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Welcome to Holly State Recreation Area in Holly, Michigan! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Holly's stunning "Wildwood and Valley Lake" Trail. Setting off from the Wildwood and Valley Lake Trail trailhead (directly north of Wildwood Lake before the bridge), this 2.5 mile hike encircles the gentle waters, mature oak forests, and glistening vistas of Holly's southernmost lakes. This lakeside loop provides non-stop views of the wildlife, foliage, and paddlers enjoying one of the crown jewels of Holly Recreation Area's wild places. Come explore one of Holly's most beloved trails and kick-off your adventure into the world of hiking! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: "Wildwood and Valley Lakes Trail" parking lot south of McGinnis Road (follow signs for "Lakeshore Trail") Elevation Gain: 95 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Wildwood and Valley Lake Trail trailhead parking lot. DIRECTIONS: Enter Holly Recreation Area from McGinnis Road by driving south into entrance marked "HOLLY RECREATION AREA HERON, VALLEY, WILDWOOD LAKES." Follow signage towards Wildwood Lake. Drive past "Overlook Picnic Area" to reach trailhead parking lot directly north of Wildwood Lake bridge (parking lot entrance will be on your right). The tour starts in front of the "LAKESHORE TRAIL" sign.

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

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Highland's intrepid "North Loop" trail. Setting off from the E Livingston Road trailhead, this 2.2 mile hike traverses the rolling pines, mature pine forests, and stunning prairie grasslands of Highland's northern sections. The North Loop provides the perfect terrain for hikers of all experience levels to break in their boots, explore one of Highland's "hidden gem" trails, and kick-off their adventure into the world of hiking! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main "MTB Trailhead" parking lot off of E Livingston Road. Elevation Gain: 111 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the MTB Trailhead

Calling all night owls, adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and intrepid hikers! We're heading into the darker months of the year, which means that the BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES are just around the corner. Join Expedition Detroit on a special "Night Hike Safari" at Maybury State Park throughout the fall and winter to explore and enjoy the best of the Detroit area's outdoors - under the stars! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Maybury State Park's beloved main "Hiking Trail Loop." Setting off from the 8 Mile Road trailhead, this 3.1 mile hike will cross the park's "wooded highlands," wildlife-dense marshlands, the picturesque Maybury Pond, and uncover the ruins of the Maybury Sanatorium. EACH HIKER MUST WEAR A HEADLAMP OR CARRY A FLASHLIGHT! Participants can either bring their own or rent one from Expedition Detroit for $5. Headlamps are reservable via the online checkout and payable at the trailhead. MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot of Maybury's 8 Mile Rd. entrance (turn LEFT at the crossroads after entering the park). The tour starts at the "MAYBURY SANATORIUM" sign at the trailhead. Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! This moderate-level guided hike explores one of the Detroit region's most famous, beautiful, and historic trails: the "Haven Hill Loop" at Highland Recreation Area. Starting from the idyllic Haven Hill Lake, the trail traverses the dense marshlands, mature forests, dramatic moraine hills, and remaining ruins of Edsel Ford's historic "nerve retreat." Yes - this trail includes a foray to the structural ruins of Haven Hill, the Ford Family's wilderness lodge that once hosted the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and even the Prince of Wales. If you're looking to enhance your hiking strength, experience, and historical knowledge in the Detroit region's sole National Natural Landmark, then this is the perfect trail for you! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Haven Hill Lake parking lot trailhead (first turn on your right after entering Highland Recreation Area) Trail Length: 3.7 miles Elevation Gain: 260 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Haven Hill Lake parking lot CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-the-haven-hill-loop

Welcome to Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Waterford Township, Michigan! Congratulations - by conquering Pontiac Lake's famous MTB Loop, you will have successfully hiked one of the most technical trails in southeast Michigan. Circling around the forested wilderness area north of the namesake Pontiac Lake, the MTB loop features rocky, hilly terrain with sharp turns. As the name suggests, this trail is primarily utilized for mountain biking, but the Michigan DNR has provided Expedition Detroit with limited access to conduct guided trips due to the beauty, challenge, and world-class prestige of the MTB Trail. Perfect for anyone training for advanced hiking around the world, Pontiac Lake's massive MTB loop provides ample technical terrain, steep climbs, and stunning views to satisfy the appetite of any world-class hiker. MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot off of Williams Lake Road. Elevation Gain: 649 feet Trail Rating: Difficult Route Orientation: Loop (counter-clockwise to mountain biking traffic) Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Williams Lake Road trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-pontiac-lake-mtb-loop

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! This moderate-level guided hike leads intrepid adventurers to the highest of Highlands' three towering moraines: Mount Kanzer, standing tall at an elevation of 1,160 feet. Starting at the southernmost trailhead of Highland - just north of Downtown Milford off of Weaver Road - the trail takes a southern approach to Mount Kanzer following the rolling "Milford Connector Trail." Once across Cooley Lake Road, the trail loops around Highland's southern marshlands until summiting Mount Kanzer just past the mid-way mark. Don't forget to stay on the lookout for abundant wildlife as you complete your summit push! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Milford Connector parking lot trailhead Trail Length: 3.8 miles Elevation Gain: 233 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Very limited parking at trailhead; free parking pull-off locations also located along Weaver Rd.

