factories increasingly produced cars, Michigan's road networks expanded in stride across the heart of the region's growing metropolitan area. With these rapidly road networks and sprawling urbanization, Detroiters steadily found themselves craving newly-accessible outdoor escapes - including those previously owned by their employers. Western Oakland County evolved into the destination of choice for such intrepid recreationists. Of the 10 "state recreation areas" established by the Michigan Department of Conservation in 1944, 6 reside within the county and 3 others immediately outside its confines (Island Lake, Brighton, and Metamora-Hadley Recreation Areas). Furthermore, two of the most accessible of these recreation areas - Highland and Proud Lake - were conveniently separated only by the growing community of the rural Village of Milford. These two recreation areas alone captured the best of southeast Michigan's pristine outdoors: wooded moraine highlands, dense hardwood forests, towering pines, wildlife-dense marshlands, and the stunning Huron River. As you could imagine, it didn't take very long for the trail-building visionaries of the mid-20th century to dial in on these two recreation areas for a new backpacking route. Although an original route omitted Highland from the Chief Pontiac Trail's itinerary, the trail officially opened on June 14, 1958. The genesis for the trail first originated with members of the Ottawa District of the Clinton Valley Council in 1957, although Boy Scouts of America Troop 108 of the Walled Lake Methodist Church adopted and completed the construction of the trail in Spring of 1958. The Boy Scouts promoted the trail with a twofold purpose. The first and obvious aim included enabling Scouts to gain valuable lessons in physical endurance, backpacking, first aid, cooking, camping, map reading, compass use, and general safety while on-trail. Second, to foster a historical and cultural appreciation of the great Ottawa Chief Pontiac - the most formidable leader of the Great Lakes Native American resistance movement who governed over a confederacy of Chippewa, Potawatomi, Ojibway and Ottawa tribes. These core purposes are still reinforced today by the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee. In 2023, Scouts can still earn special badges through a variety of Chief Pontiac Trail routes. These include special paddling, winter hiking, and a Highland-only loop routes. The route detailed in this two-part series follows a slightly-modified version of the "Conventional Hike" route - the 16.5 mile route that includes an overnight at the Pines Campground in Proud Lake. We were unable to secure a campground at Pines, so our route - the "Expedition Detroit CPT Route" - involves a slightly-longer first segment to Proud Lake's Modern Campground. Sorry, Scouts, you will not earn a badge for completing this route of the Chief Pontiac Trail...yet. CHIEF PONTIAC TRAIL: Highland Recreation Area to Proud Lake Modern Campground Total Distance: 11.30 miles Elevation Gain: 574 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Point-to-Point Parking Specifics: Parking available at Haven Hill Barn Parking Lot; Michigan Recreation Passport required. Like several other of North America's greatest hikes, your adventure down the Chief Pontiac Trail starts with a slight backtrack. While the official trailhead parking lot is right beside the massive, white Haven Hill Barn, Trail Marker #1 for the Chief Pontiac Trail is actually located 0.1 miles due west towards Highland's "Youth Group Campground." I opted to leave my pack in the parking lot for this brief jog over to the official starting sign (see the cover photo for this article), and the blooming wildflowers alongside the trail made it a trek absolutely worth trekking. Great photo op by the sign as well before officially kicking off your thru-hike. Once you're back at the parking lot, grab your pack, traverse the parking lot(s), and locate the unofficial trailhead at the far eastern edge. The Chief Pontiac Trail largely consists of an interconnected network of separate trails, with this initial 0.4 miles following Highland's "East Trail." As a word of precaution, look for an orange trail marker at the 0.3 trail marker to guide you WEST towards a noticeably rounded hill. Yeah...I missed that trail marker and ended up adding nearly a mile to an already long first segment. Don't be me. You'll finally escape Highland's paved parking lots at the 0.6 mile marker (trail marker #28). From here, you will hike 0.6 miles along the southern edge of Highland's famous Haven Hill Natural Area, one of the crown jewels of the park. While the Chief Pontiac Trail omits the namesake Haven Hill climb from its itinerary, there is a decent 10% incline that hits at the 1 mile marker. For the most part, however, this section of the trail serves to warm up your legs with some oscillating climbs and falls, boardwalks and marsh vistas. Two minor words of caution for this initial segment. First, bug spray - LOAD UP on it. Highland in the summer months is notorious for its mosquitos due to the park's multitude of ponds and kettle pools, so don't be stingy with your insect repellant. Second, you will be hiking along Highland's bridle trails during this portion of the Chief Pontiac Trail. Stated differently, mind your step - some stretches comprise of a horse poop minefield. Consider yourself warned. Starting at the 1.2 mile marker, you will start seeing signs for the "Tunnel Trail." This refers to the makeshift, graffiti-decorated tunnel that passes under Duck Lake Road and connects the "Haven Hill" zone of Highland to the "Mountain Bike Trails" zone. In full transparency, I had no idea that this tunnel existed - and I was really pumped to backpack through it. Trails are remembered and celebrated for little features like this, and I hope that Highland allocates some of its future budget towards converting this tunnel into a destination of sorts (e.g., the M-52 tunnel on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail). Once through the tunnel, you'll hike all of 0.2 miles before arriving at Highland's expansive Mountain Bike Trailhead. Friends, this is where the real fun begins. Over the next 2.6 miles, you will follow the Chief Pontiac Trail directly through the heart of Highland's famous - no, notorious - MTB trail system. Honored as the hardest of the Detroit region's three "Black Diamond Trails," Highland's A-B-C-D loops lead riders, trail runners, and hikers through a roller coast of steep climbs and technical turns. The Chief Pontiac Trail, for better or for worse, largely steers clear of the most technical aspects of this landscape through its relatively straight north-south orientation. Don't think for a second, however, that this means that you will traverse through this rigorous landscape with ease. To the contrary, the trail leads hikers directly over the 1,139 ft. summit of Mount Omich, including a 12% incline, to reach the second-highest point in Highland Recreation Area. So yes, you will assuredly earn your passage through Highland's highlands. Your expedition through Highland ends within a series of wildflower fields before reaching the Barn Course Field Trial Grounds. If you're following the Expedition Detroit route, then the shelters, restrooms, and water pump found here provide an ideal spot to rest, have lunch, and gear up from the traverse waiting for you. I was fighting daylight by this point, so unfortunately I just topped off my water bottle at the pump and kept pushing forward. However, if you do have 30 mins or so to rest, please take it. Your legs will thank you in a few short hours' time. Following a short eastern jog down Cooley Lake Rd., you will turn due south on Burns Rd. at the 5 mile marker. Guys, there's no way to sugar coat this: 3.7 miles of hiking alongside main roads totally sucks. The country-style Burns Rd. portions aren't terrible - actually had some of my best wildlife viewing opportunities while hiking down Burns - but the Commerce St. crossing, Wixom Trl, and Sleeth Rd. portions are brutal. Even more so, they're unnerving. Switching from the solitude of Highland to the headlights of main roads is simply jarring to the senses. ROAD HIKING 101 We briefly interrupt this article for a quick crash-course on road hiking etiquette. As much as we'd love for all of our trails to solely exist in untamed wilderness, alas, we live amidst a modern and intrusive society. Several of North America's largest and most celebrated trails - include the North Country Trail and Appalachian Trail - have road-hiking portions. The Chief Pontiac Trail is no different, and while road portions of trails serve to efficiently connect one natural area to another, they pose a certain amount of inherent risks. Here's a cheatsheet on maximizing your safety while traversing road sections of scenic trails: ALWAYS HIKE AGAINST TRAFFIC (i.e., along the left side of the road). HIKE AS FAR AWAY FROM THE ROAD as reasonably safe and without trespassing. ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION when crossing roads. IF IN A GROUP, hike in a single file line. NEVER WEAR HEADPHONES while hiking along main roads. AT NIGHT, wear reflective clothing and/or keep your headlamp on its red light setting. Stay safe out there. Now, back to the Chief Pontiac Trail. At the 8.7 mile marker on Sleeth Rd., your eyes finally locate the sight that they've so desperately sought after: the painted sign for the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center. This sign means a relief from the monotony of road hiking, noise pollution of car traffic, and a return to the wild. You will still need to walk 0.3 miles to reach the northern boundary of Proud Lake State Recreation Area, which is directly accessible from the Center, but there are ample benches within the Center's grounds for resting your legs. Trust me, you'll greatly appreciate them. Follow the paved bike path near the Center's southeast corner until you see a large brown sign demarcating the resumption of the natural Chief Pontiac Trail. The trail starts up again with a sharp descent before flattening out alongside the marshes of the Huron River. You will reach one of the lowest points of the entire Chief Pontiac Trail while crossing the boardwalks leading up to the Moss Lake Dam Bridge - a 234 ft. elevation difference from your highest point just hours before. Once across the bridge, the next mile of Proud Lake hiking provides a highlight reel sprint of some of the park's most beloved trails. Following the Orange Trail from the bridge, you will traverse the northern stretches of the Proud Lake's expansive marsh ecosystem until reaching the aptly-named Marsh Trail at mile marker 9.9. Continue south as you hike around the far eastern bank of Proud Lake's very scenic marsh. You may find yourself tempted to continue your circumnavigation of the marsh, but our route stays south towards Trail Marker #6. We're closing out this narrative on the Chief Pontiac Trail with good news and bad news. Starting with the good, Trail Marker #6 designates that the end is near for Day 1 on the trail. All that remains in front of you is an eastward two-track trail that dead ends at Proud Lake's Modern Campground. The bad news is that you have 0.9 miles before reaching it. That mileage may not sound like a lot while reading it within an article, but your legs will likely beg you to simply pull off the trail and set up camp in the woods during this stretch. Or at least mine were. Push through though, dear hiker - a modern campground stocked with remedying amenities awaits you. We would like to end this article with a suggestion for the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee, Boy Scouts of America, or really any interested trail advocacy group to consider. That suggestion is a route re-navigation through Downtown Milford. Here are our reasons why: Safety. Hiking alongside Wixom Trail and Sleeth Road may have constituted leisurely country road hiking in the mid-20th century, but with the growth of Milford and Commerce Townships of the last 30 years, this route now seems unnecessarily dangerous. I could not imagine leading a crew of teenagers along this route without having at least 3 anxiety attacks. Viable Alternative Routes. As demonstrated by the Milford Bike Fest's "Century Challenge," other safe, scenic, and trail user-friendly routes exist through the Milford area. Within Highland, there's an opportunity to turn southwest at the 4.5 mile marker to connect to the Milford Connector Trail - a relatively new trail that safely guides bikers and hikers to Highland's southernmost section. The Milford Connector Trail ends at scenic Weaver Rd., which further leads hikers into the heart of Downtown Milford. Main Street in Milford then connects directly to Oakland Street/Garden Road, including this route's scenic vistas along the Huron River, historic Oak Grove Cemetery, and eventually Proud Lake State Recreation Area. Yes, hikers will miss Moss Lake Dam Bridge, but (a) the following day's route could backtrack slightly to include such highlights and (b) HIKERS WILL FEEL SAFE THROUGHOUT THEIR JOURNEY. Trail Town Benefits. Trail towns are an integral component to any world-class thru-hiking experience. Despite that fact, the classic Chief Pontiac Trail appears to go well out of its way to avoid the immaculate, celebrated trail town that is Downtown Milford. Backpackers would even have the opportunity to restock their supplies at Blue Birch Outfitters, one of our favorite #ExpeditionPartners and a gear sponsor for this thru-hike. We'd like to offer a special thank you to Blue Birch Outfitters for addressing our gear needs and outfitting us with a brand new Osprey backpack for this adventure! Hitting the trail with the right gear can truly make or break an outdoor experience. With Blue Birch's convenient location in the heart of Downtown Milford, you can explore the vast majority of the Detroit region's outdoor destinations knowing that there's a fully-stocked retailer just around the corner.

