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HAPPY NEW YEAR! Just like waking up to today's fresh snowfall, January provides a perfectly clean slate for pursuing your wildest outdoor goals for 2025. We're absolutely STOKED for all that this new year will bring for Detroit's outdoors, starting with these top 5 outdoor events near Detroit this month! 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. We're all provided with a clean slate - a perfectly snow-covered trail of a calendar year, ready for you and your adventures to mark its first tracks. Even though January still falls within Detroit's "off-season" for outdoor recreation, we should all strive to continue with any momentum gained during the tail-end of 2024 and keep getting outside . In fact, we'd go so far as to argue that now is the single best season for recreating in Detroit's 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 5 events are geared towards recreationists just like you, and we can't wait to see you at one, two, or all of these events! 1. Brave the Abominable Snowman Ride January 11th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 11 A.M.    Ignore 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 this upcoming Saturday, January 11th. 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! 2. Defrost your Cross-Country Skis at the Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic Ski Weekend January 11-12th   | 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 Freestke and Krazy Klassic Ski Weekend  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 2.5km 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), 12K or 15K (MI Cup Senior points, longer distance if natural snow), and the " Krazy Klassic " 12K and 5K distances. Quick note on Huron Meadows Metropark: the metropark is 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. Photo courtesy of UltraSignup.com 3. Embrace the Elements in the Ode to Snow Ultra Race January 18th   | 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. EXPLORE HOLLY RECREATION AREA ON A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts Management Company 4. Ditch your Skis at the Duct Tape Derby January 18th   | Mt. Brighton Ski Resort | 10 A.M.  Mt. Brighton may be famous for its impressive slopes, but this month the resort invites us all to ditch our skis and boards for its annual Duct Tape Derby event ! Participants are encouraged to design a vehicle or sled e xclusively out of reused cardboard, duct tape, and paint to race down the hill . Spectators will not only enjoy the hilariously fun racing action, but also live music, giveaways, outdoor food and bar, and much more. For those charismatic souls interested in racing , note that spots are limited on a first come, first serve basis. Teams must be comprised of 2-3 racers, and no paint is permitted on the bottom of a sled. Register in advance by emailing your team name, participant names, and participant ages to MtBrightonSkiSchool@vailresorts.com . Photo courtesy of the State of Michigan 5. Cross-Country Ski Under Candlelight January 25th | Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area | 6:30 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. Snowshoes 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 . BONUS:  2025 NEW YEAR'S DEALS In the spirit of expanding friluftsliv  opportunities throughout our region, we at Expedition Detroit  are also proud to announce our 2025 "New Year's Deals"  for our guided services! More information will be released in the coming week, but here are the highlights of our current deals: SNOWSHOE TREKS PRESALE:  Use discount code " SNOWDANCE25 " to save 10%  on any of our planned snowshoe treks ! BUNDLE AND SAVE:  Use discount code " NEWYEARBUNDLE " to save 20% on any of our EXPEDITION BUNDLES  of curated guided trips. FREE BEANIE:  In honor of 2025, the first 25 participants to book a guided trip will receive a free Expedition Detroit  beanie  with their booking! These offerings are only available through January 31st , so we hope that you will kick off your New Year with us as we continue exploring the beautiful parks and trails surrounding Detroit! START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH A GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREK ! PRESALE IS LIVE NOW  WITH SPECIAL OFFERINGS FOR EARLY BOOKINGS! Happy New Year to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best throughout 2025. We can’t wait to see you at the trailhead! 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.

Written by Dr. Eric Reilly, here we thoroughly examine one of the most pressing health risks in the Detroit region - chronic physical inactivity - and the profound medical benefits of hiking your favorite trails! This Halloween, I wanted to share a true tale of terror that haunts the Detroit area’s medical community . A silent killer that moves undetected through each of its neighborhoods. A verifiable infliction that thrives within its host for years before it rears its ugly head. No, this isn’t a virus, parasite, or a mutated variant of the cordyceps fungus. This killer is chronic physical inactivity , and it’s running rampant throughout North America – and particularly in the Detroit region. THE VULNERABILITY OF THE DETROIT REGION This should hopefully not come as a surprise, but remaining active and exercising regularly is paramount in protecting your health . Regardless of your demographic, and especially in the Detroit region. Why? Because in terms of Metro Detroit's personal health, the deck is most likely stacked against us. For starters, our modern work schedules and physically latent jobs make active lifestyles immensely difficult to prioritize . The average working adult in the United States works 34.6 hours per week and the average commute in Metro Detroit is 55.2 minutes round trip. Crunching the numbers, it’s fair to estimate the average working adult in Metro Detroit spends roughly 32% of their awake time at work, allotting for 8 generous hours of sleep. However, it isn’t just the time spent at work, but also the type of work which plays a major role in one’s health. Some studies suggest sedentary occupations have high occurrences of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. Even when away from the office, work and life in general can be mentally taxing. To cope with mental stressors, individuals may make poor food choices and adopt idle home habits, which can exacerbate negative health outcomes. Within the Detroit region, this particular issue is compounded since many areas fall into a “ Food Swamp ” classification, defined as communities that often have high-calorie, low-cost food options – in addition to financial constraints. Stated differently, Food Swamp conditions typically cause healthier food options to remain scarce or beyond the budget. As a result of these factors, mass routines of dormancy have spread a “physical inactivity epidemic” that is wreaking havoc across Michigan. Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of common diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. When uncontrolled, conditions such as diabetes can lead to serious ailments such as kidney failure, loss of limbs, and heart attacks. Nearly 25% of Michigan residents do not exercise monthly, 35.1% have high blood pressure , 34.7% are obese, 11.7% have diabetes, and 29% of all deaths are from cardiovascular disease . PITFALLS OF OVER-THE-COUNTER SHORTCUTS One could reasonably assume that simply taking medication will solve their medical problems, but medications alone may not fix the cause - and can have debilitating side effects. For example, common medications for high blood pressure cause the blood pressure to appear lower, but the underlying disease often still exists. Such medications can act as a short-cut for symptom management, but one should consider making long term changes – such as diet and exercise – to help reverse the disease. Just like on the trail, shortcuts in medicine can be dangerous. Without proper long-term disease management, the damage can compound and high blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart failure, and even death. While standard practices like surgery can solve some physical problems, all surgeries have risks and those risks grow exponentially when a patient presents with severe underlying conditions or disease. For example, obese patients undergoing surgery have higher risks of developing infections, kidney failure, blood clots, and unplanned hospital readmissions. If an obese patient is taking a GLP-1 agonist, they have increased risks of perioperative aspiration which can result in respiratory failure and death. One may assume the increased risks would lead to less surgery in obese patients but, to the contrary, the chances of having a knee replacement are 8 times higher for patients with a BMI over 30, and 28 times higher for a BMI over 35. Clearly, the safest journey through life is one which minimizes disease burden and the need for medical treatment. By preventing common diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, one can reduce the risk of severe complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Luckily, an easy and affordable way to help prevent and reverse common disease is through physical activity – such as hiking around Metro Detroit! TRAIL THERAPY FOR PHYSICAL LONGEVITY Now that we’ve hopefully scared any inactivity right out of you, let’s shift this article’s focus to how important physical activity is in preserving one’s quality and longevity of life. Better yet, let’s utilize a practical example to illustrate how you can incorporate a methodical approach to physical exercise into your recreational passions: hiking Island Lake Recreation Area’s Yellow Trail Loop . The Yellow Trail Loop is a 40 minute drive from downtown Detroit and spans 5.5 miles with 278 feet of elevation gain, which is enough of a hike to get anyone’s heart pumping. But, what does that exercise do? For starters, the average person burns roughly 100 calories for every mile walked. With elevation considered, walking this trail could burn roughly 500-700 calories. Regular exercise and aerobic activities - like hiking the Yellow Trail Loop - can provide phenomenal health benefits over a lifetime. Such a trail-centric lifestyle can cut the risk of coronary heart disease in half, lower blood pressure by up to 10 points, reduce insulin requirements in type-1 diabetes, reverse type-2 diabetes, lower cholesterol levels, decrease risks of colon cancer, enhance the immune system, reverse osteoporosis, and improve bone density. HIKE THE ISLAND LAKE YELLOW TRAIL LOOP WITH US THIS FALL! Hiking specifically can increase one’s baseline metabolic rate, which makes it easier to maintain weight loss – as opposed to dieting where weight can be regained easily. Hiking also releases stored endogenous catecholamines, which can relieve muscle tension and anxiety . Hiking can even improve sleep through sun-induced balance of circadian rhythms and regulation of hormones. Physical benefits aside, the mental benefits are immeasurable . Embracing nature, observing wildlife, appreciating the solitude, and removing oneself from the chaotic congested streets of everyday life can be soul cleansing. By definition, a hike is just a long walk on a trail. If the idea of a "hike" is insurmountable, then any aerobic activity – preferably outdoors – is a great substitute to reap similar health benefits. Even just a walk around the block helps more than sitting inside. The physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise , such as hiking, are clear. Life is busy and it is difficult to prioritize oneself, loved ones, work, diet, exercise, and everything else the world demands. Yet, it is even harder to manage those priorities when faced with personal health ailments. The keys to remaining healthy are regular doctor appointments, diet, and exercise. Even when feeling healthy - go in for an annual check-up with a physician, substitute the fried food for vegetables, and make efforts to increase your physical activity. Lace up the boots and try a new trail, or a bike ride, or even a walk around the block. Refer to Expedition Detroit to find inspiration for new local trails . Don’t be afraid to wake up early and catch a sunrise from a dew-dropped wooded path. The more you do it, the longer you will be able to keep doing it. As best stated by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, “…wake up early for a dawn patrol or jump into that cold mountain lake and send while you can.” EXPERIENCE THE DETROIT REGION'S #1 NIGHT HIKING ADVENTURE! Dr. Reilly is an anesthesiologist born and raised in Southeast Michigan. Dr. Reilly is currently an Attending Anesthesiologist & Clinical Instructor at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, as well as a Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellow at the University of Washington Medical Center. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Reilly is an accomplished backpacker, deep powder skier, and an invaluable early supporter of Expedition Detroit . He credits his grandfathers for teaching him the beauty and spirit of Michigan’s great wilderness. This article serves as an opinion piece to educate but should not be used as direct medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional(s) before making changes to your medications, diet, or physical activity habits.

