Autumn Adventures: 5 Best Destinations for Fall Camping near Detroit
Fall has FINALLY arrived in Southeast Michigan, and there's no better way to enjoy its vibrant colors and teeming wildlife than spending...
top of page
HIKING AND BACKPACKING
Believe the hype: Detroit is on track to become the international hiking capital of North America.
From favorite short out-and-backs to multi-day backpacking treks, check back here regularly for hiking and backpacking route guides, gear reviews, trailside hacks, and everything in between.
We can’t wait to see you out there.
Dan Cooke
- Sep 24
- 6 min
Fall 2024 Preview: Top 5 Outdoor Experiences near Detroit this Season
Happy Fall, Detroit! These warmer days coupled with crisper nights mean that the BEST RECREATIONAL SEASON for experiencing Detroit has...
Dan Cooke
- Jun 24
- 10 min
What We're Wearing: Expedition Detroit's Top Outdoor Gear Picks for June 2024
Introducing Expedition Detroit's new #WhatWereWearing series on our favorite outdoor gear for each month! From sport-specific to everyday...
Dan Cooke
- Jun 20
- 11 min
The Potawatomi Trail: Rediscovering Detroit's First Backpacking Loop
Sixty years of POTO! In honor of the Potawatomi Trail's anniversary, we retraced the bootprints and tire marks of generations of...
Dan Cooke
- May 21
- 5 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring the Woods Creek Rustic Trail of Lower Huron Metropark
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores one of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks' premiere riverside trails: the...
Expedition Detroit
- May 2
- 5 min
5 Amazing Ways Guided Hike Tours Elevate Your Outdoor Experience
Looking to shake up your everyday life with new adventures - especially right here in Metro Detroit? Look no further - here are the...
Dan Cooke
- Mar 20
- 8 min
Spring 2024 Preview: Top Outdoor Experiences near Detroit this Season
Happy Spring, Detroit! With our darkest days finally behind us, outdoor enthusiasts can look forward to increasingly more daylight to...
Dan Cooke
- Mar 12
- 7 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring Brighton's Secluded Kahchin Trail
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition treks across Brighton Recreation Area's "hiding in plain sight" gem: the Kahchin...
Katie Whitley
- Feb 27
- 5 min
#TrailTuesday: Livonia's Rotary Park Nature Preserve Trail Loop
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This week finds us winding our way through a wooded retreat in the heart of Livonia, Michigan. ...
Dan Cooke
- Feb 6
- 8 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring Bald Mountain's Rugged Blue, White and Orange Loops
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the glistening lakes, vast marshes, and wooded ridge lines of Bald...
Dan Cooke
- Jan 26
- 10 min
Expedition Essentials: Ultimate Guide to Winter Camping near Detroit
Now that Arctic temperatures have retreated north, the Detroit region is in peak condition for winter camping expeditions! Here is our...
Dan Cooke
- Dec 26, 2023
- 7 min
#TrailTuesday: The Lloyd A. Stage Nature Center's Hiking Loops in Troy
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! Nestled in the heart of Troy, Michigan, this edition explores the pines, meadows, and marshes...
Dan Cooke
- Nov 28, 2023
- 10 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring Island Lake's Hickory Ridge Trail
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the towering pines, vast meadows, and glistening snow-covered vistas of...
Katie Whitley
- Nov 14, 2023
- 5 min
#TrailTuesday: Kensington Metropark's Fox, Chicadee, and Wildwing Trail Loops
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition features a picturesque jaunt through the winding trails of Kensington Metropark in...
Eric Reilly, DO
- Oct 31, 2023
- 6 min
Hike Further, Live Longer: Medical Benefits of Hiking Detroit’s Trails
Written by Dr. Eric Reilly, here we thoroughly examine one of the most pressing health risks in the Detroit region - chronic physical...
Dan Cooke
- Oct 20, 2023
- 7 min
Meet Rucking: The Perfect Trail Sport for Offseason Recreation
Born out of military boot camp training, the physical and mental benefits of "Rucking" is taking the recreational community by storm!...
