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'Tis the season for some holly, jolly, and freezing outdoor adventures - and we are stoked for them all! As you navigate the madness of the holidays, here are the top ten outdoor events near Detroit to guide you through this most festive of months. Happy holidays! Sing it with us: It's the most won-der-ful timeeeee of the yearrrrrr! And yes, not only because of the holiday season. The Expedition Detroit team is STOKED for this month of recreation opportunities, which may come as a shock to some outdoor enthusiasts.To be fair, December can be a polarizing month - less in terms of Santa's homestead and more regarding attitudes towards outdoor recreation. The Winter Solstice hitting mid-month means that December brings the shortest and some of the coldest days of the year. Add in the seasonal work and family pressures, the net result is that the odds for bountiful outdoor recreation thin out a bit. That, dear friends, represents the greatest gift that you will receive this month. December rings in opportunities for intrepid recreationists that simply do not exist mid-summer. Virtually empty running, hiking, and kayaking trails. Prime time for fat tire biking season. Expeditious snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes. Fresh groomer tracks at Detroit's ski resorts. Extended hunting periods. An entire season ripe for outdoor innovation. Put differently, December provides us all with two options: hibernate until spring, or fully embrace and capitalize on the gift that is winter in Detroit. You already know which option we're choosing, so we're kicking off our winter expeditions with these awesome top ten outdoor events for December. 1. Go Big for Global Fat Tire Bike Day December 3rd | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 10 a.m. Wait, you didn't think that December had enough holidays? Neither did we, along with the international biking community. Along with other holiday traditions, the most ardent of cyclists switch out their slimmer summer tires for their fatter, snow-ready tires in early December. Fortunately, this isn't a niche sect of the biking faithful - the sport of fat tire biking has grown to such an extent that this seasonal passage has become memorialized into a global holiday. A holiday occurring today, December 3rd. Ready to take your fat tire for its maiden seasonal voyage? New to fat tire biking and wondering where you can catch a glimpse of the festive action? We've got you: head to Island Lake State Recreation Area today for the official Southeast Michigan Global Fat Bike Day festivities. Riders will be setting out from the Spring Mill Pond parking lot to tackle "The Badlands" region of the park. 2. Earn First Tracks at Detroit's Premiere Ski Resorts Throughout December | Throughout Detroit Region Winter recreation invokes many different emotions, expectations, and memories. For certain members of the Expedition Detroit team, winter means claiming first chair rights and carving fresh tracks into a perfectly groomed ski slope. Yes, we of course love our backcountry terrain too, but there's nothing quite like a crisp groomer or a deep powder day at one of Detroit's four premiere resorts: Mt. Holly, Pine Knob, Alpine Valley, and Mt. Brighton. As of the writing of this article, Mt. Holly, Pine Knob, and Alpine Valley are open for riding! Mt. Brighton has teased that they will be following suit shortly, although all four resorts are largely still in the snow-making/accumulating process. Conditions are only going to heat up (er, cool down?) as this month progresses, so while we're waiting for the snow to fall we will be purchasing our lift tickets (relevant links here and here), sharpening our skis, and dreaming of those first sweet runs. 3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Hunt Throughout December | Statewide in Michigan Yes, November is undeniably primetime for conservation throughout the Detroit region. That being justly acknowledged, December is a special, underrated time to get in woods. Not only does the snow make tracking game infinitely easier, but the ethereal calm that defines the woods after a fresh snowfall provide a near-religious experience for hunters willing to face the cold. There are several hunting seasons running concurrently throughout December, so be sure to check out our Michigan Hunting Cheatsheet to review the conservation opportunities available throughout our region. We especially want to highlight late antler-less firearm season for whitetail deer on private lands, which runs from December 12th through the end of the month. If you have an unfilled antler-less tag, please consider harvesting a doe and donating the venison to a local food bank. Conservation in action goes much farther than any decision made in the field - we thank you in advance for assisting both the DNR in whitetail population maintenance and our neighbors in need of a hearty meal. 4. Run like Rudolph in a Holiday Race Throughout December | Throughout the Detroit Region Remember those few extra pounds that you may or may not have packed on during Thanksgiving? Well, lucky for you, 2022's holiday race season didn't end with that Turkey Trot your in-laws dragged you out of bed to run. To the contrary, 'tis the season for Christmas-themed races, so you'll burn off those extra turkey pounds in no time. The holiday races kick off on December 4th with the Whoville 5K in Northville, Michigan (there's a Grand Rapids race as well, so be sure to select the correct race option). Our friends at RF Events are closing out their 2022 race season with their annual Holiday Hustle in Dexter, Michigan, which includes 1 mile, 5K, and half-marathon events. Last but certainly not least, Shelby Township is hosting their 13th annual Jingle Bell 5K Run on December 18th at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center. 5. Give the Gift of Stewardship at a DNR Volunteer Workday Throughout December | Highland and Bald Mountain State Recreation Areas and Belle Isle State Park Of all of the gifts that you will give this holiday season, one of the most impactful (and least expensive) could be the opportunity to give your time and muscle to the wild places that you love! Fortunately for all of us, the DNR has taken the lead in sponsoring three official "Volunteer Stewardship Workday" events at Highland State Recreation Area (TODAY, December 3rd), Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (December 10th), and Belle Isle State Park (December 17th). Work crew activities will focus on piling brush, stacking firewood, cutting invasive shrubs, and restoring wetlands. 6. Explore the Enchanted Borealis Trail Throughout December | Seven Lakes State Park As you're probably aware, we at Expedition Detroit are all about embracing nighttime recreation opportunities (#EmbraceTheDark) this time of year. While most nocturnal exploration requires a high degree of independent preparation, the folks at Seven Lakes State Park have greatly simplified this process by hosting their annual "Enchanted Borealis Trail" night hiking events! The park encourages hikers to meander through the forest by following a one-mile lantern-lit path and enjoy some colorful holiday lights along the way. The hike starts at the Dickinson Picnic Shelter. The event is free, although as an additional option, you can rent your own campfire spot for $20 (wood and fire starting included). 