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores one of the Detroit region's most beloved MTB routes and trail running destinations: Maybury State Park's Mountain Bike Trail. Join us as we rediscover this primetime biking, running, and hiking trail! "Yeah. I'm the stupidest person on the trail." I remember saying those words audibly to myself during the summer of 2008 on a blistering hot day. Despite living in Northville for a year, I had finally completed the half mile journey from my parents' house to Maybury State Park - an outdoor destination almost literally in our backyard that had piqued my curiosity, but had yet to inspire a visit. Somehow I had learned that Maybury had a mountain bike trail within its confines. This was good. I lived within biking distance and therefore could avoid the hassle of squeezing my aging mountain bike into the trunk of the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I was driving. I threw on some gym shorts, an old t-shirt, my running sneakers, and a flat-rimmed hat. Then I started biking towards the park. Yes, you read that correctly. I did not wear a helmet - or any MTB-appropriate gear - which from my teenaged perspective made sense for two exceedingly stupid reasons: 1. Bike helmets weren't "cool." 2. How difficult could a mountain biking trail in Southeast Michigan really be? Then I actually started biking Maybury State Park's mountain bike trail, and I quickly realized how foolish I was. For starters, watching expert riders burn past me on top-market bikes wearing gloves, biking shorts, and - yes - very cool helmets, reinforced that mountain biking was indeed a sport that requires dedication for mastery. Second, the trail was very challenging for a novice mountain biker. I still remember my hands slipping off of my handlebars from nervous sweat due to how vulnerable I felt without a helmet. Last and most important, despite the palatable embarrassment and anxiety that defined my initial ride into the world of mountain biking, I'll never forget the life-altering impression that Maybury imprinted on me. The sense of wonder that such a beautiful, wild, and challenging trail had been hiding in plain sight right across Beck Road. That the park's idyllic forests, pastures, ponds, and marshes existed in the heart of a rapidly growing community. A discovery of a new refuge from the stressors, noise, and chronic distractions of modern life. Right from the script of a Hallmark movie, I had played the bumbling fool that stumbled into love at first sight with this new outdoor destination. A passion that prompted me to buy a damn bike helmet, continue riding and running Maybury's trails, and further explore the Detroit region's most prestigious outdoor destinations. A love that steadily evolved into launching this platform last year. It is our privilege to come full circle and reintroduce Maybury State Park 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, Michigan's outdoor recreation ecosystem. Especially in light of its proximity to the 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: 6.7 miles (RT from 8 Mile Rd. parking lot) Elevation Gain: 387 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at 8 Mile Rd. and Beck Rd. parking lots (Michigan Recreation Passport required) Maybury State Park's Mountain Bike Trail has two trailheads - the "Main Trailhead" accessible via the route displayed above, and the "Winter Trailhead" accessible from the Beck Rd. parking lot near Maybury's equestrian staging area. The vast majority of riders start from the Main Trailhead, especially since it is readily accessible from Maybury's expansive parking lots off of 8 Mile Rd. Local riders like yours truly often opt to enter from the Winter Trailhead, which is directly accessible from Downtown Northville via The Link trail. This trail overview will follow the AllTrails route depicted above for mountain biking traffic, i.e. from the Main Trailhead. Trail runners and hikers are also permitted on this trail and should move in the opposite direction (counter-clockwise) of biking traffic. Runners and hikers: check out our extra tips for you below! From the 8 Mile Rd. parking lot, follow Maybury State Park's paved trail 0.3 miles to reach the Main Trailhead. You won't make any turns while on the paved trail, so as long as you keeping biking straight then you won't miss the Main Trailhead kiosk on your left. The Main Trailhead area also features a complementary bike pump, so feel free to give your tires an extra boost there if needed. Good thing your legs are fresh, because the trail immediately throws one of its steepest climbs right at you. The trail ascends at a 7% grade to its highest elevation - 988 ft. - within 0.2 miles of riding. Talk about heading into the gauntlet, but fortunately riders are immediately rewarded with one of the most fun segments of the trail. Enjoy the twists, berms, and drops of 0.3 miles of uninterrupted decline. Once you've successfully navigated the berms and turns, the trail picks up right where it left off with three distinct climbs. The first climb is the steepest - another 7% grade climb, although with less elevation gain than the trail's initial climb. You'll know that these "three summits" are complete when you ride out the steepest descent of the entire trail, an 8% decline at the 1.4 mile marker. Starting at the 2 mile marker, you'll will pass from the more arid climate surround the highlands of the trail and into the panoramic pines. Personally, this is my favorite part of the entire trail. The route is fast, spacious, and the pine tree canopy transports you to another world more akin to Middle Earth or Endor vs. Northville. This stretch within the pines also contains a few technical obstacles, varied terrain (like an epic drop into a ravine), and fun interstitial declines. The Winter Trailhead is located within this portion of the trail at the 2.7 mile marker. Enjoy racing through the pines - they're honestly a blast. Once back under the hardwoods, you will gradually descend 0.5 miles into the marsh lowlands of Maybury State Park. Pro tip: try to pass through this segment quickly, especially if you forgot to apply bug spray before your ride. Stopping here invites the hordes of mosquitos to unleash open season on any exposed skin, especially when riding near the hidden pond that this portion of the trail navigates around. The 4.4 mile marker of the trail has two noteworthy components. First, there are several jumps and other natural obstacles that more experienced riders will enjoy. Second, and especially convenient for new riders, there's a cut-off option here where you can circle back to either the Main Trailhead or Winter Trailhead without riding past the other. Utilizing this cut-off obviously significantly reduces the amount of time that you will spend on the trail, so it's ideally suited for time-constrained or ill-prepared rides. After the cut-off point, the trail returns to a parallel route of the earlier hilly, rocky, and arid sections that you traversed during its initial miles. Starting most notably at the 5.2 mile marker, you will embark on a series of "micro-climbs" existing within a much larger "macro-climb" towards a hilltop at the 5.7 mile marker. Yes, the trail does reward your half mile effort with a very fast decline, but try to keep your speed up. One last hill waits to dropkick your pride in the groin. Assuming that you survived the trail's "Last Stand Hill," a quick decline brings you back to the Main Trailhead. A leisurely 0.4 mile paved cool down awaits for your return to the parking lot. TIPS FOR TRAIL RUNNING ON MOUNTAIN BIKING TRAILS When we first started building out our guided trips platform, we knew that obtaining access to the Detroit region's premiere mountain biking trails like Maybury State Park's was a "non-negotiable." Why? Put simply, Detroit would not be a world-class outdoor destination without them. The countless hours that organizations like the Motor City Mountain Biking Association, Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association, Potawatomi Mountain Bike Association, Windsor Essex Bike Community, and the Michigan DNR have contributed towards building, maintaining, and improving these trails has elevated their standing far beyond just MTB use. Our regional mountain biking trails are scenic, challenging, immaculate, and beloved by caretakers and riders alike. The net result of these variables includes that these trails are best suited for those trail runners, backpackers, and hikers looking to take their recreational fitness and experience to the next level. On a personal note, I solely train on mountain biking trails when preparing for my most competitive trail running races. They unequivocally provide the most rigorous, beautiful, and comprehensively beneficial training destinations in the Detroit area. That being said...outdoor enthusiasts of every passion need to remember that trails like Maybury State Park's Mountain Bike Trail were built by mountain bikers for mountain biking. Yes, these trails are technically multi-use and include trailhead signs stating that bikers should yield to hikers. In practice, however, we at Expedition Detroit strongly believe that trail runners, backpackers, and hikers should yield to oncoming bike traffic. Especially trail runners that inherently have shorter reaction times than their slower-moving contemporaries. If you plan on trail running along the Detroit region's mountain biking trails, then please adhere to these 5 tips for minimizing conflicts with MTB traffic: 1. WHEN POSSIBLE, ALWAYS RUN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF BIKING TRAFFIC. Especially on a single track trail like Maybury State Park's MTB Trail, follow the signed instructions for foot traffic which lead in the opposite direction of biking traffic. 2. YIELD TO ONCOMING BIKING TRAFFIC. As we mentioned earlier, ignore the signs stating that bikers should/will yield to you. In our opinion, when recreating on mountain biking-designated trails, runners should view themselves as "guests" that adhere to their hosts' traffic. Beyond just common courtesy, runners are typically more agile on two feet than bikers are on two wheels. Don't bet on bikers getting out of your way - take ownership of your safety and find a safe spot off-trail. 3. DO NOT RUN WITH HEADPHONES. Many mountain biking trails lead riders and runners into densely forested regions of a park with poor visibility. Your ability to hear bike-related sounds may provide the sole warning of a rider flying down the trail towards you. Don't deprive yourself of this protection. 4. CHEAT TO THE INSIDE OF BLIND, UPHILL TURNS. Unless they are competitively racing, mountain bikers tend to ride along the outside edges of berms. Obviously exercise caution when approaching any turn, but when in doubt, run alongside the inside edge. 5. MIND YOUR MANNERS. No one likes a rude guest. If the trails are wet, opt for a local hiking or paved trail in order to avoid further damaging the carefully maintained biking trail. Say hello and wave to bikers as they pass you. Smile as you run. This point may sound out of place, but recent friction between recreational interest groups has caused a serious degradation of trail access rights. Runners and bikers don't also need that tension. Be kind, share the trail, and have fun out there. Want to experience a trail run on Maybury State Park's Mountain Bike Trail? Looking for a trail running coach to guide you during the experience? Look no further! Book your next guided trail run with us today! 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!

