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In honor of Earth Week, we embraced the challenge of thru-hiking the Detroit's region's most rigorous backpacking route: the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. This third and final installation of our Waterloo-Pinckney Trail series covers the entirety of the Pinckney section of the trail - 14 miles of challenges, triumphs, pain, and euphoria. "Hey Pops - it's gonna be another hour or so...sorry. Today's been a wild card." Those were probably the last words that my jet-lagged father wanted to hear as he waited patiently at the Silver Lake Trailhead in Pinckney Recreation Area, and he masked his reasonable annoyance, well, reasonably. In his defense, I explicitly said that I would be arriving at the trailhead around 4:30PM. I would blow that arrival time by nearly an hour. In my defense, I never planned on arriving that evening at all. Reddit reviews and relentless rain can have that effect on a perfectly-planned itinerary. Add an ambitious, adventurous, and borderline reckless outdoorsman spirit, and you end up with a 10K day turning into a half marathon+ expedition. At a personal record-pace for backpacking. If you're asking yourself "Why would you do that to yourself?", you're definitely not alone. I was asking myself the same question between miles 7 - 14 on Day 3. But at 8 a.m. - while waking up to yet another morning of rain pelting my tent fly - I simply couldn't stomach the thought of breaking down camp (in the rain), hiking a quick 6 miles (in the rain), setting up camp again (in the rain), and then potentially repeating the process all over again the following day. If it were another 20 miles to Silver Lake, then yes, I would have kept to the plan. But 14 miles...? I could push through. Especially with a boost from the intermittent presence of my brother James of Cooke Productions, my "documentary crew" for the first half of the day. "Alright," I said to myself as I looked back down the hill at Green Lake's Site #8 to confirm that I had left no trace. "No stopping now. The way is through. Let's get it!" THE WPT: GREEN LAKE CAMPGROUND TO SILVER LAKE Total Distance: 14.21 miles Elevation Gain: 1,454 feet Trail Rating: Moderate-Hard Route Orientation: Point-to-Point If you also opt to finish the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail from Green Lake Rustic Campground - hopefully with more foresight than a game-time decision - remember that your day will start with playing some mileage catch-up. From Site #8, this meant a 0.4 mile backtrack just to get to the main trail (mile marker 20.9 on the AllTrails map). I didn't mind since I knew that my brother was waiting at the trail's parking lot to start shooting, but you should be mentally prepared for this and a few other trail redirects that add extra mileage to your half-marathon day. Once back on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, we immediately climbed Riley Hill to reach the highest point of Day 3's elevation (1,040 feet). This climb will feel like child's play compared to the Survival Day's oscillating climbs, but at least take a moment to congratulate yourself on achieving this first micro-win on the day. My brother and I celebrated by abruptly getting passed on the trail by an ultra runner. I actually connected with this runner later via a Facebook SE Michigan trails group, who told me that he had started at Big Portage Lake 5 hours earlier... what a badass, and also the only other thru-hiker/trail runner that I crossed paths way during the entirety of my trek across the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. After a brief 0.1 mile descent down Riley Hill, you will be standing face-to-face with M-52. Here's an important navigational item to remember: ALLTRAILS IS NOT CURRENT WITH THE ACTUAL TRAIL ORIENTATION. At this point, turn left to follow the paved, brand-spanking-new Border to Border Trail northwest until you see a beautiful statute of a Native American woman and a tunnel under the highway. Thru-hiking treks across the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world have lots of strange "milestone traditions"; I don't know if there are any specifically associated with the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, but I decided to kiss this woman's feet as a sign of respect and blessing for safe passage into Pinckney State Recreation Area. I wouldn't classify myself as superstitious (just a littlestitious), but the hail that had been beating us for the last 20 minutes cleared up roughly 2 minutes after completing this act. Just saying... The M-52 Tunnel is literally and figuratively a rite of passage. For starters, after 20+ miles on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, you are finally saying goodbye to the climbs, lakes, campgrounds, and wilderness of Waterloo State Recreation Area. Your first steps back into daylight are simultaneously your first steps into Pinckney Rec, signaling that the finish line is within reach. You have successfully hiked through the entirety of one park, and now another is just beginning. More importantly, you have proven to yourself that you are a self-reliant thru-hiker. Net-net, you should be smiling ear-to-ear as you verge off of the paved B2B Trail and continue due east on a recently-cut straightaway trail. The straightway is largely a mile-long descent towards wetlands before a moderate climb due north. Normally I would've relaxed my pace on this straightaway, taking my time to enjoy the consistent terrain and early spring sights and sounds. But not today...in a perfect storm of inclement weather, doubled mileage, and a diminishing media shooting schedule, I needed to accelerate my pace. So, despite being about 24 miles total into my thru-hike, I jogged this part of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail to make up time. Which I knew that I would likely pay for later. At the 22.4 mile marker (as shown on the map above), you will actually leave Pinckney Rec to enter your third park of the journey: Park Lyndon County Park. The brief 1 mile passage through Park Lyndon may be the single most scenic and naturally-diverse mile along the entire trail. Starting in wetlands just east of Lake Genevieve, you quickly ascend to follow a hardwood-lined ridge through the park's southern section, complete with panoramic views to the southwest towards the lake. Once across N Territorial Road, you pass briefly through an open park area before descending into pine forest value - only to abruptly climb again to reach more ridge line panoramic vistas. To complete the full spectrum of Detroit region trail experiences, you'll finish this segment crossing boardwalks. Absolutely beautiful segment of the trail. Back in Pinckney Rec, the on-and-off boardwalks continue until you reach Embury Road at mile marker 24.1. The trail then returns to its normal form: gently rolling terrain that guides you alongside wetlands and under oak, maple, and other hardwood trees, as well as the occasional grassland meadow to permit the returning sunshine to reach your skin. I took some time to rest on a large log just west of Joslin Lake Rd. My brother brought a few trail beers with him, so I gave my legs a chance to recover after the sub-20 minute/mile pace that I had been maintaining with a heavy pack. He snapped this photo to capture the moment before leaving me to face the remaining 10 miles on the day. The first mile past Joslin Lake Road continued to be enjoyable, although the departure of my brother reminded me of the joys of hiking with another person - even if you only see them at intermittent road crossings. Past Hadley Road, however, I started to feel the cumulative effects of the past 48 hours, especially that morning's sprinted, hilly miles. The Pinckney Rec section of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail is comparatively much easier to traverse than Waterloo's climbs, but I squandered that topographic advantage via pushing my legs. Stated differently, I found myself in a world of hurt. My legs were aching, my calories all but depleted, that morning's companion had left, and I was squarely within one of the most isolated sections of the trail. I did not see another hiker, runner, or mountain biker during that 3.4 mile stretch of beautiful yet dense, isolating forest. The only non-wood geographic feature to break up the uniformity of the forest was - of course - Dead Lake. "The way is through," I kept audibly repeating to myself. I have no idea who first coined that mantra, but I have utilized it several times in my athletic pursuits, professional projects, and personal challenges when my mind, body, and soul want nothing more than to lie down and end the present pain. "The way is through - just keep going." I should also mention here that if you are planning on camping at Blind Lake, be on the lookout for trail signs for Blind Lake around the 27.4 mile marker. I am specifically calling this out because (1) my original itinerary involved camping at Blind Lake and (2) I did not see any signs leading to the campground. Maybe my exhausted mind just simply missed the markers, but if I hadn't planned on finishing the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail on Day 3 then I would have hiked an extra mile or so before realizing my mistake. The calorie depletion really started to rear its ugly head right around the 30 mile marker past Hankerd Road. Aside from hiking in complete "zombie mode," i.e. autopilot to the point where your senses resolutely tune out every other sensation besides walking, I made one of the worst mental mistakes that you can make as an exhausted thru-hiker: I forgot about the discrepancies between AllTrails, the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail's official blue trail markers, and the actual trail's mileage. At Green Lake, I knew that my watch would read 14+ miles by the end of the day. During the course of my adventure, however, I started to believe that the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail's total mileage would be more like ~35 miles, or end at the blue "Mile 33" marker. Again, this was my energy-deprived mind giving into exhaustion, with the end result being that my extraction service arrived at Silver Lake roughly an hour early due to my miscalculation. Continuing to navigate under physically and mentally exhaustive conditions is one of many resilience building attributes of thru-hiking the the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most difficult, drop-kick-to-the-groin mental challenges all came within the last five miles of the trek. Here are the remaining two: Pickerel Lake Junction: Whoever planned this segment of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail was a sadistic S.O.B. No, not because of the terrain which is totally manageable. At this point, you will find yourself at a crossroads of trails. One trail leads directly to the Silver Lake Trailhead. Another god-forsaken trail heads southwest, well away from anywhere that a Waterloo-Pinckney Trail thru-hiker would want to venture. Guess what friends: the direct trail is "Silver Lake Trail," which is not your route. You, oh lucky one, are headed southwest for another 2 miles of indirect fun. The 33 Mile Marker: This spot is mentally challenging for two reasons. First - especially if you've been giving looking at AllTrails - you will errantly believe that you have reached that coveted final mile. You haven't. Sorry, you have 2 more to go - including a steep final climb at the 34 mile marker. But second, and significantly more mentally-testing than the mileage disappointment, is that you'll be tempted. There's a shortcut trail right around the 33 Mile Marker that would shave off a mile, and after the litany of inaccurate trail markers that you've fallen victim to by this point, you would have a decent argument for taking it. Brothers and sisters - resist the temptation! Short term gratifications almost always lead to long term regrets. Yes, the extra mile sucks - but knowing inside that you didn't truly thru-hike the entire Waterloo-Pinckney Trail would suck even more. The Reunion at Silver Lake Well done, fellow hiker - you passed both of these tests by knocking out an additional 5K's worth of seemingly unnecessary trail. Now, finally on the main Silver Lake Trail, you are rewarded with a gradual, largely direct descent towards the finish line: the Silver Lake Trailhead. Despite all of the pain that you had probably experienced up to this point, the last half mile of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail provides a near-religious experience. A rush of dopamine as you start to see the lake through the trees. A feeling of innate gratification as other hikers just starting their journeys look at you like a returned hero, a trail conqueror - a thru-hiker. Better yet, I had a one-person welcome party waiting for me at the finish line: my father who had just returned from Zambia the night before, jet-lagged and smiling. I tapped the 35 Mile Marker post. I crossed the threshold of the trailhead past the welcome kiosk. And with that, the inaugural Expedition Detroit thru-hike of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail was complete. FINAL STATISTICS FOR THE ENTIRE THRU-HIKE OF THE WPT Total Distance: 37.79 miles Elevation Gain: 3,907 feet Hiking Time: 14h 38m 22s Final Thoughts: The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail should be on every Detroit-based backpacker's bucket list. You will traverse the entire spectrum of our region's best hiking - steep moraines, dense forests, expansive grasslands, and wetlands teeming with life. Regardless of whether you choose to complete the trek solo or with friends, this journey will undoubtedly leave an imprint on your perception of the immense backpacking opportunities found not only near Detroit, but throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Thank you to everyone who joined us on this three-part journey! These articles were longer than usual and represented more of a personal travelogue than normal experiential content, so we appreciate your willingness to venture into the subjective subconscious of the thru-hiking experience. We hope that this series on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail inspires you to seek out your own adventures within the Detroit region, and we will continue to seek out the world-class outdoor opportunities within our environment that are waiting for you to rediscover them. As always, we can't wait to see you out there. Do you maintain or regularly hike on a particular trail? Any suggestions for which "hidden gem" destination we should spotlight next? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition treks across Brighton Recreation Area's "hiding in plain sight" gem: the Kahchin Trail. Join us as we explore deep into the heart of Brighton's woodlands along this short-but-sweet trail! Sometimes I dread Saturday mornings. That may read as blasphemous or ludicrous on face value. Allow me to elaborate. On a rainy weekday, most adults have their schedule more or less locked in for the day. They wake up, shower, head to work, get the kids to school, handle projects or chores, prepare meals, etc., etc. Of course there's some variation of these tasks from day-to-day, but as a whole, we'd be willing to bet that 80-90% of your weekday itinerary is spoken for. That structure goes right out the window on a beautiful, clear-skied Saturday. Between household projects, social commitments, and recreational ambitions, Saturday mornings can entail a "paralysis of choices." Especially considering the immensity of outdoor recreational outlets that we have before us in the Detroit region, we at Expedition Detroit have admittedly struggled determining which experience to prioritize over all the others. Would I have enough time to kayak and hike at Island Lake? What about a quick Maybury ride before shooting out to Brighton? Maybe Proud Lake has thawed enough for a paddle to Milford? Are Alpine Valley or Mt. Holly still open for this skiing season? See? Choices. Lots and lots of choices, which are often limited by other factors like family, pets, or other responsibilities. Last Saturday, after completing a morning of household projects, I knew that I had to get my trail pup Lucy outside before evening commitments set in. We had roughly a two hour window. Not enough time for a paddle. Way too much time for a neighborhood walk. Just enough time for a shorter, scenic hike. After some meaningful dialogue, Lucy and I landed on a "new-to-us" trail: Brighton's Kahchin Trail. An offshoot of the far more popular Penosha Trail that I had hiked past countless times, but had yet to actually explore. The perfect, shorter trail for our window. And, ultimately, my new go-to recommendation for a shorter, yet astoundingly beautiful, hiking destination. It is our privilege to reintroduce the Kahchin Trail and Brighton Recreation Area now. MEET BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA Here at Expedition Detroit, we have a bias towards the remarkable. Experiences, landscapes, stories, and equipment that dramatically redefine previous perceptions - and most often misconceptions - of Detroit's outdoor industry. We actively search for the unique opportunities that leave both visitors and life-long residents of the Detroit region in awe of the world-class destinations waiting just around the corner. Exploring Brighton Recreation Area and its 4,947 acres represents one such opportunity. The destination's dramatic landscapes, pristine lakes, and surprisingly steep ridge lines trace the park's 25,000 year history, when receding glaciers forever etched their mark into park's defining moraine hills and other geographic features. The first modern settlements to the area arrived in the 1820s, resulting in the largely unsuccessful cultivation of the rugged terrain and eventual abandonment by the 1940s. Tracing the post-World War II boom in recreation that inspired the foundation of many other Michigan state parks, the Michigan Department of Conservation first established Brighton Recreation Area in 1944 and has since continued to increase its acreage over the decades. The "Brighton Rec" of 2024 continues to pack a knock-out punch with its full menu of outdoor pursuits. Scattered throughout the park's hills, dense forests, marshlands, and lakes, recreationists can pursue mountain biking, hiking, trail running, equestrianism (mostly throughout the western segments of the park), paddling, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping, and cross-country skiing. For camping, Brighton maintains several reservation-only campgrounds, with its Appleton Lake and Murray Lake campgrounds constituting the park's two "rustic" camping options. For hikers, Brighton also proudly features one of the Great State of Michigan's favorite trails: the Penosha Trail. This ~5 mile loop - described as a "quintessential Michigan hike" - features the best of the Jackson Interlobate Range's rolling hills, mature pine forests, and wildlife-teeming marshlands. On a related note, it's also our most popular guided hike offering. EXPLORE BRIGHTON'S PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! While most hikers arrive to Bishop Lake's shores looking to conquer Penosha, Brighton's most beloved trail also provides the gateway to a lesser known - yet arguably just as beautiful - experience. Literally a "little" trail nestled entirely within Penosha's larger ring. An escape into the isolated heart of Brighton without even needing to break 2 miles. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Kahchin Trail: Brighton's hidden hiking gem. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 1.7 miles Elevation Gain: 141 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at Bishop Lake trailhead (Michigan Recreation Passport required) When you're heading out from Brighton's main Bishop Lake Trailhead, one of the most important - and confusing - navigational hurdles hits roughly 0.1 miles into your hike. As depicted below, the trail is abruptly bombarded with signage due to the voluminous mountain biking and hiking trails that diverge from the same intersection. In order to save you the 5 minutes required to check your map and confirm your heading, simply keep right through this intersection until the trail dead ends at trail marker #7. Then turn left. For those of us not already fluent in Ojibwe, "Kahchin" is loosely translated as "short," while "Penosha" is translated as "long." These descriptors are accurate, given Penosha's 4.9 miles to the Kahchin Trail's 1.7. With this literary distinction in mind, note that you will follow the relatively flat route of the Penosha Trail for the first 0.6 miles of the Kahchin Trail. It's very had to miss due to Brighton's excellent signage, but don't forget to keep an eye out for the Kahchin Trail turn-off at trail marker #8. While some readers certainly wouldn't mind adding nearly 3 miles to their hike, anyone that selected the Kahchin Trail due to time constraints or desired physical exertion will find themselves in a dicey situation by missing the turn. Just remember to follow the yellow signage throughout your hike and you'll be just fine. In our opinion, the Kahchin Trail hike doesn't really start until you've started trekking south past this trail marker. We're talking especially to any readers that might be on the fence about hiking Kahchin due to its "Easy" rating on AllTrails. In our professional opinion, this trail is only rated as such due to its low mileage. If the Kahchin Trail were just as long as Penosha, then it would surely be "Moderate" ranked - honestly, possibly even higher. You'll witness this for yourself during the 0.4 mile climb that immediately follows the Kahchin Trail turn-off. As you gradually climb south, the hardwood forests surrounding you steadily consume the trail deep within its rolling acres. The Kahchin Trail loop doesn't waste any time taking you deep into one of the most wild stretches of Brighton Recreation Area, far away from any intersecting mountain biking or bridle paths. Especially when hiking or trail running during the full foliage of late spring or summer, this segment of the trail will quickly engulf your within its forested wonderland. Right at the top of this climb is a natural feature accurately designated "the Rock Bath" (featured in the cover photo). If hiking in early spring, you'll know that you're getting close to it when you hear the deafening sound of the frogs and toads engaging in their seasonal mating rites. The small pond located directly below the Rock Bath apparently serves as sacred ground for regional amphibian procreation. We're not biologists, but the sheer volume of males calling out to females certainly gives off that vibe. The Rock Bath itself is located just a few yards off of the trail to your left. You can't miss it, and the stones provide a fantastic photo opportunity with their contrast against the natural scenery surrounding it. The location also provides panoramic views of the pond and surrounding woodlands below. We absolutely recommend pausing your hike here for a few moments to enjoy the vista. But wait - this "short trail" has much more in store for you. Just below the Rock Bath, the trail descends 0.2 miles towards a bench with stunning views of the surround forest and its shockingly dramatic moraine ridge lines. Especially during "stick season" when views are unencumbered by leaves or snow, this vantage points provides an idyllic opportunity for wildlife viewing or backcountry scouting. Mark our words - if the Detroit region finds itself blessed by a freak mid-spring dump of 6+ inches of snow, we'll be climbing up and skiing down the ~200 ft. of elevation gain along those ridges. Beyond this bench, the Kahchin Trail flattens briefly before one final, somewhat steep ascent due north. Past this high point at the 1.3 mile marker, the trail kicks off its gradual 0.4 mile descent back towards the trailhead. You'll link back up with the Penosha Trail at trail marker #12 (turn right, the signage is not very Kahchin Trail-friendly when approaching from the south). Now that you've rejoined the well-trodden Penosha Trail, all that's left of this hike is a safe crossing of Bishop Lake Complex Rd., staying on-trail to avoid wandering into an archery range, and continuing straight until linking up with the main trail head. Or, you could bank right again at trail marker #7 to run it back along the Kahchin Trail - or take on the full Penosha. You couldn't go wrong either way. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Pick an adventure. Any adventure. Guess what - you're just 10 minutes away from starting on it. That's the caliber of outdoor experiences immediately available to wonderfully-spoiled recreation hubs like Brighton, Michigan. Even if you were to limit your geographic scope to just Brighton Rec - no, even just the Bishop Lake Trailhead area - you would already be well-positioned to pair your Penosha Trail hike with a mountain biking, backpacking, or paddling expedition. Now that we're heading into the warmer months, we especially recommend bringing your bike along for the ride to tackle Brighton Rec's full MTB Loop Trail System: a heart-pounding 14.8 miles in total that constitutes one of only three "Black Diamond" ranked trails existing within the Detroit region. Beyond Brighton Rec, we advise allocating the rest of your recreational weekend around seasonal outdoor opportunities. Has fresh snow covered the trails? Awesome - head over to either Mt. Brighton ski resort to carve your tracks into groomed runs or take on nordic skiing at Huron Meadows Metropark's nationally-acclaimed facilities. Does the summer sun have you heated? No sweat - allow the Huron River to cool you down, especially in light of the pristine paddling opportunities waiting for your launch at Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area. Again, pick any adventure and a general direction. Regardless of the season or conditions, we guarantee that you will find a destination around the Brighton area to scratch that recreational itch. We can't wait to see you out there. EXPLORE ISLAND LAKE'S YELLOW TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 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!

Detroit's snow may have disappeared this month, but don't worry - ski season isn't over yet! Fortunately there are plenty of premiere winter destinations within driving distance of the Motor City where the lifts are still running. Check out these 5 world-class ski resorts near Detroit to close out your ski season! Here's a forgetful fact: March is predominantly a winter month. For our community of hikers, paddlers, and mountain bikers, that's certainly not a welcomed reminder. In fact, we'd be willing to bet that spring's unseasonably warm arrival has been a blessing to the senses for you. For our cold weather faithful - the powder seekers, groomer rippers, and snow-covered trail aficionados - winter's abrupt exit from the Detroit region has been jarring to say the least. As I type these words, ALL of Detroit's "Big Four Ski Resorts" have shuttered for the season (Alpine Valley and Pine Knob, the last two standing, closed for the season today). Did this year's El Niño winter deliver a bust for Detroit's snow recreational opportunities? Yes - a definitive yes. However, contrary to popular belief, winter did actually arrive to the Great Lakes region, and some areas received generously more snow than others. So much so that certain resorts remain open into mid-March. That's right, friends: #SkiSZN in the Great Lakes isn't 100% over yet. Looking to squeeze one final ski trip into the 2024 season? You've come to the right place - here are 5 premiere ski resorts near Detroit where you can still capitalize on late winter skiing and snowboarding opportunities! 1.  BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT | Boyne Falls, Michigan Travel Time from Detroit: 3 hours 40 minutes Pass Affiliation: Ikon Day Pass Price: $59.00 Lifts Still Running: 4/10 Why You Should Visit: Since first opening for the 1948 season with a single chairlift, a single run, and a single warming hut, Boyne Mountain Resort still remains one of Michigan's premiere destinations for world-class winter recreation opportunities. Beyond the resort's 65 trails, Boyne also offers additional activities for visitors like night riding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating, and the world-famous Sky Bridge. Favorite Run: The Meadows 2.  THE HIGHLANDS  | Harbor Springs, Michigan Travel Time from Detroit: 4 hours Pass Affiliation: Ikon Day Pass Price: $52.00 Lifts Running: 7/8 Why You Should Visit: Boasting the highest vertical and most skier and rider-accessible acreage in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, The Highlands is known for its hospitality and family friendliness. The Highlands ski resort is home to an extensive trail system that provides terrain for all ability types. Beyond skiing and riding, The Highlands offers tubing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking, ziplining, and more, including 4 golf courses, making it a year-round destination. Favorite Run: Rob Roy 3.  BLUE MOUNTAIN SKI RESORT  | The Blue Mountains, Ontario, Canada Travel Time from Detroit: 4 hours 50 minutes Pass Affiliation: Ikon Day Pass Price: $94.00 (CAD) Lifts Running: 8/11 Why You Should Visit: Located along the shores of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada, spanning the Niagara Escarpment, Blue Mountain Ski Resort has evolved into a year-round outdoor recreation destination. Blue Mountain, which is approximately 100 miles north of Toronto, is routinely ranked as one of the top family-friendly resorts and ski areas in Canada. The resort is also conveniently located near Georgian Bay Islands National Park. Favorite Run: Memory Lane 4.  MOUNT-TREMBLANT RESORT  | Mount-Tremblant, Quebec, Canada Travel Time from Detroit: 9 hours 35 minutes Pass Affiliation: Ikon Day Pass Price: $135.00 (CAD) Lifts Running: 12/14 Why You Should Visit: Any trip to Mont Tremblant Resort can only be described as a "one-of-a-kind experience." Both on the mountain and within the pedestrian village located at its base, Mount-Tremblant provides a year-round recreational wonderland for its visitors. The resort receives abundant snowfall and has an extensive state-of-the-art snowmaking infrastructure with over 1,000 snow guns. There is a great mix of terrain that caters to all ability levels from beginners to experts. Favorite Run: Jasey-Jay Anderson 5. MOUNT BOHEMIA | Houghton, Michigan Travel Time from Detroit: 9 hours 40 minutes Pass Affiliation: Bohemia Pass (independent) Day Pass Price: $92.00 Lifts Running: 2/2* Why You Should Visit: Recently crowned USA Today's #1 ski resort in North America, Mount Bohemia is known for its expert terrain, consistent powder, and panoramic views of Lac La Belle - obviously making it a prime spot for Midwest spring skiers. Due to its position on the Upper Keweenaw Peninsula, Mount Bohemia's lake effect snow is dry and powdery, and snowfall averages about 273 inches a season. BoHo also boasts the largest vertical drop in the Midwest, and is the only lift-serviced ski resort in North America that does not groom. Consequentially, Mount Bohemia is NOT for beginners. The resort usually remains open until mid to late-April. Favorite Run: Backcountry runs below Bull Moose. *Mount Bohemia features a "shuttle lift" service that picks up backcountry skiers and riders throughout the base of the resort. Have you visited any of these ski resorts near Detroit before? Do you have special insider tips for new visitors? Let us know in the comments - and don't forget to share this article with any of your adventure buddies who may be interested in joining you on your next best winter (or spring) road trip!