7. Discover the 12 Birds of Christmas at Humbug Marsh December 17th | Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge - Humbug Marsh Unit | 9 a.m. Let's be honest - why just sing about a few festive birds when you can venture into our region's sole International Wildlife Refuge to experience the real deal? The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is hosting a free "12 Birds of Christmas" hiking and bird watching event at Humbug Marsh. Located along the Detroit River, Humbug Marsh is the last undeveloped mile of the Detroit River on the U.S. side of the border. The guided hike will traverse native prairies, native shrublands, forests with a unique mosaic of 300-400 year old oaks mixed with hickory and ash, diverse wetlands, and beautiful Humbug Island. Rare birds on the viewing agenda include eagles, winter wrens, golden crowned kinglets, herons, and other migrating and resident water birds. 8. Trek into the Night on a Twilight Luminary Hike December 21st | Lake St. Clair Metropark | 5 p.m. Early winter evenings spent along one of the Detroit region's largest lakes provide an idyllic scenery for trail exploration. The guides at Lake St. Clair Metropark know this all too well, including which trails provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities in step with the setting sun. Join in on the Metropark's final naturalist-led "Twilight Luminary Hike" for 2022, where you'll have the opportunity to listen for owls, search out nocturnal wildlife, and learn about the ways that Michigan’s animals adapt to the long nights and cold temperatures. Don't worry - all hikers get the opportunity to warm up alongside a roaring bonfire with s’mores after the hike. 9. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve December 17th | Point Pelee National Park | 6 p.m. Sometimes the best break from the frenzy of the holidays is to do nothing. Well, almost nothing - hiking through a national park to experience the best stargazing in the Detroit region definitely counts as doing something. Fortunately for us, Point Pelee National Park saves the day yet again as our region's sole Dark Sky Preserve - the ideal location for gazing into the cosmos and tuning out the world for an extraterrestrial outing. 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, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. 10. Sprint into the New Year December 31st | Belle Isle State Park and Perrysburg, OH Every New Year's Eve, we all find ourselves looking forward to a blank slate of opportunity. Races to be run. Trails to be explored. Memories to capture. And for the most part, all of those experiences lay just outside of our grasp - one ripped calendar page away from becoming a reality. December 31st also provides us all with one last sweet, finite way of sticking it to the year that's on its way out. Regardless of whether you'll look back on 2022 as the best or worst year of your life, we can't think of a better way to close out this chapter than sweating it out on a New Year's Eve race. Actually, you could run two - the Belle Isle New Year's Eve 5K kicks off at 4 P.M. in its namesake park, while the Midnight Special 5K in Perrysburg, Ohio provides runners with an opportunity to start the race in one year and cross the finish line in the next (race starts at 11:45 P.M.). Happy December to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2023. We can’t wait to see you out there! 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.

What do you get when you cram all four seasons of the year into 31 days? The month of March in Michigan - the epitome of "shoulder season" recreation where your days can start with a morning cycle and finish with skiing through powder. Here are Detroit's top 10 outdoor events for capitalizing on March's kaleidoscope of recreation opportunities. Shoulder. Season. There are no better two words for describing what Detroit region recreationists experience in March when trying to plan for a full day of outdoor experiences. If you're a glass-half-full kind of person, then March should represent your favorite month of the year. For the next 31 days, you will have ample opportunities to run on pristine trails in the morning and ski decent powder in the evening. Or bust out the fat tire bike for snow-covered trails in the early hours before basking in the warmth of a mid-afternoon kayak. Our most coveted parks are still largely vacant of warmer-weather crowds. The most sought-after river routes or campsites available for your recreational leisure. As a cherry on top, most state park drinking regulations don't take effect until April 1st. The obvious converse of these benefits is that, if timed poorly or conditions-dependent, March will simply suck for you. March can often be too warm to ski, too cold to paddle, too muddy to bike, and too early to hunt. A recreational purgatory for even the most ardent outdoor enthusiasts. We at Expedition Detroit view ourselves in the former category - the conditions be damned, "there's no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing" kind of crowd. However, especially for the "March Deniers" among us, we thought that we'd curate this list of Top 10 Outdoor Events to help ease your passing from winter into spring. 1. Get a Little Slushy at Mt. Brighton March 4th | Mt. Brighton Ski Resort | 12 p.m. Spring skiing tends to hit a little early in the Detroit region...and can switch back to peak-winter conditions in the blink of an eye. Even though a heavy snow storm is on the forecast for Friday, Saturday's temperatures are currently projected for a high of 42º. Stated differently, perfect conditions for Mt. Brighton's Slush Cup. The resort invites all of Detroit's ski and snowboard faithful to join it for its biggest spring party of the season. The event will feature a pond skimming competition (ages 7+), live music, an outdoor bar, tons of giveaways and prizes, and more. Participants in the pond skimming event can register the morning of the 4th in the picnic area between 9am - 11am. Registration is first come, fist serve, and the pond-skimming kicks off at 12pm. Helmets are required and the resort's rental equipment is NOT permitted in the pond-skimming competition. 2. Embrace the Snow with a Winter Hike March 4th | Maybury State Park | 7 p.m. "It's March now, so winter should be over, right..?" Anyone who has ever had the gall to utter these out loud probably felt an immediate gust of winter wind against their neck - the physical manifestation of Mother Nature laughing at them. Especially in and around Detroit. Yes, winter in our corner of the Great Lakes can be a very polarizing season. Most recreationists either love it or hate it, just like an ice bath or polar plunge. For us at Expedition Detroit, our biased opinion is that this winter has been underwhelming. We received what, two weeks of "winter wonderland" powder conditions? Just enough snow for one backcountry ski venture? We fully-endorse the DNR's team at Maybury State Park for embracing the incoming snow with an evening guided winter hike through the park. The hike is appropriate for all ages and pets are welcome (must be on a 6' leash at all times). Light snacks will be provided after the hike. The hike will set off from the trailhead building off the Eight Mile Road entrance, and headlamps are recommended. 