Based on a recent personal tale of woe, here are five key takeaways from one particular couple's masterclass on how to turn hundreds of happy campers into your sworn campground enemies. Enjoy. Every outdoor enthusiast dreams of arriving at the perfect campsite. A solitary, stunningly beautiful, and civilization-free destination with a panoramic wilderness view below and a glistening starry night above. If you've ever owned an Instagram account, then you can picture exactly what we're talking about. We have good news and bad news about such wilderness camping ambitions. The good news is that such immaculate camping destinations exist in the Detroit region. The bad news - which we at Expedition Detroit still view as good news - is that you typically have to work for such elusive camping sites. Several of our region's top campgrounds require pre-booking, have strict spatial limitations, and are only reached via backpacking or canoe camping. The summation of these variables means that the vast majority of camping experiences in the Detroit region will occur at large, modern group campgrounds. Campgrounds shared by experienced backpackers and family RVers alike. Ultralight outdoor enthusiasts just looking for a night in the woods and family reunions packing the majority of their material possessions into the trailer. The full spectrum of the outdoor universe, converging on a nightly basis with popular campgrounds across North America. A beautiful, claustrophobia-inducing kaleidoscope of modern American life. A week ago today, I joined the cadre of Detroit region campers that descended upon Proud Lake Recreation Area's "Modern Campground." Unlike my car camping compatriots, I strolled in at 11:30 p.m. after 12.39 miles of backpacking on the Chief Pontiac Trail. My tiny patch of green grass was sandwiched in between several RVs, picnic-style shelters, and one other solitary patch of grass fit for a tent directly next to me. A potential ally amidst RV nation. No, dear reader. The couple that would occupy that space proved to be anything but allies in my mission for a rejuvenating night sleep. A weary backpacker's worst nightmare of constant noise, arguments, fights, and unattended flames. A one-way ticket to a sleepless night in the tent. A masterclass on improper campground etiquette. I emerged from my tent the next morning very much not a happy camper. More of a groggy, and achy shell of a man. But credit's owed where credit's due, and this terrible couple did gift me with an idea for an article. Specifically this article. Enjoy. 1. ROLL IN WITH YOUR HIGH BEAMS ON - AND KEEP THEM ON WHILE YOU UNLOAD We've all heard the old maxim that "Nothing good happens after midnight." Well, right as I finally closed my eyes after settling into my sleeping bag around 12:05 a.m., my tent suddenly lit up as bright as a disco ball. I opened my eyes to see silhouettes crossing in front of my tent - two particular silhouettes, a man and a woman, that had somehow managed to arrive to their campground after yours truly. Their high beams remained fixated on their campsite - and my tent by the transitive property - throughout the entirety of their setup process. As Master Yoda would say, happy camper I was not. Now, we at Expedition Detroit fully understand that an absence of light can cause disruption to typical recreational activities. In fact, we wrote an entire series on recreating at night. However, the game-changing invention of headlamps provides an efficient means of securing an illumination source without blinding half of the campground. Especially if you require said illumination source long after most of the campground has turned in for the night. 2. BLAST MUSIC ALL NIGHT Let's make one point abundantly clear: everyone loves a good campfire. Especially one with roaring flames, post-trail beers, good stories, even better company, and great background tunes. Shoot, we're indifferent to whether the music is live or playing through a JBL bluetooth speaker. If the music is on-point, then it belongs around a fire ring. Alas, all incredible nights must eventually come to an end - especially in public accommodations. Conversations tied up, food secured, flames extinguished, and certainly music hushed. All proper prerequisites to a peaceful night's rest in nature. Unless, of course, you want to ruin that aspect of the camping experience for everyone around you by blasting music until 3 a.m. in the middle of a packed campground. Just to demonstrate that we're not curmudgeons over here, our general rule of thumb on weekend nights is to kill the music by 1 a.m. at the latest. Admittedly that's a purely subjective time, but we think 1 a.m. hits the nexus between recognizing the existence of the "party camping" and "early bird" crowds. Regardless, we should all be able to agree that at a certain point in the night - especially in public spaces - noise pollution needs to reach zero. Which leads me to my next point... 3. START A FIGHT As tedious as late night loud music can be, I recently discovered that absolutely nothing dismantles a good night's rest like a full-blown argument. During the middle of the night. In the dead center of an otherwise perfectly still campground. In fact, I actually wished these very unhappy campers would've turned their speaker back on. Here's our simple advice: public campgrounds at 3 a.m. should not constitute your venue of choice for airing out couple's grievances. Believe it or not, nobody wants to hear about your domestic shortcomings, explicit bedroom preferences, and colorful language to describe one another. Even more so, no one wants to provide witness testimony for a future domestic abuse case. We acknowledge and celebrate the outdoors' ability to provide a healing environment for the wear and tear of living in a modern society. Science has consistently supported that time spent in the outdoors materially decreases levels and feelings of stress, depression, burn-out, hopelessness, and lack of creativity. However, reaping the full bounty of nature's psychological benefits largely depends on you and the mindset that you've opted to bring with you to the woods. If you are looking for peace, relaxation, inspiration, and rejuvenation, then the Detroit region's immaculate trails and waterways will surely deliver on this pursuit. If you are unwilling to leave your anger, frustrations, prejudice, and selfish ambitions at the trailhead, then such traits will arrive with you at the campground. Please don't turn our outdoor spaces into an episode of the Jerry Springer Show (r.i.p.). Especially one that airs in the middle of the night. Be a happy camper. 4. MAKE UP (AND OUT) - OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD Around 5:30 a.m., tranquility finally returned to Proud Lake's Modern Campground. My neighbors' high beams and speakers had remained off for several hours now. The yelling had receded to spiteful-yet-hushed utterances. And finally, by the grace of God, serene silence prevailed just as the dawn sky started to glow around my tent. "Okay, finally," I thought to myself as I rolled over on my air mattress. "A few hours of sleep is better than nothing." Literally the moment that I was about to fall asleep, however, my ears picked up on a very particular set of sounds. Originating from my neighbors' tent. That were very much the opposite of the fighting words that had plagued the night just hours before. Yup. They were doing exactly what you're thinking of, but with every intention of alerting the entire campground. Look, we're not prudes here at Expedition Detroit. The beauty of nature can invoke passion within all of us. We're simply advocating for discretion - especially if camping amidst a family environment with, again, zero noise insulation. 5. LEAVE YOUR UNATTENDED FIRE BURNING ALL NIGHT This is the ultimate proverbial middle finger to your fellow campers, park service personnel, and the environment. As we're all painfully aware, the Detroit region has suffered from dystopian air quality over the past several months due largely to wildfires. Yes, wildfires do have an important place in certain natural ecosystems, but wildfire maintenance corps typically monitor and control such naturally-occurring phenomena. Man-made wildfires - regardless of whether started inadvertently or negligently - often cause the widespread destruction that we've grown accustomed to as of late. With regard to campfires, the U.S. Forest Service has spoken ad nauseam about the best practices for starting AND extinguishing campfires. These include drowning the coals out with enough water to ensure that the coals are extinguished (i.e., no more hissing sound), stirring the water with a shovel or stick into a soupy mix, and not leaving until the exterior of the fire ring is cool enough to touch. WHATEVER YOU DO, please do NOT head to your tent with open flames still burning bright. Nobody wants to wake up to a still-smoldering fire coupled with a DNR citation at your campsite. As well as surrounded by several very, very unhappy campers. Although we at Expedition Detroit largely gear this platform towards topics that are inspiring, positive, and opportunistic within our region's outdoors, we felt it necessary to deviate off course for this article. Other than its hopeful entertainment value - who doesn't enjoy a good misadventure story? - we wanted to remind our outdoor community that its future depends on its current members. Us. The recreational enthusiasts that flock to the Detroit region's trails, waterways, parks, and campgrounds. Did this particular couple arrive at Proud Lake looking to ruin their campsite neighbors' experience? I sincerely hope not, but their complete lack of self-awareness and obnoxious behavior turned several happy campers into sleep-deprived adversaries. Worse yet, their behavior may have left a materially-detrimental impression on other aspiring recreationists that had the misfortune of camping within their vicinity that night. Every time that we venture into Detroit's outdoors, let's aim to "Leave No Trace" - both in terms of our impact on the environment and on each other. If we are to succeed in our mission of supporting Detroit as a world-class outdoor destination, then the first step involves holding ourselves to a standard of world-class outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks for reading. We can't wait to see you on the trail.

