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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. Family-friendly adventure - children under 9 HIKE FREE! VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. 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

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. VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. 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

Let's go foraging at Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan! As requested - no, demanded - by our hiking community, Expedition Detroit is proud to unveil new guided foraging hikes at Maybury State Park this spring! This introductory-level guided foraging hike will loosely follow Maybury State Park's beloved main "Hiking Trail Loop," diverging in step with "Leave No Trace" best practices to forage for morels, pheasant’s back, golden oysters, chicken of the woods, Salisbury steak of the woods, chanterelles, as well as a few more interesting non-edibles that are fun to learn about. Setting off from the 8 Mile Road trailhead, this foraging hike will cross the park's "wooded highlands," wildlife-dense marshlands, the picturesque Maybury Pond, and uncover the ruins of the Maybury Sanatorium. Family-friendly adventure - children under 9 HIKE FREE! VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. 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. 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 MAYBURY STATE PARK: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop

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!

November brings cooler temperatures, remaining colors, and rapidly diminishing crowds on the trails - perfect conditions for exploring the best hiking trails near Detroit! Here are the top five ranked trails to kick off your next hiking expedition. Outdoor enthusiasts all come in different shapes and sizes - interests, ethnicities, identities, and range of experience in the great outdoors. That being said, our demographic research has zeroed in on one great common love among all lovers of our natural environment: hiking. Regardless of whether your trail of choice is your neighborhood-sponsored natural trail or the topographic rollercoaster of a "black diamond" trek, the Detroit region has a perfect hike waiting for you. We guarantee it. Just in time for National Hiking Day, the Expedition Detroit team has painstakingly evaluated and curated the following list of the Detroit area's top five hiking trails for your exploring pleasure. Happy hiking, my friends - we'll see you at the trailhead. Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 1. The Penosha Trail | Brighton State Recreation Area Distance: 4.9 miles Elevation Gain: 393 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Keeping with our custom, we like to start our articles highlighting the "best of the best" - none of us have time for any guessing-game BS. For the Detroit region's hiking trails, that highest of honors goes to none other than the Penosha Trail: Brighton State Recreation Area's most celebrated experience and winner of Expedition Detroit's best hike within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. Cheers to you, Penosha! Described as a "quintessential Michigan hike," the 4.9 mile trail features the dense mature forests, rolling hills, and surprising vistas that are found only on the most sought-after trails within our region. Penosha, translated roughly as "long" in the Chippewa language, is the longest single trail in Brighton State Recreation Area, although it's the ideal length for a picturesque day hike. The Penosha loop starts at the Bishop Lake trailhead - the same trailhead used for Brighton's famous mountain biking trails - although you should immediately break south (right) to head towards Penosha. The first 2.5 miles of the trail comprise of rollercoaster hills characteristic of Brighton's other great trails. However, the 2.5 mile halfway point marks a sudden change in the hike's intensity; what follows next is a gradual 0.6 mile climb towards the route's "summit," right at the 3.1 mile marker. Your endurance will be rewarded with a 1.3 mile decline, only slightly diminished by a brief exit from the park's boundary along Teahen Road. You will conquer one more brief, 0.2 mile climb at the 4.3 mile marker. A post-hike beer should be waiting for you at the bottom of a relaxing decline back to the trailhead. EXPLORE THE PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 2. The Crooked Lake Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area Distance: 4.2 miles Elevation Gain: 311 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit's top-secret "Trail Ranking" methodology, the Crooked Lake Trail is my single favorite trail in the Detroit area. This beloved 4.2 mile trail has played host to several of my most successful trail races, brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear the noise out of my head. I love this trail - I'm not surprised that countless other outdoor enthusiasts do as well. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area, the Crooked Lake loop starts at the Silver Lake trailhead - Pinckney's primary trailhead for all hiking, backpacking, running, mountain biking, and paddling adventures. As you gradually ascend towards the ridge-top vistas of Crooked Lake, there are three main hills that you should take into consideration as you pace out your hike. The first strikes right out of the gate: a 0.4 mile climb that gains 115 feet in elevation. The second is the most mellow: a 0.1 mile climb of 44 feet in elevation. Please learn from my previous trail running mistake: do NOT push the pace over the next 1.6 miles of leisurely, unbelievably scenic hiking. The final hill - which will feel like two hills due to a false summit - will have you climb 117 feet over another 0.4 mile distance to the trail's true "summit" of 1,009 feet. The remaining 1.2 miles of the trail is a rewarding, partially-forested and partially-marshland decline back to Silver Lake. DISCOVER THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 3. The River and Blue Trails | Proud Lake State Recreation Area Distance: 5.75 miles Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy When I was a full-time practicing attorney, the River and Blue Trails of Proud Lake State Recreation Area became a fundamental component of my "deal-closing" routine. After staring at my computer screen for countless hours, I would leave my phone at my home office, grab my puppy Lucy, and head a few miles down the road to the trailhead. These trails evolved into an essential weapon in my arsenal against clinical burnout; it's my pleasure to highlight them now for you all. Although not prominently marked as a hiking trailhead, we recommend starting your hike at the fishing access site parking lot just east of Wixom Road (north of the main park office). From the parking lot, follow the River Trail along the southern shoreline of the Huron River towards the idyllic Proud Lake Dam. Once over the dam, you will start following the Blue Trail at the 1.3 mile marker. Please note that the remaining segments of this route - the Blue and Red Trails - traverse through sections of Proud Lake that are open to hunting. As such, please wear "hunter orange" outer clothing if hiking during Michigan's main firearm season (November 15th - 30th). As you follow the Blue and Red Trails into the eastern reaches of the park, the Blue Trail branches away from the Red Trail at the 2.0 mil marker and towards a DNR two-track road leading to Proud Lake. While you can follow the DNR road south towards Proud Lake, the Blue Trail actually continues northeast until it banks west (left) back into the park at the 2.9 mile marker. Starting at the 3.5 mile marker, the final segments of the trail will traverse the isolated northern stretches of the park until you reconnect with the Proud Lake Dam roughly 4.5 miles into the journey. From the dam, all trails head west as you retrace your steps and relocate your parked vehicle. EXPLORE THE BEST OF PROUD LAKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 4. The Haven Hill Natural Area Trail | Highland State Recreation Area Distance: 3.5 miles Elevation Gain: 160 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Do you prefer your trails with a slice of history? Say no more: reintroducing the Haven Hill Natural Area Trail, Highland State Recreation Area's premiere hiking and trail running loop located on Edsel Ford's former estate. While the ruins of the Ford Family's former hilltop retreat are an obvious highlight of this natural area, the jaw-dropping beauty of the rolling hills, wetlands, creeks, and expansive Haven Hill Lake is the true treasury of Highland's 5,903 acres. Fortunately for all of us, the Haven Hill Natural Area Trail takes hikers through the heart of the park's most stunning scenery. Starting at the Goose Meadow Picnic Area parking lot trailhead, follow the trail marker signs northwest towards the shore of Haven Hill Lake and Ford Dam. This initial segment of the hike will be a favorite for bird watchers - you will be hugging the eastern shoreline of the lake for the first half mile of the trek, complete with phenomenal wildlife viewing opportunities. Continue towards trail sign #18 to merge onto the "Blue Trail," which you will be following for the majority of the trail. The Blue Trail will bring you into the heart of the northern woods of Highland - boardwalks through tall reeds and winding, climbing trails under mature oaks are trademark features of this segment of the hike. The only potentially tricky section hits at the 0.6 mile mark; while several trails will diverge from this segment, be sure to follow the trail towards mark #s 15, 16, and 14 - in that exact, non-sequential order. From trail sign # 14, continue on the northwest (left) trail segment for 1.5 miles of unbroken, beautiful forested hiking. The only challenging climb of this hike comes at - you guessed it - Haven Hill. Starting at