Happy New Year, Detroit!! Now that 2025 has FINALLY arrived, here are the Expedition Detroit team's top " New Year's resolutions " to accomplish in Detroit's outdoors this year, covering the most ambitious, exciting, and rewarding experiences that the Detroit region has to offer. I love the moment that midnight strikes on New Year's Eve. There's simply an inherent beauty to a new year. Like a skier ready to drop into a pristine powder run, or a paddler launching into perfectly still water. And for so many New Year adventurers, establishing a few ambitious "New Year's Resolutions" can provide the framework for plotting a route through the wilderness of opportunity that is a 2025 spent in the Detroit region's outdoors. I'm far from being alone in looking forward to setting new goals for a new year. In fact, the " outdoor New Year's Resolutions " social trend is so widespread that there's a growing body of research regarding the science of accomplishing or failing to achieve such goals. The TL;DR summary of such research includes that successful outdoor New Year's Resolutions typically consist of the following characteristics: Specific or well-defined ( e.g., "Run a half-marathon" vs. "Exercise more" ) Framed in positive, actionable terms ( e.g., "Eat more broccoli" vs. "Stop eating Big Macs" ) Focused on the goal-setter's individualists interests ( vs. societal, familial, or work-place expectations ) Keeping these traits in mind, the Expedition Detroit team has curated this list of 10 specific, ambitious, actionable, and rewarding New Year's Resolutions to be accomplished over the next 12 months . Spoiler alert , each of these resolutions directly involve world-class experiences in the Detroit region's outdoors. But these aren't just any experiences - completing any of these goals could easily stand out as your "Outdoor Highlight of 2025." Oh, and as a little New Year's surprise, we've included a special offering below regarding our 2025 guided trips offerings ..! Here are the top 10 outdoor New Year's resolutions that we will be striving for this year: 1. Ski or Ride ALL of the Big Four Resorts Mt. Brighton, Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob Ski Resorts | Skiing or riding down the slopes of each of Detroit's pristine "Big Four" ski resorts Don't let the recent spring weather fool you - each and every new year for us in Detroit begins in January , during the dead of winter, within a northern climate. Lasting now will return , hopefully sooner than later, and while our backcountry skiing aspirations will be on hold for a bit, Detroit's "Big Four" ski and snowboard resorts are up and running! In line with our recently updated article on the "Big Four" ski resorts, each of these resorts have special attributes that make them well worth a visit over the next few wintry months. Alpine Valley provides a full-service mountain within a stone's throw of the Detroit region's best hiking, paddling, and mountain biking destinations. Mt. Brighton has state-of-the-art facilities and direct connections to world-class ski resorts around the country. Mt. Holly provides skiers and riders with Up North-caliber vertical terrain. And Pine Knob packs the largest adrenaline punch for our resident terrain park junkies. Those are just the 30,000 ft. highlights; to get the full experience, take on all four mountains this season and rediscover your love for our local runs ! Look for us on the chairlift. 2. Cycle the Border-to-Border Trail Washtenaw County | Gravel cycle along the newest segments of one of the Detroit region's most transformative trails Last spring, we wrote a feature article on the explosive growth of the Border-to-Border Trail , including its transformative impact on Washtenaw County's recreational ecosystem and groundbreaking projects. The visionary 55-mile (once complete), 10 foot wide, ADA accessible, paved pathway will provide the critical link between the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park and Waterloo State Recreation Area , Pinckney State Recreation Area , thee Huron-Clinton Metroparks , the Huron River National Water Trail, and countless municipal parks. What makes the B2B Trail even more exciting for the Detroit region though - really, for all of the Great Lakes region - is its unique place within a larger, international trail ecosystem . ICYMI, Michigan has been solidifying its position as the "Trails State" by building the forthcoming Iron Belle Trail  - a 2,000 mile hiking experience that will constitute the longest state-designated trail in the U.S. - connecting Downtown Detroit with Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula. The Iron Belle will form a material portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail - a 4,800 behemoth of a trail stretching from the Green Mountains in Vermont to the buttes of North Dakota - as well as connect directly to the 14,996 mile-long Trans Canada Trail via the Gordie Howe International Bridge . Where does the B2B fit into all of that? Well, the B2B Trail forms the most critical link in the Iron Belle chain, connecting the Detroit region's emergent trail system (including ALL OF CANADA'S) with the expansive North Country Trail. Yeah, it's a huge deal. This year, cyclists can look forward to riding several newly-completed segments of the B2B Trail. Projects currently slated for completion in 2025 include the following: Use of the historic Bell Road Bridge to cross Mill Creek, as it connects to the B2B Trail near Forest Lawn Cemetery, will align with an additional 0.8 miles of trail to connect the B2B to the City of Dexter. Construction of the Barton Bandemer Tunnel which will pass under the railroad line connecting Bandemer Park to Huron River Drive along the B2B Trail. Van Buren Park to Denton Road and Beckly Road segment, including a 10' pathway and 14' wide pedestrian bridge. For more updates, including several segments that were completed in late 2024, check out the B2B Trail's " Trail Updates " webpage. 3. Paddle the Entirety of the Huron River National Water Trail Proud Lake State Recreation Area to Lake Erie Metropark |  Multi-day canoe camping adventure along the Detroit Region's longest water trail Let's stay on the theme of transformative trails, shall we? We have already written extensively on the beauty of the Huron River - especially during peak fall colors - but the true blessing of the river is that it provides an endlessly flowing supply of recreational opportunities. Day paddles, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, camping, hunting along its banks...if you can dream it, chances are the Huron will provide an opportunity to experience it. In spite of these incredible activities, we must give credit where credit's due and crown the most adventuresome, comprehensive, and awe-inspiring endeavor that one can pursue on the Huron: Thru-paddling the entirety of the Huron River National Water Trail's 104-mile route . Launching at the headwaters of Proud Lake , the official water trail route guides paddlers through several of the Detroit region's idyllic parks and quintessential trail towns along the journey to Lake Erie. Milford , Dexter , Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Flat Rock are the trail's official "Water Trail Towns," although the trail provides for ample exploration opportunities throughout the Huron-Clinton Metroparks , state recreation areas, and other destinations that encompass its surroundings. There are four official canoe campgrounds along the water trail: Kensington Metropark (appropriately located off of Group Camp Rd.), Island Lake State Recreation Area , Hudson Mills Metropark, and Lower Huron Metropark. As the above map shows, there is quite a stretch between the Hudson Mills and Lower Huron campgrounds - a 38.7 mile stretch. A previous expedition camped at a "secret campground" location referred to as "Superior Pond" to break up this segment, but we are unsure whether this pre-approved "campground" was located on private property. We'll dig a little deeper into that detail, but for the time being, we would advise maybe breaking up that segment with a night spent in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti. A proper beer , burger, and bed rarely hurt anyone. As a bonus perk of completing the thru-paddle, you will earn access into the Huron River Watershed Council's "Huron104" Trail Registry . Huron104 lists the names of each successful adventurer that has completed at least 100 distinct miles of the water trail within a calendar year. As of the date of this article, the registry lists only 50 names - half of which were added in 2024. Is that a comprehensive list of everyone who has completed the trail from point-to-point? Probably not, but it's hard to imagine a better way to add an adventuresome exclamation to this year than joining such an exclusive club. 4. Cycle the Century Challenge during the Milford Bike Fest Milford, Michigan | Completing a 100 Mile Challenge at Michigan's Quintessential Mountain Biking Festival Call us jaded, but our taste for adventure drifts subconsciously towards the extreme. The experiences that push our bodies to the limit, demand more energy than we thought we were capable of delivering, and leave us with a newfound appreciation for what the human body is capable of. Several of these resolutions fit into that genre of adventure, but I have to be completely transparent: just the thought of taking on the Milford Bike Fest's " Century Challenge " makes my palms sweat ( sorry, keyboard ). The MCMBA-sponsored Milford Bike Fest is, at its core, a celebration of southeast Michigan's mountain biking community. The festival occurs in Milford because of the trail town's central location to five world-class single track mountain biking trails, including the top-tier Highland A-B-C-D loops . While the festival comes complete with live music, complementary drinks, food discounts, and hundreds of your new favorite riding buddies, everyone knows that the main draw of the festival is the Century Challenge . Here's the challenge: completing a mountain biking ride that covers THE ENTIRETY of all five trail systems that are readily accessible from Downtown Milford over a distance of at least 100 miles. These include the Milford Trail, Highland State Recreation Area , Hickory Glen, Proud Lake State Recreation Area/the Kensington Connector , and Island Lake State Recreation Area . I have biked each of these trail systems independently, and each one packs one hell of a punch. So, the thought of conquering all five in a single day ...yeah, that's definitely one way to earn a post-ride beer! We're crazy enough to give it a go. Please, comrades, join us on this odyssey! 5. Conquer ALL of Detroit's Black Diamond Trails Bald Mountain, Brighton, and Highland State Recreation Areas | Hiking - or trail running - the trinity of the Detroit region's most difficult trails When it comes to hiking trails, not all trails are created equal. That's a good thing - you wouldn't want to take someone making their first steps towards a lifelong fitness journey on a summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro . Such an endeavor would likely kill their drive to ever set foot on a trail again ( or just to ever hike with you again ). The same concept holds true for our local hiking trails. Here at Expedition Detroit , we have already covered our area's top-ranked trails for every genre of hiker. We have also wrote about our most accessible trails for venturing out on a night hike . But for this special article - the shoot-for-the-moon "New Year's Resolutions" article - we're aiming for our three toughest, steepest, and most challenging trails: our three "Black Diamond" rated-trails at Bald Mountain, Brighton, and Highland State Recreation Areas. We wrote a feature on these trails in the past, so we won't recreate the wheel now. What I will state here though is that completing this triple crown of Detroit hiking is no easy feat: the combined stats of these trails are 1,560 feet of elevation gain over 37.6 miles of Southeast Michigan's most rugged, variable, punishing, yet beautiful terrain. As of the end of 2024, we have been able to complete the Bald Mountain and Highland trail systems. So for 2025, conquering Brighton is a very high priority . Who knows, we may go crazy and try to knock out all three trails in a single day...stay tuned my friends. Stay tuned. CONQUER HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 6. Bike, Hike, or Run the Entirety of the Trans Canada Trail in Windsor Windsor, Ontario | Crossing the Gordie Howe Bridge and exploring the extensive trail system located south of the border In one of our earliest articles, we made a prediction that Detroit will claim its place as the international trails capital of North America . Yes, the State of Michigan's immense investment in trail infrastructure as part of its campaign for Michigan to earn recognition as our nation's " Trails State " has facilitated immense momentum for our city's outdoor recreation economy. That being said, our Canadian cousins have undeniably acted as pioneers in this space: the Trans Canada Trail , the longest recreational trail network in the world covering over 15,000 miles, extends directly to Windsor’s Riverfront Trail . Will we ever trek across all of the TCT's 15,000 miles, completing an epic journey from the Atlantic waves of St. John's Island to the icebergs of the Northwest Territories? Eh, probably not in this lifetime. However, we very much can - and therefore will - take on the 15.5 miles of its trail that stretch across Windsor's northern shores, including the stunning Riverfront Trail, Malden Park, and Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Preserve. As a 2025 bonus, the long-awaited Gordie Howe Bridge - including its non-motorized lanes - is FINALLY expected to open towards the end of this year! We can't wait for the opportunity to bike, hike, or run seamlessly from Detroit's greenways to Windsor's trails. 7. Volunteer Alongside our Parks' Best "Friends" Throughout the Detroit Region | Stewardship volunteer opportunities to eradicate invasive species throughout Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas One of REI's core marketing slogans has evolved into one of our mantras at Expedition Detroit : " A life outdoors is a life well lived ." Well, we would like to revise that slogan a tad: " A life outdoors with friends is a life well lived ." Yes, that could refer to actual, adventurous, human friends, but for this article we're writing about the vast volunteer network of "Friends" organizations of specific parks that accomplish amazing environmental feats throughout our region. We try to regularly spotlight these organizations on our Instagram feed, but groups like the Friends of Maybury State Park , Friends of Point Pelee , and Friends of the Rouge dedicate countless hours towards making our outdoors more accessible, beautiful, and sustainable for generations to come. During 2025, we humbly ask that you join us in volunteering for one or more outdoor stewardship work days with these "Friends." Aside from earning some good karma for this year, donating your time and muscle to such causes instills a sense of pride and ownership in our outdoors that simple recreation just can't hold a candle to. Don't worry - we will blow up our social media feeds well in advance of those volunteer opportunities, so you'll know exactly where we will be getting our hands dirty at. 8. Run the Detroit Free Press Marathon Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario | Running in our region's hallmark race across two international border crossings We've said it once, twice, and will say it proudly a million times more: the Detroit Free Press Marathon is the crown jewel in the treasure trove of Detroit's outdoor events calendar . The race embodies everything that we love about our region's outdoors: breath-taking views from the Ambassador Bridge, international fraternization along the Windsor and Detroit riverfronts, and heartwarming, encouraging interactions with Detroiters and Windsorites throughout the event. Yes, we are generally more pro-trail running than road running . However, the Detroit Free Press Marathon will forever lure us back on an annual pilgrimage to the concrete labyrinth of Detroit's core routes . We emphatically urge you to join us in this amazing, heart (and lung)-pounding race that briefly turns the attention of the international running community towards our great city . In 2023, the Expedition Detroit team ran in the International Half-Marathon event - one of my personal favorite races that I've completed several times now. In 2025, we're going for the full 26.2 - and we hope that you will join us in that bucket list-worthy endeavor! 9. Actively (or Passively) Support Conservation Throughout the Detroit Region | Proactively supporting the conservation of our natural resources through hunting or simply buying a hunting license Here's an uncomfortable truth for some recreationists: in our sprawling suburban ecosystem, hunting and fishing are vital to the DNR's ongoing conservation efforts . Rapid deer population growth has unleashed mayhem on southeast Michigan's habitat sustainability, vehicular safety, and the environmental longevity of the Great Lakes region. Add in the material detriment of decreasing hunting and fishing license sales on the DNR's annual budget , the net result is that our developed region can't afford to lose its hunters and anglers. While we strongly encourage anyone looking to lead a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle to consider actively supporting conservation by hunting or fishing in 2025, we adamantly argue that all ethical outdoor recreationists should purchase a hunting and/or fishing license . The DNR desperately needs our participation in its greater conservation mission to properly care for the outdoor spaces that we love. Actively hunting or fishing gets you in the game, but even just purchasing a license - with no intention of hunting or fishing - will provide the DNR with revenue to reinvest into the sustainability of our wilderness. Easily the best $20 you'll spend this year. Expedition Detroit proudly supports the Michigan Wildlife Council 10. Fully Embrace an Outdoor-Centric Lifestyle Throughout Southeast Michigan | Learning to incorporate the benefits of the outdoors into everyday life - no matter the season If you are able to accomplish only one outdoor New Year's resolution in 2025, we sincerely hope it's this one: to incorporate the benefits of Detroit's outdoors into your everyday life. You read that correctly, everyday life. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. Light or dark . The full spectrum of our outdoor ecosystem. The Norwegians have perfected this approach to an outdoor-centric lifestyle - their word for it, both a noun and verb, is " Friluftsliv ." By prioritizing friluftsliv's "get outdoors, every day, no matter what" lifestyle, Norway experienced a fundamental cultural transformation that has resulted in improved mental health, the good standard of societal fitness levels, and the prioritization of environmental conservation. The best part about this " friluftsliv resolution" is the least physically-demanding resolution on this list - just spending any amount of time in nature counts as a successful friluftsliv outing. The difficult aspect of this goal, as with any truly transformative goal, is consistency . Fortunately, there are several months-long events or habits that can assist with getting outdoors. For me personally, I have participated in RF Events' trail racing series called " The GOAT Series ." In summary, the GOAT - which stands for "Greatest Of All Time" - comprises of competing in at least 3 of RF Event's 5 flagship races, spanning from April 26th (" Trail Weekend ") to November 8th (" Bonfyre Trail Fest "). At the end of the season, runners who qualified for the GOAT Series will be eligible to win special awards if they ranked as either the top three runners (by gender) for each of the Sprint and Open categories. BONUS: 2025 NEW YEAR'S DEALS In the spirit of expanding friluftsliv opportunities throughout our region, we at Expedition Detroit are also proud to announce our 2025 "New Year's Deals" for our guided services! More information will be released in the coming week, but here are the highlights of our current deals: SNOWSHOE TREKS PRESALE: Use discount code " SNOWDANCE25 " to save 10% on any of our planned snowshoe treks ! BUNDLE AND SAVE: Use discount code " NEWYEARBUNDLE " to save 20% on any of our EXPEDITION BUNDLES of curated guided trips. FREE BEANIE: In honor of 2025, the first 25 participants to book a guided trip will receive a free Expedition Detroit beanie with their booking! These offerings are only available through January 31st , so we hope that you will kick off your New Year with us as we continue exploring the beautiful parks and trails surrounding Detroit! START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH A GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREK ! PRESALE IS LIVE NOW WITH SPECIAL OFFERINGS FOR EARLY BOOKINGS! Before signing off on this article and getting a jump on these resolutions, we also formally want to invite you to join us on each and every one of these goals. Another less-known characteristic of successful goal-setting is accountability . Well, this article is our team's public accountability notice. We fully intended on accomplishing each of these New Year's Resolutions, and we hope to see you on the trail, in the river, or across the finish line. Happy New Year, Expedition Detroit community! As always, we can't wait to see you out there.