Brighton. Alpine. Holly. Pine Knob. You know them, you've skied them, and generations have loved them. But what makes each resort stand out from the pack? Are there any special features, offerings, or other traits that could influence buying one lift ticket over another? We dive into these questions and more in our official Guide to the "Big Four" Ski Resorts near Detroit. Ladies and gentlemen, it's officially time to sharpen your skis, wax your boards, and buy that over-priced jacket you've had your eyes on. The snow makers are blowing, which means winter has finally arrived in Detroit. As excited as that makes us, let's hit the pause button real quick and look outside the window. I'm not sure where you're reading this from, but we at Expedition Detroit HQ do not see any of that sweet, fluffy powder that we're oh so impatiently waiting for. Lack of pow equals delayed backcountry skiing and snowshoeing adventures, but simultaneously highlight an under-appreciated element of our region: We have four premiere ski resorts within an hour's drive of our near-sea-level city. Four destinations that get busy cranking out snow in November while we're still waiting on Jack Frost to show face. Our "Big Four" resorts - Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob - have formed the bedrock of Detroit's wintry outdoor economy for generations, providing slope access to generations that would otherwise need to travel hundreds of miles for the same experiences. This article provides much-overdue recognition and information regarding each of the Big Four. Beyond providing stats and recommendations, we also want to highlight what makes each of these resorts stand out in their own right. Spoiler alert: you're going to want to ski all four by the time that you finish this article. ALPINE VALLEY SKI RESORT | White Lake, Michigan Hours: Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation: 1,210 feet Vertical Rise: 300 feet Total Runs: 17 Pass Affiliation: Regional Season Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Price: $65 Expedition Detroit Award: Best for the Weekend Warrior Imagine this: you start your day with a leisurely paddle down the Huron River, launching from Milford Central Park for an out-and-back to Proud Lake State Recreation Area. After a quick refueling stop in Downtown Milford, you bust out the fat tire bike for a ride through either the Milford Mountain Biking Trail or Highland State Recreation Area's A-B-C-D Loops. Still not enough adrenaline for a Saturday? Well, thank God you packed your skis - Alpine Valley Ski Resort is less than 5 miles away from the Highland MTB trailhead. Beyond having the most affordable lift ticket prices in the Detroit region, Alpine Valley provides the most equal distribution of beginner, intermediate, and expert slopes among the Big Four. The expert-rated slopes feature the resort's terrain park runs, which Alpine Valley has improved significantly in recent years. The resort also boasts the Hornet's Nest Lounge, an ideal après-ski destination for enjoying favorite cocktails, dancing, entertainment, and a panoramic view of Alpine Valley's ski slopes. Regional Season Pass: Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob are all members of what we're dubbing the "Regional Season Pass." The Pass costs $800, so the somewhat steep price tag really only makes sense if you plan to hit these resorts consistently throughout the season. Other resorts included in the Pass that are outside of the Detroit region are Bittersweet (Ostego, MI), Alpine Valley Resort (Elkhorn, WI), and Searchmont (Sioux Ste. Marie, ON). MOUNT BRIGHTON | Brighton, Michigan Hours: Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday) or 8 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation: 1,330 feet Vertical Rise: 230 feet Total Runs: 25 Pass Affiliation: Epic All-Day Lift Ticket Prices: $64 (M - F), $84 (Sa - Su) Expedition Detroit Award: Best for the Jet-Setting Explorer Although Mt. Brighton has been around since 1960, Vail Resorts' acquisition of the mountain in 2015 breathed new life into the Detroit region's largest man-made ski resort. Vail's acquisition included a $10 million investment into improvements like new chairlifts, enhanced beginner terrain, new base area facilities and children’s ski and ride school center, innovative terrain parks, and a state-of-the-art snowmaking system. Seven years later, the net results of those improvements includes transforming Mt. Brighton into an "out west enclave" in the Detroit region, including the modern amenities that top-tier skiers and snowboarders should expect from an industry-defining powerhouse like Vail. While the quality of Mt. Brighton's well-manicured runs and cutting-edge facilities provide the most imminent attraction for riders, the value emanating from the resort's Epic Pass inclusion is undeniably powerful. Especially if you were to purchase the discounted Epic Local Pass, you could ride not only Mt. Brighton to your heart's content, but take a few trips to world-class resorts out west, back east, or around the world with the same pass. As much as we sing the praises of Detroit's outdoor recreation opportunities, we're certainly not immune to the allure of big mountain skiing. Mt. Brighton and its Epic Pass affiliation make such adventures more economic, efficient, and practical for us all. MT. HOLLY | Holly, Michigan Hours: Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation: 1,115 feet Vertical Rise: 350 feet Total Runs: 19 Pass Affiliation: Regional Season Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Prices: $67 (M - Th), $80 (F - Su) Expedition Detroit Award: Best for the Downhill Bomber Mt. Holly may not be the largest, highest, or most glamorous of the Big Four, but it packs a big punch right where it matters the most: more vertical feet of downhill than any of the other resorts. Located just on the northwestern edge of the Detroit region, Mt. Holly benefits from the dramatic, rolling hills that define Southeast Michigan's premiere terrain for outdoor recreation. As such, Mt. Holly's deep descents provide the resort with proportionately more advanced terrain than any of the other Big Four. Similar to Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly also provides the wintry cherry on top for an area already absurdly blessed with outdoor opportunities. The resort is conveniently located in between the western and eastern branches of Holly State Recreation Area, with the park's premiere mountain biking trail maintained by the Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association located within eyesight of the resort's summit. The eastern branch of Holly State Recreation Area also entails opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Legs feeling a little wobbly after capitalizing on the additional vert? Fortunately for all of us, Mt. Holly also features a spacious Bavarian-style lodge with two cafeterias, a fireplace room, and a lounge with additional fireplaces. Hard to imagine a better setting to loosen up the boots, order a stein, and kick back after an exhilarating day on the mountain. PINE KNOB SKI RESORT | Clarkston, Michigan Hours: Weekdays: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday - Wednesday) and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Thursday - Friday); Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation: 1,201 feet Vertical Rise: 300 feet Total Runs: 17 Pass Affiliation: Regional Season Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Prices: $67 (M - Th), $80 (F - Su) Expedition Detroit Award: Best for the Terrain Park Junkie Before I converted to a Detroit region local back in 2007, my family made annual pilgrimages to Southeast Michigan during the winter holidays. One of those trips included a ski day at some local resort I had never heard of: Pine Knob. Aside from the vague, childlike memories of the slopes, I remember my surprise at how quickly we got to and from the resort from our lodging in Bloomfield Hills. All of my other ski trips required either hours in the car towards the Appalachians or a flight to the Rockies - this resort felt practically in our backyard. My childhood experience was far from unique. Located just 30 minutes from the City of Detroit, Pine Knob provides the most accessible ski and snowboard destination for the vast majority of our region's resident recreationists. Aside from accessibility, Pine Knob stands out as Southeast Michigan's preeminent destination for terrain park opportunities. Over the last few years, the resort's #TheKnobProject initiative has facilitated massive investments in new jumps, a progression park, a 1000 ft. high-speed tow tope, a "jib bus," and a new "monster jump." If you're a terrain park junkie, this is definitely the hill for you. While Pine Knob features ample beginner runs, brand new skiers and snowboarders may want to consider visiting one of the other Big Four resorts for their first gander with mountain sports due to Pine Knob's extensive terrain parks and intermediate/advanced-rated slopes. This caveat is only intended for truly "green" riders - both literally and figuratively. New skiers and snowboarders will still have a great time at Pine Knob, but comparatively less than their more advanced contemporaries shredding the terrain parks. Ski season has undeniably arrived in Detroit, but we must note that the Big Four just opened over the past few weeks (Mt. Brighton had their opening kick-off just last weekend), so the slope conditions are less than ideal to say the least. Roughly 50% of each resort's runs are open, but the "skiability" of each mountain's terrain will improve steadily as precipitation and snow-making efforts progress. In other words, primetime is coming, so we encourage you to start making your lift ticket purchases now if you haven't already. We're closing out this article with a quick, shameless plug for our #EmbraceTheDark series. Each of these resorts offer exceptional night skiing and riding opportunities, so we invite you to join us in occasionally switching up our chilly night hikes or bikes for some hot laps at your resort of choice. Fortunately, no additional night gear is required for skiing or snowboarding under the lights - just bring the right lift ticket and a spirit of adventure. We'll see you at the top of the hill.

November brings cooler temperatures, remaining colors, and rapidly diminishing crowds on the trails - perfect conditions for exploring the best hiking trails near Detroit! Here are the top five ranked trails to kick off your next hiking expedition. Outdoor enthusiasts all come in different shapes and sizes - interests, ethnicities, identities, and range of experience in the great outdoors. That being said, our demographic research has zeroed in on one great common love among all lovers of our natural environment: hiking. Regardless of whether your trail of choice is your neighborhood-sponsored natural trail or the topographic rollercoaster of a "black diamond" trek, the Detroit region has a perfect hike waiting for you. We guarantee it. Just in time for National Hiking Day, the Expedition Detroit team has painstakingly evaluated and curated the following list of the Detroit area's top five hiking trails for your exploring pleasure. Happy hiking, my friends - we'll see you at the trailhead. 1. The Penosha Trail | Brighton State Recreation Area Distance: 4.9 miles Elevation Gain: 393 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Keeping with our custom, we like to start our articles highlighting the "best of the best" - none of us have time for any guessing-game BS. For the Detroit region's hiking trails, that highest of honors goes to none other than the Penosha Trail: Brighton State Recreation Area's most celebrated experience and winner of Expedition Detroit's best hike within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. Cheers to you, Penosha! Described as a "quintessential Michigan hike," the 4.9 mile trail features the dense mature forests, rolling hills, and surprising vistas that are found only on the most sought-after trails within our region. Penosha, translated roughly as "long" in the Chippewa language, is the longest single trail in Brighton State Recreation Area, although it's the ideal length for a picturesque day hike. The Penosha loop starts at the Bishop Lake trailhead - the same trailhead used for Brighton's famous mountain biking trails - although you should immediately break south (right) to head towards Penosha. The first 2.5 miles of the trail comprise of rollercoaster hills characteristic of Brighton's other great trails. However, the 2.5 mile halfway point marks a sudden change in the hike's intensity; what follows next is a gradual 0.6 mile climb towards the route's "summit," right at the 3.1 mile marker. Your endurance will be rewarded with a 1.3 mile decline, only slightly diminished by a brief exit from the park's boundary along Teahen Road. You will conquer one more brief, 0.2 mile climb at the 4.3 mile marker. A post-hike beer should be waiting for you at the bottom of a relaxing decline back to the trailhead. 2. The Crooked Lake Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area Distance: 4.2 miles Elevation Gain: 311 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit's top-secret "Trail Ranking" methodology, the Crooked Lake Trail is my single favorite trail in the Detroit area. This beloved 4.2 mile trail has played host to several of my most successful trail races, brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear the noise out of my head. I love this trail - I'm not surprised that countless other outdoor enthusiasts do as well. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area, the Crooked Lake loop starts at the Silver Lake trailhead - Pinckney's primary trailhead for all hiking, backpacking, running, mountain biking, and paddling adventures. As you gradually ascend towards the ridge-top vistas of Crooked Lake, there are three main hills that you should take into consideration as you pace out your hike. The first strikes right out of the gate: a 0.4 mile climb that gains 115 feet in elevation. The second is the most mellow: a 0.1 mile climb of 44 feet in elevation. Please learn from my previous trail running mistake: do NOT push the pace over the next 1.6 miles of leisurely, unbelievably scenic hiking. The final hill - which will feel like two hills due to a false summit - will have you climb 117 feet over another 0.4 mile distance to the trail's true "summit" of 1,009 feet. The remaining 1.2 miles of the trail is a rewarding, partially-forested and partially-marshland decline back to Silver Lake. 3. The River and Blue Trails | Proud Lake State Recreation Area Distance: 5.75 miles Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy When I was a full-time practicing attorney, the River and Blue Trails of Proud Lake State Recreation Area became a fundamental component of my "deal-closing" routine. After staring at my computer screen for countless hours, I would leave my phone at my home office, grab my puppy Lucy, and head a few miles down the road to the trailhead. These trails evolved into an essential weapon in my arsenal against clinical burnout; it's my pleasure to highlight them now for you all. Although not prominently marked as a hiking trailhead, we recommend starting your hike at the fishing access site parking lot just east of Wixom Road (north of the main park office). From the parking lot, follow the River Trail along the southern shoreline of the Huron River towards the idyllic Proud Lake Dam. Once over the dam, you will start following the Blue Trail at the 1.3 mile marker. Please note that the remaining segments of this route - the Blue and Red Trails - traverse through sections of Proud Lake that are open to hunting. As such, please wear "hunter orange" outer clothing if hiking during Michigan's main firearm season (November 15th - 30th). As you follow the Blue and Red Trails into the eastern reaches of the park, the Blue Trail branches away from the Red Trail at the 2.0 mil marker and towards a DNR two-track road leading to Proud Lake. While you can follow the DNR road south towards Proud Lake, the Blue Trail actually continues northeast until it banks west (left) back into the park at the 2.9 mile marker. Starting at the 3.5 mile marker, the final segments of the trail will traverse the isolated northern stretches of the park until you reconnect with the Proud Lake Dam roughly 4.5 miles into the journey. From the dam, all trails head west as you retrace your steps and relocate your parked vehicle. 