the 2.7 mile mark, you will climb at a 7% grade over 0.2 miles to reach the "summit" of the route just east of the historical ruins. There is an offshoot trail at the mid-point of this climb to visit the Haven Hill summit and historical site, although the remaining 0.6 miles comprise of a much-deserved decline back towards the trailhead. CONQUER HAVEN HILL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 5. The Potawatomi Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area Distance: 17.6 miles Elevation Gain: 1,253 feet Trail Rating: Moderate-Difficult If you decide to knock out each of these trails over this month, we highly recommend hiking the famous Potawatomi Trail early on in the journey. Not only is this trail one of the Detroit region's most famous, it's also indisputably the most difficult on this list - especially if you're aiming to tackle the trail in a day. Definitely doable, but oh baby... you would absolutely have our undying respect for doing so. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area (yes, we're experiencing déjà vu as well from how many times Pinckney appears in our articles), "Poto" takes an average of 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete. The trail snakes through a series of lakes during its rollercoaster of elevation changes, with its steepest climb of 117 feet of elevation gain striking at the 11.7 mile marker (the same final climb described in the Crooked Lake Trail description above). Note that this wooded, hilly trail is extremely popular with mountain bikers (note: Poto is the #1 ranked MTB trail in the Detroit region), other hikers, backpackers, trail runners, cross-country skiers, and hunters during the fall months. Please remember to wear "hunter orange" outer clothing if hiking during Michigan's main firearm season. Not feeling the climb at the end of an 11+ mile day? Fortunately, the bottom of this climb provides you with direct access to Crooked Lake Rustic Campground via a southward-bound offshoot at the 11.8 mile marker. The remaining 6 miles provide gentle, rolling terrain back to the trailhead at Pickerel Lake. As always, we must include the disclaimer that this list only scratches the surface on amazing hiking opportunities throughout the Detroit Region. Our other favorite trail systems include Maybury State Park, Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, Independence Oaks County Park, and Point Pelee National Park. We promise that each of these trail systems - plus many, many more - will receive their proper recognition in due course. Until then, we'll be out in the field - can't wait to see you out there! This article includes information originally published in 50 Hikes in Michigan, Jim DuFresne (2019). Which of the above is your favorite trail? Is there a specific trail, park, activity, or destination that you would like to see featured in a future article? Perfect - we want to hear about it! Please feel free to post about it in the comments below or contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

The wait is over - Detroit's peak fall colors have FINALLY ARRIVED throughout the region, and there's no better trail to experience this season's beauty than along Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail. As rapper E-40 so eloquently stated, "Everybody got choices." For Detroit's outdoor community, that simple sentence couldn't be more true for the month of October. Scratch that, the last two weeks of October. When our trails are brilliantly decorated in reds, yellows, and oranges. A fleeting, stunningly-gorgeous period where one can reasonably become recreationally paralyzed by the choice of whether to go for a run, paddle, bike, or hunt. Especially on a bluebird day. I found myself with such choices this past Monday. As I finished up my morning office work (yes, we in the outdoor industry do still have indoor offices), I recognized the recreational conundrum that lay before me. Every prediction software at my disposable gave the green light for every activity. My "Plan A" was to head to the deer stand, but man...a quick glance out the window showed that peak fall colors, at long last, had arrived. And, as any long-time Michigander knows, those colors could be gone in a matter of weeks - sometimes days if the winds pick up. Armed with recently-obtained knowledge regarding the Detroit area's 5 best trails for experiencing fall colors, I made a calculated choice to bail on the stand for Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail. The #1 destination within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit for inundating your hike with autumn's stunning ambience. A baptism of seasonal color. The type of click-bait destination that outdoor influencers dream of. With the afternoon's trail selected, my GoPro fully-charged, and a weighted rucking vest loaded up, all that was left to do was hit the road and pray that my gamble would pay off. Despite my excitement, this recreational choice represented a gamble - a zero-sum