The arrival of Southeast Michigan's peak fall colors transforms the beautiful Huron River into a can't-miss autumnal destination. Here are the six best routes for paddling, experiencing, and capturing the river's vibrant colors. Let’s start with the obvious: there’s no wrong way to enjoy the Detroit region’s fall colors. While even just a short walk around your neighborhood will produce Pinterest-worthy foliage content, we at Expedition Detroit like to get a little more intrepid with our autumnal adventures. Trail runs and mountain biking sessions are obvious choices, but now that the temperatures are dropping and winter is almost ready for its grand entrance, we’re opting to explore via paddle while we still can. With that decision locked in, the logical follow-up question is where to drop in at. As we all know, there are seemingly endless water destinations to explore in our corner of the Great Lakes. If you really wanted to, you could honestly just grab an inflatable kayak or paddle board, pick a direction, and start walking a few miles before hitting a suitable body of water. For Expedition Detroit’s inaugural fall paddling, however, we’re going to exert a little more intentionality than that. We’re paddling the Huron River National Water Trail - the 104-mile river trail that defines the heart of the Detroit region’s most beautiful parks, forests, and trail towns. Even more specifically, we will be paddling down the following 6 routes for viewing the best of Southeast Michigan’s famous colors. 1. Proud Lake State Recreation Area to Milford Central Park Distance: 5.1 miles Launch: North Launch - Proud Lake State Recreation Area Dock: Milford Central Park I must admit that as an adopted son of Milford, I have paddled this route probably a hundred times. Take that admission as you will, but my argument is that my repeated drop-ins are a testament to just how fantastic this northern segment of the Huron truly is - especially when it is set ablaze by Michigan’s fall foliage. The route begins at a DNR-maintained boat launch just east of Proud Lake State Recreation Area. Follow the westward current into the larger body of the park’s namesake, Proud Lake. Continue to follow the river’s northwest segments (otherwise you’ll find yourself in one of many dead-end segments, surrounded by equally confused geese) until reaching the only portage of this route: the idyllic Moss Lake Dam. Past the dam, you’ll float amidst a sea of golden and red leaves for 1.3 miles in one of Proud Lake’s best areas for solitude. Wildlife sightings are abundant here, especially white tail deer, great egrets, swans, waterfowl, turkeys, and muskrats. After passing a popular beach launch just east of Wixom Road, you will keep paddling through another relatively isolated segment that gradually approaches civilization. Natural wetlands give way to privately-owned shorelines, and a series of bridges signal that you are indeed leaving the wilderness and paddling into the heart of the Village of Milford. Remaining highlights along this route include the historic Oak Grove Cemetery and passing through Milford’s historic Stone Arch Bridge. The route reaches its final destination at Milford Central Park immediately after crossing under the Main Street Bridge. Bonus Tip: Between the Stone Arch and Main Street Bridges, you may have noticed a few kayaks pulled off onto a concrete dock along a south shore hill. We strongly advise that you follow suit and have a pint or two with our friends at River’s Edge Brewery, aptly named for its direct link to the Huron River. Known by locals simply as “The Brewery,” we at Expedition Detroit are not only big fans of their beer, but also the active stewardship and conservation advocacy that The Brewery has engaged in towards protecting the Huron. Cheers to you, River’s Edge! 2. Hubbell Dam to Upper Kent Lake (Kensington Metropark) Distance: 3.8 miles Launch: Milford Dam Portage Dock: Martindale Drive Shore Fishing Dock While this is the shortest route detailed in this article, this segment of the Huron River is easily one of the least visited and most beautiful. Conveniently hiding in plain sight between the extremely popular Hubbell Pond and Kent Lake bodies of the Huron, this route starts at the base of the roaring Hubbell Dam. The force from the dam will propel you down the initial twists and turns of this route, which include passing under the very scenic Camp Dearborn Trail Bridge and no-so-scenic General Motors Road Bridge. Once you pass these bridges, you will enter unceremoniously into the most northern and sparsely visited portion of Kensington Metropark. You and your company will most likely be the only paddlers on this segment, so be sure to relish the tranquility in your virtually undisturbed natural surroundings. Signs of human existence will return briefly as you pass under Group Camp Road, where equestrians will likely be riding alongside or wading into the river. This is also the location of the first canoe campground along the Huron River National Water Trail, so you could dock to pitch a tent here if you planned ahead and made reservations. The final 2.4 miles of this tranquil segment guide you closer and closer towards Kent Lake, the most predominant body of water within the Huron River. You will notice that the Huron gradually broadens as you approach Kent Lake, which could make for difficult paddling on windier days. Keep your eyes peeled for Kensington’s famous birds as well - sandhill cranes, great egrets, and herons draw bird watchers near and far to the park’s shorelines, although the best views are undoubtedly from the river. The route ends south of the Buno Road Bridge before the Huron becomes fully engulfed by Kent Lake. Bonus Tip: If feasible, we strongly recommend adding a segment or two of the Huron River to this recommended route. As referenced earlier, Hubbell Pond is a fantastic area to explore from the Milford Central Park launching point, including the Pettibone Creek tributary that runs through the heart of the park. On the other end of the route, you could spend a full day just exploring the shoreline and islands of Kent Lake - not to mention the voluminous recreational activities found within Kensington Metropark. 3. Kent Lake Dam to Island Lake Kayak Launch (Island Lake State Recreation Area) Distance: 5.4 miles Launch: Kent Lake Dam Portage Dock: Island Lake Placeway Kayak Launch This route should be titled the “Island Lake Grand Tour” - your vessel will take you on a scenic voyage through the heart of the park, starting at the foot of the powerful Kent Lake Dam and finishing in the southwest sector of one of the Detroit region’s hallmark state recreation areas. There is only one disclaimer about this route: the initial miles of the route are located uncomfortably close to the Island Lake Shooting Range. Seriously, the park could be mistaken for a Civil War reenactment during the weeks preceding firearm opening day of whitetail deer season (November 15th). So, if anyone in your crew has sensitivity to gunshot noises - including pets - you may want to launch a bit farther downstream. For those willing to brave the noise intrusion, however, this upper segment of the route is one of the most exciting and beautiful of the entire park. The powerful current from Kent Lake Dam forces you to stay alert as you navigate through boulders, logs, and submerged concrete barriers. Surprisingly, the wildlife viewing is also phenomenal - the egrets, cranes, turkeys, hawks, and deer must have grown accustomed to the constant barrage of gunfire, because they’re as plentiful as any other segment that I’ve ever paddled down. I’d suggest packing binoculars for this segment (and maybe earplugs). South of the Kensington Road Bridge, the twists and turns of the Huron will guide you along a journey through Island Lake’s ever-changing topography. Like an honest parent, I would never admit that I have a favorite destination in the Detroit region, but secretly, Island Lake may take the prize. The lakefront scenery of the northeastern portion of the park seamlessly fades into wetlands, wooded hills, thick boreal forest, and eventually prairie-esque grasslands along its southwestern edge. There are multiple areas to temporarily dock as you complete your journey too, including a sheltered bay used as a canoe access point 1.8 miles from Kent Lake Dam, Riverbend Picnic Shelter, and another canoe campground just 1.4 miles upstream from your docking point. Bonus Tip: Assuming that you utilized a pickup truck or similar large-capacity vehicle to transport your vessel, we also suggest bringing a mountain bike along for multi-sport adventures. Island Lake’s famous Blue and Yellow MTB Trails encircle and cross the Huron at several points within the park, with the canoe access point referenced earlier serving as a great base camp for launching successive paddling and biking expeditions. Just to demonstrate that we practice what we preach, my buddy and I tested the hypothesis that Island Lake is best explored on kayak and bike just last week. Our expectations were blown away. Stay tuned for a highlight reel. 4. Hudson Mills Metropark to Dexter-Huron Metropark Distance: 6.0 miles Launch: Milford Dam Portage Dock: Martindale Drive Shore Fishing Dock What do you get when you combine two metroparks with one of the region’s premiere trail towns? A fully-immersive “Pure Michigan” experience, featuring an uninterrupted highlight reel of one of the most beautiful paddling routes in the entire state. When the launching point for the route kicks off at the base of the Hudson Mills rapids, you already know that you’re in for a good time before you even push off from the shoreline of Hudson Mills Metropark and into the Huron. The majority of this route - 4 miles - comprises of one the most direct and fast-flowing sections of the Huron, entirely encapsulated by Hudson Mills Metropark on the river’s western bank. Wildlife sightings are bountiful here, but the most fun aspect of this segment of the river will be navigating around several logs, rocks, and other obstacles that you will approach at a steady pace. Don’t worry, these are all easily-navigable - hence the “fun” rather than “caution” descriptor. As you approach Downtown Dexter, you will notice that the bluffs around you rise to noticeable heights (which also showcase some of the most enviable house locations in the entire Detroit region). Mill Creek provides paddlers with an opportunity to voyage into the heart of Dexter and navigate through the Mill Creek Rapids. We have included this “detour” as part of this route since it truly entails a can’t-miss excursion from the main body of the Huron River. There are convenient docking locations at Mill Creek Park as well for continued land exploration. Back in the water and reunited with the Huron, the final 1.5 miles of this route returns you to nature as you quickly enter Dexter-Huron Metropark. Feel free to take your time rafting along this flowing yet mellow section of the river - the rapids are behind you, nature surrounds you, and you have every reason to tune the world out for a bit until your final docking destination appears on the eastern bank. Bonus Tip: Did we mention Dexter, one of our favorite trail towns in Michigan? We recommend using Dexter as your base camp for exploring this route not only via river, but by foot or bike. There is a walk/bike path that runs parallel to the Huron River and directly connects to both of the launching and docking locations mentioned above. If you plan correctly (and have two vehicles strategically placed), you can easily bike and kayak this route consecutively, including stops in Downtown Dexter for coffee at Joe and Rosie Coffee and Tea, lunch at the Dexter Riverview Cafe, and post-trail brews at The Beer Grotto. 5. Barton Nature Area to Gallup Park Distance: 5.6 miles Launch: Barton Nature Area Boat Launch Dock: Gallup Park Canoe and Kayak Launch As a Spartan alum, it slightly pains me to admit this, but credit is owed where credit is due: Ann Arbor is spectacularly beautiful in the fall, especially along the Huron River. Launching just below the Barton Dam, this route will showcase the best of Ann Arbor’s parks, hills, and picturesque cityscape. The initial highlight reel includes Bird Hills Nature Area, Bandemer Park, and Argo Nature Area - yes, which includes the Argo Cascades, a popular rapids section of the Huron that is better suited for kayaks rather than canoes or paddle boards. Below the rapids, you will find yourself in the heart of Ann Arbor. If you ever thought about venturing into amateur photography, well, this next segment will be as good of an opportunity as they come for testing your skills. The explosion of colors fostered by Riverside Park, Fuller Park, and - of course - the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum will quickly fill up your camera’s memory card as you capture one potential postcard after another. Furstenburg Nature Area is the final natural landmark before reaching your final destination among the islands at Gallup Park. Your exit point is on the north shore of the river just past Huron Parkway. Bonus Tip: Especially if you’re paddling on a bluebird, clear-sky day, our general bonus tip is simply to take your time along this route and thoroughly enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you. There are plentiful picnic spots along the route that are easily accessible from the river. We recommend packing in a book if you’re alone or a frisbee if with friends, as well as an Eno hammock for a midday snooze or relaxed river-watching from the shoreline. 6. French Landing Park to East Bend Picnic Area (Lower Huron Metropark) Distance: 5.6 miles Launch: French Landing Park Dock: East Bend Picnic Area (Lower Huron Metropark) Remember the first route on this list - the northernmost route that I have paddled several times? Well, this last recommended route forms the opposite end of the spectrum. Not only is it the southernmost route in this article, but it is the route that I am the least familiar with. As in I have never paddled it. Rest assured, however; that will change very, very soon. This final route launches from French Landing Park on the easternmost point of Belleville Lake. After a quick portage around the 1925 French Landing Dam, you’ll paddle under the French Landing Bridge Trail and immediately into Lower Huron Metropark. Despite navigating through the heart of Detroit’s southwestern suburbs, the metropark’s wooded shoreline will provide you with natural insulation from the bustling outer world. As you paddle under a canopy of fall colors, you will pass by several of Lower Huron’s landmarks, including fishing docks, idyllic pedestrian bridges, and campgrounds. You will reach your final destination - and final docking point of your fall colors grand tour of the Huron River - at the East Bend Picnic Area. Bonus Tip: Lower Huron Metropark hosts the Huron River National Water Trail’s fourth and final canoe campground (also the only canoe campground downstream of Ann Arbor). Especially given the lack of alternative campgrounds with immediate access to the river, we advise using Lower Huron Metropark as your basecamp for exploring the rest of the lower Huron over the course of a weekend. Assuming that you have the time and interest in doing so, you could ideally launch from Ypsilanti’s Spring Street Launch and paddle the entirety of Belleville Lake before reaching the campground for an overnight stay. Then, for our most ambitious of paddlers, it’s only a brisk 23.9 miles to the finish line where the Huron River meets Lake Erie. Put differently, Lower Huron Metropark is often the start of the final lap of the entire Huron River National Water Trail - if you feel the spirit of adventure nudging you to keep paddling (and your itinerary supports said continued paddling), we recommend allowing the current to keep you moving downstream. Please remember that these recommended routes are described as one-way, downstream paddling routes. If you plan to paddle these routes as described in this article, then you should plan ahead for transportation at the docking point. I typically address this logistical detail by either leaving my paddling companion’s vehicle at one endpoint while mine is parked at the other, or arranging for a pick-up at the docking location (I have endless gratitude for my wife’s countless pick-up services). If you are unable to arrange for a pick-up and looking for a phenomenal workout, you can also launch from one of the listed docking points, paddle upstream towards the corresponding launching point, and then return back downstream to your vehicle. I’ve emphasized paddling upstream since far too many new paddlers have royally screwed themselves by paddling downstream first. This mistake can easily lead to going farther than anticipated, underestimating the strength of the current, and then getting caught in a nightmare scenario where you lack the capacity to paddle back upstream. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, do NOT continue fighting a losing battle against the current until you’re completely fatigued. Paddle to the shoreline, securely dock your vessel, and rest both your muscles and mind until you can calmly assess the situation. Remember, we all know someone with a pick-up truck that can bail us out of a tough situation. Let’s end on a happier note, shall we? The Detroit region is unbelievably beautiful this time of year - so beautiful that determining how to maximize a fall colors experience can often pose an intimidating task. These six routes are intended to provide a cheat sheet for exploring the Huron River’s best routes under a vibrant canopy of red, orange, and yellow. Grab your paddle - we can’t wait to see you out there. This article references content further elaborated upon within the guide book Paddling Michigan, Hillstrom and Hillstrom (2001). We highly recommend this book for planning your adventures, exploring Michigan’s waterways from your armchair, or starting coffee table conversations.