4. The Haven Hill Natural Area Trail | Highland State Recreation Area Distance: 3.5 miles Elevation Gain: 160 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Do you prefer your trails with a slice of history? Say no more: reintroducing the Haven Hill Natural Area Trail, Highland State Recreation Area's premiere hiking and trail running loop located on Edsel Ford's former estate. While the ruins of the Ford Family's former hilltop retreat are an obvious highlight of this natural area, the jaw-dropping beauty of the rolling hills, wetlands, creeks, and expansive Haven Hill Lake is the true treasury of Highland's 5,903 acres. Fortunately for all of us, the Haven Hill Natural Area Trail takes hikers through the heart of the park's most stunning scenery. Starting at the Goose Meadow Picnic Area parking lot trailhead, follow the trail marker signs northwest towards the shore of Haven Hill Lake and Ford Dam. This initial segment of the hike will be a favorite for bird watchers - you will be hugging the eastern shoreline of the lake for the first half mile of the trek, complete with phenomenal wildlife viewing opportunities. Continue towards trail sign #18 to merge onto the "Blue Trail," which you will be following for the majority of the trail. The Blue Trail will bring you into the heart of the northern woods of Highland - boardwalks through tall reeds and winding, climbing trails under mature oaks are trademark features of this segment of the hike. The only potentially tricky section hits at the 0.6 mile mark; while several trails will diverge from this segment, be sure to follow the trail towards mark #s 15, 16, and 14 - in that exact, non-sequential order. From trail sign # 14, continue on the northwest (left) trail segment for 1.5 miles of unbroken, beautiful forested hiking. The only challenging climb of this hike comes at - you guessed it - Haven Hill. Starting at the 2.7 mile mark, you will climb at a 7% grade over 0.2 miles to reach the "summit" of the route just east of the historical ruins. There is an offshoot trail at the mid-point of this climb to visit the Haven Hill summit and historical site, although the remaining 0.6 miles comprise of a much-deserved decline back towards the trailhead. 5. The Potawatomi Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area Distance: 17.6 miles Elevation Gain: 1,253 feet Trail Rating: Moderate-Difficult If you decide to knock out each of these trails over this month, we highly recommend hiking the famous Potawatomi Trail early on in the journey. Not only is this trail one of the Detroit region's most famous, it's also indisputably the most difficult on this list - especially if you're aiming to tackle the trail in a day. Definitely doable, but oh baby... you would absolutely have our undying respect for doing so. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area (yes, we're experiencing déjà vu as well from how many times Pinckney appears in our articles), "Poto" takes an average of 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete. The trail snakes through a series of lakes during its rollercoaster of elevation changes, with its steepest climb of 117 feet of elevation gain striking at the 11.7 mile marker (the same final climb described in the Crooked Lake Trail description above). Note that this wooded, hilly trail is extremely popular with mountain bikers (note: Poto is the #1 ranked MTB trail in the Detroit region), other hikers, backpackers, trail runners, cross-country skiers, and hunters during the fall months. Please remember to wear "hunter orange" outer clothing if hiking during Michigan's main firearm season. Not feeling the climb at the end of an 11+ mile day? Fortunately, the bottom of this climb provides you with direct access to Crooked Lake Rustic Campground via a southward-bound offshoot at the 11.8 mile marker. The remaining 6 miles provide gentle, rolling terrain back to the trailhead at Pickerel Lake. As always, we must include the disclaimer that this list only scratches the surface on amazing hiking opportunities throughout the Detroit Region. Our other favorite trail systems include Maybury State Park, Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, Independence Oaks County Park, and Point Pelee National Park. We promise that each of these trail systems - plus many, many more - will receive their proper recognition in due course. Until then, we'll be out in the field - can't wait to see you out there! This article includes information originally published in 50 Hikes in Michigan, Jim DuFresne (2019). Which of the above is your favorite trail? Is there a specific trail, park, activity, or destination that you would like to see featured in a future article? Perfect - we want to hear about it! Please feel free to post about it in the comments below or contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

In honor of National Hiking Day, we proudly present the triple-crown of the Detroit region's most intense and exhilarating hiking experiences: our three most rigorous Black Diamond hiking trails. Let’s cut right to the chase: these trails are not for the faint of heart. Unlike our previous article regarding the Detroit region's “Top Five Hiking Trails,” these trails are best suited for our list endurance athletes, aspiring thru-hikers, and our other resident hikers that are looking to up their hiking levels an Up North or Out West capacity. These treks were designed to push boundaries, expand capacity, build confidence, and break down any preconceived notion that Detroit does not have trails suitable for top-tier adventurers. Put differently, if you’re not sure where to start training for that Mt. Kilimanjaro trek or Appalachian Trail thru hike in our area, we recommend that you start with this triple-crown of Detroit’s most challenging trails. 1. Highland A-B-C-D Loops | Highland State Recreation Area Length: 13.7 miles Elevation Gain: 1,309 ft. Estimated Completion Time: 5h 15min Highland State Recreation Area’s alphabet loops stand on top of the podium for the most challenging hike in the entire Detroit region. Starting at the E. Livingston Road trailhead, you will initially head south on the A Loop for only 0.1 of a mile before heading west (right) at the point where the A Loop splits. Note that you should hike the loops in the opposite direction of the mountain bike trail instructions. Your first diversion - and real test of the entire trail system - will occur 0.9 miles into the trek when you head due west (right) to conquer the infamous D Loop. You will “summit” 3.4 miles into the trail while on the D Loop (1,134 ft.) before being rewarded with a long, steady decline to briefly rejoin the A Loop. Continue southwest on the B Loop at the 4.4 mile mark. The B Loop is the second-hardest trail of Highland’s alphabet loops, including the trail system’s second highest point at mile 5.3 (1,124 ft.). You will diverge off of the B Loop to complete the milder C Loop at mile 6. With the main challenges behind you, the last legs consist of 8.1 miles as you complete the eastern segments B and A Loops towards the trailhead. The route consists of varying sections with roots, rocky stretches, steep climbs, and manageable technical areas. While these loops are primarily intended for mountain bikers, these trails are also very popular for hikers, trail runners, bird watchers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hunters. Hikers should also be aware that Highland’s horse riding trail system also intersects with the four loops, so be sure to keep a map readily-accessible. Pro Tip: Due to the several low-lying bogs in this area, Highland’s four loops are prone to mosquitos during the summer months. We recommend applying a healthy amount of bug spray during the summer months (Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is my personal favorite - highly effective, natural, and actually feels good on your skin). This trail is also relatively mosquito and human-free during the late fall through early spring, although please wear hunter orange or bright clothing during the fall firearm hunting months (especially late November). Parking Directions: Park at the mountain bike trailhead parking lot on the north side of E Livingston Rd. The A Loop trailhead is directly south across E Livingston Rd., although Highland’s tamer North Loop trail is directly accessible from the parking lot. A Recreation Passport is required for parking here. 2. Brighton Loop Trail System | Brighton State Recreation Area Length: 14.8 miles Elevation Gain: 892 ft. Estimated Completion Time: 5h 10min The longest of the three “Black Diamonds,” Brighton State Recreation Area’s loop trail system also provides rewarding, arduous hiking for Detroit’s most intrepid hikers. Similar to Highland, these trails are also primarily used for mountain biking, although they are also popular with trail runners, birdwatchers, and occasionally hunters. Due to the heavy use by mountain bikers (especially in the summer months), we also advise hiking this trail in the opposite direction of mountain bike traffic. Starting from the mountain bike trailheads, head southeast to start on the Torn Shirt Trail before diverting north (left) at the 0.1 mile mark. After a steady decline, continue heading northeast (keeping left) onto the Murray Lake “Purple Loop” for 4.1 miles of rolling hills and switchbacks. At the lowest point of the hike (874 ft. elevation) you will merge onto the Lost Loop “Green Trail,” renown for its thick forest cover, for 1.7 miles. Back on the Murray Lake trail, you will steadily climb over rolling terrain for 2.8 miles until you nearly reach the trailhead at mile 8.7. Don’t linger too long on thoughts of a post-trail beer, however; Brighton’s real crucible, the Torn Shirt Trail, remains unconquered. Heading northeast on the Torn Shirt Trail, you will navigate around smaller ponds and technical terrain for 3.3 miles before facing the trail’s most formidable challenge. At an 11% grade, you will hike from one of the trail’s lowest points (894 ft.) to its summit (965 ft.) over 0.3 miles, although you will be rewarding immediately with a descent of similar length. A few more rolling ascents and descents over the remaining 2.3 miles and you will have finally earned that post-hike beer in one of Brighton’s famous watering holes. Pro Tip: Consider tackling Brighton’s challenging loops over a weekend by camping in one or more of the park's campgrounds. The Murray Lake rustic campground is immediately accessible to the Murray Lake Trail, while the Appleton Lake rustic campground and Bishop Lake modern campground are also within close proximity. Reservations are required to be made in advance. Parking Directions: From Bishop Lake Rd., turn into the side street at the “Bishop Lake Complex” sign within the park. Take the first right turn available to you to arrive at the Bishop Lake parking lot. A Recreation Passport is required for parking here. 3. Bald Mountain's Orange, White, Green, and Blue Loops | Bald Mountain State Recreation Area Length: 9.1 miles Elevation Gain: 538 ft. Estimated Completion Time: 3h 5min Although the shortest of the three “Black Diamonds,” Bald Mountain State Recreation Area’s four loops should not be underestimated. While this trail system is also shared with mountain bikers and hunters, you will have the best opportunity here to only share the trails with fellow hikers and wildlife. As such, we recommend starting with Bald Mountain if you are just starting to “level up” your hiking skillset. Starting at the East Graham Lake trailhead, you will head south until turning northeast (left) onto the Orange Trail less than 0.1 miles into the hike. Be sure to utilize the next 0.7 miles of flat hiking and lake views to warm up your legs - at the 0.8 mile mark, you will find yourself tackling almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain towards the trail system’s summit (1,028 ft.). After the summit, you will be rewarded with 0.4 miles of decline as you head west towards Duck Pond. At the 2.2 mile mark, complete the out-and-back that runs parallel to the northeast bank of Prince Lake before hiking 1.4 miles south to the point where the Orange and Green Trails meet. Turn right onto the Green Trail at the 3.8 mile mark. The Green Trail comprises a half mile out-and-bank, which fortunately includes established restrooms right at the turnaround point. You will only briefly retrace your steps though before heading west (left) on the White Trail at the 4.5 mile mark. Don’t get too comfortable on the White Trail, however; you will turn south (left) at the 4.8 mark onto the Blue Trail, which in turn will warmly welcome you with a steady 0.7 mile climb towards the trail’s second highest point (1,022 ft.). Enjoy the ensuing decline as you finish the Blue Trail and turn northwest (left) at the 6.6 mile mark to rejoin the White Trail for a half-mile out-and-back. Continue on the rolling White Trail for its final mile until you reconnect with the Orange Trail at Mile 8.6. The remaining half mile is a leisurely, well-deserved decline back to the East Graham Lake parking lot. Pro Tip: Most trail maps for this hike include a segment through a residential area starting at the 7.1 mile mark, and then continuing for roughly a mile over the southwestern segment of the White Trail and northwestern segment of the Blue Trail. Unless you’re hunting for that extra mile, we recommend skipping this portion of the typical hike (we omitted it from our instructions above). Why? Well, there’s no better buzzkill for a wilderness experience than hiking through a subdivision, plus you would have already hiked the Blue Trail segment in the same direction. Trust us, your senses (and legs) will thank you. Parking Directions: From the Harmon Rd. entrance to the park, turn right onto W Predmore Rd. Turn left at the East Graham Lake Boat Launch sign - be on the lookout for your fellow hikers on the Orange Trail that you will quickly bisect. The road dead ends at the East Graham Lake parking lot.

