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While the Detroit region experiences this gilded era of outdoor recreation expansion, certain projects stand out from the rest as especially newsworthy. The announcement of the collaboration between the Huron-Clinton Metroparks and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy represents one such ground-breaking development. Here's what you need to know. In a world that's constantly bracing against a barrage of bad headlines, Detroit's outdoor recreation industry may represent the sole safe haven of consistent good news. Even during the onslaught of the Covid-19 pandemic, Michigan's public recreation spaces benefitted from a 30% increase in visitor traffic compared to 2019 figures. The outdoor recreation economy in Michigan grew an impressive 15.4% from 2020 to 2021, including the annual generation of $10.8 billion in value and 10,000 jobs across a wide range of occupations and skills. The Michigan DNR will receive $250 million in funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will directly connect Michigan's Iron Belle Trail to the Trans-Canada Trail. The Detroit Riverwalk has won back-to-back titles as the best riverwalk in the United States. New regional trail building initiatives, like the Border-to-Border Trail, Southwest Greenway, and the monumental Joe Louis Greenway, are being implemented in record timing. In summary, the outdoor recreation industry in the Detroit region is absolutely crushing the development game with these major wins. But wait, here's one more win for the good guys: for the first time in its 83 year history, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks system will have a presence within the City of Detroit. Transformation of the West Riverfront | Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park Development Last month's press release announcing the Metroparks' arrival to the riverfront resulted from nearly 8 years of behind the scenes negotiation, collaboration, and careful urban recreation planning. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Huron-Clinton Metroparks first started formally working side-by-side in 2015, launching limited programs aimed at educating thousands of Detroiters on regional wildlife and the outdoors. Five years later, the Metroparks and Riverfront Conservancy entered into a multi-year strategic partnership focused on widening access to new programs and recreation for city and suburban families. That November 2020 partnership initiative also included a commitment to leverage the world-class parks, greenways and public spaces maintained by both organizations. During the entirety of its relational progression with the Metroparks, the Riverfront Conservancy pressed forward with several other major Detroit Riverfront development projects, including a transformative project originally titled "Reimagine West Riverfront Park." The goal of this project? To "to transform the 22-acre West Riverfront Park in downtown Detroit into one of the most dynamic public spaces in the world." In 2018, the Riverfront Conservancy decided to rename the future park in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr., whose namesake foundation provided a $50 million investment in the development of the park. With this influx of capital, the Riverfront Conservancy both expedited and expanded its planned development of the park. As currently projected, the transformative park will include dramatic design features like a "water garden"at the center of the park, an expanded and diverse shoreline habitat for avian and aquatic wildlife, rocky beaches, vegetated edges, some preserved sea wall, freshwater wetlands, plazas, indoor sport facilities, play structures, and a large event lawn called "The Hill." The two-acre "water garden" is where the Metroparks fit into the development. On January 10th, 2023, the Metroparks and Riverfront Conservancy announced that the water garden will officially be named the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, covering 2.5 acres and featuring walking paths, seating areas, educational signage, and open-air classrooms intended to engage visitors. Why this Development Matters for Detroit If there's one takeaway that stays with you after reading this article, we sincerely hope that it's this: the creation of fundamental change is almost impossible without industry-wide collaboration, cooperation, and consensus. That quote from Simon Mainwaring could not be more representative of the paradigm-shift in our region's approach towards investment in the future of Detroit's outdoor spaces - especially at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park development. Yes, we understand that the maintenance of a 2.5 acre water garden by a regional parks authority may not break across national headlines. But when you dig a little deeper into the larger of implications of this tangible development, the economic, cultural, and environmental ripple effects are staggering. Let's start by acknowledging the monumental influence and resources that accompany the Metroparks. On an annual basis, the Metroparks attract roughly 7 million visitors to their 13 parks, including the generation of $92.4 million in direct visitor spending alone. Additionally, a recent study by the Trust for Public Land also noted that the Metroparks provide the following - staggering - economic, environmental, and health benefits for the communities that the parks system operates within: $678 million per year in sales for sporting-goods stores. $68 million raise in property value of nearby residences. $62.3 million in recreation and health benefits to community residents. $30.3 million in annual stormwater infiltration value. $2.25 million in annual pollution control value. $903,000 increase in annual property tax revenue. $1,250 of average health savings per year for adults. Support for over 3,100 jobs. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy also carries its weight in terms of spurring economic and community development along the banks of the Detroit River and beyond. During the first decade of the Riverfront Conversancy's riverwalk revitalization project, the project has generated more than $1 billion in public and private investment. As of the start of 2023, the Riverfront Conservancy has invested more than $169 million in the revitalization of the Detroit Riverfront, which now attracts more than 3.5 million annual visitors. This transformative power of the partnership of the Metroparks and Riverfront Conservancy goes beyond just maintaining and expanding a physical presence on the Detroit Riverfront. Since November of 2020, the collaboration between the Metroparks and the Riverfront Conservancy has also directly benefitted the lives of thousands of young Detroiters that otherwise may have never received access to life-changing outdoor educational resources. The two organizations have partnered on developing robust programming and joint outreach efforts, such as the "Swim in the D" program in which the Riverfront Conservancy, Metroparks, and the City of Detroit instructed 500 young Detroiters on how to swim. Ultimately, this headline represents that the Detroit region's largest players - including certain of its most influential investors - are doubling down on the future of our outdoor recreation opportunities. In a world inundated with terrible news, these announcements are worth acknowledging, celebrating, and supporting with all of the resources at our disposal. We are ecstatic about the planned opening of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park in 2024, along with the economic, environmental, and social benefits that will support generations to come. Stay tuned, Detroit - our best days spent outside are just over the horizon. Interested in learning more about the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park project? Head over to the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy's website to regularly read about Project and Construction Updates, as well as News Releases.

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition tackles the only "Black Diamond" rated trail within our series: the rugged and respected hills of Highland Recreation Area's "A-B-C-D" loops. Check out what draws Detroit's best mountain bikers, trail runners, and hikers flock to these alphabet loops all year long. "BEST DAY EVER." Those are the three words that I force myself to say - audibly - whenever I get back on my feet after flipping over the handle bars on my bike. Or losing an edge on my skis. Or tripping over a root during a steep decline. If you're not falling then you're not trying, right...? I couldn't tell you how many times I've said those positivity-reinforcing words since I started implementing the practice back in 2020. Let's just chalk it up to a lot. But what I can tell you, with absolute certainty, is that I have declared more "Best Day Evers" on Highland State Recreation Area's A-B-C-D loops than any other trail in the Detroit region - combined. If you've been following our content since we launched last fall, Highland's "Alphabet Loops" should be ringing some bells by now. We first introduced the A-B-C-D loops to our community in an article on the Detroit region's three "Black Diamond Trails," where we anointed this trail - and specifically its notorious "D Loop" - as our region's single most challenging trail. This trail system also made the cut for one of the "Top 5 Mountain Biking Trails," despite standing out as the only "Advanced" trail on the list. Here's the unadulterated truth: Highland's A-B-C-D Loops are intentionally very, very difficult. Which is why they are so awesome. There's a reason that Detroit's best mountain bikers, trail runners, and endurance athletes flock back to these hills for their ritualistic ass-kicking. Just like any intense workout, the Alphabet Loops will leave your body flooded with euphoric endorphins and all but ensure your return. Training for your first trail marathon? Running the Loops will virtually guarantee that you'll hit the trailhead in prime shape. Heading out west for a bucket-list MTB trip? Hit the Loops to dial in your skills. Looking to hunt within our region's least hospitable terrain? Loop it up. Before we get into the