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Welcome to Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Commerce, Michigan! This moderate-level guided and instructional backpacking expedition provides a "Grand Tour" of Proud Lakes principal hiking trails: a figure-eight pattern traversing the park's popular Marsh, River, Red, and Blue Trails. This route truly provides a highlight reel of southeast Michigan's best natural features. Marshland boardwalks, hardwood forest natural trails, Huron River vistas, towering pines, rolling hills, and the best variety of wildlife viewing opportunities that a naturalist could ever hope for. Perfect for backpackers training for their first overnight trip, this moderate-level day trip includes instruction on how to properly plan for a backpacking trip, tips on packing your backpack, and practical field training on proper form and pacing - all while exploring Proud Lake's most cherished trail system. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Wixom Rd. Trailhead parking lot Trail length: 5.6 miles Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy-Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Wixom Rd. Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-proud-lake-state-recreation-area-s-figure-8-loops

Welcome to Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan! This moderate-level guided backpacking expedition tackles the hills, ravines, and awesome vistas of Maybury's best-kept trail: the Mountain Bike Trail. As the name suggests, this trail is primarily utilized for mountain biking, but the Michigan DNR has provided Expedition Detroit with limited access to conduct guided trips due to the beauty, challenge, and world-class prestige of the MTB Trail. If you're looking to enhance your backpacking strength and experience in the Northville area, then this is the trail for you! Perfect for backpackers training for their first overnight trip, this moderate-level day trip includes instruction on how to properly plan for a backpacking trip, tips on packing your backpack, and practical field training on proper form and pacing - all while exploring one of Maybury's premiere trails. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot Trail Length: 6.7 miles Elevation Gain: 387 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop (counter-clockwise to biking traffic) Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead

Welcome to Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Milford, Michigan! Less crowds, less problems! This moderate-level guided hike explores the lesser-known - but still stunningly beautiful - western segments of Proud Lake. Utilized by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike, Proud Lake's Loops 2 and 3 provide exploration opportunities across the rolling hills, spacious grasslands, dense marshes, and forested trails south of the Huron River and west of Norton Creek. The variable terrain of the West Loops provides an ideal destination for building your hiking experience near the heart of the Detroit region! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Equestrian staging parking lot at end of Garden Road (trailhead for Loops 2 and 3). Trail length: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 255 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Garden Road Equestrian Staging parking lot.

Welcome to Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan! Maybury's rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic wetland vistas provide an ideal locale to start your journey into the world of backpacking. Perfect for first-time or new-ish backpackers, this introductory-level day trip includes instruction on how to properly plan for a backpacking trip, tips on packing your backpack, and practical field training on proper form and pacing - all while exploring one of the Detroit region's most beloved trails, the Maybury State Park "Hiking Trail Loop." Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! Congratulations - by conquering Highland's A-B-C-D Loops, you will have successfully hiked one of the Detroit region's 3 "Black Diamond"-rated hiking trails! Circling around Mount Omich, the four distinct "Alphabet Loops" constitute Highland's most rigorous terrain for our region's most experienced hikers. This trail system is primarily utilized for mountain biking, but the Michigan DNR has provided Expedition Detroit with limited access to conduct guided trips due to the beauty, challenge, and world-class prestige of the MTB Trail. Perfect for anyone training for advanced hiking around the world, these loops provide enough technical terrain, steep climbs, and stunning views to satisfy the appetite of any world-class hiker. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main "MTB Trailhead" parking lot off of E Livingston Road. Elevation Gain: 1,309 feet Trail Rating: Difficult Route Orientation: Loop (counter-clockwise to mountain biking traffic) Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the MTB Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-highland-recreation-area-s-a-b-c-d-loops

Welcome to Brighton Recreation Area in Brighton, Michigan! This moderate-level guided trail run traverses the most consistently top-ranked trail in the entire Detroit region: the bucket-list worthy Penosha Trail! This famous loop, described as a "quintessential Michigan hike," has earned its acclaim through the trail's dramatic ridges, mature forests, wildlife-teeming wetlands, and seasonal wildflowers. Moderate-level trail runs are perfect for any runner training for a 10K, half-marathon, and even marathon distance race. With a guided and coached trail run, you will not only benefit from the experience of a knowledgeable guide, but also reap the physical benefits of running one of the Detroit region's premiere trails. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Bishop Lake trailhead parking lot Trail length: 4.9 miles Elevation Gain: 393 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at Bishop Lake trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-the-penosha-trail