The Detroit Marathon annually broadcasts to the world that the city is a premiere racing destination, but the marathon is just the tip of the iceberg for Detroit’s running opportunities. Here are the five essential running trails for year-round exploration of Detroit - a true runner’s city. It’s been roughly a week since the Detroit Free Press Marathon - the crown jewel of our region’s annual outdoor events - electrified the streets of Detroit and Windsor. Now that the medals have been distributed and the crowds have resided, some runners may be tempted to hibernate through the winter or forgo running through the city until next year’s race. That, my dear friends, would be a tremendous mistake. In fact, we at Expedition Detroit respectfully argue that now is the single best time of the year to #RUNDET. Why, you may ask? Well, with the crowds gone, Detroit’s streets will be largely available for unhindered exploration. Any runners that flew in for the marathon will obviously be running their far-flung routes again, but a significant portion of local runners are also still resting their legs from the effort exerted during the race. Add in peak fall colors and cooler temperatures, the end result is truly a runner’s paradise. Now that you’re convinced and ready to lace up your shoes, are you unsure about recommended routes? Congratulations - you’ve landed on the right article. Here are the five essential, iconic, can’t-miss running trails within the City of Detroit: 1. Belle Isle Park Loop Distance: 5.6 miles Completion Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Running Trail Highlights: James Scott Memorial Fountain, Sunset Point, Nancy Brown Peace Carillon Tower, Belle Isle Nature Center, and Belle Isle Boat House If Detroit represents a treasure chest filled with spectacular running opportunities, then Belle Isle Park undoubtedly shines as its crown jewel. Located amidst of the vibrant blue waves of the Detroit River, Belle Isle's 982 acres capture not only the best aspects of the City of Detroit, but the entirety of the southeast region of the Great Lakes. Art deco architecture? Check. Pristine inland lakes and streams? Check. Wetlands? Woodlands? Zoos and Museums? Check, check, and check. Stated differently, you don't need to conduct much research to discover why Belle Isle has been a recreational paradise since its inauguration in 1879. While Belle Isle contains several natural trails that are fantastic for hiking, the predominant running trail on the island sticks to the main paved roads that intersect throughout the park. The counterclockwise route starts at the main entrance to the park, right at the end of the MacArthur Bridge. The initial mile will lead you directly towards Sunset Point - possibly the best view of Downtown Detroit from within the city limits - and towards the beautiful James Scott Memorial Fountain along the southern coast of the island. Continuing east, you will run past the inland Lake Tacoma, Great Lakes Museum, and several scenic picnic grounds as you venture towards inland Lake Okonoka. While the Blue Heron Lagoon nature trail will certainly be tempting, this running trail requires you to stay on Lakeside Drive as you jog past the Belle Isle Nature Center, inland Lake Muskoday, the Detroit Yacht Club, and Belle Isle Beach. The route ends right where you began - at the entrance point to the MacArthur Bridge - although now you will finish right alongside the historic Belle Isle Boat House on Riverbank Drive. Bonus Tip: Remember all of those scenic picnic spots that you just jogged past, especially those that have postcard-worthy views of Detroit's skyline or the Windsor shoreline? Well, we recommend circling back to one of those, laying out a picnic blanket, camp chairs, or hammock if you're near trees, and enjoying a well-deserved relaxation session after completing your grand tour of Belle Isle. Extra points if your friends meet you there with yard games, a speaker, and post-run snacks. 2. Detroit Riverwalk Trail Distance: 5.3 miles Completion Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Running Trail Highlights: Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, Hart Plaza, William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, Mt. Elliot Park, and Gabriel Richard Park Writing a review of the stunningly beautiful Detroit Riverwalk Trail is a bit of a moving target. For starters, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy constantly has their sleeves rolled up while breaking ground on new segments, featured destinations, and community events along the Riverwalk Trail. As of the moment that I'm writing this article, the Riverwalk Trail stretches roughly 5.3 miles from Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park to Gabriel Richard Park. Ongoing projects will further expand the Riverwalk Trail both east and west along the Detroit River, so there's a decent chance - no, an absolute certainty - that I will need to circle back on this article. The current iteration of the Riverwalk Trail starts at western edge of Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, right where W. Jefferson Avenue and Rosa Parks Boulevard meet. While the trail briefly connects to W. Jefferson Avenue around the Riverfront Towers, runners rejoin the river just south of the former Joe Louis Arena site (RIP). Continue east as you jog past the skyscrapers of downtown, including memorable highlights like Huntington Place, the Detroit Princess Riverboat, Hart Plaza, the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad, and the Renaissance Center. This unbroken stretch of the Riverwalk Trail leads you directly into William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, including a direct link to the Dequindre Cut Greenway Trail (spoiler alert). For this run, however, you're going to continue pressing east - past the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, through the Harbortown Marina and Mt. Elliott Park, and finally reaching your finish line at Gabriel Richard Park. Bonus Tip: If you choose to run this trail from point-to-point, we only ask for one favor in return: promise us that you will return to the Riverwalk Trail simply to walk and explore all of the amenities that "America's Best Riverwalk" has to offer. Truly, it felt like a sin to skip over the overwhelming amount of incredible attractions, facilities, landmarks, and exploration opportunities that are featured within or directly accessible from the Riverwalk Trail. We'll write up a feature just on the Riverwalk, but until then, please - go forth and explore it. 3. The Dequindre Cut Greenway Distance: 2 miles Completion Time: 24 minutes Running Trail Highlights: “Art Walk” murals, Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, Eastern Market, Campbell Terrace, and Outdoor Adventure Center 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. Since 2009, however, a coalition formed by the U.S. Government, City of Detroit, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation has provided new life to this formerly abandoned and blighted outdoor space. 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. The most common running trail begins on the north end of the Dequindre Cut at Mack Avenue. Heading south, the Wilkins Street Plaza will be the first landmark, followed closely by the lively Dequindre Cut Freight Yard and its outdoor bar during the warmer months. Continuing south, enjoy an uninterrupted display of Detroit's finest street artwork - known as the "Art Walk" - until you come across the Campbell Terrace's outdoor stage and surrounding facilities. Fit Park and the DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center ("OAC") mark the final highlights before reaching the southern terminus of the Dequindre Cut at Atwater Street. Bonus Tip: The Dequindre Cut ends not only at the OAC, but also directly across Atwater Street from William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor. If you have the time, we strongly encourage you to take your time exploring both of these DNR destinations found conveniently in the core of Detroit, especially the exhibits at the OAC and the Detroit Riverwalk segments within the park. One of the best cool-down walks that you'll ever have, we guarantee it. 4. Rouge Park Distance: 5.1 miles Completion Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Running Trail Highlights: Joe Prance Recreation Area, Sorensen Recreation Area, Alex Jefferson Airfield, Cost Corner Recreation Area, and Scout Hollow Campground Trivia question: what is the name of the largest park within the City of Detroit? Most residents of our region would probably guess Belle Isle Park, the massive idyllic island floating within the Detroit River. Reasonable guess, but nonetheless incorrect: Rouge Park, consisting of 1,181 acres on the far western rim of the city, holds the title for largest recreation area within Detroit’s city limits. Better yet, the park maintains several of the best paved and natural running trails in the city. The running trail highlighted here is a paved route, although there are several nature trails that are immediately accessible from the main road running trail. Starting at crossroads of Rouge Park Drive and Spinoza Drive, head directly south towards Joe Prance Recreation Area - the site of the first of four nature trails that you will be able to access for additional mileage. Continuing in a counterclockwise direction, you will pass by the Butterfly Garden entrance to the Prairie Pathway, run along Warren Avenue on the southern boundary of the park, and turn north on the paved trail towards Sorenson Recreation Area before hitting Pierson Street. The northward route continues on Sorensen Promenade past Alex Jefferson Airfield, Cozy Corner Recreation Area, and Scout Hollow Campground, the only maintained campground within the City of Detroit (for now). Your run finishes right where it began, although not before crossing the namesake Rouge River. Bonus Tip: Looking for more adventure? Bring the mountain bike along for your Rouge Park expedition! Our friends at the Motor City Mountain Biking Association (“MCMBA”) maintain the City of Detroit’s only MTB-specific trail within Rouge Park, a 3 mile singletrack loop with its trailhead located at W. Outer Drive and Tireman Avenue. The MCMBA held one its “Trail Days” at Rouge Park back in April, during which volunteers significantly improved the trail’s features and general conditions. Expect to see us running AND biking Rouge Park soon! 5. City Center Circuits Distance: 3 - 10 miles (depending on route) Completion Time: 36 minutes (3 miles) or 2 hours (10 miles) Running Trail Highlights: Campus Martius Park, Wayne State University, Eastern Market, Cultural Center, and Hart Plaza Credit's owed where credit's due, so we must start by giving a shoutout to our friends at RUNdetroit for mapping the following running trails through Detroit's city center - the Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, Mexicantown, Eastern Market, Lafayette Park, Rivertown, New Center, and North End neighborhoods. The recommended routes are categorized as either red, blue, green, or gold loops, and each colored loop has a mileage variation of 3, 6, or 10 miles. While all of the colored loops begin at RUNdetroit's main storefront, that is quite literally the only trait that each run has in common. Depending on which route you decide to take, you could run through the heart of Downtown's skyscrapers pas Campus Martius, along the scenic Riverwalk Trail, down the cobbled streets of Corktown, among the museums in Midtown, past stadiums, markets, or any combination of the above. Each route contains a highlight reel of the best of Detroit's city core, providing runner's with exposure to a lifetime of exploration opportunities within each neighborhood that they will jog through. We absolutely love our wilderness runs, but there's an undeniable beauty to the history, architecture, and multiculturalism that have flourished within our great city for centuries. We're certain that you will agree as you take on any of these recommended routes. Bonus Tip: While any of these loops are free game to run independently, it would be a disservice to our readership to omit that the RUNdetroit Team leads guided runs along these routes every Saturday at 8AM. Each week, RUNdetroit will select a different colored loop for their guided run, although runners can select which distance they would like to run before the groups take off. Oh, and did we mention that these guided runs are free? Walking tours be damned - this is our favorite, cost-effective way to explore the city's core. Now that you've run Detroit's essential trails, are you still looking to explore our region's best outdoor experiences? Yet again, we've got you covered - be sure to check back here regularly for straight from the field, no B.S., original Expedition Detroit content. We also maintain our destinations page as new, off the beaten path exploration opportunities cross our radar. With so much to explore, there's no time to waste - we can't wait to see you out there.