Tomorrow, the Michigan State Senate Appropriation Committee vote on whether to award a $50 million mining grant on the border of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Here's why all Detroit region recreationists should fight against it. "Right here Lucy, lay right here. Perfect. Good girl!" With the headlamp freshly off, I could barely make out the silhouette of my golden retriever navigating through the pitch-black darkness of our tent. We had never camped before, so with bated breath I watched her sniff around the tent for a few moments, find a spot right next to my sleeping bag, and nestle in to her "dad den." I exhaled. And smiled. Perfect . Everything in that moment was perfect. We had spent the day trekking through the backcountry of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park with two buddies, also from Metro Detroit, and all of our first time to this corner of the Upper Peninsula. We backpacked in to a backcountry site, built a roaring fire, and killed most of a bottle of rye while laughing and telling stories under the starlit sky. Lucy was one of the guys - she even had her own "pack" on to carry her poop bags, collapsable water bowl, and trail treats. Everyone carries their load on the trail. As we laid down to close out a perfect trail day, the Porkies had one last surprise for us. Howls pierced the soundtrack of an August night. A whole pack of wolves, somewhere in our greater vicinity, decided to make their presence known in spectacular fashion. My eyes shot open. Not out of fear, but out of curiosity - and renewed apprehension regarding my newest backpacking companion curled up next to me. Lucy picked up her head. Curiously cocked it to the side. Listened attentively. Smiled. And then nestled back into her polyester den. As I gave her one last kiss goodnight, I couldn't help but smile too. We were sharing a very primal wilderness experience together, just as man and canine had experienced for roughly 30,000 years . Lucy and I always had a special bond, but it was never stronger than those days backpacking through the Porcupine Mountains together, reconnecting with our roots as symbiotic outdoor beings. Hiking those trails. Wading into Lake Superior. Admiring the stars reflecting off of the Lake of the Clouds. A truly #PureMichigan wilderness experience. The "Porkies Crew" at Lake of the Clouds, August 2019 That's my personal Porkies story. One of innumerable special moments that have been experienced by generations of visitors to " America's most beautiful state park. " A beautiful collection of memories that I hold deeply close to my heart, especially since Lucy is tragically no longer in my life. Now, as I type these words, another main character in my story is also at risk. An unreasonable, indefensible, and potentially catastrophic risk. A risk that threatens not only the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior, but the entirety of Michigan's outdoor recreation industry - and especially Detroit's. The Porcupine Mountains themselves are in risk of exploitation, contamination, and degradation. Here's why all of Michigan's outdoor community must join forces to #ProtectThePorkies. The Danger Facing the Porcupine Mountains In case this article is the first that you are hearing about this issue, allow us to give you the TL;DR summary. TOMORROW, DECEMBER 18TH , the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee will be voting on whether to approve a $50,000,000, taxpayer-funded grant to a Canadian mining company called Highland Copper. The Michigan House Appropriations Committee provided their preliminary approval of the grant last week. The "Copperwood Mine" will be located all of a 15 SECOND DRIVE from the southeastern corner of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, with mining waste having direct gravitational flow access to the Presque Isle River and Lake Superior. Additionally, the Copperwood Mine will be located directly north of the North Country National Scenic Trail , one of the longest national scenic trails in the United States. Image courtesy of Protect the Porkies Before diving into the severe environmental and economic risks of the Copperwood Mine, for the sake of fairness we would like to point out some of its economic benefits. The price of copper is roughly $3.72 per pound , so the mine could produce an estimated $400 million. The copper mining industry produces roughly $1 billion per year for Michigan's economy. Alright, those are the "pros." Here is the startling long list of " cons ": Thirty million tons of mine waste. That's right - the Copperwood Mine is anticipated to produce 30,000,000 tons of toxic waste over a 10 year period. Copper will comprise only 1.45% of the total extracted material from the mine - the remaining 98.55% would be waste, containing mercury, arsenic, and other toxins, to be stored on-site in a 323-acre waste facility erected on topography sloping directly into Lake Superior. There has never been a copper sulfide mine which did not contaminate local water. The Copperwood Mine would erect a tailings disposal facility holding 50+ million tons of heavy-metal laden waste-rock on topography sloping towards Lake Superior - a lake that comprises 10% of the world's freshwater. The underground operations of the Copperwood Mine would threaten the roots of the Porcupine Mountain's old growth forest. The 35,000 acres of old growth forest in Porcupine Mountains State Park represent the largest tract of mixed old growth remaining in the Midwest. Irreparable harm to local wildlife. The mine would subject the Porcupine Mountains to heavy metal dust spewed up from hundreds of meters underground, to catch and carry on the wind for miles in all directions; twice-daily subterranean blasts which are known to disrupt the reproductive cycles of aquatic life; noise pollution and light pollution which will further impact the mating rituals and calls of wildlife. Intense light pollution. The 24/7 requisite industrial lighting for the Copperwood Mine would entail severe light pollution for the wilderness region, leading to negative and deadly effects on many creatures, including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Copper is not scarce. It is 100% recyclable, and an estimated 88% of copper still remains in the ground. Copper was also just recently denied an upgrade of status to "critical mineral" by the U.S. Geological Society. Highland Copper is an inexperienced and foreign entity. The extra copper will be shipped to Canada for Canadian infrastructure and manufacturing operations. Highland Copper has never developed a mine before. This list only scratches the surface of the projected risks that the Copperwood Mine poses to the Porcupine Mountains, including additional and specified harm to secondary forest growth, endangered wolf and Redside Dace populations, medicinal plant species, and cultural degradation to indigenous Anishinaabe lands. But wait, there's more. An additional genre of "harm" that may sound intangible, but will have a devastating impact on the Great Lakes State for decades to come. In fact, it is a recurrent harm that generations of Michiganders - and especially Detroiters - have already faced and suffered under: The Degradation of our Outdoor Identity. The Fragility of Michigan's Outdoor State Until very, very recently , Michigan's outdoor recreation industry has faced a severe image problem. Scratch that, the entire Great Lakes region has had to overcome a legacy of favoring industrialization over conservation . The impact of such political and economic favortism has had dire socioeconomic and environmental consequences, which we have felt the most painfully right here in the Detroit region. As political strategist Lee Atwater once said, " Perception is reality. " Throughout Michigan's history , our collective perception of our natural resources has varied significantly. From fur trapping to logging booms to the rise of the automative industry, we have systematically perceived our Michigan's bountiful forests, water ways, wildlife, and minerals as a means of economic and industrial production. Yes, this has brought "high times" of wealth, development, and prosperity to our region. The natural cycles of industrialization have also left ghost towns, economic exposure , and irreparable environmental contamination in its wake. One of the first articles that we ever published on Expedition Detroit featured a response to the dumping of 10,000 gallons of hexavalent chromium solution - a highly toxic carcinogen - into disposal channels that lead to the Huron River . The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is struggling to maintain healthy wildlife populations due to Michigan's over-suburbanization and aging, decreasing population. Our state is struggling to attract young workers to fill in the widening void wrought by poor economic development agendas brought forth by administrations past. Ironically, this is all occurring while Michigan's outdoor recreation industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy contributed $13.9 billion in value-add in 2023 , supporting 118,000 jobs and $6.4 billion in compensation to employee households. There are more than 7,000 outdoor recreation industry companies in Michigan, ranging from manufacturing, service providers and facilitators to retailers and wholesalers. National headlines have hailed both Michigan as a whole and Detroit specifically as "one of the most adventurous states in the U.S.," including the following quote from Outside Magazine : The Detroit Riverwalk, the city’s crown jewel, now connects to nearby Belle Isle, the southern terminus of the nearly completed 2,000-mile Iron Belle Trail. The statewide project, with hiking and biking paths to the Upper Peninsula, is over 70 percent ready following new route additions in 2023. . . The expansion of the Detroit Riverwalk—a 3.5-mile riverfront promenade voted one of the nation’s most beautiful—means easier access to Belle Isle, a 982-acre park. The best part about all of these good headlines? Young professionals - the " Holy Grail " for Michigan's long-term economic development agenda - are attracted to regions that feature world-class outdoor recreational opportunities . HOW YOU CAN PROTECT MICHIGAN'S OUTDOOR FUTURE Here's our main question to the powers that be: Why the hell are we shooting ourselves in the foot? A common definition for " Insanity " is "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." By sacrificing one of Michigan's most beloved wilderness regions in the name of marginal profits, we as a state are signaling to the greater outdoor economy that nothing has changed . That we will build a major manufacturing site directly next to a fragile natural resource. That we will disregard our natural environment in the name of pollutive profits. That we are comfortable trading short-term benefits for long-term pain. That we’re willing to gamble with our reputation as an outdoor destination, especially for nascent recreational economies like Detroit’s. That Michigan's outdoors - including the economic and ecological environment that supports it - truly do not matter. How can we call ourselves the " Great Trails State " when we're willing to build a pollutive mine right next to a National Scenic Trail? How can the "Great Lakes State" be so willing to utilize taxpayer funds to contaminate our largest lake? We're far from alone in expressing this outrage. As of the publication of this article, 324,902 individuals have signed a petition to "Protect the Porkies." You should too, but given the 11th hour of this publication, here is how you can join the fight. CONTACT YOUR SENATOR. Especially these Senators that will be VOTING TOMORROW: E-mail Addresses (copy and paste the full list into the To: field of an email) SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov SenJIrwin@senate.michigan.gov SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov SenDCamilleri@senate.michigan.gov SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov SenMCavanagh@senate.michigan.gov SenJBumstead@senate.michigan.gov SenTAlbert@senate.michigan.gov SenJDamoose@senate.michigan.gov SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov SenLTheis@senate.michigan.gov   Phone Numbers — Senate Sarah Anthony (Majority Chair): 517-373-6960 Sean McCann (Majority Vice Chair): 517-373-5100 Kristen McDonald Rivet: 517-373-1725 John Cherry: 517-373-0142 Rosemary Bayer: 517-373-2417 Sylvia Santana: 517-373-0990 Sue Shink: 517-373-2426 Jeff Irwin: 517-373-2406 Kevin Hertel: 517-373-7315 Darin Camilleri: 517-373-7918 Veronica Klinefelt: 517-373-7670 Mallory McMorrow: 517-373-2523 Mary Cavanagh: 517-373-7748 John Bumstead (Minority Vice Chair): 517-373-1635 Thomas Albert: 517-373-1734 John Damoose: 517-373-2413 Mark Huizenga: 517-373-0797 Rick Outman: 517-373-3760 Lana Theis: 517-373-2420 ***DECEMBER 20, 2024 UPDATE*** On December 19th, the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee DECLINED TO VOTE on the Copperwood Mine Grant, effectively DEFEATING its passage for the indefinite future! This is a MASSIVE win for Michigan's outdoor community, and one that inherently aligns with the values and aspirations of the Expedition Detroit community. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and contacted their state representatives. Thank you to the team at Protect the Porkies for their tireless efforts in advocating for the land. Most importantly, thank you to the Porkies and Lake Superior for being so damn spectacular that any reasonable person had no choice but to jump on board the #ProtectThePorkies train. Unfortunately, yesterday's actions do not guarantee the safety of the Porcupine Mountains. As certain as death and taxes are, you can also bet your last dollar that someone - either Highland Copper or another unknown party - will continue to try and extract valuable resources from this immensely vulnerable environment. Absolutely savor this moment of victory, but stay diligent. And when the time comes, we hope that you'll join us in continuing this fight. #ProtectthePorkies