3. Pack the Popcorn for a Free Screening of Black Ice March 5th | DYNO Detroit Climbing | 7 p.m. Detroit Parks & Recreation, Detroit Outdoors, and DYNO Detroit Climbing invite all of Detroit's recreation community to enjoy a free screening of Black Ice - a documentary that follows a group of African American climbers on an ice climbing expedition to Montana. The screening will also include a presentation by Detroiters that recently completed an upper peninsula ice climbing trip. This film showcases African American rock climbers from Memphis Rox climbing gym as they set off on an ice climbing adventure with professionals to experience the extremities of the sport. The event will feature a small panel of individuals who have experienced ice climbing, as well as discussions regarding local climbing opportunities. Doors open at 7 pm and the film will start at 7:30 pm. Don't forget a blanket, pillow, and/or a camp chair to get comfortable on the climbing gym's floor. Oh, and BYOB is permitted at this event. Nice. 4. Earn some Good Luck at a DNR Volunteer Workday Throughout March | Brighton, Bald Mountain, Waterloo, Highland, Island Lake, and Pinckney State Recreation Areas and Belle Isle State Park | 9 a.m. Looking to earn karma's respect - and maybe a little good luck - throughout March? There's absolutely more than one way to tip the fates in your favor, but environmental stewardship takes the prize as our favorite means of releasing good vibes back into the universe. Fortunately for all of us, the DNR has taken the lead in sponsoring several official "Volunteer Stewardship Workday" events across the Detroit region at Brighton State Recreation Area (March 5th), Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (March 11th), Waterloo State Recreation Area (March 12th), Highland State Recreation Area (March 18th), Island Lake State Recreation Area (March 19th), Belle Isle State Park (March 25th), and Pinckney State Recreation Area (March 26th). Work crew activities will focus on piling brush, stacking firewood, cutting invasive shrubs, and restoring wetlands. Rainboots or other waterproof boots are recommended for these events, and preregistration is required. 5. Run for the Gold at a St. Patrick's Day 5K March 11th - 12th | Throughout Detroit Region There's only one time of year where waking up to any song by the Dropkick Murphys is not only acceptable, but culturally-respectable. As well as slamming a pre-race Guinness. Or kissing anyone with freckles or red hair, assuming that their green t-shirt of choice explicitly invites said kiss. That beautiful time of year, my friends, is St. Patrick's Day - a day of remembrance of the "Old Country" for us Irish, acceptable debauchery, bag-pipe filled music, crowded pubs, and a festive leprechaun-themed 5K races. Detroit's oldest and most Irish neighborhood, Corktown, will be hosting its 40th running of the "Corktown Races" on March 12th. Other St. Paddy's-themed races include the "Lucky Leprechaun Race" on March 11th in Utica, and RF Events' "Shamrocks & Shenanigans" on March 12th in Ann Arbor. 6. Earn your Slice of Pi(e) March 14th | Virtual For most of us, when you think of a "special day in March," you probably think of St. Patrick's Day. Obviously. But, if you time-travel back to your middle school years (apologies in advance), we all remember that one kid who came to school on March 14th, with a chocolate-chip pie under their arm, decorated in icing with one archaic symbol that you haven't thought of since your geometry exam: π. "Ah, that's right," you should be thinking right about now. "Pi day." Pi - the Greek trigonometric symbol that mathematically represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter - is shorthand calculated as "3.14." As such, March 14th is celebrated as "Pi Day" among mathletes and recreationists alike due to its correlation with the number. While Pi Day is internationally-recognized as a day to commemorate math, we at Expedition Detroit choose to celebrate by extending our typical mid-week 5K by 0.04 miles. There's even a virtual event sponsored by Epic Races to inspire runners to get outside on the 14th. Circular routes are strongly encouraged. 7. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve March 18th | Point Pelee National Park | 6 p.m. The days may finally be getting lighter, but the stars at Point Pelee National Park - the single best stargazing destination in the Detroit region - still shine 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, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. 8. Close Out Flannel Season with a Lumberjack Pancake Run March 25th | Detroit, Michigan | 9:30 a.m. Flannel. Flapjacks. Finish lines. Can you think of a better trio for closing out "Flannel SZN" in the Detroit region? We sure can't, and we think that whoever thought of this race at the DNR's "Outdoor Adventure Center" deserves a raise. This themed "Lumberjack Pancake" 5K race will traverse the Dequindre Cut, starting in front of the Outdoor Adventure Center. The course is flat and fast, and the race's "swag" includes a custom medal, lumberjack buff, free entry to the Outdoor Adventure Center beginning at 10 a.m., and a big pancake breakfast. All participants are encouraged to wear their best flannel apparel and sport their best lumberjack beard. 9. Embrace the Chills at the No Frills, All Thrills Trail Run March 25th | Huron Meadows Metropark | 10:00 a.m. As any seasoned Detroiter will tell you, white-out snow conditions in the end of March are not only common - they're expected. Along with freezing rain or other shelter-beckoning precipitation. Not exactly ideal running conditions... ...unless you're a David Goggins-esque, "damn the weather," no frills kind of runner. And in the off-chance that you are, then we have the perfect event for you. The Brighton Area Road Striders are hosting their "No Frills, All Thrills Trail Run" event at Huron Meadows Metropark for runners that believe that all conditions are good race conditions. The event includes 4K and 8K race options. 10. Surrender to Nature on a Mud March March 25th | Lake Erie Metropark | 12 p.m. We've got good and bad news: the end of March is officially "Mud Season" throughout the Detroit region. Yes, this happens every single year. Yet outdoorsy folks stay get taken aback when their pristine trails, ski hills, and riverbanks turn to brown, mucky slush. Why not embrace it? That's the attitude that the team over at Lake Erie Metropark have adopted, and we advise following suit. Lace up a pair of waterproof boots and head over to the park for their "Mud March" event. This family-friendly guided hike will trek through the mud and puddles in search of marsh wildlife during this rainiest of seasons. Naturally, the hike will kick off rain or shine, so participants are advised to dress accordingly. 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.