Two hundred and ten years ago today, the bloodiest battle ever fought on Michigan soil came to a close, resulting in the United States' worst defeat of the War of 1812. Here we dive into the battle that forever stained the fields of River Raisin National Battlefield Park. It's 7:30 in the morning, and you're laying in a freezing canvas tent. A far cry from milder Kentucky winters spent sleeping next to your hearth, and for a brief moment you doubt every decision that brought you to camping next to a frozen river, during the dead of winter, in the inhospitable frontier known as the Michigan territory. As you rub the sleep from your eyes, your wits follow suit and you start to remember why you volunteered for the Army of the Northwest. You recall your mother's stories of suffering under the British Crown, which supplement your father's tales of glory during the War of Revolution. Your serotonin levels rise further and you remember the brief thrill of battle that you experienced just four days earlier, when you charged across the frozen River Raisin and forced the British and Native American alliance to abandon their positions. You smile as you remember the sight of those red coats ducking into the woods, running for their lives. These thoughts and the slight sound of the gently flowing river bring you some comfort in the midst of this inhospitable environment. The mirage abruptly ends when you suffer a terrifying realization. Your eyes frantically search for your musket. Your sword. Anything. That sound isn't water. The river's frozen. That sound is approaching men. Seconds later and your worst fears materialize as British guns and Native American war cries shatter the calm of a mid-winter morning. Musket balls start to rip through your tent before you can even get your boots on. You fall to the ground as canon fire rains down on your position. The Battle of River Raisin - the worst American defeat of the War of 1812 and bloodiest battle ever to be fought in Michigan - has begun. And you're not even out of that freezing canvas tent. GROUND ZERO: MONROE, MICHIGAN Let's fast forward now to Monroe, Michigan, circa January 2023. Re-named in honor of President James Monroe in 1817, the city straddles the River Raisin as it makes its final approach towards Lake Erie. The past two hundred years shaped the city into a manufacturing hub, mecca of paper production, regional energy producer, and destination for small town recreation and community enjoyment. Monroe provided a peaceful home for several notable Americans like General George Armstrong Custer, as well as household name companies like La-Z-Boy. Monroe also become home to several parks and outdoor recreation destinations, including its litany of beautiful parks along the River Raisin, Munson Park, and William C. Sterling State Park. Monroe's "River Walk" trail, opened only during the warmer months, guides residents and visitors alike along the northern and southern banks of the Raisin, criss-crossing from Saint Mary's Park, through downtown, and finishing at Soldiers and Sailors Park. Intrepid small tourists should continue down E Front St. until reaching Hellenberg Park and its bridge to Sterling Island. Potentially stepping in geese poop will be your only concern as you explore this peaceful, scenic route down the Raisin River. As you get to the bridge to Sterling Island, however, we encourage you to stop. Resist the urge to keep hiking and turn north to look across the Raisin. Today's snowfall (finally) resembles exactly how the banks of the Raisin appeared on that fateful morning, save a thoroughly frozen river. Filled with people - no, let's make them soldiers. Screaming and running for their lives. That's what you would have seen 210 years ago today from that exact spot: a military disaster unfolding into the worst massacre in Michigan's history. That's what occurred in the overgrown field, trash-dotted creek, and woodland patches comprising of River Raisin National Battlefield Park. That's the story that we want to dive into now to better appreciate the experience that our fictional "sleeping solider" actually lived through on that fateful morning. THE BATTLE OF RIVER RAISIN January 22, 1813 Paradoxically, Southeast Michigan's sole national park site should have never existed. In the wake of the humiliating surrender of Fort Detroit to the British on August 16, 1812, President James Monroe charged Brigadier General (and future president) William Henry Harrison with the task of recapturing Detroit and securing the United States' control of the Great Lakes. Despite Detroit constituting the end goal, General Harrison explicitly forbade General James Winchester from advancing beyond the Maumee River Rapids in Northern Ohio. General Harrison envisioned the "Liberation of Michigan" as an incremental, calculated, and tactical recapturing of sovereign American territory from the British and Canadian occupiers. Then General Winchester received a hot tip: the British and their Native American allies from the Shawnee, Potawatomi, Ottawa, Chippewa, Delaware, Miami, Winnebago, Creek, Sauk, and Fox tribes were camping on the outskirts of a budding community called Frenchtown, just north of the River Raisin. Only a few days' march from the Maumee River. General Winchester couldn't resist; one order later and the Americans were marching north. The initial Battle of River Raisin on January 18th, 1813, consisted of little more than a skirmish. The British and Native American force of roughly 200 soldiers stood little chance to approximately 800 eager Americans, who charged across the frozen River Raisin just north of Sterling Island. Following a sporadic fight lasting just a few hours, the British and Native American force retreated north towards Detroit. Frenchtown - for the time being - was American once more. The following days produced several deadly miscalculations. General Winchester had neglected to pack in requisite ammunition and other necessary supplies from the Americans' main encampment at the Maumee River. No orders were given to strengthen the rudimentary barrier walls surrounding Frenchtown, which the U.S. infantry were largely encamped outside of. Last, and most dangerous of all, General Winchester assumed that it would be "some days" before the British "would be ready to do anything." In other words, the Americans had plenty of time for reinforcements to arrive, walls to be built, and positions on the northern bank of the River Raisin to be solidified. Spoiler alert: the Americans didn't have time for any of that. On January 19th, British Colonel Henry Procter mobilized a joint British, Canadian, and Native American force of roughly 1,400 soldiers to move against the Americans. Before dawn on January 22nd, Colonel Procter's men crept towards the American encampments and opened fire while the majority of the American infantry still remained in bed. General Winchester's soldiers could only withstand the onslaught for 20 minutes, which broke abruptly when British artillery devastated what remained of the American lines. The morning only got worse for the Americans as the lines broke in a chaotic sprint south towards the frozen River Raisin. The American retreat prompted an attack by the Native American warriors, which descended upon the U.S. Regulars and inflicted numerous casualties during hand-to-hand combat. While General Winchester shortly surrendered to the overwhelming force, a large segment of surviving Kentuckian volunteers retreated west towards Frenchtown and held out for several hours before surrendering. When the muskets finally fell silent, 24 British and 359 Americans lay dead. A further 575 Americans lay wounded, most of which writhing under the guard of a British musket or Native American tomahawk. One hundred of those wounded American soldiers would meet their demise at the hands of their Native American captors the following day during the "River Raisin Massacre," but for now they were lucky to be alive. The cries slowly faded. The odor of gun powder gradually relented in the freezing winter air. The bloodiest morning in Michigan's history had finally ended. STATE OF THE MODERN BATTLEFIELD While we were researching this article, two profound sentiments struck us: 1. The Battle of River Raisin overwhelmingly constituted one of the most historic days, if not the single most historic day, in Michigan's history; and 2. Hardly anyone knows about it. Don't worry, we're not here to point fingers. There are several rationales for why this battle and historical park lacks the fame of other famous National Battlefield or Military Parks like Yorktown, Gettysburg, or Horseshoe Bend. You could blame it on the lack of educational attention that's afforded to the War of 1812, especially when compared to the unfathomable hours of coursework dedicated to the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II. Perhaps Michigan's allocation of historical relevancy is way too concentrated on the development of the automotive industry. Maybe the national narrative of significant North American military conflicts occurring on the east coast or out west doesn't lend well to highlighting a major historical engagement in Southeast Michigan - against Canada, of all potential foes. Or - most damning of all - maybe most people simply don't care about recognizing the significance of the Battle of River Raisin. That would be a hard pill to swallow, and unfortunately there's some evidence for it. Which is exactly why we wanted to write this article. Starting on a brighter note, the fact that the powers that be elevated River Raisin National Battlefield Park from a Michigan Historic Site to a National Park unit in 2010 was a very, very good development in the battlefield's history. With the legal protection afforded by the National Park Service, River Raisin NBP will forever benefit from the vast wealth of the federal government's conservation resources. In other words, the visitor experience to the battlefield will always have an opportunity for improvement to a world-class standard. The very recent improvements to the park's pristine Visitor Center evidence the power of conservation at work for public benefit. That's a great start. Truly. But friends, we believe that much more could be done to honor the blood spilled on the banks of the Raisin - especially given the vast resources at our disposal. My trail pup Lucy and I recently hiked the one mile historical trail at River Raisin NBP. The trail starts from the picnic area off of Elm Avenue, marking that location of the American encampment that our "sleeping solider" would have slept at. A paved historical trail - dotted with historical markers providing fascinating information regarding the battle - comprise of the first 0.2 miles of the trail. Take your time reading each and every historical marker to fully appreciate the grounds that you are hiking on. The vast majority of the trail circumnavigates the field where American and British-Canadian lines formed and engaged one another. For any non-Monroe visitors, the size of the battlefield may surprise you. It's very, very small, but that is actually exceptionally common for most historic battlefields (for example, the famous Battle of Lexington that ignited the Revolutionary War occurred within Lexington's minuscule central town park). The trail starts behind the rudimentary barricades that designate the American line of defenses before venturing 0.1 of a mile north to the British-Canadian and Native American line. Note the benches that accompany the trail - the backrest of each contains additional historical information regarding the battle. Part of both the beauty and terror of River Raisin NBP is that literally every natural feature surrounding the trail was used by predominantly the British alliance to decimate the Americans. The little trash-filled ditch running just north of the British line? That's actually Mason Run, and the British and Native Americans used its steep banks to conceal themselves as their forces finalized preparation for their rout. The 0.2 miles of rolling woods on the eastern side of the field? The Native Americans and Canadian frontiersmen militia utilized their backwoods hunting and stalking experience within the trees to get within yards of American tents unnoticed. A topography of horror. Lucy and I were the only visitors on the trail that Saturday afternoon. In fact, we were the only ones in the park, other than a couple utilizing the main battlefield as an ample training space for their bird dog. I couldn't believe that we had such a historical destination all to ourselves, but the apparent lack of care given the extensive litter surrounding the trail gave me cause for serious concern. Hence, this article. Friends and family, we as representatives of Detroit's outdoor community have to be the first to recognize the significance of our region's outdoors. Frankly, River Raisin NBP should be the easiest outdoor recreation space in our entire region to maintain in an immaculate, inviting, and respectful condition. It's small. It's powerfully historic. It's the beneficiary of federal funding. How can such a destination be so under-recognized and under-appreciated by its surrounding community? And if River Raisin NBP of all places has suffered from such neglect, what about our other, less objectively significant yet beautiful outdoor destinations? Apologies for pontificating, but we at Expedition Detroit care deeply for the exploration, celebration, and protection of our outdoor recreation opportunities. If we don't recognize the value of our wild, historic, and fragile environment, then no one else will. We are immensely grateful for institutions like the National Park Service and Department of Natural Resources for their immensity of conservation work, but we as an outdoor community can and should do more to support their efforts. Here are a few quick ways to do so, relating specifically to River Raisin NBP: Read Up on the Battle. We've provided a brief overview here, but we strongly encourage you to dig a little deeper and conduct your own research. Especially if you are a Monroe resident, learning more about the overwhelming historical significance of your backyard could serve as an inspiring, humbling, and pride-inducing experience. Visit the Park. This is the fun part, especially since visiting the actual battle location is free. Go for a hike or run along the historical Battlefield Trail. Take your time reading the historical markers, imagining all along what an average American, British, Canadian, or Native American soldier must have experienced on that fateful day over a century ago. Be sure to visit the state-of-art Visitor Center as well. Pack In a Trash Bag. As you're hiking on the trail, don't be afraid to leave the trail better than you found it by picking up some trash along the way. This action goes beyond the "Leave No Trace" principles that all outdoor enthusiasts should aspire to; in fact, you will be "paying it forward" by actively creating a more welcoming, pristine, and respected environment for others to enjoy. Trust us, karma points add up. Share Your Experience. This final action item provides both the most critical and easy item to complete. If the apparent neglect of River Raisin NBP has resulted simply from lack of awareness of the park's significance or existence, then don't hesitate to speak openly about your time spent within the battlefield's hallowed confines. Historical facts, trail conditions, recommended activities, and ideas for future improvement are all fair game for discussion. On this 210th anniversary of the Battle of River Raisin, we would like to end this article by honoring the soldiers who fought and died in that pivotal battle. We would like to thank the National Park Service, the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation, Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield, City of Monroe, and the Wyandotte Nation for the countless hours of service that such organizations and institutions have dedicated to the preservation of the battlefield. Last, we want to thank you for taking the time to read about this momentous battle, visit the park, and participate in the expansion and sustainability of Detroit's outdoor recreation community. We'll see you on the trail.