'Tis the season for holly, jolly 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! In case you haven't heard, it's the most wonderful time of the year... And yes, not only because of the holiday season. The Expedition Detroit team is STOKED for a December that's JAM-PACKED with recreational opportunities in the Detroit area, which may come as a shock to some outdoor enthusiasts. Especially since we're waaaaay behind the curve here publishing this article on December 12th. Whoops . 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 holiday commitments, the net result is that the odds for experiencing 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 s nowshoeing 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 near Detroit for December . Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts Management Company. 1. Earn First Tracks at Detroit's Premiere Ski Resorts Throughout December | Big Four Ski Resorts 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, 3/4 of Detroit's " Big Four Ski Resorts " are open for riding! We state this with a little bit of a caveat - all four resorts are largely still in the snowmaking/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. 2. Run like Rudolph in a Holiday Race December 7th   | Throughout the Detroit Region   | 9:30 a.m. Remember those few extra pounds that you may or may not have packed on during Thanksgiving? Well, lucky for you, 2024'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 race season, all of your favorite running Santas will be coming to towns across the Detroit region this Saturday, December 7th . Starting in Utica, the Eggnog Jog  kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Dexter's a nnual " Holiday Hustle " then sprints off with their half marathon race at 11 a.m., followed by community-favorites 1 mile and 5K events respectively at 4 and 4:30 p.m. Last but certainly not least, Saline's " Merry Mile " closes out the festive racing at 5:30 p.m. 3. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve December 7th   | Point Pelee National Park    | 6:00 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. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) will be onsite with telescopes to facilitate star gazing. RASC attendance is weather permitting as cloudy skies inhibit night sky viewing. Cloudy skies or clear, the park will be open until 12 am unless otherwise stated 4. Wander Into Winter with Expedition Detroit! Throughout December | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Detroit is a world-class, year-round outdoor destination - and our guided trips are curated to capitalize on each phase of our calendar trail conditions! Beyond our typical offering of guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running adventures, this December we're excited to broaden our offering of guided night hiking safaris and - conditions pending - GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREKS ! Both of these trips will provide snowshoes and headlamps for rent. 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 . P.S. Subscribers to our content  get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store  items... 5. Discover the 12 Birds of Christmas at Humbug Marsh December 21st | 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. 6. Book Your Escape from the Holiday Mayhem All December   | Throughout Detroit Region Let's call a spade a spade: the holidays often provide some of the most stressful days of the year. A perfect storm of year-end burnout , financial stressors, and familial pressures. Oh, and constant reminders to be "merry" and "joyful" don't really ease the situation as much as carolers hope for ( they actually tend to exacerbate it ). During times like these, our go-to remedy is a winter escape. Anything from an overnight at Green Lake's iconic yurt , a rustic cabin at Island Lake Recreation Area, Point Pelee National Park's " oTENTik " modern tents, or the best "glamping" destinations throughout the Detroit region. Basically anything to get you off-grid and in nature during this magically stressful time of year. Photo courtesy of Glenlore Trails 7. Experience the Winter Wonderland of Glenlore Trails Throughout December  | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan   | 7 p.m. This holiday season, Glenlore Trails invites you to step into "Aurora," an illuminated winter wonderland! Glenlore's magical night walk is filled with dazzling lights, interactive activations, and a special twist - magic wands that let you unlock hidden surprises along the trail . Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a memorable date night, Aurora offers a truly immersive experience that will bring the holiday season to life! Aurora will be open from until December 29th. 8. Seize the Day on a Winter Solstice Hike December 21st   | Lake Erie Metropark | 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Winter is coming. For many, that may invoke a feeling of dread - or a signal to start looking at flights south. For Expedition Detroit, on the other hand, that means an opportunity to kick the " Friluftsliv " lifestyle into high gear. The Detroit region's generous snowfall and shorter days mean incredible skiing, snow shoeing , and night hiking opportunities . Plus, the fair-weather crowds leave our pristine natural environment virtually vacant. And that all officially kicks off on December 21st - the " Winter Solstice " - which is also the shortest day of the calendar year. This solstice, our friends at Lake Erie Metropark invite you to seize the fleeting daylight on their nature trails on an educational Winter Solstice Hike ! The guides will dive deep into the why and how the winter solstice happens, and what that means for the natural world around us. This program is entirely outdoors, lasts approximately 120 minutes, will be spent on a leisurely walk with frequent stops. The hike will conclude at the Lake Erie Marshlands Museum. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. EXPLORE A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 9. Stay in the Woods for Extended Whitetail Deer Season Throughout December   | Statewide in Michigan    Wait - you didn't think that whitetail deer season   ended in November, right ...? If you did, don't sweat it. Most Michiganders only associate deer hunting with "primetime" firearm season during the last two weeks of November. However, deer season continues all the way until the very end of January. In fact, Detroit-region hunters have the most expansive and inclusive hunting opportunities in the entire state . Here's a quick reference guide for the remaining schedule for deer season near Detroit: Period Dates Equipment Regulations Location Muzzleloader December 6th - 15th A muzzleloading rifle or black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute Statewide Antlerless Firearm December 16th - January 12th All firearm regulations apply Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties Urban Archery December 1st - January 31st Compound and crossbow; must wear hunter orange during firearm periods Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources  has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy . More specifically, in order to alleviate the significant stress that an overpopulation of deer has levied upon the lower peninsula's ecosystem, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe . Increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits  of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 10. Sprint into the New Year at the Belle Isle NYE Run December 31st | Belle Isle State Park   | 3 p.m. 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 2024 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. This year, head down to Belle Isle for the annual New Year's Eve Run 5K ! Set against the picturesque backdrop of Downtown Detroit , this annual run features a range of distances to accommodate all levels of runners and walkers. Participants enjoy a scenic route with stunning views of the Detroit skyline and the Detroit River, while festive decorations and a lively atmosphere add to the celebration. The event often includes post-race festivities such as music, food, and opportunities for socializing, making it a memorable way to ring in the new year. Happy December to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2024. 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.

In this opinion piece, Brandan Freeman of "Shades of the Outdoors" provides critical insights into the broken promises of "The Wilderness Act" and "Civil Rights Act" - and how all Americans can better uphold the call for an "Outdoors for All." The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of one of the most important pieces of legislation impacting the American outdoors: The Wilderness Act. The Wilderness Act drastically expanded the definition of what could be conserved under federal law. As a result, millions of acres of land across the country have been protected from commercialization and human development. This land has been protected to be used for, according to the Act’s edict, the " permanent good of all people. " The anniversary of the Act’s signing is worth celebrating by anyone who experiences our national parks, monuments, waterways, and public lands . As an outdoor enthusiast, I extol the Wilderness Act as a shining example of American ingenuity, perseverance, and commitment to conservation. Indeed, it truly is. It is also one of the most visible examples of systemic racism in this era of “color blindness.” This year, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, we should also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act . Both acts were approved by Congress within the same legislation session. The Wilderness Act was passed unanimously, in a bipartisan manner, by members of the House of Representatives on July 30, 1964.Three weeks earlier, members of the House convened to vote on the Civil Rights Act, which fortunately passed on July 2, 1964. Unlike the Wilderness Act, however, the passage of the Civil Rights Act was highly contentious and far from unanimous. In fact, when you analyze the voter rolls for both Acts, you undeniably discover systemic inequality in action. Out of all of the votes cast, nearly one third of Congress members that voted in favor of the Wilderness Act, did not vote in favor of the Civil Rights Act. That's right. Over 100 members of congress were simultaneously in favor of the Wilderness Act, but starkly against guaranteeing civil rights for millions of Americans. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. Two days before Independence Day - a day that Americans praise the virtues of freedom and independence, and three weeks before signing legislation that would preserve land for the enjoyment of all Americans - hundreds of members of Congress voted against granting African Americans rights guaranteed by the Constitution. In doing so, Congress perpetuated the dual-definition of what it meant to be an American. The reality of who , where , and how Americans can live their lives. Regardless of the de jure wins passed within the Civil Rights Act, the de facto definition of “all Americans” remained unchanged. Congress' actions affirmed that irrespective of the Act, Americans that identify as members of the global majority (often inaccurately labeled as BIPOC) would remain explicitly excluded. This intentional re-amplification of the racial caste system reaffirmed who qualifies as Americans. And, very notably, wh o were eligible to enjoy public outdoor recreation areas. “All” did not truly mean all. And that legacy of "not all" in our outdoors persists 60 years later. A common saying among the outdoor community is that " the outdoors does not discriminate. " Yes, this is true on its face - there are no records of trees or mountains engaging in hate speech or acts of bigotry. The social construct of "the outdoors," however, has a documented history of racism that both predates and survives the Wilderness Act and the Civil Rights Act. The displacement of Native Americans from their indigenous lands began long before the establishment of our Constitution in 1789. The monstrous amount of lynchings that occurred from 1865 to 1950s usually took place in forests or natural spaces. Even our beloved National Parks System was segregated until 1945. And in recent memory , discrimination in the outdoors has persisted in both covert ways - such as in the case of Christian Cooper, threatened with violence and arrest while bird-watching in Central Park - to overt and life-threatening ways, such as the tragedy of Ahmaud Arbery's murder while running outdoors in February of 2020. Here are additional facts on the current state of the outdoors in America: Only 23% of visitors to the 432 national park units across the U.S. are people of color. 74% percent of communities of color in the contiguous United States live in nature-deprived areas, compared with just 23% of white communities. Nature destruction has had the largest impact on low-income communities of color , depriving such communities of air and water purification, climate mitigation, biodiversity and disease control, and opportunities for leisure and recreation. In Michigan, people of color comprise 85% of residents living in a nature-deprived area. Oftentimes words lose their gravity, importance, and meaning due to overuse. "Systemic" is one of those words. Same with "inequality." From this day forward, when you hear the phrase "systemic inequality," remember the Wilderness and Civil Rights Acts. Inequality is deeply rooted into our society, laws, customs, and courtesies. When we say the "outdoors" was created within a construct that systemically excludes people of the global majority, the Wilderness Act is, unfortunately, exactly what we mean. Remember the statistics referenced here, and how they reflect the duality of what it means to be an American in our "outdoors." It is important to note that conservation didn’t end in 1964. In the 60 years post ratification, numerous additional pieces of legislation were signed to protect millions of additional acres of land. Even today , conservationists in Michigan are fighting in Lansing to protect Porcupine Mountains State Park from a foreign company's plan to erect a metallic sulfide waste facility directly adjacent to the park's boundary. Similarly, the fight for Civil Rights did not end on signing day. The fight for equality for all rages on. And it must continue, because 60 years after these two pieces of legislation were signed, forthcoming government policies continue to threaten the viability of both civil rights and conservation within the United States and around the world. The job wasn’t done then. Our job isn’t done now. Being mindful of our history, and perhaps the future,   we call on outdoor organizations to look inwards. Scrutinize your values, guiding principles, and practices. Colorblindness alone will not bring change. Intentional anti-racist actions are necessary. Only when that occurs will the outdoors truly become a place for everyone . This article was originally published as “ From 1964 to 2024 ” on November 11, 2024 via Shades of the Outdoors and is republished on Expedition Detroit with the express written consent of Shades of the Outdoors and Brandan Freeman. Further republications of the original article require the express written consent of Brandan Freeman. This article expresses the views of its author(s), which do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.