The trees are green. The trails are groomed. The campgrounds are open. May means that all systems are firing for Detroit's outdoors, and these "Top Ten Outdoor Events" are perfect for diving head first into the immensity of outdoor experiences waiting for you this month! This might be the strangest way to start an article ever, but I want you to stop reading for a second. Look out the window, or around you if you're already outside. Hear the songbirds chirping in the freshly budded trees above you. Smell the fresh aurora of an environment reborn. Appreciate the blooming plants about you and the remerging wildlife that has joined you in this springtime rite. Feel the sun's rays hinting at warmer days waiting just around the corner. That, my friends, represents a microcosm of May in the Detroit region's outdoors. A 31-day celebration of a resurgent environment after months of blustering cold and rain. What started with reawakening trees, birds, and wildlife in April evolves into a natural, ecosystem-wide festival of life throughout May. Rivers teeming with paddlers. Trails embracing riders. And lifelong memories being made throughout our hallowed campgrounds. With our recreational system reopened on all fronts, Spring in greater Detroit's outdoors can represent a chaotic, daunting challenge. Like a child walking into Disney World for the first time, the sudden inundation of recreational opportunities available to us can be paralyzing. As we all recalibrate to primetime in Detroit's outdoors, these Top Ten Outdoor Events will ease the transition by providing fun, engaging, challenging, and rewarding experiences. Happy May - we can't wait to see you out there again! 1. Discover New Trails on a Spring Hike May 3rd | Kopegaron Woods Conservation Area, ON | 5:00 p.m. Right at the start of a new month - brimming with new life and recreational opportunities - the team at Kopegaron Woods Conservation Area invites you to join them on a Spring Hike to discover a rejuvenated environment! Located on the far eastern rim of the Detroit region, Kopegaron Woods features a vast variety of the classic Carolinian flora species that southern Ontario is widely-renown for, including old growth trees, shrubs, and spring ephemerals, and early woodland wildflowers. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and to note that trail conditions vary from boardwalks to natural forest floor/trail. 2. Embrace the Night on a Full Moon Hike May 5th | Oakwoods Metropark | 8:00 p.m. The days may rapidly be getting lighter, but the Detroit region's nighttime hiking opportunities still remain as prominent and engaging as ever. For most nocturnal recreationists, hiking under a full moon provides one of the most unique and naturally illuminating experiences of any calendar month. Especially on a cloudless night, there's an indescribable magic to night hiking without needing to turn your headlamp on thanks to the brilliance of a full moon. If you're looking for a more curated experience for full moon hiking, then head over to Oakwoods Metropark for their "Worm Moon" full moon guided hike! This guided event will also include informational sessions on the etymology of full moon names, astronomy, and wildlife viewing. This event further provides an awesome opportunity to experience the woodlands and riverbanks of Oakwoods "after dark," seeing as the park typically closes at dusk. 3. Give Back at a DNR Volunteer Workday Throughout May | Bald Mountain, Highland, Island Lake, and Pinckney State Recreation Areas | 9 a.m. As Mahatma Gandhi so eloquently stated, "Action expresses priorities." As applied to our region's outdoors, the Expedition Detroit team interprets this statement as a call to care for the people and places that you value, and that your values should further manifest into action. We care immensely for our wildest, most pristine outdoor destinations, as well as for the team at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that so diligently cares for them. Any opportunity to assist the DNR with their operations is an opportunity well-worth seizing. Fortunately for all of us, the DNR has taken the lead in sponsoring several official "Volunteer Stewardship Workday" events across the Detroit region at Highland State Recreation Area (May 6th), Pinckney State Recreation Area (May 7th), Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (May 13th and 17th), Island Lake State Recreation Area (May 20th). Work crew activities will focus on piling brush, stacking firewood, cutting invasive shrubs, and restoring wetlands. Rain boots or other waterproof boots are recommended for these events, and preregistration is required. 4. Mind your Mental Health at the Detroit Riverfront Throughout May | Gabriel Richard Park and Dequindre Cut, Detroit, MI Did you know that the act of simply standing near water will boost your mental health? Or that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? Well, our friends at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy clearly have both of these facts at the top of their mind. The DRC they will host several "Mental Health Awareness and Mindfulness" events at Gabriel Richard Park and the Dequindre Cut throughout May, including sound bowl workshops, fitness and yoga classes, free lunches, and a labyrinth walk. Come discover why the Detroit Riverfront - the #1 riverfront in the United States for three years in a row - provides one of the city's top destinations for both physical and mental rejuvenation! 5. Run for the Ale of It May 12th | Detroit, MI | 6:30 p.m. Beer and 5Ks are a match made in heaven. We don't know who the first genius was to recognize that a crisp beer beats the hell out of a finish line banana, but they sincerely deserve a Nobel Prize for such a great contribution to outdoor society. Beer tents at finish lines are now as common as podiums, and any race bib that doesn't feature a tear-off beer coupon is a bib not worth wearing. RF Event's "Hightail to Ale" 5K race - sponsored by Atwater Brewery - perfects this concept with a Friday evening event that ends, naturally, with a party. Starting and finishing at Atwater, runners will enjoy the scenic riverfront course before earning their finisher's medal, custom pint glass, and complimentary brew. This can't-miss event will also feature a huge crowd to cheer you on, live music, and food trucks. Oh, and did we mention beer..? 6. Start a New Holiday Tradition with Mom May 14th | Ann Arbor, MI | 8:00 a.m. My Mom always encouraged an active, outdoor lifestyle for my brothers and I. Long before I ever had aspirations towards long-distance running, my dear mother all but forced me to run a few miles each day in order for me to get a less-than-fit middle schooler in-shape for my upcoming football and hockey tryouts. Mother truly knew best, even if my profusely-sweating younger self vehemently disagreed. A few decades later, I can properly thank and celebrate her by signing us both up for a special Mother's Day 5K race: the Mother's Day Time to Teal Run in Downtown Ann Arbor. Beyond representing another holiday 5K tradition to add the list, this event both celebrates the incredible women in our lives AND raises awareness for ovarian cancer. A portion of registration fees also support the mission and operations of the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance, so you (and mom) will truly be running for a cause. 