The first installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, we're zeroing in on the specifics of what makes the Village of Milford, Michigan a can't-miss destination for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Check out our spotlight on Milford's essential parks, trails, and outfitters! Just like any other world-renown outdoor destination, some villages, cities, and townships in the Detroit region are slightly more blessed by the outdoor recreation gods than others. Beyond providing immediate access to the "best of the best" outdoor experiences and retailers, these destinations have invested significant resources into developing and sustaining a local outdoor-centric culture. These "Trail Towns" are the ideal launching points for your adventures, refueling stops for extra provisions, and watering holes for that essential post-trail beer. While we at Expedition Detroit celebrate and consistently aim to highlight our namesake city, we needed to kick off this series with a specific focus on Milford. Simply put, the immensity of outdoor recreation opportunities immediately accessible to this village inspired the launch of this business. Endless hours spent running, hiking, biking, paddling, and hunting along Milford's trails peaked our interest not only about what other recreational opportunities were hiding in plain sight near this small town, but the other vast and untapped outdoor experiences that remained unknown throughout our region. The attempt to answer those questions led to this business venture, website, and now this article. So, without further delay, here is our Trail Town Spotlight on Milford, Michigan: MEET MILFORD It is our pleasure to re-introduce Milford - a quintessential "Pure Michigan" destination for outdoor recreation. Founded in 1869, Milford has become well-known for its charming downtown, annual "Milford Memories" summer festival, idyllic access to the Huron River, and direct connections to 3 state recreation areas, Kensington Metropark, and several municipal parks. Milford's bountiful community events, restaurants, and local retailers provide year-round amenities for visitors of any interest, although we strongly believe that the village is best catered towards outdoor adventure-seekers and general nature enthusiasts. OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS Honestly, a better question would be what outdoor experience can you not do in and around Milford... For general running and road biking, the 3.5 mile Milford Trail runs from the parking lot of the Carls Family YMCA to the northern segments of Kensington Metropark's greater trail network. Surrounding the paved Milford Trail is the natural, Motor City Mountain Biking Association ("MCMBA")-maintained Milford Mountain Biking Trail, a 6.7 mile roller-coaster biking and trail running singletrack loop. The mountain biking adventures don't end there, however; Highland State Recreation Area's famous A-B-C-D loops and Proud Lake State Recreation Area's mountain biking trails are also immediately accessible from Downtown Milford. Certain sections of Highland and Proud Lake are also open to hunting, and Alpine Valley Mountain Resort is a quick five miles north of downtown. But wait, there's more. The Huron River flows directly through the heart of Downtown Milford, which transforms the village into an aquatically-crazed hotspot during peak summer paddling months. Starting from one of Proud Lake's several launching locations, you can handle downstream directly to Milford's Central Park, up Pettibone Creek for a maritime view of Milford's "Summer Concert Series" shows, and into Hubbell Pond. Further paddling adventures could take you all the way to Lake Erie if you follow the Huron River National Water Trail, although the local destinations typically involve either Kensington Metropark or Island Lake State Recreation Area. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: Milford Bike Fest Hosted annually by the MCMBA, the Milford Bike Fest celebrates not only the sport of mountain biking during its peak season, but also the insanely interconnected-nature of Milford's greater trail system. While the Bike Fest at its core is a big community festival filled with MTB enthusiasts, the Bike Fest also encourages - no, celebrates - the exploration of the vast trail networks that are immediately accessible from Milford. The highest honor of the Bike Fest is completing the Century Challenge: a 100 mile distance challenge to ride the entirety of all 5 MCMBA trail systems that are reachable from Milford (Highland State Recreation Area, the Milford MTB Trail, Island Lake Recreation Area, the Proud Lake/Kensington Connector, and Hickory Glen). How does one properly refuel after 100 miles in the saddle of a mountain bike? We know at least one time-tested method: an outdoor burger and beer tent, complete with live music and your new best friends/riding buddies. Main Street Grill and Tavern in Downtown Milford - yes, the one adorned with a bicycle statute outside its enviable outdoor patio - hosts the official Bike Fest afterparty each year. Hands down one of the best parties of the year. BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Milford Central Park Of all of the admirable qualities of the Village of Milford, its public parks system is unquestionably the village's crown jewel. While Milford has six parks, Central Park stands out as the village's premiere family destination. Beyond the celebrated Summer Concert Series, Central Park hosts several year-round events at the LaFontaine Amphitheater and its picnic shelter. The park's amenities include a playscape area, tennis, pickle-ball, and basketball courts, summer volleyball courts that are converted into an ice rink in the winter, a baseball field, the historic Ford Powerhouse, and plentiful restrooms. Oh, and don't forget about Central Park's immediate access to the Huron River via its shoreline launch locations. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Proud Lake Trail Running Proud Lake State Recreation Area is very well-known for fantastic trail running and hiking opportunities, so this addition may come as a surprise to some readers. However, the vast majority of non-equestrian or mountain biking visitors to the park never venture west of Wixom Road. Yes, I agree that the well-maintained trails within the eastern regions of the park are undoubtedly spectacular. That being said, the labyrinth of trails criss-crossing the western reaches of the park include some of the best trail running opportunities in the entire Detroit region. There are several access points to this trail network, with the most immediate access points from Downtown Milford being located on the south side of Garden Road (just beyond the Village Canoe Rental, best for solo running or biking access) and at the Proud Lake Equestrian Stage Area farther down the road (best for parking). This area is very popular for equestrians, mountain bikers, and in-season hunters, so always be courteous and mindful of your trail surroundings. If necessary, your exit strategies should be to either venture north towards a Garden Road outlet or east towards Wixom Road. Note: The trail network described above crosses over very active railroad tracks in two prominent locations. Always check your surroundings before attempting to cross any railroad tracks - you do NOT have the right of way when it comes to a 200-ton locomotive. FEATURED OUTFITTER: Blue Birch Outfitters Commonly referred to as "Milford's REI," Blue Birch Outfitters is Milford's premiere outfitter for outdoor clothing, gear, and accessories. Beyond carrying industry-leading brands like Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Osprey, and Black Diamond, Blue Birch also features Michigan-specific items and retailers throughout its hometown-centric store. Blue Birch is also a must-visit stop for outfitting your dog for their big next trail adventure (this is our golden retriever Lucy's favorite store in Milford). Better yet, Blue Birch supports their own loyalty program - an extremely valuable perk for regular customers like yours truly. MORNING FUEL: The Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream Located conveniently across the street from Main Street Park, in the heart of Downtown Milford, the Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream is a hometown favorite for pre-trail coffee and breakfast sandwiches. While the inside of the coffeeshop is ideal for easing into the morning with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee and a good book, the convenient walk-up window is a favorite for cyclists, hikers, or runners that are ready to hit the trail. The "Spicy Morning" breakfast sandwich is my personal favorite, although my in-laws are also big fans of Proving Grounds' gluten-free sandwich options. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: River's Edge Brewing Company Yes, we've highlighted our friends at River's Edge Brewing Company before. And yes, we absolutely plan on doing so again. Why is that? Well, on top of their award-winning beer and welcoming environment, River's Edge has become a staple participant in and advocate for all matters Milford. The team at "The Brewery" regularly organizes community events like their annual Oktoberfest Festival, sponsors outdoor festivals like the Milford Bike Fest and Milford Memories, and supports Huron River conservation efforts in conjunction with the Huron River Watershed Council. Supporting local restaurants that provide excellent amenities leaves a good taste in your mouth; knowing that your dollars are actively being reinvested into your community truly makes the beer taste even better. Cheers to you, River's Edge. If you prefer something slightly stronger to wash down any lingering trail dust, then we also recommend stopping by Charlie's Still on Main for the best bourbon, whiskey, rye, and southern-style dishes in the village. Their jambalaya is my personal favorite dish, but you honestly can't go wrong at Charlie's - I refer to the establishment as "Ol' Reliable" when deciding where to take first-time visitors to the village out for dinner. This article only scratches the surface on all that Milford has to offer for its residents and visitors. For more information on local businesses, organizations, and outdoor recreation opportunities, be sure to check out fantastic local networks like Women in Milford and the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce. Do you live in Milford? Have any additional suggestions for our community's attention? Please feel free to suggest any extra experiences, retailers, or outdoor events in the comments below!

Still looking to embark on an epic summer road trip? Look no further - these 10 national parks near Detroit provide idyllic outdoor destinations to satisfy your regional wanderlust. Hint: don't forget your passport! We have a confession to make: the Expedition Detroit team was largely not in the Detroit area last week. As our social media following is already well-aware, we spent last week on a road trip back to Detroit from Bozeman, Montana. A multi-day adventure spent exploring timeless destinations like Little Bighorn National Monument, Devil's Tower National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Badlands National Park. Each of these classic Americana experiences earned our full endorsement. Road trips and national parks. Hard to imagine a more iconic dynamic duo. Just mentioning either concept stirs up an innate sense of unbridled adventure and opportunity. Ever sense President Ulysses S. Grant signed the act that established Yellowstone National Park as the world's first national park in 1872, Americans have loaded up their wagons and cars to venture out into the open road and explore the country's most beautiful, exotic, and wild destinations. Canada's history of conservation followed a similar trajectory, including the establishment of Banff National Park in 1885 and the world's first national parks government body in 1911. Yellowstone, Banff, and the great national parks of the west should hold a coveted place on every outdoor enthusiast's bucket list. That goes without question. However, the national park systems constituting the "best idea that we've every had" stretch from sea to shining sea, covering the breadth of ecology diversity that has established North America as a recreational dream trip for the global outdoor community. And yes, several immaculate destinations selected for eternal conservation by our national governments are located within driving distance from the Motor City. So, in the choice words of author Jack Kerouac, all you need to kick off your next national parks adventure is "a wheel in your hand and four on the road." Here are 10 national parks near Detroit that are primed and ready for your next road trip this summer. 1. RIVER RAISIN NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK | Monroe, Michigan Travel Time from Detroit: 40 minutes Established: 2009 Entrance Fee: None Why You Should Visit: Beyond serving as the closest national park site to the confines of the City of Detroit, River Raisin National Battlefield Park provides a living memorial to the single bloodiest battle ever fought on Michigan soil. The park and its immaculate visitor center memorializes the 483 American, British, Canadian, and Native American lives that were lost during the park's namesake War of 1812 battle. Any visit to River Raisin will provide visitors with an immensely impactful historical experience and an opportunity to hike or run along the well-maintained and educational River Raisin National Battlefield Park trail. Featured Experience: Hiking the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Trail 2. POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK | Leamington, Ontario Travel Time from Detroit: 1 hour Established: 1918 Entrance Fee: $16.75 CAD for groups; $8.50 CAD per adult Why You Should Visit: Point Pelee National Park - Canada's southernmost point - provides a year-round destination for hiking, biking, trail running, kayaking, and relaxing along the park's Lake Erie beaches. Point Pelee is especially noteworthy within the Detroit region for two specific groups of outdoor enthusiasts: bird watchers and dark sky chasers. Point Pelee is recognized as one of Canada's best inland locations to observe seasonal bird migrations, including the park's more than 390 species of birds that annually visit the Point Pelee Birding Area. Point Pelee also holds the esteemed position as the #1 destination in the Detroit region for stargazing opportunities, with the park regularly hosting "Dark Sky Night" events for visitors during optimal stargazing periods. Featured Experience: Biking the Point Pelee Centennial Bicycle Trail 3. CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK | Village of Peninsula, Ohio Travel Time from Detroit: 2 hours 45 minutes Established: 2000 Entrance Fee: None Why You Should Visit: Cuyahoga Valley National Park constitutes Ohio's sole national park in the state of Ohio and one of three in the entire Great Lakes Basin, including Indiana Dunes National Park along Lake Michigan and Isle Royale National Park with Lake Superior. Cuyahoga Valley also differs from the other national parks in the United State due to its location between two large urban centers (Cleveland to the north and Akron to the south). Cuyahoga Valley attracted nearly 3 million visitors in 2022, which flocked to its trails to explore the park's picturesque waterfalls, deep forests, rolling hills, rocky ledges, historic structures, and open farmlands. Featured Experience: Hiking the Ledges to Pine Grove Loop Trail 4. INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK | Beverly Shores, Indiana Travel Time from Detroit: 3 hours 35 minutes Established: 2019 Entrance Fee: $25.00 USD per vehicle Why You Should Visit: Lake Michigan's might has influenced Indiana Dunes National Park for millennia. Wind and waves have shaped the land, leaving a rich mosaic of habitats along the park's 15 miles of Indiana coast. Indiana Dunes' 50 miles of trails lead through shifting sand dunes, quiet woodlands, sunny prairies, and lush wetlands. Known for its striking plant and bird diversity, it's easy to find natural inspiration and solitude throughout the park’s 15,000 acres. Featured Experience: Hike the Cowles Bog Loop Trail 5. ROUGE NATIONAL URBAN PARK | Toronto, Ontario Travel Time from Detroit: 4 hours 15 minutes Established: 2015 Entrance Fee: None Why You Should Visit: The sole National Urban Park near Detroit, Rouge National Urban Park provides the perfect outdoor complement to a visit to Canada's largest city, Toronto. Comprising the largest urban park in North America, Rouge is home to a rich assembly of forests, creeks, farms and trails as well as marshland, a beach on Lake Ontario, and human history spanning 10,000 years. Featured Experience: Hike the Rouge Valley Loop Trail 6. SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE | Empire, Michigan Travel Time from Detroit: 4 hours 20 minutes Established: 1970 Entrance Fee: $25.00 USD per vehicle Why You Should Visit: Miles of sand beach, bluffs that tower 450 feet above Lake Michigan, lush forests, clear inland lakes, and unique flora and fauna make up the natural wonder that is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. One of just three National Lakeshores and often regarded as the "Most Beautiful Place in America," Sleeping Bear's dunes provide visitors with breath-taking views across the expansive Lake Michigan. An island lighthouse, coastal villages, and picturesque farmsteads reflect the park’s rich maritime, agricultural, and recreational history. Featured Hike: Hike the Dune Climb Trail 7. GEORGIAN BAY ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK | Midland, Ontario Travel Time from Detroit: 5 hours 10 minutes Established: 1929 Entrance Fee: $12.75 CAD for groups; $6.25 CAD per adult Why You Should Visit: Canada's smallest national park - Georgian Bay Islands National Park - may just be the country's best kept secret. Located in the world’s largest freshwater archipelago and home to thousands of years of Indigenous history, Georgian Bay Islands contains a rich ecological diversity spanning dense deciduous forests to granite outcrops of the Canadian Shield. Beausoleil Island, the park's largest island, comprises of a remote island with a lifetime of beautiful and solitary hiking opportunities. Featured Experience: Hike the Beausoleil Island Outer Loop Trail 8. BRUCE PENINSULA NATIONAL PARK | Northern Bruce Peninsula, Ontario Travel Time from Detroit: 5 hours 15 minutes Established: 1987 Entrance Fee: $16.75 CAD for groups; $8.50 CAD per adult Why You Should Visit: Beloved for its rocky shorelines, dramatic cliffs, vibrant water, and lush woodlands, Bruce Peninsula National Park has welcomed generations of explorers, hikers, paddlers, and sun-bathers. Bruce Peninsula provides visitors with the opportunity to venture out directly from their campsite or yurt to the rugged shoreline of Georgian Bay, as well as to visit the boardwalk trails of Singing Sands on Lake Huron. Featured Experience: Hike the Georgian Bay via Marr Lake Loop Trail 9. PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE | Monroe, Michigan Travel Time from Detroit: 6 hours 20 minutes Established: 1966 Entrance Fee: $20.00 USD per vehicle Why You Should Visit: The first, largest, and often regarded as the most wild National Lakeshore in the U.S., Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore represents the one of the most breath-taking destinations not only in Michigan, but all of North America. Pictured Rocks' sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, sand dunes, inland lakes, deep forest, and wild shoreline have beckoned generations of outdoor enthusiasts to its rugged coastal trails. The power of Lake Superior shapes the park's lakeside features and affects every ecosystem, creating a unique landscape to explore. With stunning beaches, 10 inland lakes, and nearly 100 miles of trails, every recreationists can find their next great adventure at Pictured Rocks. Featured Experience: Hike or Backpack the Chapel Loop Trail 10. THOUSAND ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK | Brockville, Ontario Travel Time from Detroit: 6 hours 40 minutes Established: 1904 Entrance Fee: $8.00 CAD per vehicle Why You Should Visit: Last but certainly not least, Thousand Islands National Park invites you to journey to the park's picturesque granite islands and rugged shorelines. Representing the oldest Canadian National Park east of the Rocky Mountains, Thousand Islands provides endless opportunities for maritime exploration of its secluded bays by kayak or boat, as well as to camp or picnic by the river. Visitors to the park can also learn about the region's biodiversity and rich Indigenous heritage from the vantage point of wooded trails and rocky lookouts. Featured Experience: Paddle the Deadman Bay to Cedar Island Water Trail Have you visited any of these national parks near Detroit before? Do you have special insider tips for new visitors? Let us know in the comments - and don't forget to share this article with any of your adventure buddies who may be interested in joining you on your next best summer road trip!

