.png)
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...
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
- 5 days ago
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 10 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
- 6 min
Expedition Essentials: Hammock Camping Gear for Summer 2023
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
- 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
- 7 min
#TrailTuesday: 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
- 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
- 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
- 8 min
#TrailTuesday: Proud Lake 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
- 8 min
#TrailTuesday: Island Lake 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 19
- 6 min
Top Five Campgrounds Near Detroit - Spring 2023
The weekend has arrived and campers all across the Detroit region are packing up to find their resting spots under the stars. Just in...
Dan Cooke
- May 16
- 8 min
#TrailTuesday: The 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
- 7 min
The Five Best Adventure Challenges for 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 7 min
Top Five Outdoor Destinations for Spring 2023
Brace yourself - the super bloom is coming! As spring continues to gradually reclaim its domain over Detroit's revitalized environment,...
Dan Cooke
- Apr 4
- 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
- 6 min
#TrailTuesday: 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
- 7 min
Trail Town Spotlight: 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
- 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
- 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
- 6 min
#TrailTuesday: 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 7 min
Winter Trail Melee: 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...
Dan Cooke
- Jan 24
- 5 min
#TrailTuesday: Proud Lake State Recreation Area's Figure 8 Loops
Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition criss-crosses the Huron River on Proud Lake State Recreation Area's Marsh,...
Dan Cooke
- Jan 22
- 10 min
Blood on the Ice: Remembering the Battle of River Raisin
Two hundred and ten years ago today, the bloodiest battle ever fought on Michigan soil came to a close, resulting in the United States'...
Dan Cooke
- Jan 10
- 5 min
#TrailTuesday: Novi Lakeshore Park's Multi-Trail
Welcome to the first installation of our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! Located just south of Walled Lake, this inaugural installation...
Dan Cooke
- Jan 7
- 12 min
New Year's Resolutions for Detroit's Outdoors
Happy New Year, Detroit!! Now that 2023 has arrived in full regalia, here are the Expedition Detroit Team's New Year's resolutions,...
Dan Cooke
- Dec 31, 2022
- 7 min
Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit throughout January 2023
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Just like waking up to fresh snowfall, January provides a perfectly clean slate for pursuing your wildest outdoor goals...
Dan Cooke
- Dec 28, 2022
- 10 min
Expedition Essentials: 5 Basic Skills for Winter Survival
In recognition of this winter's inaugural snow storm, this edition of our #ExpeditionEssentials Series focuses on five essential survival...
Dan Cooke
- Dec 21, 2022
- 7 min
Embrace the Dark Pt. IV: Experience the Winter Solstice near Detroit
The grand, festive finale of our #EmbraceTheDark Series, we invite you to join us in celebrating the shortest solar day of the year...
Dan Cooke
- Dec 17, 2022
- 8 min
Embrace the Dark Pt. III: Best Night Hiking Trails near Detroit
The third installment of our #EmbraceTheDark Series, we're exploring the best night hiking trails near Detroit. Spoiler alert: most of...
Dan Cooke
- Dec 10, 2022
- 9 min
Embrace the Dark Pt. II: Essential Night Gear for Nocturnal Exploring
Sunset marks the starting gate for a whole new genre of adventure, although with one major caveat: it's dark outside. Have no fear,...
Dan Cooke
- Dec 3, 2022
- 7 min
Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit throughout December 2022
'Tis the season for some holly, jolly, and freezing outdoor adventures - and we are stoked for them all! As you navigate the madness of...
Dan Cooke
- Nov 29, 2022
- 6 min
Trail Town Spotlight: Northville, Michigan
The second installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, we're highlighting the best features of Northville, Michigan for every...
Dan Cooke
- Nov 26, 2022
- 4 min
Embrace the Dark Pt. I: The Best Stargazing near Detroit
Looking for a change a pace for the last night of the Thanksgiving holiday weekend? We've got you - our initial installation of our...
Dan Cooke
- Nov 22, 2022
- 4 min
Introducing #EmbraceTheDark: A New Series on Exploring at Night
In honor of the upcoming darkest month of the year surrounding the Winter Solstice, we are launching a new series focusing on the Detroit...
Dan Cooke
- Nov 17, 2022
- 6 min
Guide to Conquering Detroit's Black Diamond Hiking Trails
In honor of National Hiking Day, we proudly present the triple-crown of the Detroit region's most intense and exhilarating hiking...
Dan Cooke
- Nov 6, 2022
- 7 min
Exploring the Five Best Hiking Trails near Detroit
November brings cooler temperatures, remaining colors, and rapidly diminishing crowds on the trails - perfect conditions for exploring...
Dan Cooke
- Nov 1, 2022
- 6 min
Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit throughout November 2022
The leaves and temperatures may be rapidly dropping, but the Detroit region's outdoor events calendar will stay vibrant throughout...
Dan Cooke
- Oct 19, 2022
- 3 min
Reintroducing Detroit: The Future Trails Capital of North America
The Great Lakes Tourism Experience Initiative is actively positioning Detroit as the epicenter of the longest interconnected trail...
RECENT ARTICLES
bottom of page