7. Hike for Freedom at the Human Trafficking Resource Fair May 20th | Belle Isle Park | 8:00 a.m. For us at Expedition Detroit, there's never a bad reason to go for a hike. There are only good, great, or fantastic reasons. But this month, the Sparrow Freedom Project invites us all to join them on one of the most impactful and important reasons to hike the trails of Belle Isle Park: promote awareness of services available in the Metro Detroit area for survivors of human trafficking and exploitation. Starting at the Cricket Field, the purpose of the"5k Freedom Walk" is to raise funds to support Sparrow Freedom Project's mission and help shed light on the reality of human trafficking within our region and around the world. During the event, hikers and attendees will have access to life saving information about human trafficking, including the myths and realities of this dark underworld. The event also represents an opportunity for service providers to network and build relationships with the goal of facilitating education and advocacy. Tickets to the event are available here! 8. Find your Next Passion at O.A.K. in the Hills May 20th | Thelma Spencer Park, Rochester Hills, MI | 11:00 a.m. If May represents the "Great Awakening" of our regional outdoor ecosystem, then there's no better time to discover your next recreational passion than at the inaugural O.A.K. in the Hills event! OAK - short for "Outdoor Adventure Kickoff" - with consist of an outdoor activity extravaganza geared towards introducing attendees to the full spectrum of recreational opportunities in the Detroit region and beyond. The event will provide instruction and exhibition opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, kayaking, archery, fishing, pickleball, bee keeping, puppy yoga (we're sold)...and so much more. This fantastic AND free event is sponsored by the City of Rochester Hills, Oakland County Parks, and MooseJaw. 9. Celebrate the Aquatic Life at the Huron River Day Festival May 21st | Gallup Park, Ann Arbor, MI | 12:00 p.m. The Huron River - the central vein of the Detroit region's recreational ecosystem - is worth celebrating every day of every season. That's an undeniable fact. However, the river truly comes alive in May, both in terms of returned wildlife, wildflower blooms, and the influx of paddlers and anglers eager to experience both. In honor of the Huron, the City of Ann Arbor's Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual "Huron River Day" festival at Gallup Park! The festival will include discounted boat rentals, children's activities, river exhibits, live music, and food trucks/carts. Vendors will also be on-site providing instructions on animal-handling, fishing, Native American heritage, and - we kid you not - water squirting lessons. 10. Go Jurassic at the T-Rex Triathlon Series May 31st | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 6:00 p.m. No sport celebrates the return of warm weather quite like a triathlon. Beyond the practical impossibility of swimming in a frozen Kent Lake during winter, a triathlon forces each participant to embrace the elements as they are. The crisp cool of flowing water. The radiant heat of the trail. The warming rays of the sun. And you, the tri-sport athlete, joined by hundreds of your new best friends navigating the variables of a race designed to challenge and reward you. In our opinion, every outdoor enthusiast should complete at least one triathlon in their life. Fortunately for all of us, our friends at RF Events are hosting four this year within their "T-Rex Spring Triathlon Series." The first event of the series - the "Stegosaurus Triathlon and Duathlon" - will be held at Island Lake State Recreation Area and consist of both a sprint triathlon (0.5 mile swim, 12.4 mile cycle, and 5K run) and duathlon (1.5 mile run, 12.4 mile cycle, and 5K run) events. All finishers will receive a custom medal and finish-line food. 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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Just like waking up to fresh snowfall, January provides a perfectly clean slate for pursuing your wildest outdoor goals for 2023. We're absolutely STOKED for all that this new year will bring for Detroit's outdoors, starting with these top 10 outdoor events for January. There's something beautiful about waking up on the morning of January 1st. The past year's successes and failures are logged into the annals of history. Everyone is provided with a perfectly clean slate - a blank canvas of a calendar year, ready for you to illustrate a portrait of adventures yet to be experienced. Even though January still falls squarely within Detroit's "off-season" for outdoor recreation, we strongly advise that you build on any momentum that you gained during the tail-end of 2022 and keep getting outside. In fact, we've argued repeatedly that now is the single best season for recreating in our natural environment. The colder, darker days act as an antithesis to crowds, fair-weather adventurers, and other human elements that detract from an outdoor experience. In other words, if you're training for spring races, looking for natural solitude, or simply hate sharing the trail with the masses, then January is your time to shine. These top 10 events are intended for recreationists wired just like you, and we can't wait to see you at one, two, or all of these events! 1. Kick Off the New Year with a First Day Hike January 1st | Maybury State Park | 10 a.m. If you're reading this article, then I'm willing to bet that one of your New Year's Resolutions involves getting outside more. Well, why not kick off the year on the right foot with a morning hike at one of the Detroit region's most accessible state parks? The Friends of Maybury State Park are hosting a family-friendly "First Day Hike" on New Year's Day, setting off from the main Trailhead Building off of the park's 8 Mile entrance. The guided hike will set off at 10 a.m., but you are also welcome to hike the trails on your own throughout the day (you may just see us on the trails late morning/pre-Lions game). All pets must be on a six-foot leash at all times, and light refreshments will be available after the guided hike. No preregistration is required for this event. 2. Complement your Adventures with a Virtual Challenge Throughout January | Anywhere A "Virtual Challenge" - we apologize in advance if that phrase triggers pandemic lockdown-era PTSD. We 1,000% agree that the return of in-person, live events were a welcomed sign of the end of COVID's reign of tyranny over our recreational livelihoods. However, one pandemic relic that we hope does not vanish entirely from the outdoor economy is virtual challenges that can - and should - inspire and complement your training schedules, races, and generally outdoor expeditions. There are near infinite virtual challenges that you could join, but we'd like to highlight the challenges sponsored by 52 Hike Challenge and the monthly running challenges sponsored by our friends at RF Events. The "52 Hike Challenge" comprises of an annual goal for participants to complete an average of one, 1-mile hike per week. There are also other, short "Series" that 52 Hikes sponsors, including a special "Winter Series," as well as series involving hikes with pets, kids, and a special "Adventure Series" that we're particularly interested in. RF Events' monthly challenges feature specific, running-focused goals over a given calendar month, with January's "Winter Wonderland Adventure" challenge 1,000+ minutes of activity - the number of minutes it would take to get from adventure to adventure from Detroit to Ironwood in the western U.P. 3. Capitalize on Extended Archery Season Throughout January | Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties in Michigan If you're still looking for your first deer of the season, let me start by offering my condolences - I've been in this position before, and it sucks. Plain and simple. But, let me offer some relief to your season-long frustration: especially if you live and hunt in Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne counties, there is an extended archery season in place through January 31st. A deer license, deer combo license, or antler-less deer license are valid during this extended season. Similar to last month's advisory, if you have an unfilled antler-less tag, please consider harvesting a doe and donating the venison to a local food bank. Conservation in action goes much farther than any decision made in the field - we thank you in advance for assisting both the DNR in whitetail population maintenance and our neighbors in need of a hearty meal. 4. Take on the Abominable Snowman Ride January 7th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 12 p.m. Forget the deniers: the Abominable Snowman exists, and it rips on a mountain bike. Don't just take our word for it, though - the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association is hosting its annual Abominable Snowman Ride at the Glenbrook Yurt in Pinckney State Recreation Area. Riders are welcome to join in on as much or little of the scheduled 5 hour ride as they would like, and a post-ride bonfire is on the agenda! 