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This week finds us winding our way through a wooded retreat in the heart of Livonia, Michigan. Rotary Park Nature Preserve is a well-loved community hub offering a plethora of outdoor activities for any season. Join us as we experience an enchanting escape into the Rotary Park Loop! "You can't judge a book by its cover." This well-known proverb, generally accepted as a universal truth, can easily be coupled with another: "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," or better yet that "beauty is always found by those who look for it." The main takeaway is that there's always magic and wonder to be found in seemingly simple places or moments. Take our hike for today: a small park, hemmed in by a concrete grid of roads and sidewalks. A trail length of comparatively short distance, no challenging climbs to scenic vistas. You may ask, how could this small trail be worth a visit? Well, in this simple shady oasis, these trails unfold into a place of beauty and tranquility. A refreshing reset, a literal breath of fresh air.  It's unassuming, but the central location and smaller size lend themselves to perfect accessibility and convenience. On a personal level, when those stressful days just beg for a quick escape to the woods, this is my go-to getaway. So we're glad you're here, to follow along on a delightful and enchanting walk through this not-so-hidden treasure. Away we go, to Livonia - and into the wood! MEET ROTARY PARK This gem of a park is a well-loved destination for Livonia locals and the surrounding metro cities alike. Rotary Park's 195 acres provide the perfect spot for a meet up with a friend, a competitive workout on the tennis courts, or a relaxing picnic. Bring the kids, bring the puppers because this place has something fun for everyone. The amenities list is impressive, including a half-mile paved walking loop winds through the front half of the park passing sand volleyball courts, copses of trees offer the perfect hammock perch, and the city's first universally accessible playground! Picnic shelters are available to rent for birthday parties or family reunions, and of course no party would be complete without some friendly horse shoe or bocce ball competition. Follow the road to the back of the park, peer past the baseball fields and you will see the forest loom large and inviting! HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 1.6 mi Elevation Gain: 32 ft Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available next to the trail head, free entry The trailhead of the Rotary Park Nature Preserve is located on the back left corner of the baseball fields, and there is plenty of parking (click here for a handy map). Dogs are welcome on the trails, but they must be leashed. The preserve is bursting with wildlife, so best to avoid any chase scenes! Something to keep in mind as you begin your trek - while this article follows the main perimeter loop, the defining features of this preserve are the meandering trails and unlimited ways to extend a hike. So come with your sense of exploration engaged and don't be afraid wander a bit and find your own favorite routes! It must be noted, as Rotary Park Nature Preserve is home to many delicate native plants, be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles and only stick to the designated trails. To paint a mental picture of this expedition, the main trail follows an oval loop. A small creek separates the front and back sections - the front half providing wider, rather straight shot trails that are fun to navigate thanks to Eagle Scout Adam Katers, who provided us with awesome trail markers and a convenient scan and go map. The back half is wilder and winding, full of enticing paths and engaging terrain. You won't find any trail markers back here, explorer mode locked and loaded! Tarabusi Creek provides the boundary line for the back of the preserve. The sounds of the city fade away as we begin our hike on the west perimeter of the preserve. Last year's wind storms took their toll on the older trees, but the trails are kept clear and well maintained, leaving you free to keep an eye out for darting chipmunks and squirrels who use the downed trees as photogenic perches. Trail Marker 3 sits at our first fork in the road. To advance towards Rotary Park's wild backcountry across the creek, take the middle path. You will find yourself at Trail Marker 6, and a little wood plank bridge. Note: there are 3 points of crossing the creek, but today we'll only trek 2 of them - extra points for anyone who finds the last one! Now the fun begins. Paths narrow and weave closer around trees. Branches dip down and tunnels of vines lead around unknown bends. You will encounter multiple splits in the path, and while I have discovered my own favorite spots, I don't want to take away that element of discovery so, dear reader, the choice is up to you! That's something to appreciate about small parks - you can't get TOO lost. Depending on the season, you may come upon some muddy sections. Ok, sometimes it's more like mini quagmires, but the wet conditions do provide great exercise in strategic foot placement! It's also a good idea to bring bug spray in the spring and summer months, the mosquitoes can be brutal. As you curve around and hit the back boundary line, you will come upon a true scenic surprise! Now we did mention that the back of the park is hemmed in by a creek, but oh - it is more than that. A high ravine slopes down and spills into the peaceful, flowing Tarabusi Creek. And we had said there were no stunning vistas to be found! There is the option to follow a footpath that runs right alongside the creek shore, providing a therapeutic and engaging journey. We're about 1 mile in, and we are entering the homestretch of the loop. We will dip down to the lowest point of our hike, but the grade is so slight, to the tune of about 20 feet! Voila, the second plank bridge ushers us across the creek and brings us to Trail Marker 8. As we wind along these wider dirt trails, heading back towards the parking lot, houses start to appear along the tree line, giving us a gentle reintroduction to the hustle and bustle of city life. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Livonia is home to many fun and varied attractions and delicious food offerings. Nothing says summertime like a soft serve cone from the famous red Han-D-Dip Dairy Barn. Be sure to check their schedule, as they are only open seasonally. Bate's Burgers always hits the spot for any burger cravings, serving a classic slider and chocolate milkshake combo. For those seeking that post-hike brewski, head over to Supernatural Brewing and Spirits for an exciting (and sometimes spooky) offering of craft beer and mead. Greenmead Historical Park transports us back to a time when this area was a thriving farming community. The park has become a safe haven for many local historic buildings that would have otherwise been demolished. They also host special annual events, like the Motor City Irish Fest and St. Andrew's Society of Detroit Highland Games. 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 sixth installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, this edition highlights the natural gems of one of Michigan's most beautiful, historic, and - as of very recently - controversial destinations: Dearborn, Michigan. Join us as we explore and re-introduce this vibrant outdoor community! First impressions matter. In human psychology, this is called the "Primacy Effect": a cognitive bias where individuals tend to predominantly remember the first piece of information they encounter rather than any information they may receive later on. This first piece of information could comprise of a thought, experience, or second-hand description. When I hear the word "Dearborn," my brain immediately time travels to a first impression resembling a humid evening in August, circa 1998. My family were Detroit region expats at the time, but we made semiannual pilgrimages back to the homeland. This particular year, the legacy of a distant relative was being honored at a special event located at some place called "Greenfield Village" in "Dearborn." Those names meant nothing to me, other than a cessation in cousin playtime in favor of putting on formal clothes and driving some 30 minutes away. Stepping out of the car, I experienced immediate confusion regarding my surroundings. The bright red brick contrasting with white steeples. Row after row of older, victorian-styled buildings. Fancy old cars. Men and women in period clothing. Even an old train stationed not too far away. Sights that I had never seen in Michigan before. "Mom, are we at an amusement park?" She laughed. The memory ends before I can recall her response. For decades, that memory of Greenfield Village constituted my sole impression of the City of Dearborn. After my family reestablished our roots in Southeast Michigan, new experiences and interactions started to accompany my connection with the city. I attended several weddings at The Dearborn Inn. Cycling from Plymouth to Dearborn along Hines Drive became a favorite past time. My father and I ran in the 2019 "Martian Invasion of Races" through its downtown. Most importantly, several of my closest friends - including a significant proportion of my law school class - all came from Dearborn. Men and women of diverse cultures and backgrounds, interests and passions. Amazingly, each and every one of them with a desire to make today slightly better than yesterday - to push themselves towards excellence. Exhibit A is our own Dr. Eric Reilly, a Dearborn High alum, accomplished anesthesiologist, and badass backcountry outdoorsman. I don't believe that my Dearborn story, as a long-term Detroit region local, is unique. Generations of Michiganders have fallen in love with the historic and culturally-diverse mosaic that defines Dearborn. A collective first impression that's overwhelmingly positive. On a national scale, however, Dearborn's public image is under siege. This first came to my attention watching a certain episode of "Designated Survivor," where Dearborn was depicted as a post-apocalyptic hellscape of suburban unrest. And then came this month's infamous article in the Wall Street Journal, which we will not be linking here. A xenophobic hitpiece, written by a non-local, intended to sow distrust within a flourishing community. For better and for worse, we in the Detroit region are no strangers to news headlines painting our communities with a broad, less-than-flattering brush. Especially by "painters" who have never left the confines of DTW. For us at Expedition Detroit, however, we identify with the words of Mark Twain - that "travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." So, in the midst of the swirling headlines, we decided to trek down Hines Drive to Dearborn to experience the city firsthand. More particularly, we sought out Dearborn's outdoor destinations, outfitters, cafés, pubs, and other institutions that form the bedrock of its active community. Our mission at Expedition Detroit involves changing the national narrative regarding the Detroit region's status as a gateway to world-class outdoor destinations, so its our honor to reintroduce Dearborn here with a designation that we all can rally around: an innovative, historic, diverse, and flourishing "Trail Town." MEET DEARBORN Located at the confluence of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Rouge Rivers, Dearborn's monumental recorded history began with a few humble farming settlements strategically centered around a popular Native American trading route. Dearborn's first major industrial event occurred in 1832, spurred on by the U.S. Army's relocation of the "Detroit Arsenal" munitions storage complex to an area outside of a rapidly growing Detroit. This new area was subsequently named after Revolutionary War hero Gen. Henry Dearborn, then called the Village of Deabornville before incorporating as the City of Dearborn in 1897. General Dearborn would eventually become the second most famous Henry within the confines of his namesake city. Starting in 1917, inventor Henry Ford chose to build the Ford Motor Company's "Fordson Assembly Plant" in Dearborn, which at its peak employed 103,000 workers. The Ford Motor Company continues to house its headquarters in Dearborn within a building locally known as the "Glass House." The Dearborn of 2024 carries forward this historical legacy of innovation and growth into one of the most unique destinations within the Detroit region. Aside from the living heritage of the Ford Motor Company, Dearborn is also renowned for constituting the home of the largest Arab-American community in the United States, including the Islamic Center of America that is reputed to represent the largest mosque in America. Dearborn offers all of the cultural amenities that one would expect from Michigan's "fastest growing city," including art galleries, theaters, Ford-related historical destinations, and the Arab American National Museum. Most importantly for Expedition Detroit's audience, the City of Dearborn has also invested heavily into its world-class parks, trails, and other recreational outlets for sustaining its flourishing population. Let's turn to those destinations now. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: Rouge River Gateway Trail When we first launched the Expedition Detroit platform, one of our first "Advocacy" articles focused on the unprecedented recreational opportunity that the Rouge River presents for Detroit's outdoorists. Once the main biochemical drain for our region's manufacturing might, the tireless efforts of groups like Friends of the Rouge are spurring on a renaissance in the river's natural history. Just like the Huron River National Water Trail, we dream of the day when we'll be able to canoe camp seamlessly from Northville to Dearborn. While the Lower Rouge Water Trail remains a transformative work in progress, the paved Rouge River Gateway Trail constitutes Dearborn's "Can't Miss" outdoor experience for recreationists of all abilities and interests. Starting from the S Brady St. trailhead, this panoramic trail crosses scenic boardwalks and bridges providing runners, walkers, and bikers with sweeping river views and Michigan Avenue highlights. The trail crosses the main Rouge River to then meander past the Ford Estate, University of Michigan-Dearborn's campus, and then eventually connect with the Hines Drive Ramble at its northern terminus. BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Ford Field Park The Ford Family left its legacy all over the City of Dearborn. From its skyscrapers to payroll, factories to open air museums, the modern city was unmistakeable shaped by the Ford name. Fortunately for outdoorists of all ages, the Ford Family's activities also journeyed into the recreational space with its namesake destination: Ford Field Park. Ford Field Park offers scenic views of the Rouge River, access to the start of the River Gateway Trail, large picnic shelters, tennis courts, ball fields, sledding hills, and much more. The park is spread over many acres and can be found just north of Michigan Avenue near West Downtown Dearborn. Highly recommended experiences include visiting its covered bridge, multiple hiking paths (especially the Waterfall Loop Trail), seasonal kayak and canoe rentals, and play areas also adorn the park, and attending one of the many local and regional events occurring throughout the year. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Riverside and Kroger Trails Yes - even in Michigan's "Fastest Growing City," you can still find "off the beaten path" outdoor destinations to explore. One such intrepid experience hiking or mountain biking Dearborn's Riverside and Kroger Trails, located on the western fringe of West Dearborn. Note of caution here: these trails, especially in the off-season, are very poorly marked. Even the trailhead is demarcated simply by a laminated notice tacked onto a tree. As such, we highly recommend referencing the map that we included below. Frequently. Hear us out though - that's what makes this such a great trail. The Detroit region is jam-packed with adventurous, under-explored, and wildlife-filled destinations like the Riverside and Kroger Trails. Better yet, these destinations are often hiding in plain sight. A stone's throw away from suburbia, yet as wild as untamed wilderness can get. We love it. FEATURED OUTFITTER: Nichols Ski and Snowboard 21938 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn As a whole, the Detroit region's outdoor industry is still relatively nascent. Only within the last decade or so have we seen a massive influx of local outdoor brands emerging into the brick-and-mortar scene - a very welcomed sight to say the least. Fortunately, that trend is anticipated to continue for decades to come. In light of the exciting trajectory of our industry, we would be remiss to not express our undying gratitude to the "O.G." outfitters and ski shops that pioneered the trail for Detroit's flourishing outdoor economy. One such establishment is Dearborn's Nichols Ski and Snowboard, family-owned and continuously operating since 1954. Nichols' has maintained its 70-year presence on Michigan Avenue through its commitment to customer service, dedicated staff, and massive selection of downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding equipment. MORNING FUEL: Black Box Coffee and Art 1034 Monroe Street, Dearborn Coffee, like recreation, should be versatile. For Expedition Detroit, our perfect "morning fuel" shop provides a space where we could either "grab and go" or ease into the day with an artisan coffee, relaxing environment, and friendly servers. Extra points if the space is designed as a destination where the exquisite coffee is just the cherry on top of an otherwise unique experience. Enter Dearborn's "Black Box," where world-class art and coffee align for an engaging café experience. As a premier coffee shop, art gallery, and event space in Dearborn, Black Box promotes and showcases premium hand crafted coffee seamlessly alongside the work of local, national, and international artists. Over the next month (February 23rd through March 31st), Black Box will showcase a photography exhibit called "Delicate Moments," comprising of captured images "hidden in every day, short-lived moments" spanning bustling streets to tranquil backyards. Need to cut your visit short for a morning ride? No problem - Black Box also has a walk-up window designed specifically for you. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: The Biergarten 22184 Michigan Ave, Dearborn This may be a cardinal sin as a Michigander, but my go-to brew isn't always a locally-brewed craft IPA. In full transparency, spending 3 weeks hopping trains, hiking trails, and raising steins through Central Europe all but altered my beer inclinations towards German and Czech-style pilsners. So, if you're looking to get a positive review from yours truly, going with a German name might give you a leg up on the competition. On a serious note, The Biergarten off of Michigan Avenue has held a cherished place among locals for nearly 30 years. Biergarten features all of the staples of the ideal post-trail watering hole: welcoming environment, friendly staff, hearty burgers, cocktails, unbeatable prices, and a massive beer selection. Prost! This article only scratches the surface on all that Dearborn has to offer for its residents and visitors. For more information on local businesses, organizations, and outdoor recreation opportunities, be sure to check out fantastic local networks like the Downtown Dearborn Development Authority! Do you live in Dearborn? Have any additional suggestions for our community's attention? Please feel free to suggest any extra experiences, retailers, or outdoor events in the comments below!