JULY IS OFF WITH A BANG! With our area's recreational opportunities exploding with incredible events this month, we have zeroed in on these "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" for navigating your perfect July in our region's outdoors. Picture your perfect summer morning or evening in the Detroit region's idyllic outdoors. The sun is eagerly rising or lazily setting over your lakeside vista. The towering trees are reflecting a golden glow off of their uniform foliage. A fawn haphazardly chases after its mother. The consistent hum of the bullfrogs and song birds ease you into the day. CRACK! Without warning, an explosion rips through the tranquil scene. While you remain shell-shocked for a moment, idling for a few heartbeats in fight or flight mode, an ensuing applause assures you that said explosion was not only intentional, but anticipated by a larger crowd. "That's right," you say to yourself as a calmer mind prevails. "It's July." Indeed, friends - the most explosive month of the year has arrived, both for pyrotechnics and outdoor events near Detroit! Regardless of whether you'll experience the quick startle of a firework exploding or a race gun firing, the woods, trails, and parks throughout the Detroit region will come ALIVE over the next several weeks. Bike relays, paddle races, trail events... you name the activity, Detroit's got a recreational event fine-tuned for it. Without further delay, here are the Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit going down this month. We can't wait to see you out there! 1. Run on Island Time at the Kona Race July 8th | Maybury State Park | 8:00 a.m. Say Aloha to summer running! Kicking off July's outdoor events calendar this weekend at Maybury State Park, Kona Running will host its namesake annual "Kona Hawaiian Run"with 5K, 10K, and 15K events. Perfect for road runners looking to explore one of the Detroit region's most accessible parks, the race course will follow Maybury's main paved trail. Don't forget to stick around for a post-race celebratory luau featuring shaved ice, tropical snacks, and - of course - a post-trail brew! 2. Teach the Family to Fish Along the Detroit River July 8th | Riverdance Park, LaSalle, ON | 8:00 a.m. “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” While we've all heard this famous Lao Tzu quote, the exceptional team at the Essex Region Conservation Authority invites you not only to feed your families for a lifetime, but instill a lifelong appreciation for nature along the Detroit River! Head over to Riverdance Park in LaSalle, Ontario with your loved ones for the "Detroit River Family Fishing Day." This event occurs during the province-wide "Ontario Family Fishing Event" week when residents can fish in Ontario waters without a mandatory license. Fishing equipment will be available for public use for free and there will be displays, giveaways and more! 3. Paddle the Beautiful Isle in the Belle Isle Classic July 8th | Belle Isle Park | 8:00 a.m. While Canadian families start peacefully casting lines into the Detroit River, the paddling action will start heating up just a few miles north around Belle Isle Park. Hosted by Paddleguru LLC, the world-class Belle Isle Classic event invites paddlers of all vessels to circumnavigate Belle Isle – both competitively and none-competitively - in any human-propelled water craft. This includes kayaks, canoes, SUPs, surf skis, prones... if you can paddle it, you can race it. This event will occur rain or shine, so participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the conditions and wear Coast Guard-approved PFDs (life vests). The total paddling reaches an estimated 6.7 miles, so aspiring paddlers should train to cover such lengths within a 2 hour cutoff time. There's also a 200 participant maximum for this event, so REGISTER TODAY if you are interested in participating! 4. Ride with Your Crew at the Tree Farm Relay July 22nd | Lakeshore Park, Novi, MI | 8:45 a.m. Cyclists of all interests, rejoice: July should be officially renamed "International Biking Month" due to the plethora of pedal-related events occurring on both sides of the border in the Detroit region. On our list, the first biking event of July involves the MCMBA-hosted "Tree Farm Relay" at Novi Lakeshore Park (formerly known as "Tree Farm"). This year marks the 18th annual riding of the Tree Farm Relay, featuring the outdoor event's unique 4-person team relay race. The course features lots of hills and passing zones, while the festival itself includes its customary tiki party and hundreds - if not thousands - of your new best friends and riding buddies! 5. Dabble with a Gravel Cycle at the De Ronde van Grampian Race July 22nd | Upland Hills Farm, Oxford, MI | 9:00 a.m. As the legions of mountain bikers start ripping through dirt in Novi, gravel bikers at the other side of Oakland County will start churning up some trails of their own! Setting off from Upland Hills Farm in Oxford, this year's De Ronde van Grampian gravel race will feature two distances: 25-mile and 50-mile courses consisting of 100% gravel. These routes travel through the natural rolling terrain in the area with amazing scenic views and special single and double tracks (keep an eye out for a Dutch Windmill out on the 50-mile course). Food will be available for purchase from Uncle Peter's Pasties Shelby. 6. Conquer the Michigander Bicycle Tour July 22nd - 28th | Ann Arbor, MI Did we already mention that July will be a month for biking across the Detroit region...? And of all of the outdoor events near Detroit that we have detailed so far, this particular event - the Michigander Bicycle Tour - takes home the gold as the most panoramic, physically-demanding, and profoundly rewarding experience on this list. Setting off from Ann Arbor, the Michigan truly constitutes a whirlwind highlight reel of the best of the best of the Detroit region's outdoors. Navigating the seamless fluidity of our region's most expansive bike trail - the Great Lake-Lake Trails Route #1 - the Michigander leads participants through such beloved outdoor destinations like the Nichols Arboretum, Dexter-Huron Metropark, Waterloo Recreation Area, Mike Lakelands Trail State Park, Island Lake Recreation Area, Proud Lake Recreation Area, Stony Creek Metropark, the Clinton River Trail, Rouge Park, and Lower Huron Metropark. The Michigander comprises of an expansive, multi-day event, so prospective participants are strongly encouraged to train and prepare for a true cycling expedition. Each day's ride reaches upwards of 40 miles per day, so participants should regularly ride at least 120 miles per week before embarking on a journey of this scale. That being said... if there's any singular event that will fundamentally enhance your appreciation for Detroit's outdoors, this is the event. Add it to the bucket list - it's now certainly on ours! 7. Get Jurassic at the Pterodactyl Triathlon July 26th | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 6:00 p.m. Completing an outdoor race of any kind typically represents one of the crowning achievements of a month well spent. With a triathlon - especially at a destination as idyllic and well-suited for swimming, biking, and running as Island Lake State Recreation Area - you get a 3-for-1 special that's a bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Anyone who's completed such a feat will back us up on this point. As the temperatures continue to rise well into July, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by diving into the cool waters of Kent Lake during the RF Event's Pterodactyl Triathlon race! The "Pterodactyl" represents the third installment of RF Event's summer-long "T-Rex Triathlon Series" - everyone's favorite mid-week triathlon race. We'll plan on seeing you at the beachhead! 8. Race for Summer's Favorite Beer at the Oberun 5K July 28th | Ypsilanti, MI | 6:30 p.m. Each of us have a moment when summer finally arrives. Obviously we mean on a metaphysical level, not a simple turn of the calendar. Maybe it's the taste of the first hot dog at Comerica Park, when the boat finally launches, or the crackle of a roaring campfire. For me, it's that first swig of a bottle of Bell's Oberon Ale - Michigan's official summer beer. And there's truly no better way to celebrate mid-summer than planning a 5K race themed solely around said beer. Bell's Brewery invites its faithful yet again this year to participate in the summer racing rite known as the "Oberun 5K." The 5K race concludes at a beer garden serving up none other than ice-cold Oberon beer. Participants will also earn a coveted bottle opener finisher's medal and a finisher's pint glass. Better yet, the race's after party taking place at Wiard's Orchard will feature bonfires, sand volleyball, corn hole, food trucks, and more beer. Proceeds from this event benefit the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative in support of the Border to Border (B2B) Trail. 9. Ride the Rocks & Roads Race Series July 29th-30th | Malden Park, ON | 9:00 a.m. Wait...did you really think that July would close out without another biking event? How about a double-header..? That's right - to close out this month's extravaganza of cycling events, the teams at LETR Windsor and Cycle Culture have combined forces to host the "Rocks & Roads Race Series" at Malden Park! This cycling series will kick off with a 10K "time trial" race on July 29th, covering a course consisting of grass, gravel and dirt in a mix of single and double track. The course follows Malden Park's green novice trail, blue intermediate uphill, and red advanced downhill and flow trail. The main event - the "Rocks and Roads Race Series Relay Race" - features teams of 1 person, 2 people, or teams of 3 or 4 people to complete as many laps as possible on the 10-kilometer course within the 6-hour time limit. But there's a twist: each rider will have to dismount and "pass the baton" to their teammate to continue the race. 10. COME EXPLORE WITH US! Throughout July (and beyond!) | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Looking to FINALLY capitalize on July's beautiful weather and explore your local Michigan State Parks?? Perfect - we are ECSTATIC to invite YOU to join us on our brand new Guided Trips platform! 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 summer trips over the coming weeks, as well as special trips like night hikes, 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..... 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.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.