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

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition summits the heights of the Detroit region's resident "high lands" - the rugged Mt. Kanzer Trail of Highland State Recreation Area . Join us as we explore one of Southeast Michigan's most unknown and highest points! Why do we need trails? If you're as passionate about the outdoors as I am, that question may seem laughable on its face. Ridiculous even. A gut reaction like that is to be expected when trails have become a central pillar of your lifestyle, akin to going to the gym, dropping in to your favorite brewery , or watching the Lions on Sunday afternoons. Alright, now that you've had a laugh , please - actually entertain the question for the second. Try to answer it. " We need trails because... " Ahhhhh ...now the question gets a little more complicated. I tried answering before I put pen to paper here, but ultimately bypassed the critical thinking exercise by Googling the question. Here's what the fine folks at the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy came up with: Trails and greenways create healthy recreation and transportation opportunities by providing people of all ages with attractive, safe, accessible and low- or no-cost places to cycle, walk, hike, jog or skate. Trails help people of all ages incorporate exercise into their daily routines by connecting them with places they want or need to go . Communities that encourage physical activity by making use of the linear corridors can see a significant effect on public health and wellness. " Connecting them with places they want or need to go. " Ultimately, that's the core value of a trail - especially when built out of necessity or desire . The Mt. Kanzer Trail was born out of such necessity and desire. That may sound surprising since Highland State Recreation Area is a world-class destination that has no shortage of trails. Our #TrailTuesday series has already covered Highland's two most famous trails, the historic Haven Hill Loop and the rigorous, "black-diamond" rated A-B-C-D Loops . We've even covered the segment of the Chief Pontiac Trail that navigates through the heart of the park. So what makes the Mt. Kanzer Trail so special? First, it leads to the highest point in Highland State Recreation Area: Mt. Kanzer . While the debate continues whether Mt. Kanzer reaches 1,050 ft. or 1,060 ft. of elevation ( we opt for the higher because, come on ), it is undisputed that the peak constitutes one of the highest elevations in all of southeast Michigan. Extra points for being the highest point within a park literally named after its reputation as the "high lands." Second, it provides a critical safety corridor between Downtown Milford and Highland Recreation Area for mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners. For several years, mountain bikers looking to access Highland's A-B-C-D Loops from Milford had no choice but to navigate the tight turns, variable conditions, and unpredictable traffic of Weaver, Cooley Lake, and Beaumont Roads. The Mt. Kanzer Trail, which includes the MCMBA-built " Milford Connector Trail ," safely guides trail users away from the vast majority of this traffic. The Connector has even become a staple route for riders participating in the annual " Milford Bike Fest " route. Now that you're all caught up, allow us to reintroduce Highland State Recreation Area and the Mt. Kanzer Trail now. MEET HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA The story of Highland State Recreation Area, as we recognize and recreate within it today, dates back to an unexpected union of lands once owned by fierce business rivals . In March of 1922, the Board of the Dodge Brothers Company authorized the spending of $350,000 to purchase lands across the northwestern perimeter of the Detroit region. These lands - now referred to as the "Dodge Parks" - were donated by Dodge to the State of Michigan for use as public parks in memory of the company's founders, John and Horace Dodge. One of these parks received the designation "Dodge Brothers State Park No. 10" in the northeast quarter of Highland Township. Just a few miles east, another prominent automotive family was contemporaneously closing on vast land purchases. Starting in 1923 , the Edsel and Eleanor Ford started to purchase thousands of acres in the same general region of western Oakland County, including a particular area consisting of a dramatic hill rising adjacent to a wooded lake. The Fords decided to construct their "nerve retreat" wilderness lodge on top of that hill, with construction lasting from 1924 through 1931. The world would come to know that lodge, and its foundational moraine, as "Haven Hill." EXPLORE HIGHLAND'S HAVEN HILL LOOP  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Over the following 20 years, the Michigan Department of Conservation purchased several thousand additional acres of land to the east of Dodge Brothers State Park No. 10. The State of Michigan also acquired the area surrounding Haven Hill in 1943. The aggregation of the Dodge Brothers parcels with the Ford parcels would amount to the 5,900 acres now constituting Highland State Recreation Area, the Detroit region's fourth largest state park, which officially opened in 1945. The Highland Recreation Area of 2024 consists of one of the most ecologically and recreationally diverse landscapes in the entire Great Lakes region. The park's Haven Hill Natural Area contains all of southern Michigan's principal forest types within its 721 acres, including swamp forest of tamarack, cedar, beech-maple forest, oak-hickory forest, and mixed hardwood forest. Beyond world-class hiking and mountain biking, Highland has also evolved into a recreational melting pot for our region's best equestrians, backpackers, kayakers, cross-country skiers, bird-watchers, anglers, and hunters. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 3.8 miles Elevation Gain : 272 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Route Orientation : "Lollipop Loop" from Milford Connector trailhead Parking Specifics : Limited parking available at Milford Connector trailhead on west side of Weaver Road Drive slowly down Weaver Road as you approach the Milford Connector trailhead - your launching point for the Mt. Kanzer Trail . There's several practical and logistical reasons for this, the first being that Weaver Road is a residential street that starts next to a local middle school within the Village of Milford and ends in the southern heart of Highland Recreation Area. Second, Weaver is teeming with wildlife, especially in the morning and late afternoon hours. Last, the trailhead "parking lot" is small . Very small. As in two cars max . If you're driving too fast, you'll miss it. If there isn't a lot of space at the trailhead, then you could also either utilize a pull off space along Weaver Rd., start your hike at the Cooley Lake Rd. crossing (ample parking spaces are typically available along Cooley Lake), or hike in reverse from the Beaumont Rd. terminus of the Milford Connector Trail. For this #TrailTuesday, however, we'll assume that you were able to snag a spot at the Mt. Kanzer Trail's main Weaver Rd. trailhead. The Mt. Kanzer Trail starts by heading north along the out-and-back Milford Connector Trail. In leafless "off-season conditions" you'll be treated to glimmering views of Moore Lake to your west. The initial 0.6 mile segment to the Cooley Lake Road crossing is quick and relatively flat, although a dramatic ravine and bridge crossing at the 0.3 mile marker does add some variety to the first chapter of this hike. There's also a trail pup memorial right when Cooley Lake Road comes into view. Always, always pay homage to the fallen trail pup. Congrats - your crossing of Cooley Lake Road means that you have traversed the only section of Highland State Recreation Area that exists within Milford Township. The first 0.2 miles of hiking into Highland Township continues to follow the Milford Connector. Fading signage posted by our friends at the MCMBA will guide the way. Your first navigational challenge arrives at a clearing located roughly at the 0.8 mile marker. You will turn north ( left ) to deviate away from the well-marked Milford Connector Trail and onto a barely-apparent equestrian trail. As poet Robert Frost would say, you will "take the trail less traveled by, and that will make all the difference" as you start your ascent towards Mt. Kanzer. The next 0.8 miles of hiking along the Mt. Kanzer Trail consist of a narrow, consistent, and northward ascent towards the summit. If you're hiking this trail, then the gradual 77 ft. of ascent during this segment will come at a nice, consistent pace. If you're trail running, then you'll likely start to feel the 5-7% incline grades as you ascend through the "tunnel of trees." Fair warning : this stretch of the Mt. Kanzer Trail can get very muddy during the wetter months of year, and is also rarely maintained by the Michigan DNR. We strongly recommend that you were waterproof hiking boots due largely to just this section of the trail. Although there are several offshoot trails along this ascending segment of the Mt. Kanzer Trail, only one prominent trail dramatically bisects it at the 1.5 mile marker. This trail is your route - the formal, prominent, and 11% grade push to the summit of Mt. Kanzer. It will be abundantly obvious, but turn left to continue your final ascent of the trail. The last 0.2 miles of hiking to the summit showcase the stark reality of Highland's wildest segments. On one hand, you have the dramatic ridge lines, drop-offs, and vistas that have cemented Highland as an adventure athlete's paradise. These are the same ridges that we once utilized to test our theory that Highland represents one of the Detroit region's best destinations for backcountry powder skiing . The theory held up - Highland remains undefeated for innovation in outdoor adventure sports. On the other end of the spectrum, the views from the summit are virtually nonexistent due to the claustrophobic effect of invasive bittersweet vines . The summit is marked by a stone monument located to the left of the main trail (a small sidetrack leads right to it), which during the leafy summer months provides the only recognition that you've reached the pinnacle of Highland's high lands. There's no dramatic, Instagram-ready vista like Mt. Katahdin or Uhuru Peak. There's hardly room to pose by the monument due to the overreach of vines. There's only a simple monument, with rolling forested views, to commemorate a unique southeast Michigan outdoor achievement . We don't intend to put a negative spin on the Mt. Kanzer summit push. In fact, t his is one of my go-to trails that I ran regularly during my training for summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro last August . And I'd be lying if I said that I still don't feel a little sense of pride every time that I reach the summit, because summiting is always an accomplishment. Our critique here is intended solely as a reality check regarding the effects of generational neglect of our wildest places. Mt. Kanzer could - and should - be stunning. A destination for our regional outdoor athletes. And while it may never provide sweeping views due to its heavily-forested environs, Expedition Detroit absolutely advocates for prioritized forest maintenance efforts in the area surrounding the summit. Constructing a more prominent summit monument would also be a nice touch, but let's not get greedy. After spending ample time at the summit, the Mt. Kanzer Trail then descends the full length of the "Summit Trail" back towards Beaumont Rd. If you're looking to add extra mileage to your hike, you can continue west on the Summit Trail past the peak until it ends at Pettibone Lake Rd. If you're sticking to our route however, you will descend 0.2 miles - past the equestrian trail that you completed earlier - until you reconnect with the prominent Milford Connector Trail before reaching the DNR parking area. Turn right at the signage post towards Milford. The next 0.9 miles of hiking along the Milford Connector Trail is simply stunning. The trail building crew over at the MCMBA are experts not only in building beautiful trails, but also planning beautiful trails. The steady descent of the Milford Connector Trail provides sweeping, vine-less vistas of " kettle pool " ponds, wetlands, and dramatic forested ravines. This segment is especially gorgeous during the evening "golden hour." You'll know that you've reached the "beginning of the end" when you pass through "deviation point" clearing at the 2.9 mile marker, thereby completing the Mt. Kanzer-Milford Connector Loop. From this point, you'll retrace your earlier boot prints over 0.9 miles, although this time with a steady incline over the last half mile. EXPLORE THE HIGHLAND MT. KANZER TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT WEEKEND BONUS TIPS While Highland represents a destination ready for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels and interests, let's call a spade a spade : Highland is best suited for our region's most professional, badass, adventurous, and conditions-be-damned recreationists . Men and women who smile when the "summit" of one hill only reveals another, or laugh when the rocks and roots start competing to see which can trip you up first. Hikers, runners, and backpackers looking to train on Highland's prime real estate of rigorous terrain. Hunters unafraid of dragging their prized game out of wild, inhospitable terrain. And, especially, mountain bikers looking to conquer Highland's beloved yet infamous A-B-C-D Loops . For the uninitiated, the singular term "Highland" in midwest MTB circles specifically refers to this trail system - one of only three "Black Diamond"-rated trails in the entire Detroit region. In fact, these combined loops constitute the single most challenging trail in the entirety of our corner of the Great Lakes. The route consists of varying sections with roots, rocky stretches, steep climbs, and manageable technical areas. While these loops are primarily intended for mountain bikers, these trails are also very popular for hikers, trail runners , bird watchers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hunters . CONQUER HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Looking for something a slightly tamer? We don't blame you, and fortunately Highland's scenic " North Loop " trail is directly accessible from the same MTB Trailhead. The North Loop provides 2.2 miles of easy, flowing trail, complete with trekking or riding through the full spectrum of Highland's varied natural environment. The North Loop is also teeming with wildlife within its grasslands, pine forests, and marshlands, so stay on the lookout for wild turkeys, sandhill cranes, and deer. EXPLORE HIGHLAND'S NORTH LOOP WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Outside of Highland, we have one simple piece of advice for you: travel south, preferably with a kayak . The Huron River and its endless supply of adventures wait for you along its idyllic banks at Proud Lake State Recreation Area, ripe for wildlife viewing and catch-and-release fishing opportunities. The best launch points at Proud Lake can be found at the Proud Lake Campground, Moss Lake Dam, and the boat launch parking lot just east of N Wixom Road. Looking more for a "trail town" experience? May we interest you in Downtown Milford : our inaugural " Trail Town Spotlight " destination and a small town overflowing with outdoor recreation opportunities. From Highland, downtown is within walking distance from the recreation area's southern segments and easily reachable via bike from the main MTB Trailhead off of E Livingston Road. From Proud Lake, you can easily paddle the 2.6 miles downstream to Milford Central Park - or, as we like to do, pull off just before the Main Street Bridge for direct access to our friends at River's Edge Brewing Co . We can't wait to see you out there. The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