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the glistening lakes, vast marshes, and wooded ridge lines of Bald Mountain State Recreation Area's Blue, White, and Orange Loops. Join us as we conquer one of the Detroit region's "Black Diamond" trails on our first visit to Bald Mountain in Oakland Charter Township, Michigan! Some days it's easy to be an "Outdoorist." The cloudless weather sits at an idyllic 60-something degrees. The trail is dry, clear, and teeming with wildlife. Depending on the time of year, you'll be surrounded by blossoming spring buds or vibrant fall colors. As #pure as Pure Michigan can get. And then...some days you'll be hiking in peak "stick season." Muddy, cloudy, rainy, unbecoming stick season. For the uninitiated/unfamiliar with Noah Kahan's discography, stick season runs parallel with late fall and early spring. Its telltale signs include no leaves, no snow, and no flowers. Just...sticks. Monotone, damp, uninviting sticks. Here's the irony about stick season recreation though: it is, without a doubt, the most important time of the year for Metro Detroiters to hit the trail. Especially with our region's shorter days this time of year, clinical studies unfortunately show that mental health conditions plummet in the offseason months. Additionally, a significant portion of our population simply cannot afford to lose out on months of physical, outdoor recreation due to our region's high rates of preventable health conditions. A critical benefit of hiking during stick season also includes the simple act of accomplishing a difficult, rewarding task. By choosing not to wait out poor weather on the couch - opting instead to subject yourself to southeast Michigan's raw elements - you will unleash the floodgates of resiliency benefits that correlate directly with such feats. In fact, leading research shows that the more difficult the task, the more profoundly you will experience the neurological benefits associated with challenging your status quo. The Expedition Detroit team packed this mindset with us on our recent visit to Bald Mountain State Recreation Area in Rochester, Michigan. We picked one of our region's more challenging trails, on a pouring, muddy January afternoon, at a destination that we had yet to visit. Our goal was to recreate in the least hospitable conditions possible. The virtually nonexistent number of fellow hikers solidified that we were on the right track. "Perfect," I said audibly at the empty East Graham Lake trailhead. "Now the adventure really begins." MEET BALD MOUNTAIN STATE RECREATION AREA As you pass by the former site of the Palace of Auburn Hills (rip), you may notice the lack of "mountains" in your general vicinity. While this fact may throw off your orienteering slightly, know that you are indeed heading towards Bald Mountain State Recreation Area's 4,637 acres featuring some of the "steepest hills and most rugged terrain in southeastern Michigan. First established in 1946, the Michigan Department of Conservation (predecessor to the DNR) named the new recreation area after a prominent ski hill located during to the south of the acquired land. The ski hill may have met its ultimate fate on the wrong side of a bulldozer, but its legacy of accessible world-class recreation lived on through the expansion of Bald Mountain's protected acreage. In 1981, an estimated 1,500 acres of land, formerly owned by Chrylser, were added to the recreation area, providing access to Tommy’s Lake, and including property west of Lapeer Road. Another monumental expansion occurred in 2006, when the DNR purchased 62-acres that facilitated access to the Paint Creek Trail. In 2024, Bald Mountain is most celebrated for its expansive and adventure-filled quantity of "Backcountry Zone" terrain. Approximately 3,236 acres, or 63.6% of the entire park, is zoned for backcountry recreational activities like hiking, backpacking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, nature observation, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, and fishing. Most of this Backcountry Zone is included in Bald Mountain's rugged "North Unit," including its most famous Blue, White, and Orange Loops. Let's tackle those backcountry loops now. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 7.3 miles Elevation Gain: 452 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Figure 8 Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at the North Unit MTB and East Graham Lake trailheads; Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry to Bald Mountain State Recreation Area In 1983, the DNR crew stationed at Bald Mountain State Recreation Area headed out into its northern woods with one objective: attract cross-country skiers. The trail builders proceeded to construct a 3.6 mile loop through the rugged ridge lines, wetlands, and tower pines surrounding West and East Graham Lakes. This trail - the "Graham Lakes Trail," aka the "Orange Loop" - not only accomplished its goal of serving as one of the best cross-country skiing destinations in southeast Michigan, but also ranking as one of the "Top 50 Hikes" in the entire lower peninsula. Although AllTrails starts its orientation at the main MTB Parking Lot, we recommend starting your hike at the traditional "Graham Lakes" trailhead located off of Predmore Road (Trail Marker #14). Not only does this trailhead feature a visitor-friendly kiosk with interesting insights into Bald Mountain, but this trailhead also contains rustic bathroom facilities, ample parking, and access to the Graham Lakes. Heading west from the trailhead, your hike begins with a 0.4 mile incline towards Harmon Road. Turn right at the fork in the trail to start on the "White Trail," which you will approach in a clockwise direction. Don't miss the quick offshoot below the MTB Parking Lot towards Heart Lake, which provides not only a beautiful vista of the lake but a general insider's view of the terrain that you will trek 3 miles through. From Heart Lake, continue in your clockwise direction through the hardwoods for another 0.5 miles. At this point, you will notice that the trail bisects into two directions. There should be Trail Marker #3 here, but in our case we were left to our AllTrails map. You can skip that step by remembering to turn left at this point to verge onto the "Blue Trail," which heads southwest towards Carpenter Lake. Anyone wishing to cut their hike short can keep right to stay on the White Trail. The Blue Trail will consume a total of 1.7 miles of your Bald Mountain expedition. This segment of the trail features the steepest incline of the trail - a 7% incline hitting at the 1.6 mile marker - followed abruptly by an enjoyable 10% decline. There is a beautiful overlook at Trail Marker #4 that provides glimpses of Carpenter Lake, although you do need to verge off of the marked Blue Trail briefly to reach it (follow the established trail and always remember to Leave No Trace). Note that the AllTrails route displayed above differs from the marked Blue Trail at this point. We strongly recommend following the marked trail for a litany of reasons, the least of which being that the DNR actively patrols and maintains the marked, official Blue Trail. Plus, an extra half mile of hiking never seriously hurt anyone, right?? Trail Marker #5 designates the official terminus of the Blue Trail and your reunion with the White Trail's northern stretch. After a short climb west, you'll hike virtually due east for the entirety of this 1 mile segment, oscillating along the trail's rollercoaster of climbs and descents until one final climb back towards Harmon Road. Here's an exclusive insight just for you: this trail system features a few "hidden gems" that we haven't noticed within any other article or trail map. One of those gems is located along the White Trail, approximately 0.3 miles after Trail Marker #5. You'll notice the ruins of an old structure to your right. We at Expedition Detroit have no idea what this structure once housed, but what we do know is that its ruins now contain a hidden, beautiful mural located just beyond the trail's direct line of sight. We do not advocate for defacing any natural or historic structure, but when said defacement has occurred in an objectively artistic/beautiful manner like this, well, then it's worth appreciating. Once across Harmon Road, you will briefly retrace your steps to Trail Marker #7 before continuing to conquer the remaining stretches of the Graham Lakes/Orange Loop. These final 3 miles, in our humble opinion, are without a doubt the most fun miles of the route. While hiking on a northern parallel route to the road, you'll enjoy view of Shoe Lake and its surrounding marshes while "riding" the downhill banks that were clearly intended for cross-country skiers and mountain bikers - although also great to rip in treking shoes. You'll also cross the first of two scenic bridges 0.4 miles into this segment (see cover photo). While passing by Prince Lake - distinguished along its southern bank by a surprising stretch of exposed grass in an otherwise very forested segment of trail - keep your head on a swivel for wildlife as you ascend and descend along a 0.5 mile segment we've titled "The Ridge Line." The dramatic Ridge Line provides the best wildlife viewing opportunities due to its panoramic views and location between Prince Lake and Duck Pond. Depending on the season, you should be able to spot whitetail deer, grouse, Canadian geese, cottontail rabbits, coyotes, herons, and maybe - if you're very luck - a bald eagle. The Ridge Line ends at one of the lowest points of the trail, a brief 0.2 mile stint that this "Lord of the Rings" nerd nicknamed "The Dead Marshes." Why? Two reasons. First, glance back up at the photo directly above these words. If that doesn't immediately remind you of the scene where Frodo, Sam, and Gollum are traversing the Dead Marshes, then you and I must have had very different cinematic childhood experiences. The second - and more practical - reason is due to mosquitos. Thanks to glacial activity roughly 15,000 years ago, the Detroit region's Jackson Interlobate Range became categorized by two distinct geological features: dramatic moraine ridge lines and sporadic "kettle pools." The compressed kettle pools were formed by stranded glacial deposits that remained amidst the towering moraines while the primary glaciers receded. These pools now form microecosystems of their own, often teeming with rare wildlife found nowhere else in the Great Lakes region. Unfortunately, they're also overrun by mosquitos. Hordes of them. This, my friends, is another perk of off-season recreation - the mosquitos are nonexistent. However, as I've experienced firsthand on countless occasions, the mosquitos residing in kettle pools and their surrounding marshes will consume you alive during the summer. If you visit this trail April through October, please save yourself by wearing bug spray. Our adventure starts to end with a long, relatively straight climb towards the trail's "summit." After ascending 79 feet over 0.5 miles to reach the summit at 1,027 feet., you will, unfortunately, not be rewarded with any "mountain views" from Bald Mountain's highest point. Instead, we advise cracking a trail brew while relaxing at the conveniently-placed bench to honor the accomplishment. Now that you've summited, all that remains of this "Black Diamond"-rated trail is a 1.1 mile decline back to the Graham Lakes Trailhead. You'll cross another scenic bridge at roughly the halfway point of this descent, which provides one of the best photo opportunities of the trail. Otherwise, we recommend enjoying the consistent trail stretching the entirety of East Graham Lake's wooded southern bank. BOOK A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 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!

In the wake of the Detroit Lions' most exciting - and heart wrenching - season in a generation, we're reflecting back on 5 key takeaways that Detroit's outdoor community can learn from this historic football team. #OnePride "This is it - our whole season depends on this play." I said those words audibly from Section 212C at Ford Field on January 28th. I was on my feet, along with tens of thousands of fellow diehard fans, cheering on the Detroit Lions' playoff hopes until our voices dissipated. Ironically, our yells would have zero tangible effect on that particular play - our boys were playing 2,419.5 miles away in Santa Clara, California. But there we were - The Pride - gathered to watch Goff and the offense try to convert on one final 4th down gamble to keep our Super Bowl dreams alive. The ball's snapped. The cheers give way to bated anticipation. Goff's pass is thrown towards ace receiver Amon Ra St. Brown. The ball hits the ground. Incomplete. This season - this glorious, division championship winning, 3 points away from the Super Bowl, unforgettable season - is now, in all material respects, over. Fans started pouring out of Ford Field nearly as soon as the big screens broadcasted that incompletion. I couldn't join them. I had to stay in my seat, cheering the Lions on until the clock struck 0:00. Maybe it was due to my memory of being in that same building when our team came back against the Chicago Bears in dramatic fashion. Maybe it was the fact that the "Conference Championship" banner was located directly in my line of vision, taunting me with one remaining solitary space. Maybe I simply couldn't accept that these were the final seconds that I would watch this team play until September. Ultimately, I stayed because I fell in love with this particular Detroit Lions team over the last two seasons. Beyond finally bringing winning football back to Detroit, the 2022-2023 Detroit Lions initiated a cultural phenomenon that I had never witnessed in my 30+ years of being a Detroit sports fan. A ripple effect that permeated far beyond the confines of Ford Field, the City of Detroit, or all of Michigan. We all witnessed it. From the Honolulu Blue-lit buildings to the "Go Lions!" messages posted on church placards, "JA-RED GOFF!" chants breaking out at high school cheerleading matches to media graphics showing the whole country rooting for us, our One Pride grew exponentially this season. I've had friends from Colorado and Mississippi reach out to me asking about how it felt to be here, during this particular season, rooting for this exceptional team. And once the heartbreak from our loss started to subside (still grappling with it TBH), I was finally able to answer: "Unforgettable." As Detroit-based recreationists, we place our region's outdoor sports and endeavors over every other genre of recreation - including our beloved professional clubs. In that vein, as we at Expedition Detroit have processed this unforgettable Detroit Lions season from our outdoor lens, we zeroed in on these 5 key takeaways for cementing the legacy of this historic season into the culture of our outdoor community. 1. REBUILDING A CULTURE STARTS WITH GRIT "It's our core foundation, men. Grit. And what does it mean? Really, in a nutshell, I think it means this: we're going to go a little bit longer, we'll push a little harder, and we'll think a little deeper, and a little sharper." Head Coach Dan Campbell, October 1, 2023 Grit. One word that became synonymous with the Detroit Lions this season. An adjective also used to describe the 2004 Detroit Pistons and the 1997 Detroit Red Wings. In fact, just the singular descriptor "Grit" could be used to define the ethos of the entire Detroit region. Coach Campbell provided his palpable definition of the word in the above quote, which he stated after the Detroit Lions secured their grasp on the NFC North division. As outdoorists, his words should resonate immediately and strongly with our recreational passions. Regardless of whether you're peddling up an unforgiving hill on your mountain bike, braving below-freezing temperatures in the stand, paddling up stream in a fierce current, or trekking up hill through multiple feet of powder, "grit" is a prerequisite for success in nearly every outdoor pursuit. An integral resolution to not quit when your quads are screaming, your mind starts playing games, and your body desires nothing more than to return to a comfortable, controlled, and likely indoor space. Libraries of research support the irrefutable mental and physical health benefits of participating in gritty, outdoor recreational sports. In fact, this research supports that the more difficult - i.e., gritty - the pursuit, the greater health benefits you will receive. Beyond those benefits, our main reason for starting with individual outdoor sports corresponds with the macro impact that micro actions can have on instilling culture change. Mahatma Ghandi is often misquoted as saying "Be the change you wish to see in the world." Great mantra, but his actual quote is far more insightful: "All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him." Here's the takeaway from both Campbell and Ghandi: as we as individuals embrace grit in our daily recreational pursuits, we will implicitly ignite a revolution within our recreational culture. One in which the Detroit region becomes a magnet for ardent, passionate, and world-class recreationists. A "culture of champions" that advocates for high quality trails, expansive parks, and world-class recreational opportunities. It starts with us getting outside - regardless of the conditions - and pushing ourselves to become the most resilient and gritty outdoorists that we can be. 2. NEVER ACCEPT COMPLACENCY "I think our focus still has got to be we're not hunted. We're still on the hunt, and I said this back in training camp, but if you're hunting us, you don't have to look far. We're going to be on your front porch when you open the door." Head Coach Dan Campbell, August 6, 2022 I have a singular favorite moment while trail running. An experience that occurs regularly in each of my training runs, but provides an X-factor during competitive races. A mental skill that translates to both other recreational pursuits and life as a whole. The moment arrives when I catch a faint glimpse of another runner down the trail. Someone that I hadn't seen before a particular twist, bend, or hill in the route, despite previous straightaways that could have offered a fleeting sight of their vibrant running attire. Regardless of how many hard-fought miles I may have logged, seeing that runner always makes me smile. Why? Because now I have a new target to track down. A tangible metric to literally chase after. It may take 5 minutes. It may take 5 miles. But as soon as that neon fabric cuts through the woods, in my heart I know it's already too late for that runner. I will push myself to catch them and pass them, even if my legs are on fire and the tread is wearing thin. Of course I don't always catch them before the finish line, but that end result is irrelevant to this takeaway. As Coach Campbell summed up, the main point is to always stay in the hunt - to never accept complacency in spite of past success, always striving be 1% better today than you were yesterday. For recreational sports like trail running, that's a relatively simple concept to visualize. We can all increase our mileage and/or speed through training. The construct gets mirkier with pursuits like skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, and hunting. Yes, we can all always strive to increase our strength or perfect our form. But removing complacency in these less-binary pursuits also involves upgrading the mental side of the activity. Increasing your tolerance to extreme temperatures, palpable boredom, or simple distraction. Allowing yourself to simply enjoy the present moment, even if your competitive days of ripping down the mountain are decades behind you. The key takeaway is less: in every outdoor recreational pursuit, find a metric that you feel you may have grown complacent within and attack it head on. Reach for that extra mile. Tackle that daunting trail. Shoot at a few extra targets. Leave the phone on airplane mode. Find joy in the present. Achieve your full outdoor potential. 