situation where choosing to hike meant foregoing the hunt. With October's bounty of outdoor opportunity, there was a decent likelihood that I could end up regretting this choice. Fast forward an hour or so, I'm a few miles into the Crooked Lake Trail - mesmerized by my surroundings. The entire scene is bathed in golden light, both from the vibrant yellow leaves of the park's hickory trees and the late afternoon sun. My camera is pleading for mercy after its overuse while trying to capture the scene. Eventually I give up on it, surrendering to the realization that moments like this, in places like this, can only be fully-experienced in the moment. "This...this was the right choice." It is our privilege to reintroduce Pinckney State Recreation Area and its Crooked Lake Trail now. MEET PINCKNEY STATE RECREATION AREA The modern history of Pinckney State Recreation Area dates back to our last ice age. Truly - the park's dramatic moraines and kettle lakes that our regional recreationists love to hike, bike, hunt, and fish were formed within the Jackson Interlobate Range as the glaciers receded across the Great Lakes region ~10,000 years ago. Pinckney's recorded history, however, starts in the 1830s when George Reeves spearheaded the development of nearby (and obscure tourism favorite) Hell, Michigan. The land under the Reeves family's gradually grew until 1924, when the Reeves decided to sell it to a Detroit-based investment group which established a summer resort in the area. The State of Michigan finally acquired rights to the land in 1943 before formally establishing Pinckney State Recreation Area in 1944. The Pinckney of 2023 constitutes a paradise for the Detroit region's most rugged, comprehensive, and sought-after destinations for outdoor recreation. Outfitted with two of Metro Detroit's pristine backpacking trails - the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail and the Potawatomi Trail - on top of hundreds of miles of hiking, running, biking, and equestrian trails, Pinckney may take the prize as our region's top trail destination. Just within the Expedition Detroit content universe, Pinckney has claimed coveted places on lists including best stargazing opportunities, top-rated campgrounds, and crowd-favorite mountain biking and hiking trails. Oh, and we haven't even touched on the park's paddling, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, opportunities yet. Now let's get to one of Pinckney's crown jewels: the Crooked Lake Trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 324 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at Silver Lake Trailhead (northernmost parking lot; Michigan Recreation Pass required for parking) Any trip out to Pinckney State Recreation Area - and especially the Crooked Lake Trail - should never be attempted on a time-budget. For starters, just arriving at the Silver Lake Trailhead will invite you to linger along the beachfront as you take in the panoramic views of Silver Lake. They're truly stunning, and on a warm summer's day you could understandably spend all day just there. But you're not here for the beach - you're here to experience the best fall colors in southeast Michigan along the Crooked Lake Trail. To minimize the siren call of Silver Lake, we recommend parking as close to the Crooked Lake Trail's origination point as possible. Head to the northernmost section of the massive Silver Lake parking lot, locate the ornate, hand-crafted trail map sign depicted below, and hit the trail without looking back. Silver Lake Trailhead The trail marker signs are fairly weathered throughout the hike, but fortunately the well-worn Crooked Lake Trail is very easy to follow due to its year-round popularity. From the trailhead, start by heading 0.2 miles across an expansive boardwalk and parallel to the southern shore of Silver Lake. There are a few pristine photo-op turnouts along this stretch - feel free to turn off on one and snap away to your heart's content (the cover photo for this article was captured at one of those side trails). At the 0.2 mile marker, turn right at the dead-end to continue along the "hiking route." If you're biking the Crooked Lake Trail, then turn left at this juncture. From this point, you will hike exactly 1 mile to the Crooked Lake Trail's highest point. The steepest grade comprises of an 11% incline at the 0.6 mile marker, but otherwise you will thoroughly enjoy the brilliance of fall colors that radiate stronger as you trek steadily closer to the trail's peak at 1,008 feet. You'll know that you're near the top when the terrain becomes slightly more arid and sandy. A bench waits to reward you for your 0.8 miles of consistent climbing. The Crooked Lake Trail's "Peak Bench" While your initial descent from "The Peak" only lasts 0.1 miles before another short climb, the relatively steep descent that follows provides a portal to one of the most beautiful and segments of the Crooked Lake Trail. You may be able to catch glimpses of the namesake Crooked Lake to the