The third installment of our #EmbraceTheDark Series, we're exploring the best night hiking trails near Detroit. Spoiler alert: most of these trails are awesome for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing too. What makes for an amazing night hiking trail? We've wrestled with this question over the last few weeks - especially when compared to our existing articles on our region's top-rated and most challenging trails . Should trail accessibility play into the analysis? What about the difference in trail popularity vs. peak summer months? Availability for multi-sport use, such as snowshoeing and fat tire biking, during the winter months? Above average nocturnal wildlife viewing opportunities when compared to daytime wildlife opportunities? Yes - the answer to each of these questions/factors/analytical data points is yes . A truly great nighttime hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing trail should be easily accessible, especially in light of the, well, absence of light. The nocturnal version of the trail should provide benefits that are simply unattainable during peak season, daylight hours: dissipated crowds, bustling wildlife, opportunity to pursue your sport without constantly keeping your head on a swivel for other trail users. Now that we've established our ranking framework, here are the Detroit region's top five trails for your next nighttime outdoor excursion . 1. Maybury State Park Hiking Loop | Northville, MI Distance : 3.1 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy Trail Closure : 10 p.m. In our most recent #TrailTownSpotlight on Northville , we emphasized that Maybury State Park's central location in the Detroit region establishes the park as an outdoor adventure oasis amidst Detroit's western suburbs. Well, there's one downside to that high praise: Maybury is immensely popular with hikers, dog-walkers, and trail runners during the peak summer months - especially along its natural hiking trail. The net result of that popularity includes noise pollution, decreased wildlife sightings, and a slight diminishment of the wilderness sentiment that we all crave. Now, here's a beautiful insider tip: all of these negating factors disappear in the colder months - especially at night! Writing from personal experience, Maybury's main hiking loop has become my go-to hiking and running trail over the last month due to its ease of accessibility from virtually anywhere in the Detroit region, its depopulated route, and the immensity of wildlife that I regularly cross-paths on the trail. I kid you not, I have seen more giant bucks along Maybury's hiking trail during the past few weeks than I ever have over nearly a decade of hunting. Beyond these perks, the trail also nabs our top ranking for night hiking due to its combination of interesting geographic features, rolling yet manageable terrain, and opportunities for varied routes. Maybury is a relatively small state park, yet this 5K loop provides hikers with expansive old forest, lowland marsh, and stunning wetland terrain. The park's main fishing pond and adjacent piers are absolutely the gems of the route, but the wooded hills and valleys of the western stretches of the route make for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities - especially with the added visibility during this time of year. The only caveat here is to keep your eyes peeled for roots crossing the trail - especially during the steeper decline around the 1-mile mark. EXPERIENCE THIS TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. Bird Hills Nature Area Trail | Ann Arbor, MI Distance : 4.9 miles Elevation Gain : 393 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Trail Closure : 10 p.m. Coming in as a very, very close second, the Bird Hills Nature Area Trail provides one of the most scenic, unique, and challenging night hiking destinations on our list. Despite falling entirely within the city limits of one of the Detroit region's largest cities, Bird Hills provides hikers with a panorama view of the Huron River, access to four of Ann Arbor's celebrated "Nature Areas," and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a small patch of wilderness despite being walking distance from one of the country's greatest college towns. While Bird Hills stands out on its own anytime of the year, completing the trail outside of its peak March to October season - especially at night - comes with additional perks. Beyond the nonexistent crowds that typically flock to this trail, these colder, darker months take care of the suffocating mosquitos that dominate this trail during early summer. For any college students facing final exams, taking a well-deserved study break in nature, with little to no human interference with your surroundings, also dramatically decreases the stress and anxiety associated with this notoriously stressful final lap of the semester. While none of these trails are necessarily "difficult," the Birds Hill trail does take the prize as the most challenging trail in this article - most notably starting at the 3-mile marker. Please make sure that you adequately prepare for hiking in the dark before hitting the trailhead, including basic safety tips like always telling someone your itinerary before heading out for a hike. As depicted on the map linked above, Bird Hills features lots of intersecting trails, so please frequently check your trail map to avoid getting lost. Take your time, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and soak up every moment of having one of the Detroit region's most popular trails all to yourself! 3. Marsh, River, Red, and Blue Trail Loops | Proud Lake State Recreation Area | Commerce Charter Township, MI Distance : 5.6 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy Trail Closure : 10 p.m. I've said it once, twice, and maybe a thousand times: Proud Lake State Recreation Area is one of the Detroit region's most underrated parks, even despite being one of its most popular. For the uninitiated, Wixom Road bifurcates Proud Lake into two distinct western and eastern zones. We recently highlighted the western zone within our #TrailTownSpotlight on Milford as an "off the beaten path" gem for trail running (and mountain biking ), despite the zone largely being dominated by equestrian trails. The far more popular eastern zone is largely the realm of hikers, paddlers, swimmers, fishers, and in-season hunters, as well as scout groups, community camping trips, and anyone else who wants to spend an hour or two on the trail or in the Huron. As you can imagine, summers at Proud Lake can often feel more like a waterpark than a " Walden Pond "-style natural escape from suburbia. Not to sound like a broken record, but here's an amazing fact of nature: remove a few hours of sunlight and degrees Fahrenheit from the equation, and you end up with an entirely distinct experience despite holding all other variables constant. Rather than sharing the splendor of nature with what feels like half of Commerce Township, you're all but guaranteed to see more deer, cranes, or muskrats than people. The awe-factor described here is exponentiated by which trails the route covers. As I mentioned above, the eastern zone of Proud Lake typically represents the "hot zone" for foot traffic during peak visitor months. Of all of the trails in the eastern zone, the Marsh, River, Red, and Blue Trails comprise of the epicenter of Proud Lake's "instagram-worthy" highlight reel of destinations. Having the best of the best of Proud Lake to yourself - Moss Lake Dam, the Proud Lake Marsh boardwalks, the riverside trails, northeastern rolling hills that are typically dotted with hunters - is nature's equivalent of having Campus Martius in peak holiday form as yours alone to enjoy. The only items required are a well-charged headlamp, an extra layer or two, and a spirit of adventure. EXPLORE PROUD LAKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 4. Yellow Trail Loop | Island Lake State Recreation Area | Brighton, MI Distance : 5.5 miles Elevation Gain : 278 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Trail Closure : 10 p.m. If you love the outdoors, then you either will or already do love Island Lake State Recreation Area. Swimming, road cycling, mountain biking, hiking, running, birdwatching, shooting, hunting, fishing... you name it, Island Lake's probably got it. Unsurprisingly, the large park's trails can often swell as a result of the faithful swarming to its pristine wilderness hotspots. And out of all of those hotspots, the Yellow Trail Loop takes the prize as Island Lake's most sought-after trail. The Yellow Trail is the first of two predominantly MTB trails included in this article ( spoiler, sorry ), so during peak season hikers should always keep their eyes and ears dialed in for bikers flying down the descents or burning through tight turns. Come November, however, the likelihood of hearing the characteristic "zip" sound of a mountain bike while on the trail starts to diminish steadily. This has always surprised me, especially since the Yellow Trail more or less constitutes a curated highlight reel of the best natural aspects of what many outdoor enthusiasts consider the best recreation area of the entire Detroit region. Then December arrives, along with its imposing wintry temperatures and darkness, and the biking crowd further reduces to only its most passionate, gear-inundated minority. This, my friends, is when the winter hiking community can truly shine on the Yellow Trail. The decreased traffic allows for hikers to truly enjoy the rolling hills without the risk of a mountain biker flying towards them ( remember : whenever possible, always hike in the opposite direction of biking traffic). The bird-watching opportunities along the foliage banks of the Huron are also incredible - especially at night with the headlamp firing. Enjoy the tranquility of having one of the Detroit region's greatest year-round trails all to yourself! CONQUER THE YELLOW TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 5. Lakeshore Park MTB Trails | Novi, MI Distance : 9.7 miles Elevation Gain : 269 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Park Closure : 9 p.m. The final night hiking trail to make our list may come off as a bit misplaced (or sacrilegious) on first glance for our ardent mountain biking community . Lakeshore Park - also commonly referred to as "Novi Tree Farm" - represents one of the Detroit region's most sought-after and highly-praised mountain biking destinations , especially during the peak summer months. Similar to Maybury, its location within the central core of Metro Detroit has established the park as an accessible, well-maintained rider's paradise for decades (kudos, as always, to the MCMBA for their tireless efforts). Put differently, mountain bikers largely reign supreme at Lakeshore Park. Well, surprise surprise, that power dynamic shifts a bit towards other sports during the colder and darker months. Yes, fat tire bikers with beaming headlamps still rule the trail, but the palpable decrease in mountain biking traffic provides hikers, runners, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers with an opportunity to safely and comfortably explore Lakeshore Park's extensive trail system without constantly looking for cyclists. We have included the full 9.7 mile trail system here, but note that Lakeshore Park provides trail users with a "choose your adventure" opportunity regarding its several interwinding loops. While each distinct loop has varying degrees of difficulty, remember that this trail system was designed predominantly for mountain biking. As such, Lakeshore Park hikers should expect a "flowy" trail accentuated with some tight turns, steep climbs, and plenty of bonus features like rock gardens and log piles. Before closing out this article, we wanted to give a quick shoutout to a certain reader who suggested that we include the actual mapped trail routes that we reference within our articles. Fortunately AllTrails makes this feature super user-friendly, so we thank both the reader and AllTrails for providing us with the idea and capability to make this addition possible. Our primary goal at Expedition Detroit is to provide value to our growing outdoor community, so we welcome any and all ideas geared towards improving or enhancing this platform's content. We've actually referenced several reader-feedback ideas throughout our #EmbraceTheDark Series, so this simple recognition is long overdue. We're extremely grateful for everyone who takes the time to check out our posts, so any comments, ideas, or nudges towards new topics or trails are never brushed aside. Have an idea for a new series? Have a favorite trail that you'd like for us to check out? Sweet - we want to hear about it! You can either subscribe to our monthly Newsletter for regular content sharing opportunities or email us directly at info@expeditiondetroit.com to share. We can't wait to see you on the trail - just don't forget your headlamp!