3. EMBRACE - AND EMBODY - YOUR ENVIRONMENT "It's not the first thing you think if you go to L.A. . . . Here, it's harsh winters, right, auto industry, blue collar, things aren't always easy. I just think that's what we're about. You want something the city can be proud of. You can look at those (players) and say, 'I can back that guy. I can back that team. I can resonate with that group of guys." Head Coach Dan Campbell, January 21, 2024 "Why Expedition Detroit?" - with a heavy, exaggerated, and often condescending emphasis on "Detroit." If I had a nickel for every time that I've heard that question over the last two years, well, I'd be doing exactly this but with an additional lucrative income stream. I have never given the same answer twice to this question. Beyond the Detroit region simply being "home," there are countless reasons to focus on exploring, promoting, and advocating for our area's outdoor ecosystem and economy. The destinations constituting our Federal, state, county, and Metroparks are immaculate. Our burgeoning trail system is innovative and community-driven. Our open green spaces are sustainable and award-winning. We are positioned to be North America's trails capital by the end of next year. As the cherry on top, we also have a broad range of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, large corporations, and small businesses banding together to work towards a collaborative, dynamic, and inconclusive regional outdoor industry. But here's the crux of all of these efforts: if our industry and ecosystem do not align with realities of our natural environment - and the recreationists within them - then all of the goodwill and energy surrounding our trajectory will be lost. Like this year's Detroit Lions, the outdoor community needs to cater towards our Great Lakes environment and residents in a way that invigorates zealous loyalty and engagement. In MCDC's words, "we want something the city can be proud of." We do not have the glitzy ski towns, dramatic mountains, and hundreds of thousands of acres of protected parkland that the western states boast. We also do not have the tropical climate that beckons far too many Michiganders this time of year. Those are both positive attributes of our region, because what we have is an environment perfectly suited for the intrepid outdoorists that we are. A four season climate enriched with old growth forests, vibrant rivers, panoramic trails, running rapids, and great lakes. Opportunities for solitude in the midst of a heavily-populated urban area. Thousands of acres of reclaimed green space within one of America's largest cities. An unmatched opportunity for international recreation. Most importantly, we have a hard-nosed population - inclusive of every demographic - that's fiercely proud of our region. This gritty bulwark has demonstrated on a generational scale that it will work tirelessly to make our outdoors the best that we can. Long gone are the days of thoughtless urbanization in the name of industrialization. Now, our region's environmental focus solely sets on prioritizing conservation, preservation, and expansion of outdoor opportunities. Detroit built the American industrial dream; now, we can rebuild the outdoor state. What a time to be both a Detroit Lions fan and an outdoor enthusiast here. 4. AIM FOR WORLD-CLASS STANDARDS "Every team should want to go to the Super Bowl every year . . . I think we're positioned much better to swing with the big boys this year. Now I can't tell ya what that means in win totals, but that is the goal, man. We've got to go get this division." Head Coach Dan Campbell, March 28, 2023 From the moment that the 2022 season ended, the professional football world knew that this year's Detroit Lions were on a mission. In 2023, Dan Campbell's troops would do everything in their power to not leave their playoff hopes to the outcomes of several different coinciding games. Another iteration, albeit an improved one, of the "leave it to chance," S.O.L. mentality. No - in 2023, this team's playoffs destiny would rest solely in their hands. And there was no safer way to lock that fate in than by "swinging with the big boys,"playing at a world-class standard, and winning the NFC North Division title for the first time since 1993. The Detroit Lions had every excuse not to hold themselves to such a high standard. A culture of losing had practically instilled a core belief that, regardless of the altruistic values that Sheila Hamp, Brad Holmes, and Dan Campbell might hold, the team would ultimately regress to their mean of mediocrity. Add in a young starting core, barely cracking .500 the previous season, and veterans lurking throughout the NFC North, Campbell's stated goal of winning the division sounded nearly as fanciful as his (in)famous "biting kneecaps" speech. And yet...look at what his team did. Beyond comfortably accomplishing the divisional championship goal, this team earned - and won - TWO home playoff games, the first since 1991. The Detroit Lions nearly punched their ticket to the Super Bowl. Not to play the "what if" game, but if one or two mere bounces would've went a different way during last week's game...we could've actually been within striking distance of beating Kansas City for a second time this season and cementing our place in football immortality. Here's the takeaway: if our professional football team can set AND accomplish world-class standards, then we as an outdoor community should follow suit and not settle for anything less. What does that mean exactly? For us at Expedition Detroit, it means continuing to build and maintain award-winning outdoor spaces that enrich lives - yes, for both wildlife and recreationists. The incredible work that organizations like the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has already accomplished along the Riverwalk, Dequindre Cut, and Southwest Greenway are prototypical examples of the world-class standard that we as a community are aiming for. The forthcoming Joe Louis Greenway, Iron Belle Trail, and Gordie Howe International Bridge provide further examples of cutting-edge trail infrastructure projects that are fundamentally redefining what it means to live and recreate in the Detroit region. Like our football team, Detroit as an outdoor destination has been overlooked and written off by the outdoor community for far too long. Just as every Detroiter has an inherent and hard-nosed belief that the Lions will earn a Super Bowl berth, we need to maintain the similar expectations of our outdoor spaces. An unwavering commitment to continue protecting the wild and beautiful, while simultaneously refurbishing and repurposing the neglected and forgotten. In both scenarios, those core principles start with believing that we as a region are worthy and capable of reaching world-class standards - and then turning that belief into action. 5. ALWAYS COME BACK STRONGER "We're gonna kick you in the teeth, and when you punch us back we're gonna smile at you, and when you knock us down we're going to get up, and on the way, we're going to bite a kneecap off. We're going to stand up, and it's going to take two more shots to knock us down. And on the way up, we're going to take your other kneecap, and we're going to get up, and it's gonna take three shots to get us down. And when we do, we're gonna take another hunk out of you." Head Coach Dan Campbell, introductory press conference, January 21, 2021 "We will be back, I promise." WR Amon Ra St. Brown, January 31, 2024 This...this is the most difficult takeaway from this historic season. One where success isn't guaranteed. An unshakeable belief that requires blind faith and a diligent work ethic. Discipline in the place of celebration; a blank check written out to more hard work instead of a ticker-tape victory parade. The first quote, reprinted here in all of its unmitigated glory, comes from Coach Campbell on day 1, week 1 at the helm. He inherited a team with a losing culture - the "Same Old Lions" mentality where you gave up late leads, caved into pressure, set "realistic" expectations, and sorely lacked the grit and tenacity necessary to carry a team through the regular season slugfest. So, Coach Campbell did what all great leaders do: He set the tone. He established the expectation. He publicly declared that the culture of his Detroit Lions - the "Brand New Lions" - would play hard to the final whistle. Quitting would never, ever be an option. The rest is now history. During Year 1 of Campbell's reign, the Detroit Lions went 3-13-1. Year 2 started with similar concerns, but the team turned a corner midseason to finish 9-8 and just outside of a playoff berth. And then, there was this season: a historic 12-5 (really 13-4, IYKYK), the NFC North Division title, and THREE POINTS away from clinching the conference and punching a first ticket to the Super Bowl. Now the Lions are facing their most difficult task yet: to outperform three years of consistent progress. To get back up after the most gut-wrenching loss in the franchise's living memory. To fill that remaining space on the "NFC Champions" banner. To truly cement their place in history by finally accomplishing an unfulfilled Detroit dream for over 55 years: playing in the Super Bowl. If there's one shared experience that unites all outdoor recreationists - scratch that, all humans - it's failure. Complete, objective failure. The days on end that I've spent in the woods, only to blow that one singular opportunity at a buck when it finally presents itself. Picking out the perfect backcountry line, only to lean too hard into your ski's edge and tumble halfway down the mountain. The scar tissue on my arms from unanticipated rocks while mountain biking. Freezing nights in my tent that could've been avoided with proper planning. I have a tradition for whenever I "fail" in the outdoors. It works best with "fast failures" like falling while skiing or biking, but it works with "long failures" too. As soon as I get back on my feet and confirm that I don't require emergency medical equipment, I audibly say "Best Day Ever!" I try and say that as close to the "moment of failure" as I can. And then, if possible, I immediately try to succeed in the act that I just failed attempting (e.g., getting back into the stand after discovering a clean arrow or hiking back up the hill to reattempt the line). By publicly proclaiming "Best Day Ever," my goal is to immediately put my mindset back into the place of a champion vs. victim. Far too many accomplished outdoor athletes and enthusiasts cave in to their fear of failure as soon as they experience a bad fall, rough night in the woods, poorly-inflated kayak, or shut-out deer season. As I recently shared with a friend while teaching him how to ski, falling and its inherent feeling of failure are integral components of the learning process. Here's some truth for this overcast Monday: you, dear reader, are going to fall. You're going to fail. You're not always going to have an amazing time. And that's exactly what makes outdoor recreation - and life - so beautiful. The wins are never guaranteed. A perfect day on the trail can be immediately followed by a relentless downpour. You will celebrate and suffer, laugh and cry, reach peaks of strength and valleys of recovery. C'est la vie. So, here's the final takeaway from this Detroit Lions season: don't focus solely on trying to avoid failure, because failure is an integral part of the human existence. Focus on coming back stronger, regardless of your genre of failure. Rigorously analyze, learn from, and capitalize on every failed experience. Systematically improve every step of the process that may have led to such failure. Never give into the temptation that the integrity of your hard work - the blood, sweat, and tears that only you know exists - will never pay off. In the words of Sir Winston Churchill, "Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense." Or, as more succinctly put by Amon Ra St. Brown, "We will be back, I promise." Always come back stronger. And bite a knee cap off while you're at it.

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the towering pines, vast meadows, and glistening snow-covered vistas of Island Lake State Recreation Area's Hickory Ridge Trail! Join us as we capitalize on the Detroit region's first snowfall by exploring Island Lake's most accessible - and possibly most beautiful - trail. Let's start with a polarizing confession: I am a "Thanksgiving believer." That means that I absolutely refuse to engage with the connotation of "Christmas" until that extra plate of turkey has reached its final destination, a post-meal nap has concluded, and a Detroit Lions loss has adequately been mourned. I try not to take hard stances on trivial matters, but I will absolutely die on the hill of delaying any Christmas activities until Black Friday at the earliest. I may or may not have lost relationships over this belief. Where did that irrational stance originate? Right here in the Detroit region's outdoors. Growing up as a Michigan transplant to Washington, D.C., my family always made the pilgrimage back to Metro Detroit on the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving. That 8 hour drive from the Mid-Atlantic to the Great Lakes struck my impressionable mind as a seasonal rite of passage: the gradual shift of fall into winter, with one final autumnal act to go before the great jovial wave of Christmas cheer covered all. Don't get me wrong - I absolutely love winter (and Christmas, I swear I'm not the Grinch). In fact, a large part of why I vividly recall that episodic childhood experience involves the Thanksgiving weekend snowfall that always seemed to arrive in step with our family minivan. For a D.C. kid, venturing out into the snow-covered expanses of the parks near my cousins' homes felt like journeying into the frontier of the "Great White North." An adventurous expedition from fall into winter. And yes, an internalized sensation that winter recreation - in all of its varieties - starts after Thanksgiving. Fast forward a few decades, I'm making fresh tracks during yet another Thanksgiving weekend snowfall along the beach at Kent Lake. The crisp air, crunch sensation of fresh snow, and ethereal silence of the iced-over waves confirm that winter has finally arrived in Detroit. As the snow rapidly accumulates around me, a familiar childlike instinct starts compelling me to go explore. "Genius is no more than childhood recaptured at will." That quote from 19th century poet Charles Baudelaire has inspired, both implicitly and directly, most of the growth of the Expedition Detroit platform. This winter, we invite you to join us on rediscovering your childlike genius along Detroit's stunning, snow-covered trails. Especially when those trails are as diverse, picturesque, and accessible as Island Lake State Recreation Area's Hickory Ridge Trail. MEET ISLAND LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA If Yellowstone National Park is widely considered the "Grandfather of the National Parks," then Island Lake State Recreation Area is undoubtedly the "Grandaddy of the Detroit Region's Parks." This designation goes far beyond the park's size, location, and recreational capacity. The history of Island Lake is objectively fascinating. Traveling back to eastern Livingston County of the 1800s, most of the area had been purchased by livestock and grain producing farmers. However, along the sandy beaches just south of Kent Lake, the Federal government had ordained a small portion of the growing county with a very distinct purpose. The U.S. army utilized this area as for summer encampments and training for its soldiers, including Michigan regiments shipping overseas in 1898 for the Spanish American War. Following its military use, the park also briefly hosted a boys' academy before its purchase in 1922 by Dodge Motor Company. Similar to several other areas in Livingston and Oakland Counties, the Dodge Motor Company decided to donate the area surrounding Island Lake and nine other distinct recreation areas to the State of Michigan. Island Lake was the first and one of the larger parcels to be donated, therefore earning the designation "Dodge Park #1" between 1923 through 1943 - the Detroit region's first state park. Due to the increased interest in the Detroit region's park system and corresponding conservation acquisitions made by the state during those two decades, the Michigan Department of Conservation formally reopened the park as Island Lake State Recreation Area in 1944, including an acquisition of 1,868 additional acres. In 2023, Island Lake preserves more than 4,000 acres along the banks of the Huron River. The park has retained its popularity over the past 80 years through its accessibility from I-96 and plethora of recreational activities. The park represents a world-class destination for mountain biking, paddling, hiking, swimming, triathlon training, picnicking, hunting, fishing, trapping, and target shooting. Despite its improvements over the years, Island Lake has excelled in maintaining a backcountry and natural feel, featuring four inland lakes and a mixture of open brush, mature hardwood forest, pockets of open meadows, and its famous "Badlands" region that belongs more in the Dakotas or Colorado than southeast Michigan. With a lifetime of recreational activities, Island Lake has the potential to overwhelm its visitors. We get it, and that's where this article comes in handy. Again, if you only have time to visit one outdoor destination in the Detroit region, then you should visit Island Lake. And, if you're itching to