south, but don't miss the wildlife viewing opportunity as you cross over two of the lake's tributary streams. These 0.8 miles of "marshland hiking" will also make you glad that you're visiting in the fall vs. mid-summer - the mosquitos are non-existent at this time of year. That's a HUGE perk to fall hiking. Once you've crossed Glenbrook Road, you'll hike a 0.3 mile stretch that we've nicknamed "The Straightaway." While most of the Crooked Lake Trail's foliage comprises of the bright gold from Pinckney's bountiful hickory trees, The Straightaway features a mix of trees that diversify the color palate of your fall hiking experience. The Straightaway's plateau of elevation next to some of Pinckney's best maintained segments of forest also provide fantastic photo opportunities and general visibility around the trail. Foliage along the Crooked Lake Trail's "Straightaway" My personal favorite segment of the Crooked Lake Trail - especially during "golden hour" - undoubtedly is the 0.4 miles of hiking along the northern shore of Pickerel Lake. Kicking off at the 2.7 mile marker, this stunning specimen of fall hiking will absolutely kill whatever record pace you had going for you. Every time that you think you captured the perfect fall vista of the lake through the leaves, just wait until you take a few more steps down the trail - your jaw will drop yet again. To top this portion of the trail off, you will cross over another expansive boardwalk that provides the best bird watching opportunity along the trail. Rest along this boardwalk if you need to, because what follows next is a gorgeous - yet continuous - 0.8 mile ascent to the Crooked Lake Trail's second-highest point at the 3.9 mile marker. Autumnal views of Pickerel Lake Beyond this "second peak," the good news is that the trail is all downhill until you reach the Silver Lake Parking Lot. The bad news is that this descent is steep - a 12% decline - so any hikers that are experiencing fatigue by this point should exercise immense caution along this somewhat treacherous final portion of the hike. Yes, you will undoubtedly be excited to complete your autumnal adventure by reaching your car, but please take your time, be safe, and enjoy the lingering 0.5 miles of the Crooked Lake Trail. EXPLORE THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH US THIS FALL! TIPS FOR RECREATION DURING HUNTING SEASON Fall in the Detroit region is primetime for outdoor recreation - yes, across the full spectrum of recreational genres. Hikers enjoying the brilliant canopy above them. Bikers ripping down leaf-covered trails. Paddlers navigating crisp streams. And hunters heading into the woods for to engage in one of Michigan's most revered recreational past times. Hunting and fishing - especially hunting - are undoubtedly the "black sheep" of the outdoor recreational universe. Here at Expedition Detroit, we have made it part of our core mission to familiarize our community with the immensity of conservational benefits derived from the activity. Beyond the lucrative value that the sale of hunting and fishing licenses provides to our state, the Michigan DNR heavily relies on the hunter engagement as a core component of their environmental management policy. That being said, we understand the jarring effect that hunting can elicit from non-hunters. Hunting inherently involves taking a life, which unsurprisingly does not sit well with a notable cohort of outdoor enthusiasts. Even just the sight of a firearm in today's political climate can cause an unnerving effect. Stated differently, fall in the Detroit region presents a potentially contentious timeframe when our region's favorite trails - like the Crooked Lake Trail - are shared by hunters and non-hunters alike. In light of the arrival of peak trail 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. Want to experience a guided hike on Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail? Look no further! Book your next guided outdoor adventure with us today! 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!

Expedition Detroit is an outdoor recreation media company focused exclusively on outdoor experiences within an hour’s drive of Downtown Detroit. PARTNER WITH The Expedition Detroit Team works alongside like-minded individuals, influencers, companies, and organizations whose operations create value for Detroit's outdoor industry. LOOKING TO REACH DETROIT'S OUTDOOR COMMUNITY? Awesome - you're at the right place. Our innovative multi-media platform broadcasts the outdoor industry's leading products, services, and nonprofit values. We proudly feature our partners' gear, operations, and advocacy opportunities within our publications. Contact us today to learn more about our custom packages for marketing and promoting your enterprise! LET'S CONNECT OUR PARTNERS Expedition Detroit is proud to partner with the following leading brands in the outdoor industry JOIN OUR AFFILIATE PROGRAM Earn commissions from promoting Expedition Detroit guided trips and store products!