5. Earn your "New Year Good Karma" at a DNR Volunteer Workday Throughout January | Island Lake, Highland, and Bald Mountain State Recreation Areas and Belle Isle State Park | 9 a.m. Another common New Year's Resolution includes doing more to make this world a better place. Volunteering your time, donating your money, or contributing to charity in a variety of other ways. If this reflects one of your goals - especially if you want your efforts to directly benefit the Detroit region's outdoors - then we applaud you and have a perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Fortunately for all of us, the DNR has taken the lead in sponsoring four official "Volunteer Stewardship Workday" events across the Detroit region at Island Lake State Recreation Area (January 7th), Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (January 14th), Belle Isle State Park (January 21st), and Highland State Recreation Area (January 28th). Work crew activities will focus on piling brush, stacking firewood, cutting invasive shrubs, and restoring wetlands. Rainboots or other waterproof boots are recommended for these events, and preregistration is required. 6. Defrost your Cross-Country Skis for Frosty Fest! 2023 January 14th | Huron Meadows Metropark | 10 a.m. Full-disclosure, the Expedition Detroit team has had "cross-country skiing" on our recreational activity wishlist for some time now. In other words, we're complete rookies at this sport - despite decades of downhill skiing experience. We've been looking for an opportunity to dive head first into this sport, and this year's iteration of Frosty Fest! represents an ideal chance to start getting into the action! Located at Huron Meadows Metropark, Frosty Fest! will include a man-made snow course of multiple 2.4km loops. If natural snow permits, then the races will take place on the normal cross-country ski trails. The race offerings include 5K (MI Cup Junior points) and 15K (MI Cup Senior points) distances. Quick note on Huron Meadows Metropark: the metropark has been dubbed the "Southeast Michigan destination for skate-style and classic cross-country ski trails." Skiers can choose from 14.8 miles of trails for classic skiing or 9 miles of skate skiing. All trails are groomed daily and are lighted at night. The metropark's "Ski Center" (Golf Starter Building) features classic-style and skate-style ski rentals and a heated lounge, restrooms, and snacks. Groups of 10 or more can make arrangements to rent skis during the week. 7. Find Fresh Tracks on the Winter Wildlife Hike January 14th | Lake St. Clair Metropark | 10 a.m. Contrary to popular belief, not all species of wildlife either migrate or hibernate during Detroit's colder months. In fact, the rangers at Lake St. Clair Metropark have nearly-perfected the art of tracking down our region's wintry wildlife during these colder, darker days of the year. The metropark is hosting a guided Winter Wildlife Hike through the park's beautiful nature trails in search of the park's wildlife, adaptive seasonal behaviors, and other interesting attributes regarding each animal's ability to survive Michigan's harsh winters. Warm up afterwards in the Nature Center by a roaring fire. The hike will take participants through approximately .75 mile of trail on even terrain with possible snow coverage. 8. Embrace the Elements in an Ode to Snow Ultra Race January 15th | Holly State Recreation Area | 9:20 a.m. Let's call a spade a spade: winter trail running in Michigan is not for the faint of heart. The cold temps, unpredictable conditions, and fleeting daylight has a cumulative effect of weeding out any recreationists that prefer their trails, clean, dry, and warm. The Detroit region's winter trails are the playground of our most passionate, badass, "no pain no gain" genre of runners. If you fit in that camp, then oh boy - do we have the event for you. Crazy trail runners, meet "Ode in the Snow": an up to 8 hour "backyard style" ultra trail race along the (in)famous Ode to Laz Trail Loop in Holly State Recreation Area. The trail constitutes a 4.167 mile trail loop that has approximately 450 feet of climbing, is 2/3 technical single track, 1/3 moderate walking/hiking path, and a few hundred yards of pavement. For the event, runners are free to pick their favorite distance or run as much as they'd like, starting at 9:20 a.m. Runners looking for shorter distances should join Wave 2 at 2:20 p.m. 9. Cross-Country Ski Under Candlelight January 21st | Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area | 5:30 p.m. As we said - we're really excited about getting into cross-country skiing this season, and this illuminated trail event hosted by the DNR at Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area provides the perfect opportunity for skiers of all abilities to hit the trail. Skiers will traverse a well-groomed trail through the park illuminated by candles at night. The event also includes a post-ski warm up by a roaring fire with refreshments. Snow shoes are also welcome to walk along side the groomed ski track as well. If there is a lack of snow, this will be a walking event. Note that cross-country skis and snowshoes will not be available to borrow or rent. 10. Close Out the Month with a Guided Winter Hike January 28th | Indian Springs Metropark | 8 a.m. This January, we challenge you to close out this month exactly hope it began - on a trail, exploring our wild places, and building momentum towards earning your most active year yet. The ranger team at Indian Springs Metropark have made this easy for all of us by hosting an informative Winter Hike across the metropark's open prairie landscape and peaceful forest while searching for signs of wildlife. Participants will also learn about how native Michigan species survive the cold weather and long nights. The hike route may traverse level, composite wood boardwalks and hilly mixed gravel and grass pathways. Snow boots and ice grips are recommended as trails may be snow-covered and icy. Happy New Year to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2023. We can’t wait to see you out there! 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.