start your winter trail while at Island Lake, then there's no closer trailhead to the main Kent Lake entrance than the Hickory Ridge Trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 5.1 miles Elevation Gain: 173 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at the main Kent Lake trailhead; Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry to Island Lake State Recreation Area Stepping out at Kent Lake is always a sight for travel-weary eyes. In the warmer months, you'll be greeted by whistling birds, budding trees, or hordes of beachgoers sunbathing, swimming, or paddling in the gentle waves. The crowds thin in the fall, but the brilliant leaves still welcome you to one of the Detroit region's most iconic trailheads. The colder months hit a little different though. The vacated picnic tables, complete absence of sand, and icy waters of Kent Lake evidence that peak tourist season has indeed closed for the season. A cold gust of wind to the face further demonstrates that winter has come. There may even be another car in the parking lot - a far cry from the frequent parking space battles accustomed to July. My intrepid friends: these are all signs that you are exactly where you should be for your wintry expedition on the Hickory Ridge Trail. Especially after fresh snowfall, you are all but guaranteed to make first tracks on the trail, spot undisturbed wildlife meandering right off of the trail, and experience the masterfully-healing solitude of winter recreation. Before starting on the trail, however, remember to take extra precautions prior to setting off into Island Lake's winter wonderland. Make sure to download a comprehensive trail map via AllTrails+ prior to embarking down the trailhead. Dress in layers and pack in any extra gear that you might need for hiking during the darker months of daylight savings time. Always remember to pack water within an insulated container that will prevent it from freezing. Once you've verified your kit, head towards the western edge of the beach for the trailhead marked with an "A." Your adventure will conveniently track the alphabet. The first 1.1 miles consists of a forested oscillating trail running parallel to the Huron River. On a clear winter's day, this segment of the trail will provide unbeatable views of the river and its non-migratory wildlife perched or grazing along its banks. Unfortunately, this segment is also situated directly south of Island Lake's shooting range. Don't worry, the gun shots will quickly fade to the point of blissful silence as you continue down the trail, but you may wish to bypass this section of the Hickory Ridge Trail if hiking with any noise-sensitive companions. Yes, that includes our four-legged pals. As this section gradually ascends towards Kent Lake Beach Rd., your river views will be pleasantly supplemented by towering pines and other hardwood trees. Densely forested sections of trail like this are enjoyable in every season, but there's something undeniably special about massive pine trees covered with fresh snow. The "Narnia" comparisons are endless, especially if you're fortunate enough to solo hike this mesmerizingly beautiful section in the snow. After crossing Kent Lake Beach Rd., follow the unmissable "HIKING TRAIL" directions into the 1.3 mile segment that we dubbed "The Meadows." While every Detroit region state park contains unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts, the Expedition Detroit team's favorite aspect of Island Lake involves its vast range of topography, landscapes, and habitats. As you ascend into The Meadows, you'll immediately be struck by the stark departure from the dense forest that you just spent the previous mile hiking under. The Meadows consists of far-reaching vistas of the disparate "oak savanna" grasslands that uniquely decorate the Detroit region's natural environment. You will trek this this meadowed grassland directly towards - and around - Trout Lake. Note that there is a "short cut" route that eliminates the Hickory Ridge Trail's circumnavigation of Trout Lake, but we strongly suggest that you do not deviate from the longer route unless necessity requires such deviation. Plus, you'll miss the several offshoot opportunities to venture down to the lake. As you pass back into another heavily-forested section of the trail at the 2.5 mile marker, please be aware the you are entering an area that is very popular with hunters - especially during firearm season. While on my winter hike last weekend, the only other trail users that I came across were two hunters heading into the woods for their afternoon sit. There was also a pop-up blind located in a field at the 2.6 mile marker and plenty of deer sightings to validate their decision to hunt that evening. This part of the trail is stunning - the density of the snow-covered trees truly creates an other-worldly experience. The sensation of solitude despite your proximity to the park's boundary. However, you're probably not alone this time of year, so it's incredibly important to review our "Tips for Recreation During Hunting Season" included below. As we've recently covered, hunting is immensely important for the sustainability of the Detroit region's outdoor industry. Hikers and hunters alike deserve the equal opportunity to recreate in our shared outdoor spaces. Better yet, both groups can do so safely by following a few simple best practices. Hickory Ridge Trail sign "F" starts to mark your return to civilization. Beyond crossing the paved Huron Valley Trail, your undisclosed proximity to I-96 will become apparent as the vehicular noise reverberates over Kent Lake. Trust us, you won't mind at all. In fact, in our humble opinion, the Hickory Ridge Trail saves its best features for last as you descend the boardwalked stairs towards the vastness of Kent Lake. After taking a few minutes to enjoy the boardwalk platform's vistas, your trail concludes with a 0.8 mile highlight reel of Kent Lake's southern shoreline. Trail runners will especially enjoy this segment, which features sharp turns, ascents, and descents. Slower-paced hikers will equally enjoy how the trail meanders along the shoreline, including multiple beach opportunities to break from the trail and visit the waterfront. The Hickory Ridge Trail ends right back where it started: a long promenade along Kent Lake Beach. From here, the choice is yours whether to make snow angels over the sand, dare to take a polar plunge, or B line it back to your car. TIPS FOR RECREATION DURING HUNTING SEASON 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 hunting 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. BOOK A GUIDED HIKE OF ISLAND LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 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! This article contains sponsored links.

Just when any dreams of deep powder days had diminished to a fool's hope, January has delivered with over a foot of snow over the last week. Here's our breakdown of which winter trails activity is best suited for these wonderland conditions. Let's kick this off with an undeniable truth: winter is the most polarizing season. No, that's not a nod to the north and south poles existing in a state of perpetual, Narnia-like winter. Despite the abundant love that us Midwesterners have for living in our "four season climate," there's also a common joke that Florida is Michigan's "lower-er peninsula" due to the annual snowbird migration from our region. We've already covered this topic at length, but the mid-November to mid-March evaporation of recreationists on Michigan trails demonstrates just how cold-averse humans truly area. Then there's the other faction of outdoor enthusiasts - the "Winter Believers." The Expedition Detroit archetype of recreationist. One who hits the trail regardless of the conditions, seizing on an opportunity to fully experience our natural environment during heat, rain, sleet, darkness, and certainly the freezing cold. For this adventure seeker, each fresh layer of snow represents a blank canvas, a pristine trail just waiting to be explored. Who cares if its your favorite local out-and-back - that spotless blanket of powder represents a clean slate and fresh opportunity for first tracks, re-establishing you as the first trailblazer to embark on its route. That's why we love winter. Beyond the open trails, crisp air, and beauty of a snow-covered landscape, our coldest season provides daily opportunities for new recreational opportunities. Snow is the only natural phenomena that transforms your ability to engage with and explore terrain literally overnight. The powder dump that Mother Nature finally blessed us with over the past few days proves that theory in spectacular fashion. Winter Believers do tend to struggle with one decision in these powder conditions, however: what is the best way to experience our snow-covered trails? Should I bust out the snowshoes for the first time this season or lace up the hiking boots? Is this the season to finally give cross-country skiing a go? Which activity fits within my budget or fitness goals? We dive into each of these questions and more ahead as we breakdown a winter trail's three most popular winter recreational sports: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow hiking. SNOWSHOEING Best Conditions: Any quality snow; accumulation of at least 6 inches Equipment Required: Snow shoes and trekking poles Thrill Factor: 🤟🤟 Skill Factor: Minimal skill acquisition required. Cost Factor: 💵 💵 💵 ($100-250 for snow shoes and trekking poles) Why You Should Snowshoe As "long-time" Expedition Detroit readers know (and hopefully appreciate), we don't like to hide information behind the proverbial 8 ball in our articles. What I mean by that statement is that if we believe that a piece of equipment, trail, or advocacy cause is good or valuable to our readers, we declare that statement as straightforward as we can. The opposite is obviously true for any aspects of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem that we strongly disagree with. For the purposes of this article, snowshoeing will check almost every box as the best-suited winter recreational activity for the vast majority of readers. For starters, as long as the snow quantity - not quality - metric of at least 6 inches is hit, then you have the climate's green light for snowshoeing. Yes, that means even in icy, somewhat slushy, or very deep powder conditions, snowshoes will easily and efficiently guide you through the least hospitable of Great Lakes trail winter conditions. Snowshoeing also attracts most winter recreationists due to the minimal amount of equipment required, the relative affordability of that equipment, and the negligible amount of skill required for proficiency on snowshoes. Beyond obviously acquiring a sturdy pair of snowshoes, we strongly recommend acquiring multi-sport trekking poles for additional stability. Otherwise, always remember to dress appropriately for the conditions, but note that your body temperature will warm up dramatically as you engage the trail. You will burn noticeably more calories snowshoeing vs. hiking, especially given the additional weight on your feet. Opt Out of Snowshoeing There's really only two reasons why you may want to leave the snowshoes at home for wintry trail outing: (1) the snow accumulation is too low or (2) you are looking for an especially high or low-intensity workout experience. For snow accumulation, snowshoeing should be your default activity if there's more than 6 inches of powder on the ground; conversely, you will most likely have a miserable time on the trail if you're snowshoeing over 3 inches of light snow. Likewise, if you're looking for a high-intensity workout, complete with fast downhills and heart-thumping climbs, snowshoeing will leave you wanting in comparison to cross-country skiing. Hiking is on the other end of the spectrum - especially if you're only looking to ease into winter recreation with a leisurely stroll in low-snow conditions, lace up your trusted boots and leave the big ones in the closet. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Best Conditions: Groomed or maintained trails; accumulation of less than 3 inches Equipment Required: Cross-country or nordic skis, ski boots, poles; ski goggles also recommended Thrill Factor: 🤟🤟🤟 Skill Factor: Notable skill acquisition required for turning, stopping, balance, and maintaining momentum Cost Factor: 💵 💵 💵 💵 💵 ($350 - $1,000 for skis, boots, and poles) Why You Should Cross-Country Ski In one word, "Adrenaline." You should cross-country ski if you are looking to pack in as much adrenaline as you can into your winter trail experience, especially if you the wallet and determination to learn a new and intense sport. Let me pause by addressing the elephant in the article: yes, fellow downhill skiers and snowboarders, describing cross-country skiing as "adrenaline-inducing" and "intense" may have caused you to spit out your Red Bull. I had the same initial reaction when researching this article, but it turns out that cross-country skis get the heart pumping. As in a full-body, 700 calories per hour, continuous aerobic burn fest of a sport described famously as "the best cardiovascular exercise known." Cross-country skiing still provides some of the thrill of downhill, resort-style skiing, but the main draw of the sport is based less in the speed factor (cross-country skis have an average speed of 7-10 mph) and more in the versatility of terrain that you can traverse. All across southeast Michigan, state, community, and certain Huron-Clinton MetroParks offer a variety of maintained and natural trail options of cross-country skiers, ranging from beginner cross-country skiing courses to the untamed berms and hills of mountain biking trails. Put differently, cross-country skiing easily provides our most intrepid outdoor enthusiasts with access to thousands of miles of trail exploration during the winter months - trails that otherwise may not be accessible due to heavy equestrian, mountain biking, or general hiking use. Opt Out of Cross-Country Skiing Sorry, cross-country skiing advocates - you knew that this section was coming. There are unfortunately several reasonable reasons to opt out of a day spent burning trails (and calories) all over the Detroit region on your skis, some of which are entirely out of your control. To kick this downer topic off, cross-country skis are only effective in low-ish snow conditions - no more than 3 inches of powder, and ideally on groomed or well-trodded trails. Cross-country skis lack the width of their downhill or alpine touring cousins, and certainly snowshoes, thereby rendering them immensely ineffective in deep powder conditions. Second, cross-country skiing has two significant barriers to entry: cost and skill. Even though cross-country skiing equipment is significantly cheaper than downhill skiing equipment, a quick glance at its "Cost Factor" indicator compared to snowshoeing and hiking will illustrate that this is perhaps not the activity for the cost-conscious recreationist. Mobility on cross-country skis may also not come as naturally to most winter adventurers, especially when snowshoeing takes all of roughly 30 seconds to adjust to. If you feel like a newborn giraffe just learning to walk while on cross-country skis for the first time, then you're probably doing it right. The sport certainly has a learning curve, but it's extremely rewarding for those who persevere through the initial growing pains. Last, cross-country skiing provides a bona fide kick-ass workout. You will sweat. Your legs, lower back, and triceps will likely ache. Don't get us wrong, you will certainly grow to love this intensity of a workout experience if you stick with the sport, but if your idea of a blissful few hours spent in the woods doesn't involve a borderline-masochist calorie burn, then please opt for the hiking boots. SNOW HIKING Best Conditions: Fresh snow; accumulation of less than 6 inches Equipment Required: None other than waterproof hiking boots Thrill Factor: 🤟 Skill Factor: None - if you can walk, you can hike Cost Factor: 💵 💵 ($125-175 for waterproof hiking boots) Why You Should Snow Hike As many a wise person have said, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Hiking - which we are aptly dubbing "snow hiking" for the purposes of this article - fits squarely into that sage advice. Especially if you're a recreationist on a budget, looking for relaxed trail exploration, in relatively tame winter conditions. Snow hiking should always be your "snow trail" default recreational activity. Why? Well, if you're an avid consumer of our content, I'd be willing to bet that you already own a pair or two of sturdy, waterproof hiking boots. You may want to acquire snow spikes and trekking poles for icier conditions, but for an average winter day's trail conditions in the Detroit region, your normal hiking boots should be well-qualified for the trail. Standard hiking boots can also provide mobility advantages when compared to snowshoes in "cusp conditions" - let's say 5-7inches of snow accumulation. Especially after a fresh snowfall when a boot's ability to grip the terrain is enhanced, your feet will greatly benefit from the decreased weight and range of mobility of your hiking boots vs. snowshoes. Opt Out of Snow Hiking By this point in the article, you can probably guess when you shouldn't disturb your hiking boots' winter hibernation, opting in favor of your snowshoes or cross-country skis. We'll state the reasons here anyways, regardless of how obvious they may appear. To start with, if you're looking to recreate during a true powder day - 6+ inches of fresh snowfall, on top of whatever else may already have accumulated on the ground - then don't give your hiking boots (or cross-country skis) a second thought. Grab your snowshoes. Grab your trekking poles. Hit the trail knowing that you have undoubtedly selected the most efficient and enjoyable means of wintry trail recreation, because any alternative would result in agony-inducing muscular pain from your lower back to your calves. Even in low-snow conditions, the other reasons to select cross-country skiing over hiking involve the desired intensity of your trail experience. Simply put, hiking is undeniably underwhelming as an adventure activity when compared to cross-country skiing. On average, you will be traveling three times faster on cross-country skis than even an elevated hiking pace, thereby enhancing your capacity to cover more terrain via an exciting mode of transport. Similar to snowshoeing, you will also burn noticeably more calories cross-country skiing vs. hiking. What are your favorite snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or snow hiking trails? Do you have any special recommendations for beginners in any of these sports? Let us know in the comments!