Dan Cooke
- Oct 18, 2023
- 9 min
Haunted Hikes: Exploring Detroit's Most Obscure Outdoor Destinations
This Halloween season, lace up your boots - and pack in a little extra courage - as you set out on these infamous 5 haunted hikes across...
Dan Cooke
- Oct 6, 2023
- 4 min
The Best Fall Hikes near Detroit for Experiencing Peak Colors
Don't let the heat fool you - October's cooler temperatures are coming, along with the vibrant foliage that will decorate our parks,...
Katie Whitley
- Sep 21, 2023
- 4 min
The Best Hiking and Cider Mill Adventures in Metro Detroit
Crisp weather, crunchy leaves, changing colors - could you imagine a more perfect autumn hike? Well, the promise of sweet apple cider, a...
Dan Cooke
- Sep 18, 2023
- 5 min
Five Best Ways to Celebrate "Michigan Trails Week" this Month
Happy #TrailsWeek, Michiganders! With more than 13,400 miles of trails to choose from, here is our short list of the five best ways to...
Dan Cooke
- Aug 21, 2023
- 8 min
The Metroparks Trail Challenge: Exploring 13 Trails in 13 Days
This summer, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks launched their inaugural Metroparks Trail Challenge: completing 13 "challenge trails" across...
Dan Cooke
- Aug 16, 2023
- 5 min
Expedition Essentials: Trail Running Shoes vs. Hiking Boots
One of the most divisive - and impactful - issues of the outdoor community, here we dive into the "Great Trail Debate" on when and why...
Dan Cooke
- Jul 31, 2023
- 6 min
Explore these 10 National Parks near Detroit this Summer
Still looking to embark on an epic summer road trip? Look no further - these 10 national parks near Detroit provide idyllic outdoor...
Dan Cooke
- Jul 20, 2023
- 8 min
Thru-Hiking the Chief Pontiac Trail, Pt. II: Proud Lake to Kensington
Along the banks of the Huron River and through the towering pines of Proud Lake, we retraced the generational footsteps of one of the...
Dan Cooke
- Jul 14, 2023
- 7 min
(Un)Happy Campers: Five Guaranteed Ways to Piss Off a Campground
Based on a recent personal tale of woe, here are five key takeaways from one particular couple's masterclass on how to turn hundreds of...
Dan Cooke
- Jul 13, 2023
- 11 min
Thru-Hiking the Chief Pontiac Trail, Pt. I: Highland to Proud Lake
From the heights of Mt. Omich to the lowlands of the Huron River, we retraced the generational footsteps of one of the Detroit region's...
Dan Cooke
- Jul 10, 2023
- 6 min
Expedition Essentials: Hammock Camping Gear for Summer 2024
No tent, no problem! Here we provide our #ExpeditionEssentials on the best gear, health benefits, and opportunities in the Detroit region...
Dan Cooke
- Jun 27, 2023
- 7 min
The Detroit Mountains: Exploring the Jackson Interlobate Range
Home of the Detroit region's best mountain biking trails, ski runs, backpacking ridges, and hiking gems, this article explores the past...
Dan Cooke
- Jun 20, 2023
- 7 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring the Seven Lakes Loop Trail
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the lakeside vistas and dramatic forested ravines of the Seven Lakes...
Dan Cooke
- Jun 16, 2023
- 4 min
Explore Michigan Backpacking with Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear
In a world where ounces equal pounds - and pounds equal pain - here's why you should treat yourself for peak hiking season this summer...
Dan Cooke
- Jun 13, 2023
- 6 min
INTRODUCING: GUIDED OUTDOOR ADVENTURES WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
Expedition Detroit is proud to announce that we are now leading guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running outdoor adventure trips...
Dan Cooke
- Jun 6, 2023
- 8 min
#TrailTuesday: Rediscovering Proud Lake's Wild Northwestern Loops
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores two of the most controversial, diverse, beautiful, and fun trails...