The Detroit Metro Airport - a world-class hub for domestic and international travel alike - provides weary travelers with an amazing opportunity to explore our region during long layovers. Here's our list of 5 recommended day trips for visiting outdoor enthusiasts. Welcome to Detroit! Well, kind of - really, welcome to your layover at Detroit Metro Airport, an award-winning destination in its own right for its high quality of passenger experience. Detroit Metro Airport, and specifically its McNamara Terminal, is also a Delta and SkyTeam hub that services regular direct flights from Amsterdam and Buenos Aires to Tokyo and Riyadh. More specifically, the Detroit Metro Airport directly connects our region via 13 airlines to hundreds of global destinations. Practically, this means that thousands of travelers pass through the pristine corridors of the Detroit Metro Airport on a daily basis. Of those airline passengers, a sizable proportion will find themselves with a few hours to burn - maybe even a day or more - before their next flight whisks them away. Sure, such travelers could spend their layover à la Tom Hanks in "The Terminal" and never leave the confines of DTW. However, if you have 5+ hours between flights and have stiff legs craving a little exercise, we strongly encourage you to stray from the herd and cave in to a little wanderlust. The legendary Anthony Bourdain, whose passing I'm still mourning, once headlined a show called "The Layover." The premise of the show involved Bourdain spending anywhere from 24 to 48 hours in a city, maximizing his exploration time within micro-adventure confines. Bourdain's narration during the show's trailer includes this final synoptic tagline: "This is what I would do in one action-packed adventure." Locals and travelers alike, if you're looking to turn your stop at Detroit Metro Airport into an action-packed adventure, here are the five activities that we at Expedition Detroit would do to maximize your limited time around the Motor City. REDISCOVER DOWNTOWN DETROIT | Detroit Riverwalk ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: 35 minutes Experience Highlights: Downtown Detroit; Detroit Riverwalk; Dequindre Cut; William G. Milliken State Park; Hart Plaza; Southwest Greenway; and panoramic Detroit River views Equipment Needed: Comfortable walking and/or running shoes Cost: Free If this is your first time ever to the Detroit region, then your best bet for a highlight reel experience is exploring the world-famous Detroit Riverwalk. The reigning three-peat champion of USA Today's "Best Riverwalk in America" designation, the 3.5 mile trail guides its nearly 4 million annual visitors on a "best of the best" tour of the City of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem. Expect energetic plazas with family-friendly events and vendors, historical monuments, live music, street performances, all while enjoying striking views of the vibrant Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario. The Detroit Riverwalk also provides intrepid hikers and runners with direct access to Belle Isle Park, the Dequindre Cut, and the freshly-minted Southwest Greenway. PADDLE THE HURON | Oakwoods Metropark ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: 15 minutes Experience Highlights: Paddling along the Huron River National Water Trail Equipment Needed: Swimsuit, sunglasses, and sun protection Cost: $20 -30 USD for kayak or canoe rental; Metroparks pass also may be required for entry if parking on site Situated surprisingly close to Detroit Metro Airport, the scenic woodlands and picturesque views of the Huron River are waiting for you at Oakwoods Metropark. While each of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks offer unique outdoor experiences for their visitors, Oakwoods provides layover passengers with the opportunity not only to visit the famous wetlands of Southeast Michigan, but to explore one of our region's greatest assets: the Huron. Motor City Canoe Rental offers canoe and kayak rental options for paddling enthusiasts looking for a hands-on experience on the river. HIKE THROUGH HISTORY | River Raisin National Battlefield Park ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: 25 minutes Experience Highlights: Downtown Monroe, Michigan; River Raisin National Battlefield Park Equipment Needed: Comfortable walking and/or running shoes Cost: Free Beyond serving as the closest national park site to Detroit Metro Airport, River Raisin National Battlefield Park provides a living memorial to the single bloodiest battle ever fought on Michigan soil. The park and its immaculate visitor center memorializes the 483 American, British, Canadian, and Native American lives that were lost during the park's namesake War of 1812 battle. Any visit to River Raisin will provide visitors with an immensely impactful historical experience and an opportunity to hike or run along the well-maintained and educational River Raisin National Battlefield Park trail. EXPLORE NEW SHORES | Windsor Riverfront Trail ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: 40 minutes Experience Highlights: Downtown Windsor, Ontario; Windsor Riverfront Trail; public art exhibits; panoramic plazas; and the Trans-Canada Trail Equipment Needed: Comfortable walking and/or running shoes Cost: Border crossing fees ($16 - 20 USD) Did you know that the Detroit region is slated to represent the new "Trails Capital of North America?" That's right - thanks to our city's southern neighbor of Windsor, Ontario, outdoor enthusiasts can readily turn an American layover into an international adventure. After crossing the border via either the Ambassador Bridge or Windsor Tunnel, the quintessential Windsor Riverfront Trail eagerly waits to greet you with its public art displays, beautiful gardens, expansive plazas, and can't-beat views of the skyscrapers of Downtown Detroit. The completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge will make the Detroit-Windsor connection even more efficient - and expeditious - with pedestrian-only lanes that will link the Trans Canada Trail with the Iron Belle Trail. EXPERIENCE A GUIDED ADVENTURE | 11 Michigan State Parks ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: Destination-dependent; 1 hour 35 minutes at most Experience Highlights: Hiking or trail running adventure; expertise of local guide; exploring natural beauty of Southeast Michigan Equipment Needed: Comfortable hiking or running shoes Cost: $25 - $70 We may be a little biased, but if we had to recommend only one experience around the Detroit Metro Airport, we would be honored to host you on one of our guided adventure trips! Expedition Detroit is proud to offer the largest variety of guided trips within 11 pristine Michigan state parks in the Detroit region. From first time hikers to world-class trekkers and trail runners, our guides can't wait to lead you on your perfect adventure in Detroit's great outdoors. From Detroit Metro Airport, the closest Michigan State Park where Expedition Detroit offers guided hikes is also one of Michigan's most beautiful, unique, and historic: Belle Isle Park. Setting off from the Ralph Wilson Gateway, this guided hike traverses Belle Isle's southern shore, providing hikers with stunning views of the Windsor shoreline, the vibrant Detroit River, and the industrial freighters passing by. You will also pass by the Belle Isle Lighthouse, Blue Heron Lagoon, and locally-named "Hipster Beach" on the route. GETTING AROUND TOWN Detroit is the Motor City: if you want to get around this corner of the world, you're going to largely need four wheels to do so. From Detroit Metro Airport, the ground transportation options include rental car, taxis, rideshare applications, and public transportation. Rental cars will obviously provide you with the most freedom, but are also the most expensive means of transportation and require an off-campus shuttle. Taxis and rideshare applications like Uber and Lyft provide destination-specific transportation and are readily available from Detroit Metro Airport, although we also strongly recommend pre-arranging your return rides before leaving the airport. While the most cost effective, public transportation has represented one of the logistical thorns in the Detroit region's side for generations. We only recommend that you consider utilizing the Detroit Metro Airport's public bus services if you plan on visiting the Detroit or Windsor Riverwalks, both of which are accessible via bus lines that pass through the Rosa Parks Transit Center.