Welcome to Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Waterford Township, Michigan! Congratulations - by conquering Pontiac Lake's famous MTB Loop, you will have successfully ran one of the most technical trails in southeast Michigan. Circling around the forested wilderness area north of the namesake Pontiac Lake, the MTB loop features rocky, hilly terrain with sharp turns. As the name suggests, this trail is primarily utilized for mountain biking, but the Michigan DNR has provided Expedition Detroit with limited access to conduct guided trips due to the beauty, challenge, and world-class prestige of the MTB Trail. As an advanced trail, this trip is perfect for experienced trail runners that are preparing for a half marathon, marathon, or ultra marathon. With a guided and coached trail run, you will not only benefit from the experience of a knowledgeable guide, but also reap the metaphysical benefits of running on one of the "Top 100 Trails" in the U.S. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot off of Williams Lake Road. Elevation Gain: 649 feet Trail Rating: Difficult Route Orientation: Loop (counter-clockwise to mountain biking traffic) Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Williams Lake Road trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-pontiac-lake-mtb-loop

Welcome to Brighton Recreation Area in Brighton, Michigan! This moderate-level guided and instructional backpacking expedition traverses the most consistently top-ranked trail in the entire Detroit region: the bucket-list worthy Penosha Trail! This famous loop, described as a "quintessential Michigan hike," has earned its acclaim through the trail's dramatic ridges, mature forests, wildlife-teeming wetlands, and seasonal wildflowers. Perfect for backpackers training for their first overnight trip, this moderate-level day trip includes instruction on how to properly plan for a backpacking trip, tips on packing your backpack, and practical field training on proper form and pacing - all while exploring southeast Michigan's premiere trail. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Bishop Lake trailhead parking lot Trail length: 4.9 miles Elevation Gain: 393 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at Bishop Lake trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-the-penosha-trail

Welcome to Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan! This moderate-level guided trail run tackles the hills, ravines, and awesome vistas of Maybury's best-kept trail: the Mountain Bike Trail. As the name suggests, this trail is primarily utilized for mountain biking, but the Michigan DNR has provided Expedition Detroit with limited access to conduct guided trips due to the beauty, challenge, and world-class prestige of the MTB Trail. Moderate-level trail runs are perfect for any runner training for a 10K, half-marathon, and even marathon distance race. With a guided and coached trail run, you will not only benefit from the experience of a knowledgeable guide, but also reap the physical benefits of running within one of the Detroit region's premiere trails. Additional facts regarding this trail: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot Trail Length: 6.7 miles Elevation Gain: 387 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop (counter-clockwise to biking traffic) Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead

Welcome to Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Milford, Michigan! Less crowds, less problems! This moderate-level guided and instructional backpacking expedition explores the lesser-known - but still stunningly beautiful - western segments of Proud Lake. Utilized by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike, Proud Lake's Loops 2 and 3 provide exploration opportunities across the rolling hills, spacious grasslands, dense marshes, and forested trails south of the Huron River and west of Norton Creek. Perfect for backpackers training for their first overnight trip, this moderate-level day trip includes instruction on how to properly plan for a backpacking trip, tips on packing your backpack, and practical field training on proper form and pacing - all while exploring the variable terrain of Proud Lake's most remote region. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Equestrian staging parking lot at end of Garden Road (trailhead for Loops 2 and 3). Trail length: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 255 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Garden Road Equestrian Staging parking lot.

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! Perfect for beginner trail runners looking to leave the pavement behind with a dedicated guide AND coach, this introductory-level trail run will traverse Highland's "hidden gem" trail, the "North Loop." Setting off from the E Livingston Road trailhead, this 2.2 mile trek traverses the rolling pines, mature pine forests, and stunning prairie grasslands of Highland's northern sections. Your trip will include coaching on form, pacing, and cautionary instructions on trail hazards from your experienced guide. Additional facts regarding this trail: Meeting Point: Main "MTB Trailhead" parking lot off of E Livingston Road. Elevation Gain: 111 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the MTB Trailhead

Welcome to Pinckney State Recreation Area in Pinckney, Michigan! EXPERIENCE FALL COLORS LIKE NEVER BEFORE! This moderate-level guided hike explores one of the most famous and beloved trails throughout the entire State of Michigan: the Crooked Lake Trail. Starting from the beautiful Silver Lake trailhead, this quintessential loop encircles the heart of Pinckney State Recreation Area, complete with panoramic views of Crooked Lake and Pickerel Lake. The Crooked Lake Trail provides the complete package of a thrilling Southeast Michigan hiking experience, including vibrant fall colors, dense marshlands, mature forests, spacious grassland prairies, dramatic moraine hills, and plenty of wildlife sightings. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot at Silver Lake Day Use Area (northernmost trailhead) Trail length: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 324 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Silver Lake trailhead parking lot NOTE: Fall colors are most prominent in Mid-October. Foliage conditions are never guaranteed and may be affected by natural conditions outside of Expedition Detroit's control.