Dan Cooke
- May 30, 2023
- 8 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring Island Lake's Famous Yellow Trail Loop
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores one of the most accessible, beautiful, and popular trails in the...
Dan Cooke
- May 16, 2023
- 9 min
#TrailTuesday: Rediscovering Highland's Historic Haven Hill Loop
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores a trail hiked by investors, industrialists, royalty, and common...
Dan Cooke
- May 12, 2023
- 7 min
The 5 Best Adventure Challenges to Conquer over Summer 2023
The trees may still be blooming, but Detroit's primetime summer adventure season is just around the corner! As you finish planning which...
Dan Cooke
- May 9, 2023
- 9 min
Thru-Hiking the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, Pt. 3: The Finale in Pinckney
In honor of Earth Week, we embraced the challenge of thru-hiking the Detroit's region's most rigorous backpacking route: the...
Dan Cooke
- May 2, 2023
- 7 min
Thru-Hiking the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, Pt. 2: Crossing the Highlands
In honor of Earth Week, we embraced the challenge of thru-hiking the Detroit's region's most rigorous backpacking route: the...
Dan Cooke
- Apr 26, 2023
- 9 min
Thru-Hiking the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, Pt. 1: Embracing Solitude
In honor of Earth Week, we embraced the challenge of thru-hiking the Detroit's region's most rigorous backpacking route: the...
Dan Cooke
- Apr 18, 2023
- 8 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring the Famous Penosha Trail in Brighton
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition treks across one of the Detroit region's most beloved trails - if not THE most...
Dan Cooke
- Apr 10, 2023
- 7 min
Top Five Outdoor Destinations near Detroit: Spring 2023 Edition
Brace yourself - the super bloom is coming! As spring continues to gradually reclaim its domain over Detroit's revitalized environment,...
Dan Cooke
- Apr 4, 2023
- 7 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring the Wilderness Trail Loop in Holly
Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition journeys to the Detroit region's northernmost destination - Holly Recreation Area...
Dan Cooke
- Mar 21, 2023
- 6 min
#TrailTuesday: Braving Highland Recreation Area's A-B-C-D Loops
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition tackles the only "Black Diamond" rated trail within our series: the rugged...
Dan Cooke
- Mar 20, 2023
- 7 min
Trail Town Spotlight: The Outdoor Guide to Amherstburg, Ontario
After a brief hiatus, our #TrailTownSpotlight series is back! This edition crosses the border to explore the outdoor gems of Amherstburg,...
Dan Cooke
- Mar 14, 2023
- 5 min
The March Survival Guide for Metro Detroit's Outdoor Enthusiasts
Is it winter or spring..? Nobody in the Detroit region really knows, especially March. Regardless of this month's conditions, here is our...
Dan Cooke
- Mar 7, 2023
- 4 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring Detroit's Dequindre Cut Greenway
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition digs into the sole "Top 50" trail within our namesake city - the Dequindre...
Dan Cooke
- Feb 21, 2023
- 6 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring the Maybury State Park Hiking Trail Loop
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition digs into one of the most popular trails in the entire Detroit region - a...
Dan Cooke
- Feb 14, 2023
- 5 min
#TrailTuesday: Point Pelee Marsh Boardwalk Trail
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the Detroit region's sole "Top 50" trail that's south of the...
Dan Cooke
- Feb 7, 2023
- 6 min
#TrailTuesday: West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve Trail
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the highland loops of the West Bloomfield Woods Nature Preserve, a...
Dan Cooke
- Jan 31, 2023
- 7 min
#TrailTuesday: Exploring the Newburgh Lakeview Trail in Livonia
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition traverses the lakeside bluffs, forested ravines, and panoramic views of the...
Dan Cooke
- Jan 28, 2023
- 7 min
Winter Trails: Snowshoeing vs. Cross-Country Skiing vs. Snow Hiking
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...
RECENT ARTICLES
bottom of page