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition journeys to the Detroit region's northernmost destination - Holly Recreation Area - and its quintessential Wilderness Trail Loop. We invite you to explore this oasis of wilderness on our metropolitan frontier! "Wilderness in Oakland County - alright, I definitely need to check this one out." Those were my thoughts as I first read about Holly Recreation Area's famous "Wilderness Trail Loop" in Jim DuFresne's 50 Hikes in Michigan guidebook, and admittedly, I was skeptical. Don't get me wrong, I was practically praying for the "wilderness" designation to hold true, but come on... Holly Recreation Area is located in Oakland County and bisected by I-75, one of the premiere commercial corridors of the entire State of Michigan. Could this trail really hold up to its name? How does one even define "wilderness"? The WILD Foundation has provided the most immediate definition available on Google: "Wilderness" is "the most intact, undisturbed wild natural areas left on our planet – those last truly wild places that humans do not control and have not developed with roads, pipelines or other industrial infrastructure." "Those last truly wild places." We at Expedition Detroit love that shorthand version of the definition, because it denotes a sense of scarcity to the nature of wilderness. Yes, the stunningly vast and untamed mountainous regions Out West undoubtedly qualify as wilderness. But under this definition, so does those hundreds of acres of forest that our forefathers decided were worth preserving in their God-ordained state, free from the scourge of development that the coming decades would unleash around them. Those sanctuaries that have become vital component's of North America's fight against a mental health epidemic. Those trails where you can just be in your natural state. Yes: we're relieved to report that the Wilderness Trail Loop qualifies as a bona fide wilderness area. A truly wild place where you can explore free from developed society's omnipresence. It's our pleasure to reintroduce Holly Recreation Area and its most beloved trail now. MEET HOLLY RECREATION AREA The formal history of Holly Recreation Area dates back towards the end of the Second World War. As hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, and pilots started to return from the battlefields of Europe and the Pacific, those men also brought back an unprecedented interest and experience with outdoor recreation due to their military training, outdoor gear, and newfound leisure time afforded to them by postwar prosperity. From the mid-1940s on, this booming interest in America's outdoor spaces prompted an explosion in the development and protection of Federal, state, and community parks. Holly Recreation Area and its 8,007 protected acres resulted from that interest. In 1944, the preliminary boundaries of Holly State Recreation Area were established and the park officially opened in 1948. The development of picnic areas, campgrounds, and structural facilities continued into the 1950s, including the establishment of Mt. Holly Ski Area (before its transfer to private ownership in 1966). The park's size continued to grow well into the 1980s as the Michigan Department of Conservation acquired approximately 3,500 additional acres straddling both sides of I-75. Nearly 80 years since its establishment, the Holly Recreation Area of today still maintains its defining rolling woodlands and open fields for endless outdoor recreational opportunities. The recreation area has evolved into a generational destination for hiking, camping, swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating, and hunting. As of recent years, the park has also become increasingly sought-after for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Nonetheless, hiking still remains Holly Rec.'s most popular recreational activity, with 66% of park visitors exploring its forests and grasslands on foot. And - you guessed it - the Wilderness Trail Loop represents Holly Recreation Area's most revered hiking route. Let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 5.7 miles Elevation Gain: 416 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at trailhead north of Wildwood Lake (Michigan Recreation Passport required) Looking at the map for the Wilderness Trail, the comprehensive loop around McGinnis Lake somewhat resembles the shape of Australia. Or so I thought when I pulled up the trail map. So, seeing as I'm an outspoken geography nerd, I'm going to shamelessly utilize Australia for kicking off our trail orientation. There are two main "Aussie starting points" for the Wilderness Trail: "Melbourne" in the south, as depicted in the approach shown in the map above, or "Port Douglas" in the north, which on the Wilderness Trail is trail marker #7. For those hikers, trail runners, or snowshoers that are looking for the extended cut version of this hike, then the Melbourne starting point just north of Wildwood Lake is your best bet. Starting at Port Douglas - where you will park behind the Groveland Township Hall and spot the trail marker on the far side of a playground - shaves off roughly a mile of the hike (just the out-and-back from the main trailhead). When we completed the hike, we started from Port Douglas and did not feel cheated out of any aspect of the experience. Starting from the main Melbourne trailhead, the first 0.5 miles of the hike consist of a steady, rocky downhill towards the McGinnis Group Campground. After passing briefly through the campground area, the trail very comfortably climbs to its highest elevation of 1,098 feet at the 1.2 mile marker. This first segment of the trail through Holly's hardwoods, overlooking marshlands to the east and west, finishes with a steady climb north towards trail marker #7 - aka Port Douglas. If you're hiking in the afternoon, now is the time to put your sunglasses on: from here you'll be hiking west for 1.6 miles. The northernmost segment of the trail consists of a long, gradual descent over roughly a mile and a half. The trail's character will remain characterized by hardwood forest with panoramic views of Holly's defining rolling hills, although don't get caught off guard by the trail's brief but steepest ascent at the 2.5 mile marker. Also, stay on the lookout for stunning views of an apparently unnamed body of water at the 3.2 mile marker - perfect spot to stop for a lunch break (or trail beer). After completing a downhill segment through a rare prairie section of the trail, you will enter "the pines zone" and start to climb. And continue to climb. In total, you will ascend 112 feet over 1.6 miles of steady climbing (with a few intermittent descents), but the increasingly stunning views of McGinnis Lake to your left will reward your effort. One navigational item of note for this trail segment is to turn right when you come across the paved park road at the 4.3 mile marker; the directions for this crossing are not very well marked, but fortunately the continuation of the trail is very visible to your left once you cross the bridge. Your hike will finish with more stunning views of McGinnis Lake before turning sharply south to return to the Melbourne trailhead. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS "Holly Recreation Area: Find Every Adventure Here." We don't know how that's not the official slogan of Holly Rec. (looking at you, DNR), but that simple moniker couldn't be more true of the borderline excessive amount of outdoor recreation opportunities available in and around the park. Let's start with the basics. Beyond phenomenal hiking, other trail sport options at Holly include trail running, mountain biking, metal detecting, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The park's several lakes provide pristine paddling routes for leisurely exploration, most notably at Heron, Valley, Wildwood, and Crotched Lakes. Holly Recreation Area also permits seasonal camping, hunting, and fishing within defined areas of the park. Don't forget to reserve any campsites well in advance, especially if you'd like a prime spot at the McGinnis Lake Campground. But wait, there's more. The area surrounding Holly - as well as certain backcountry areas of the park proper - provides some of the Detroit region's best off-road vehicle ("ORV") riding opportunities. Snowmobiling is permitted within the park, while the nearby Holly Oaks ORV Park utilizes its sand and gravel mines to create a unique destination for all types of ORVs, including full-size vehicles, side-by-sides, all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles. A few final recreation options of note include the park's disc golf course and "WhoaZone" floating waterpark at Heron Lake. Ski Pure Michigan: Mt. Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort During the winter months, your obvious choice for off-trail recreation will be hiding in plain sight. On second thought, Mt. Holly Ski and Snowboard Resort won't be hiding at all - the resort's snowcapped peak at 1,115 feet provides road-weary travelers with a welcomed sign of waiting adventure. You can even catch glimpses of the resort from the Wilderness Trail's westernmost segments. For the uninitiated, Mt. Holly is one of the Detroit region's "Big Four" winter resorts that provides skiers and riders with the most elevation gain at 350 feet. Mt. Holly contains 19 runs featuring the full spectrum of beginner to expert terrain, including tow ropes, terrain parks, and tree runs (that are especially fun). More of an après aficionado? You're in luck: Mt. Holly's Bavarian-style lodge comes fully-stocked with two cafeterias, an expansive outdoor patio with a central fire ring, another fireplace room, and a spacious lounge (with, of course, 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. Before signing off on this article, we wanted to give a special, unsponsored shout-out to the guide book 50 Hikes in Michigan by Jim DuFresne. This fantastic book has been in the Expedition Detroit library since our founding and has provided the initial inspiration for several world-class hikes in our region and throughout the Great Lakes state - including the Wilderness Trail. Do yourself a favor today and purchase a copy on Amazon or at a bookstore near you! The #TrailTuesday Series started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast outdoor 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.

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.