With the arrival of the "offseason" for Detroit's running community, now is the perfect time to implement a strength training into your endurance regimen! Here are Team Expedition Detroit's 5 best strength training exercises for runners - complete with verified results. It started at Mile 8. A slight discomfort just outside of my right knee that quietly made its presence known as my run neared Proud Lake's Organizational Campground . Each stride along that long straightaway provided plenty of time for self-assessment. "Is my pace too fast?" Definitely - I was moving roughly 45 seconds per mile faster than my target long-run pace. Time to slow down. " Am I striking incorrectly?" Nope, strike placement seemed fine. Just needed to keep landing intentionally. " Okay, maybe I just need a quick stretching break. No big deal. " I utilized the boulders at the edge of the campground to implement a thorough mid-run stretch. None of these assessments mattered. By Mile 9, this noticeable discomfort had progressed to objective pain. By Mile 10 the pain felt like a knife digging into my knee. The limping started shortly thereafter. Long run: over. The extent of my injury - acute medial meniscal discomfort due to overtraining and under recovery - became evident over the coming days. After nearly a full season of high-performing races and long runs, including a mid-season Kilimanjaro summit for some extra flair, I was now humbled to a mere 1 mile run before severe pain flared up again. I opted for two full weeks of rest in a last-ditch effort to preserve my Detroit Free Press Marathon aspirations. The net benefit of that rest? I could now run a whopping 1. 25 miles without pain. Great . My 2024 marathon dreams were objectively crushed, and as the jubilant headlines and social media posts flooded the Expedition Detroit feed, I was left licking my wounds and wondering which micro-decisions led to this ultimate failure. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER: Recovery Starts with Assessment After a month of unproductive rest, I finally acknowledged the obvious. I did not have the training nor expertise to diagnosis my injury , let alone prescribe a rehabilitative treatment. I decided to give my friend Dr. Bryce Groshek of Primary Performance, PLLC a call, and a few days later I was in his office receiving a full assessment. Dr. Groshek gave me good news and bad news. The good news was that my condition was highly treatable and relatively unrestrictive. I could still cycle, hike, swim, strength train, and basically engage in any other recreational activity other than running for the next few weeks. The bad news? My condition was entirely preventable. In fact, I had been actively preventing it until ~June, when certain lifestyle changes and work demands made strength training less attractive. I forewent all of the "maintenance" components of my training regimen - my regular weight lifting, sauna, and ice bath sessions - but kept up the longer runs. According to my assessment, the end result of those micro-decisions included weaker hips and glutes, my quads bearing too much of my exercise load, inefficient recovery, and a very, very disappointing marathon day. Continuing strength training would've greatly, if not entirely, prevented my ailments . Regular strength training has been proven to provide runners with the following physical benefits: Reduction in the risk of injury Building up stability and supportive musculature Improvement of running biomechanics, including speed and stride efficiency; and Improvement of cardiovascular endurance. Dear reader: my story does not have to be your story. It surely did not have to be mine. As author Jeff Olson states in The Slight Edge , " simple little disciplines that, done consistently over time, will add up to the very biggest accomplishments. " With these 5 key strength training exercises for runners , you can build an ironclad training regimen that will sustain you through each and every running season. Keep reading to review these best strength training exercises for runners, as well as t he critical role they played in facilitating Team Expedition Detroit's season-ending podium finish..! 1. Squats | Essential for Strengthening Glutes, Hamstrings, and Quads Squats are one of the most basic strength training movements . They're perfect for runners and other endurance athletes who rely on their legs for strength and speed. When completing a squat, keep your knees above your feet ( not bowing out or in ), hinge at the hips, and keep your chest up and back straight. Your arms should be hanging at your side with a firm grip on your free weights as you lower your bottom toward the ground. Recommended Set : Three rounds of 15 repetitions with a 30-second break in between. 2.   Deadlifts |    Romanian and Conventional Deadlifts The deadlift is widely regarded as the most effective strength exercise when it comes to improving the performance of endurance runners. Dead lifts provide a hip-dominant movement compared to the squat with a smaller range of motion, meaning that a heavier load can generally be lifted. Dead lifts also strengthen the entire posterior chain including the glutes, hamstrings, calves, back and shoulders. New to deadlifts? The "Romanian deadlift" variation is widely recommended as better for endurance athletes that are just beginning their strength training regimen. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands placed just outside your thighs. In a resting position, your shoulders should be rolled back, chest up, and back straight. To complete the exercise, bend at the hip to lower the barbell while keeping your eyes fixed on the floor in front of you. Your knees should stay tracked on your toes, and you should feel the exercise predominantly in your glutes. Recommended Set : Three rounds of 12 repetitions, with a 30 second rest in between. 3.   Lunges |    Forward and Reverse Lunges Similar to squats and deadlifts, lunges strengthen and “turn on” your glutes and hamstrings. Lunges also provide an excellent exercise for noticing any imbalances, especially if you’re more balanced on one side than the other. Incorporating lunges into your strength training regimen will enable you with an ample opportunity to address any imbalance issues before they fester into injury. The classic forward lunge consists of a single fluid motion (depicted above) where you maintain a straight spine, hold in your core, step forward with a dominant leg to form a right angle, and "kiss" the knee of the stabilizing leg to the ground. For reverse lunges - which may reduce joint impact compared to forward lunges - start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step one foot back and drop your hips back until your thigh of your planted leg is parallel with the ground. Push forward with your back leg to return to standing, and repeat on the other leg. Recommended Set : Four rounds of 10 repetitions with a 30-second break in between. 4.   Planks |    Standard and Variated Planks What do core-stabilizing planks have to do with running..? Actually, a lot. The plank has evolved into a classic core workout for runners since planks work nearly every muscle in your core as they work to keep your body suspended. Planks improve core abdominal strength, posture, lumbar and thoracic stability, and muscular capacity. For completing a standard plank , lie face down on a mat with your forearms flat against it, your elbows under your shoulders, and your legs together while balanced on your toes. Brace your core and raise your hips so that your torso forms a straight line. Looking to throw in some difficulty? Raise one foot at a time off of the floor . Recommended Set : Three rounds of 1 minute repetitions with a 30-second break in between. 5.   Rowing |    Row Machine for Full-Body Training In full disclosure, a row machine is my favorite piece of exercise equipment. Rowing constitutes a low-pact, full-body workout that utilizes all major muscle groups , including your legs, core, back, and arms. Focusing specifically on your legs, proper rowing technique should actually consist notably of pushing with your legs vs. just pulling with your arms. The low-impact nature of rowing also improves runners' much-needed resistance to injury since the exercise improves posture and functional flexibility without significant impact. For proper rowing technique, slide your feet into the foot plates, adjust the strap across the base of your big toe, and then pull the straps snug. Sit up tall with your butt forward in the seat. Then, lightly hold the handle at either end with an overhand grip. As explained by Runner's World , the art of completing the perfect indoor row consists of the following four movements, all of which occurring in one fluid motion: The Catch: Start with a proper set-up at the front of the machine. Shins should be vertical, lats engaged, shoulders relaxed, and core braced. Torso should be leaning forward at a 1 o’clock position with shoulders in front of hips. From this position, you will be able to create a powerful push-off from the machine to initiate the drive phase of the stroke. The Drive: Maintaining a forward torso tilt, start by applying force through your legs to the machine to extend your legs. Continue to push through your legs and start to hinge backward at the hip. This should be a fluid continuous movement. The Finish: Once your legs are fully extended and your torso is at an 11 o’clock position, begin using your arms to pull the handle to the base of your sternum. Be sure to keep your core muscles activated and tight, like in a hollow body hold. The Recovery: Reverse the motion by relaxing your arms away from your torso, hinge forward from the hips toward 1 o’clock, and then bend your legs back to catch. The recovery phase should be half the speed used in the drive, which will allow your muscles to recover and prepare for another strong push. Recommended Set : Five minute warm-up at a low setting followed by 4 rounds of 3 minute repetitions at varying settings, with 30-second breaks in between rounds. STRENGTH IN ACTION: Race-Tested Results of Strength Training We at Expedition Detroit have a simple philosophy when it comes to our content creation strategy: if you haven't lived it, then you shouldn't write about it. In that vein, this article almost never saw the light of day. Or more accurately wouldn't have reached your screen if it weren't for Dr. Groshek's efficient analysis and, well, my stubborn tenacity. The Detroit Marathon had passed with my entry deferred to 2025. That was a brutal pill to swallow. But one final race remained on my 2024 registration calendar. The final race of Running Fit's " G.O.A.T. Trail Series ," the Bonfyre Trail Fest , was in three weeks. I had already run two previous events within this series and was one race away from qualifying for the "Silver Goat" award. Rehabing my knee to comfortably complete the 10 Mile Race wasn't in the cards, but the 5 Mile Race ... that seemed doable. That felt redemptive. A perfect, Lions-esque 4th quarter comeback win for this racing season. I wasted no time implementing Dr. Groshek's strength training program - including all of the exercises detailed here - during recovery week 1. By week 2, I felt strong enough to go for a 2-mile run. To my pleasant surprise, I was able to complete the run with zero knee pain. By mid-week 3, I completed my first 5K without any pain in nearly 2 months. Abysmal pacing compared to my typical 5Ks, but I couldn't have cared less - this felt like a major milestone in relation to wincing from a mile just a few weeks prior. Then, finally, came race morning at Waterloo Recreation Area . With the confidence of several weeks of strength training behind me and multiple painless runs, I decided to go for it. Empty the tank , with whatever capacity it had, for a final sprint through the woods. Friends, I'm happy to report that I not only finished well enough to earn the "Silver Goat" award, but also won my age group in 5 Mile Race . I was shocked to see that I only finished ~1 minute and 30 seconds behind my time in the same event from last season, when I was in peak racing shape after completing the Detroit Half-Marathon a few weeks prior. While I don't think Disney will be contacting me about purchasing the rights to my recovery story anytime soon, I did want to share it here to illustrate one simple concept: strength training works. It works for injury recovery and prevention. It works for chasing podiums and milestones. And it works for keeping you on the trail for many, many seasons to come. Looking for an assessment from a licensed physical therapist? We strongly recommend contacting Dr. Bryce Groshek of Primary Performance PLLC to schedule your next appointment and receive personalized recovery training plans! Dr. Groshek is available at support@primaryperformancepllc.com or (248) 756-0906. This article serves as an opinion piece to educate but should not be used as direct medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional(s) before making changes to your medications, diet, or physical activity habits.

Michigan's Opening Day for the 2024 whitetail deer firearm season is tomorrow, November 15th! As you finalize your deer camp preparation, here are 5 essential checklist items for every hunter to cross-off before heading into the woods - as well as 7 safety tips for non-hunters on recreating during firearm season. Thursday, November 14th, 2024. 8 o'clock in the morning. The forests and fields throughout the Great State of Michigan are calm under the shroud of overcast skies and a light rain. You could even say eerily calm. Like a deep, restorative inhale of oxygen. This "inhale" isn't coincidental. It's mandated by law . Today is the final day of Michigan's annual 5-day " quiet period ." A short pause after a month+ of whitetail bowhunting season where our local wild lands are provided an opportunity to pause, reset, and relax without the intermittent crack of a combustible projectile. That all changes tomorrow. In fact, Michigan's outdoors will dramatically change by 8AM tomorrow - and remain changed until December. November 15th is Michigan's official-unofficial state holiday: the Opening Day of Firearm White Deer Season . A generational favorite past time featuring a palpable sentiment of hope permeating through the woods. Regardless of your degree of success during the first leg of bow season - the shut-outs, busts, misses, or glorious harvests - your record is wiped as clean as a fresh blanket of snow. Everything can change in a moment , and with so many hunters shuffling around in the woods on one glorious day, the only thing to expect is the unexpected. With less than 24 hours to go before the first "CRACK" will announce the arrival of firearm season, here is Team Expedition Detroit 's essential "Opening Day Checklist" for every hunter to review and adhere to before stepping into the woods. Each of these actions are intended not only as material preparations for Opening Day, but to recalibrate a hunter's mindset towards the most important aspects of an ethical hunt . Not a hunter? WAIT - don't close out your tab quite yet. We have also included a best practices punch list for safely recreating outdoors during firearm season. 1. PURCHASE YOUR HUNTING LICENSE This shouldn't come as a surprise, but we at Expedition Detroit highly frown upon poaching - especially when it comes at the expense of the DNR . Whitetail hunting licenses are readily available for purchase at most large shopping centers, gun stores, or online . This map maintained by the DNR pins every location where hunting licenses are sold. You MUST carry your hunting license and government-issued identification used to purchase the license EVERY TIME that you enter the field. A DNR conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer, or any law enforcement officer has the right to demand that you present your hunting license upon request. In my professional opinion as an attorney, I strongly advise that you do not find yourself in a situation where your license is not readily-available upon such a request. 2. REVIEW YOUR LOCAL HUNTING REGULATIONS Now that you have the licensed right to hunt, the next step is determining how you can exercise that right. We at Expedition Detroit jump on this step every year through publishing our annual " Michigan Hunting Cheatsheet " articles. Our "Cheatsheet" includes a direct link to the DNR's Hunting Digest - a hunter's Bible for any and all regulations or instructive information that could come into play this season. For whitetail deer, the key regulation to note for us in the Detroit region is that we are in the "limited firearm zone." Limited Firearms include a shotgun, a handgun that is .35-caliber or larger with straight-walled cartridges, a .35-caliber or larger rifle with straight-walled cartridges with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.80 inches, and a .35-caliber or larger air rifle or pistol charged only from an external, high compression power source. Other regulations to review include legal hunting hours, firearm safety zones, tagging and mandatory reporting, and clothing requirements ( spoiler alert : wear hunter orange as your outermost garments, like your vest and hat , that are visible from all sides). 