Detroit Michigan Hunting - Adventure travel blog for the everyday explorer. HUNTING White Tail Deer. Duck. Squirrel. Turkey. Regardless of your hunt, we have content to inspire, educate, facilitate, and support your next adventure. Track back here regularly for articles on hunting equipment, techniques, stories, and regulations. Expedition Detroit is proud to support the mission of the Michigan Wildlife Council Learn More Albino Deer Crash Renews Debate over Michigan’s Growing Deer Population Metro Detroit just lost a rare albino deer - once the obsession of ancient mythology - to a very modern problem plaguing southern Michigan's outdoors. With Michigan's recent adoption of the "One Buck Rule," conservationists aim to keep such natural treasures out of the roads and back in the woods. On Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, the Detroit region lost an outdoor legend. A rare albino deer was struck and killed in the midst of a Farmington Hills, Michigan traffic crash that sparke Eric Reilly, DO May 17 3 min read Michigan Turkey Hunting Cheatsheet: Guide for Spring 2026 Spring's arrival includes a symphony of bird songs - including the coveted turkey gobble for Detroit's conservationists. Here is Expedition Detroit's breakdown of the locations, dates, equipment, and special regulations - updated for the 2026 spring Michigan turkey hunting season ! It's a perfect spring morning on your favorite trail. A pleasant 60º temperature with a bluebird sky backdrop, contrasted only by the budding greens, whites, pinks, and purples of the flowering t Dan Cooke Mar 12 6 min read Opening Day Checklist for Michigan's 2025 Whitetail Deer Firearm Season Michigan's Opening Day for the 2025 whitetail deer firearm season is this Saturday, November 15th ! As you finalize your deer camp preparation, here are 5 essential checklist items for every hunter to cross-off before heading into the woods - as well as 7 safety tips for non-hunters on recreating during firearm season. Friday, November 14th, 2025. 8 o'clock in the morning. The forests and fields throughout the Great State of Michigan are calm under the shroud of overcast ski Dan Cooke Nov 12, 2025 10 min read The Ultimate Michigan Hunting Cheatsheet - Fall 2025 Edition Fall means primetime in Detroit's outdoors - especially for the Michigan hunting community ready for crisp mornings and cool evenings in... Dan Cooke Sep 5, 2025 7 min read Conservation in Action: Support your Outdoors and Community at "DOEnation Metro Detroit" Whitetail Deer Season in Michigan may have reached its final week, BUT there's still plenty of time left to contribute to charitable... Dan Cooke Jan 23, 2025 5 min read Hunting Hard Knocks, Pt. 2: Michigan Needs You to Harvest a Doe In honor of the arrival of peak hunting season in Michigan, we're continuing our series on true - yet controversial - considerations for... Dan Cooke Oct 3, 2024 5 min read Hunting Hard Knocks, Pt. 1: The Necessity of Hunting for Michigan In honor of the arrival of peak hunting season in Michigan, we're launching a two-part series on true - yet controversial -... Dan Cooke Nov 10, 2023 8 min read Top 10 New Year's Resolutions to Accomplish in 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 Jan 7, 2023 12 min read 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 31, 2022 7 min read Aim to "Leave No Trace" this (and every) Hunting Season Michigan's preeminent hunting event - firearm whitetail deer season - is in full swing, meaning that generations of hunters are making... Dan Cooke Nov 20, 2022 5 min read Expedition Essentials: Bowhunting Gear for Michigan Deer Season Bowhunting season for whitetail deer is in full swing throughout the Detroit region! Here are the five essential bowhunting gear items that you will need to get you off of the couch and into the woods. #ExpeditionEssentials In case you missed it, Michigan and Ontario’s bowhunting seasons for whitetail deer kicked off on October 1st, while Ohio has been in-season since September 24th. For us Michigan hunters, the start of bow season is the de facto gateway to fall. Despite a Dan Cooke Oct 25, 2022 6 min read The Ultimate Michigan Hunting Cheatsheet - Fall 2022 Edition Expedition Detroit's breakdown of the species, dates, equipment, and special regulations for this year's hunting season. Dan Cooke Oct 4, 2022 4 min read RECENT ARTICLES

Prepare for your next Detroit, Michigan adventure with all the best outdoor recreation gear you might need. EXPEDITION DETROIT STORE FROM THE FIELD TO THE HOMESTEAD , OUR ONLINE STORE HAS THE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES FOR EVERY PHASE OF YOUR ADVENTURES. SHOP NOW Expedition Essentials: Ultimate Guide to Winter Camping near Detroit - 2026 Edition Now that a proper "Michigan Winter" has returned, the Detroit region is in peak condition for winter camping expeditions! Here is our #ExpeditionEssentials guide to the best gear, destinations, and best practices for your next winter camping adventure near Detroit. "Ah, so this most qualify as 'snowing' out here." I said those words mockingly as flurries started to drift down from the overcast skies at Grand Canyon National Park. It was early March in northern Arizona, and my Dan