Welcome to Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Maybury State Park's beloved main "Hiking Trail Loop." Setting off from the 8 Mile Road trailhead, this 3.1 mile hike will cross the park's "wooded highlands," wildlife-dense marshlands, the picturesque Maybury Pond, and uncover the ruins of the Maybury Sanatorium. MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot of Maybury's 8 Mile Rd. entrance (turn LEFT at the crossroads after entering the park). The tour starts at the "MAYBURY SANATORIUM" sign at the trailhead. Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop

Welcome to Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan! This introductory-level guided hike will loop through the easternmost sections of Belle Isle along the idyllic "Belle Isle Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon" Trail! Setting off from the Ralph Wilson Gateway, this trail traverses Belle Isle's southern shore, providing you with stunning views of the Windsor, Canada shoreline, the vibrant Detroit River, and the industrial freighters passing by. You will also pass by the Belle Isle Lighthouse, Blue Heron Lagoon, and locally-named "Hipster Beach" on your route. MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot Trail Length: 2.2 miles Elevation Gain: 22 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Ralph C. Wilson Trailhead

Welcome to Island Lake State Recreation Area in Brighton, Michigan! This moderate-level guided hike explores the crown jewel of one of the Detroit region's most popular parks: Island Lake's Yellow Trail Loop. This trail provides every natural feature that a hiker, trail runner, or mountain biker could wish for - mature pine forests, riverside vistas, panoramic hillsides, idyllic bridges, wildlife viewing, and steep climbs/declines to keep your heart pumping. Come discover why the Yellow Trail has evolved into a generational favorite for Detroit's outdoor community! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main mountain biking trailhead parking lot Trail length: 5.5 miles Elevation Gain: 278 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the main mountain biking trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-island-lake-yellow-trail-loop

Calling all night owls, adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and intrepid hikers! We're heading into the darker months of the year, which means that the BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES are just around the corner. Join Expedition Detroit on a special "Night Hike Safari" at Highland Recreation Area's famous & historic "Haven Hill Natural Area" throughout the fall and winter to explore and enjoy the best of the Detroit area's outdoors - under the stars! This moderate-level guided hike explores one of the Detroit region's most famous, beautiful, and historic trails: the "Haven Hill Loop" at Highland Recreation Area. Starting from the idyllic Haven Hill Lake, the trail traverses the dense marshlands, mature forests, dramatic moraine hills, and remaining ruins of Edsel Ford's historic "nerve retreat." Yes - this trail includes a foray to the structural ruins of Haven Hill, the Ford Family's wilderness lodge that once hosted the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and even the Prince of Wales. If you're looking to enhance your hiking strength, experience, and historical knowledge in the Detroit region's sole National Natural Landmark, then this is the perfect trail for you! EACH HIKER MUST WEAR A HEADLAMP OR CARRY A FLASHLIGHT! Participants can either bring their own or rent one from Expedition Detroit for $5. Headlamps are reservable via the online checkout and payable at the trailhead. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Haven Hill Lake parking lot trailhead (first turn on your right after entering Highland Recreation Area) Trail Length: 3.7 miles Elevation Gain: 260 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Haven Hill Lake parking lot CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-the-haven-hill-loop

Calling all night owls, adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and intrepid hikers! We're heading into the darker months of the year, which means that the BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES are just around the corner. Join Expedition Detroit on a special "Night Hike Safari" at Proud Lake State Recreation throughout the fall and winter to explore and enjoy the best of the Detroit area's outdoors - under the stars! This guided hike offers an engaging 3.1-mile loop along the southern bank of the Huron River, through towering pines, and around Proud Lake's stunning central marsh. Your highlight-reel adventure will provide plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, capture breathtaking photos, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of one of southeast Michigan's most beloved wetland habitats. With an easy trail rating and minimal elevation gain, it's perfect for all skill levels! EACH HIKER MUST WEAR A HEADLAMP OR CARRY A FLASHLIGHT! Participants can either bring their own or rent one from Expedition Detroit for $5. Headlamps are reservable via the online checkout and payable at the trailhead. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Proud Lake Huron River Fishing Site parking lot Trail length: 3.12 miles Elevation Gain: 59 feet Trail Rating: Easy-Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Huron River Fishing Site parking lot CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-proud-lake-state-recreation-area-s-new-expedition-loop