3. PREPARE YOUR HUNTING LOCATION Alright, you're crushing it : you have your license and you're all read-up on the applicable regulations. The next crucial item in your pre-opener checklist is to drill down the details surrounding your hunting location and set-up. This item will vary in complexity depending on the specifics of your hunt - heading out to your property's cushy box-blind is a far cry from trekking half a mile into public land with a climbing stand strapped to your back. The two main considerations for this step are (1) securing access rights and (2) your safety in the stand . Access rights obviously aren't as a significant of a factor if you are hunting your own land or a friend's private land, but you should be familiar with the boundaries of the property that you are hunting. If the deer that you're tracking wanders onto another's private land, then you will need to obtain that land owner's permission before continuing to track your deer . For safety, certain hunting setups will require additional equipment. If you are planning on sitting on a bucket on top of a ridge, congratulations - you are all set. If you are planning on hunting from a ladder, climber, or any other elevated setup, then we strongly advise you to purchase a harness for your safety in the stand. The vast majority of hunting accidents requiring an emergency room visit result from falling from tree stands. Also, never carry a loaded firearm with you while entering an elevated stand. There are plenty of cheap market " tow ropes " for your firearm that you should carry with you into the field, attach one end to your firearm's sling and the other to either your harness or stand, and then tow your unloaded firearm up to your location once you are safely in your elevated hunting setup. If you plan on hunting public land, be sure to check out the DNR's "MI-HUNT" interactive map to identify public lands that are open to hunting. We also recommend scouting public land prior to entering the woods on Opening Day, but this is more of a strong suggestion than a necessity. As always, be extremely courteous to and mindful of other hunters as you enter and exit public land - try to limit your movement to outside of peak hunting hours (roughly 7AM - 10AM and 2PM - 6PM). 4. SIGHT IN YOUR FIREARM After poaching, the next worse sin that any ethical hunter could commit is venturing out into the woods with an inaccurate firearm. Beyond the eternal regret of missing a trophy buck that generously provides a perfect broad-side shot in the your shooting lane, maiming a deer with a poorly-placed shot will guarantee that (1) you do not recover the animal and (2) the deer will suffer immensely and unnecessarily before expiring. Simply put, we owe it to the animals that we hunt to deliver quick, well-placed, and ethical shots. Fortunately, the cost of zeroing-in your firearm usually only requires a handful of rounds at a gun range - typically no more than 30 minutes to an hour of your time. If you don't already have a go-to gun range, the DNR maintains several throughout the Detroit region (the range at Island Lake Recreation Area is my favorite outdoor range). Shooting until you have a consistent and accurate shot-placement grouping from 100 yards is the recommended distance. As noted prior, we are still in the "quiet period" as of the publication of this article. During this time, it is cannot carry afield or transport any rifle (including rimfire) or shotgun if you have buckshot, slug, ball loads or cut shells. Here are the two exceptions to the "quiet period" regulations: • You can transport a firearm to your deer camp or to a target range during this period if the firearm is properly transported. • You can target shoot on your own property provided there is no attempt to take game. 5. PREPARE TO BE PRESENT In Season 9 of Netflix's hit show " MeatEater ," host (and fellow Michigander) Steven Rinella asks legendary Alaskan wilderness guide Buck Bowden a simple question: "What makes a good hunter in your mind?" Buck's response made an impression on me that I have since packed into every hunt: " One that has a positive attitude every day, that when he's out there hunting, he's happy and just having a great time. Not stressed out thinking, 'I've gotta have this animal' or 'When's it gonna happen? '" That response resonated strongly with me, largely because I had sabotaged several hunts in my early hunting years through unmet expectations. Hunters young and old love to tell stories of the glory days; the moments when a 12-point buck came storming out at first light, providing an idyllic shot with hardly any blood-trailing. Hunters often skirt by the misses, lost deer, or unfathomable number of hours spent in a deer stand with hardly a squirrel-sighting to show for it. Social media feeds showcasing only once-in-a-lifetime deer with every scroll have only poured gasoline on the fire of clinically unmet expectations. And for me, as a young hunter, I left the woods several times frustrated, angry, and cursing the day that my interest in hunting first spawned. The God's honest truth is that deer hunting is largely a sport of failure. Any honest, seasoned hunter will absolutely stand by this statement. In the Midwest, the average rate of hunter success for harvesting a single deer is ~40%. In Michigan , that figure is fortunately closer to 50%. Still, 50% odds are less than ideal for most recreational pursuits. But here's the thing - that's what makes hunting beautiful . The hours, days, and sometimes seasons spent without any clear sign of success will only amplify that eventual rewarding, ethical harvest. Just as Buck clearly pointed out, the harvest should only provide the icing on the cake of a complete and rewarding hunting experience . As you prepare to head into the woods tomorrow morning, please don't forget to focus on the bountiful harvest of mental health benefits that you should also pursue while in the stand - none of which involve the taking of wild game: Being completely present in the moment. Finding solitude in the woods. Ample time to tune out the constant noise of modern life . Wildlife viewing and explorative land scouting. Breathing in fresh, crisp air. Engaging in outdoor exercise . Camaraderie with family and friends. Gratitude for every facet of the experience. If you were to apply those descriptors to any other outdoor recreation activity, no one would doubt the success of your outing. Hunting shouldn't be any different, regardless of whether you're able to fire a shot. Focusing on these aspects of the hunt will also inherently calm your spirit and nerves - trust me, you will be immensely thankful for this once that elusive deer finally wanders your way. What About Non-Hunters? In light of the arrival of firearm hunting season, here are seven Expedition Detroit  tips for avoiding hiker-hunter conflicts across our region's most beloved outdoor destinations: 1. REVIEW LOCAL REGULATIONS.   Regardless of whether you're hiking or hunting, do your homework before hitting the trail on whether hunting is permitted along your route. As a general guideline, Michigan's "State Recreation Areas" permit hunting unless stated otherwise; conversely, Michigan's "State Parks" prohibit hunting unless stated otherwise . 2. WEAR BRIGHT ORANGE.   While " hunter orange " is required for hunters during certain firearm seasons, we strongly  advise both hunters and hikers to wear at least one article of orange clothing on public land trails between September 15th and January 31st ("Hunting Season"). Aside from regulatory requirements, wearing orange promotes both safety and awareness along our shared trails. 3. MIND YOUR PETS.    This one goes out directly to hikers along hunting-permitted trails that enjoy trekking with your four-legged best friend. Hikers should keep their dogs on-leash throughout Hunting Season. Dogs should also be outfitted with blaze orange attire (leashes or vests) . 4. LEAVE ANY AGENDA AT THE TRAILHEAD.   While we all have our own particular ethics, morals, politics, or other heartfelt leanings, the only  mindset that each of us should be packing into the woods is a spirit of enjoyment, rejuvenation, exploration, and lawful recreation . Hunters, this means recognizing the responsibility that accommodates the joy of ethical hunting . Hikers, this means recognizing that hunters have the right to lawfully pursue their chosen recreational activity. Both groups should remember that both poaching  and hunter harassment  are actionable offenses under Michigan state law . If you suspect that the actions of either a hiker or hunter have violated Michigan state law, DO NOT  ESCALATE  the situation by attempting to confront the suspected person. Instead, contact the DNR's law enforcement's communications center via 800-292-7800 .           5. MIND THE TRAIL.   Trail awareness for both hikers and hunters is very, very important during Hunting Season. For hikers, the ask is quite direct: STAY ON TRAIL . Other than aligning with " Leave No Trace " best practices, keeping to the trail will minimize your likelihood of interacting with hunters in the field. For hunters, we advise that you setup at least 100-150 yards from any maintained trails . Beyond minimizing the likelihood of interacting with other hunters and trail users during your hunt, this is also a best practice for safety during especially firearm season. 6. MAXIMIZE YOUR RECREATION WINDOWS.   Popular hiking and hunting windows do not inherently need to overlap during Hunting Season. Although hunters can technically head into the woods at any time with daylight, the " peak hunting hours " are typically 3 hours after sunrise and 3 hours before sunset (i.e., complete darkness). The hunting windows do fluctuate with changes in daylight, although planning to recreate as close to mid-day as possible would be a non-hunter's best bet for diminishing the likelihood of seeing a hunter along the trail. Also, don't forget about headlamp hiking  and the perks of nighttime recreation , which by law are 100% void of any hunters. 7. SMILE.   This might be the single most important - and simplest - item on this list. In fact, this point was brought up during the 2023 Michigan Outdoor Summit  as a key action step towards making Michigan's outdoors a more welcoming, sustainable, and economically viable space. If you see someone on the trail that looks different than you, is engaging in a different recreational activity than you, or appears either intimidated or disgruntled by you - just smile at them . Let's go even further and say "Hi!" to them. Beyond humanizing your shared experience and introducing a second or two of kindness into their day, this simple act is the best way to prevent any sort of contentious situation from arising. Plus, smiling requires less effort than frowning.   This article is not intended to be a complete checklist of every article of clothing or piece of gear that you should acquire prior to your Opening Day morning sit. Warm clothing (don't forget insulated boots and thick socks), a sharp hunting knife, and other common hunting gear are obvious prerequisites for any hunt. You should also make sure that you are familiar with how to properly field dress a deer - especially if you will be hunting with only novice hunters. The Expedition Detroit team wishes you nothing but success, good times, and safe hunts as you venture into the woods on Opening Day. Please feel free to leave any comments below regarding other helpful firearm tips that hunters new and old would appreciate reading. We can't wait to see you out there!

Elections fundamentally shape the future of outdoor recreation within the Detroit region and across the United States. As Michiganders head to the polls tomorrow, we encourage everyone to " Vote the Outdoors " - especially in light of the candidates and proposals that are up for the vote this year. Elections Matter . If you've opened your social media feed any time over the few months - or have a cell phone capable of receiving unwanted texts - then you're all too familiar with this message. But here's the truth: the reason that mantra keeps popping up on your feeds is because it's absolutely true. Especially when election results will have both an immediate and often irrevocable impact on the protection and expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities in your township, state, and country . We at Expedition Detroit are not in the candidate-endorsement business. We are in the outdoor recreation business, and both sides of the political aisle have consistently proposed landmark legislation aimed towards furthering the best interests of our natural resources. Stated differently, we support or attack interests and policies , not parties or people. Spoiler alert : the most constructive, protective, and beneficial interests, policies, and actions have resulted from bipartisan collaboration. Unfortunately - or should we say shamefully - elections often result in a primetime showcase for divisive politics, which produce formidable stumbling blocks for meaningful action down the road. Here we dive into how informed voting serves as one of the best mechanisms for protecting our outdoors , as well as the recreational ballot items that we at Expedition Detroit fully endorse . How Politics Protect the Outdoors Despite the divisiveness that we've grown numb to , recent history has proven that the adoption of effective, collaborative, and bipartisan action can and should be an expectation that us as voters maintain - especially when it comes to our great outdoors. On the federal level, Congresses presiding under both the Trump and Biden Administrations have delivered several impactful, bipartisan bills aimed towards providing lasting protection for our natural environment . Dating back to 2019, both sides of the aisle effectively sponsored and passed the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act , which designated more than 1,300,000 acres of wilderness area, expanded several national parks and other areas of the National Park System, and established four new national monuments while re-designating others. Similarly, the bipartisan and monumental Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 fully and permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and as well as provides $1.9 billion annually to remedy maintenance backlog at American national parks. More recently, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2022 provided a textbook example of impactful, bipartisan collaboration on a landmark bill. This bill demonstrated the very best of political action: it will not only rebuild crumbling roads, bridges, and airports, but also improve the infrastructure behind our beloved natural resources and their corresponding outdoor recreation experiences. The bill's material investments in mitigating climate change and reinforcing America's natural infrastructure are primed to connect more recreationists to the outdoors and strengthen the estimated $887 billion outdoor recreation economy. For Michigan, the 2018 midterm elections ushered in a new era of political and fiscal investment in our outdoor ecosystem. In 2019, the Whitmer Administration led Michigan to become one of what's now 20 states that are members of the bipartisan Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords . The Confluence Accords consists of multi-state collaboration focused on promoting conservation, ensuring environmental quality, and restoring sustainable access to the outdoors. The Whitmer Administration concurrently created Michigan's first Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry , which works in tandem with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Outdoor Recreation Advisory Council to expand Michigan’s growing $12.6 billion outdoor recreation economy . The Power of Your Vote So where does your vote fit into this equation? We strongly encourage you to #VoteTheOutdoors by completing the following simple tasks before going to the polls: Research each candidate's position on the outdoors and natural environment . Vote411.org provides a fantastic online resource that compares each candidate's policies and priorities, including line items specifically on the environment and social justice. Encourage friends and family to vote - regardless of their political leanings. If you remember anything from this article, I sincerely hope that it's that bipartisan collaboration has the greatest likelihood of enacting impactful legislation . America's fundamental political problems are not grounded in a single party; they derive from the extremes of both parties, spurred on by polarizing candidates typically elected during midterm elections. The tyranny of the extremes has produced the agonizing gridlock that has killed countless opportunities for impactful action. Vote in Favor of Recreation Ballot Proposals . We've gone ahead and reviewed all of the ballot proposals up for vote in Michigan tomorrow. Of those proposals, here is a shortlist of recreation-related proposals that we support: Jurisdiction Proposal Name Proposal Summary Oakland County Oakland County Parks and Recreation Millage Increase of millage to 65 cents per $1,000 of taxable value in order to expand, improve, operate, maintain, and acquire parks, recreational facilities, open spaces, lakes, rivers, water areas, and trails; to support nature education, recreational, and outdoor educational and health programming; to support partnerships for access to and awareness of recreational lands and facilities; to promote the conservation and restoration of high-quality natural and wildlife habitats; and to allow free general park admission to all county parks for residents. Ann Arbor Ann Arbor City Charter Amendment Authorizing Tax for Park Maintenance and Capital Improvements Amendment of the Ann Arbor City Charter to authorize a tax up to 1.10 mills for park maintenance and capital improvements for 2025 through 2044. Charter Township of Waterford Community Center Bond Proposal Authorization of loan of $36,410,000 for the purposes of acquiring, renovating, constructing, furnishing, and equipping a community center with public community facilities, parks and recreational facilities and structures, and acquiring approximately 51 acres of land for such community center and related facilities, making site improvements, renovating existing facilities at the site of such community center and related facilities. The "Outdoor State" comprises of republicans, democrats, independents, libertarians, and every one else across the political spectrum. The best outcome from tomorrow that we can all collectively hope for is that we elect leaders that are willing to collaborate with their colleagues towards producing and effectuating meaningful action for our outdoors. That outcome can only be realized if we make our voices heard and our votes count. While the results of the 2024 Elections will have sweeping consequences for the future of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem, we can guarantee you that Expedition Detroit will continue to operate in line with our core values . Our content, advocacy, and fundamental operations will always seek to facilitate the expansion, inclusion, and protection of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Detroit region. We'll see you at the polls - and then the trailhead. #VoteTheOutdoors