Cooke Jan 27 11 min read Expedition Essentials: Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing Near Detroit FINALLY - a TRUE DETROIT WINTER is BACK , complete with deep powder and ideal conditions for snowshoeing. Here is our #ExpeditionEssentials guide to the best gear, destinations, and tips for venturing into snowshoeing near Detroit! " Dude - what even is snowshoeing? " I heard that question, give or take a few variations, several times within a 48 hour period. I had just led Expedition Detroit's first ever guided snowshoe tour for two first-timers, so I naturally couldn't pas Dan Cooke Dec 18, 2025 8 min read Expedition Essentials: Hammock Camping Gear for Summer 2025 No tent, no problem! Here we provide our #ExpeditionEssentials on the best gear, health benefits, and opportunities in the Detroit region... Dan Cooke Jun 24, 2025 6 min read Expedition Essentials: Ultimate Guide to Gravel Biking Near Detroit Gravel biking is taking the recreational world by storm - especially right here in the Great Lakes region. New to gravel biking? We've got you covered with our #ExpeditionEssentials ultimate guide to the best gear and trail destinations for gravel biking near Detroit! Photo courtesy of Coast to Coast – Gravel Grinder Go pound sand, pickleball : there's a new king on the recreational throne. I was actively jotting down notes at the Michigan Outdoor Summit last fall during a s Dan Cooke Apr 21, 2025 9 min read Expedition Essentials: Ultimate Guide to Cross-Country Skiing Near Detroit Tundra Season is BACK in Detroit, unveiling unprecedented opportunities to dive into one of our region's favorite recreational pastimes: cross-country skiing. Here is our #ExpeditionEssentials guide to the best gear, destinations, and tips for launching into cross-country skiing near Detroit! We've said it once, twice, and will probably say it a million times more: Winter is one of the Detroit region's greatest recreational assets. Yes, we know that the real-feel temperature Dan Cooke Jan 22, 2025 8 min read Trail Running Made Easy: A Beginner’s Guide to Ditching the Pavement Leave the pavement behind for running Detroit's pristine natural trails this summer! Here's your crash course into the health benefits,... Expedition Detroit Jul 9, 2024 7 min read 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 fits, this series will cover the actual clothing, gadgets, equipment, and other gear that you'll see us wearing in the field. "If I wear it, then I own it." For the life of me I can’t remember who said this quote. Might have been as happenstance as eavesdropping on a conversation during a typical corporate networking session. But it left Dan Cooke Jun 24, 2024 10 min read 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 20, 2023 7 min read 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 you should lace up trail running shoes or hiking boots for your next adventure. #ExpeditionEssentials "This feels heavy." I said those words audibly at approximately 10:40 P.M. and 8ish miles into my thru-hike of the Chief Pontiac Trail . For anyone who has backpacked with me in the past, those words may come as a surprise. To this day, my Dan Cooke Aug 16, 2023 6 min read 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 with CTUG's Michigan-made ultralight gear! #ExpeditionPartner "Yeah man, your kit is definitely looking a bit heavy." Those were extremely generous words from Austin Gongos , cofounder and one of the "Main Dirtbags" of U.P.-based Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear ("CTUG") . We first connected literally days after I completed a thru-backpacking t Dan Cooke Jun 16, 2023 5 min read Expedition Partner Feature: Motor City Axe Timeless. Powerful. Hand crafted in Detroit. It is our privilege to feature Motor City Axe as our first #ExpeditionPartner! We pity... Dan Cooke Apr 28, 2023 3 min read Expedition Essentials: The Ultimate Guide to Canoe Camping The ice has melted. The birds are returning. The sun - knock on wood - is actually shining again. Kayak season has returned to Detroit, along with endless opportunities to extend your aquatic expeditions via Canoe Camping. Imagine your perfect day on the water. The heat of the sun. The gentle breeze at your back. The serenity of nature's silence, broken only by the lapping waves, rustle of leaves, calling birds - and maybe that one guy playing music from a waterproof speaker Dan Cooke Mar 29, 2023 10 min read Battle of the Buckets: The Best Ski Helmets of Winter 2023 There's nothing like an early March snowstorm to remind Detroit that ski season isn't over! If you are looking to hit the slopes for the... Dan Cooke Mar 3, 2023 4 min read 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 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 h Dan Cooke Jan 28, 2023 7 min read 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 28, 2022 10 min read RECENT GEAR ARTICLES PREPARE FOR YOUR ADVENTURES How can you best prepare for your next adventure? Visit these featured stores to check out all the latest gear. Blue Birch Outfitters Located in Milford, Michigan VISIT NOW Backcountry Online hub for recreational gear VISIT NOW Patagonia Global Outdoor Outfitter VISIT NOW FIND MORE GEAR