trail, let's reacquaint ourselves with Highland. MEET HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA The story of Highland State Recreation Area, as we recognize and recreate within it today, dates back to an unexpected union of lands owned by fierce business rivals. In March of 1922, the Board of the Dodge Brothers Company authorized the spending of $350,000 to purchase lands across the northwestern perimeter of the Detroit region. These lands - now referred to as the "Dodge Parks" - were donated by Dodge to the State of Michigan for use as public parks in memory of the company's founders, John and Horace Dodge. One of these parks received the designation "Dodge Brothers State Park No. 10" in the northeast quarter of Highland Township. Over the following 20 years later, the Michigan Department of Conservation purchased several thousand additional acres of land to the east of Dodge Brothers State Park No. 10. The State of Michigan also acquired the area surrounding "Haven Hill"- the former Edsel Ford estate - in 1943. The aggregation of the Dodge Brothers parcels with the Ford parcels would amount to the 5,900 acres now constituting Highland State Recreation Area, the Detroit region's fourth largest state park, which officially opened in 1945. The Highland Recreation Area of 2023 consists of one of the most ecologically and recreationally diverse landscapes in the entire Great Lakes region. The park's Haven Hill Natural Area contains all of southern Michigan's principal forest types within its 721 acres, including swamp forest of tamarack, cedar, beech-maple forest, oak-hickory forest, and mixed hardwood forest. Beyond world-class hiking and mountain biking, Highland has also evolved into a recreational melting pot for our region's best equestrians, backpackers, kayakers, cross-country skiers, bird-watchers, anglers, and hunters. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 14.7 miles Elevation Gain: 1,309 feet Trail Rating: DIFFICULT Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at trailhead north of Livingston Rd. (Michigan Recreation Passport required) While we typically write our #TrailTuesday articles for hiking, we've decided to deviate from that tradition in this edition for two reasons. First, the Alphabet Loops system is predominantly used by Detroit's mountain biking community, and we all owe our friends at the Motor City Mountain Biking Association a huge thank you for maintaining it so well. Second, our region's mountain biking community frequently finds itself as the target of unwarranted political maneuvers geared towards restricting - or eliminating - mountain biking access rights. So we wanted to stand by our biking brothers and sisters by especially framing this article towards their interests. The A-B-C-D Loops cover almost 15 miles of technical and tight single-track trails, filled with sharp descents, steep climbs, rock gardens, and lots of tight, off camber turns. The loops slightly vary in difficulty, with the A (3.5 miles) and C (2.2 miles) Loops being slightly easier than the challenging B Loop (5.4 miles) and dreaded D Loop (3.6 miles). Most riders take on just the A and B Loops for a heart-pumping 9.7 miles through the core of the course, although plenty of adrenaline junkies and admirable psychopaths will knock out the full system in 2 or 3 hours. The D Loop’s climb of 130 feet over roughly half a mile - including a 20% incline grade at certain points - is the crown jewel achievement of this punishing yet rewarding trail system. Trail runners, hikers, and cross-country skiers: please remember to traverse the loops in the opposite direction of the mountain biking traffic, demonstrated in the interactive map linked above. When you get to the trail's first fork on the A Loop at the 0.2 mile marker, keep right towards the D Loop Access trail. Moving in this opposite direction, runners, hikers, and skiers will complete the loops in the following order: A (partial), D (complete), B (partial), C (complete), B (remaining segment), and A (remaining segments). Final word of caution - even experienced bikers should not take on conquering all four loops lightly. Beginner and freshly-minted riders are strongly advised to ride with one or more experienced riders and tackle just a loop or two during their first visit to Highland. Bring plenty of water, take your time navigating these black diamond-rated trails, and wholly embrace the challenging onslaught that Highland’s loops indiscriminately unleash on us all. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS In case you tuned out earlier in the article, Highland State Recreation Area is an amazing destination for outdoor recreation. Beyond biking or running the Alphabet Loops, the varied natural terrain and topography found throughout its nearly 6,000 acres invites virtually unlimited methods of exploration. During these last days of winter, snowshoeing - or even backcountry skiing - along the trails flanking Mount Kanzer, Highland's highest point, is highly-recommended and intrepid way to experience the park. Highland's "mountains," which are technically glacial moraines, provide the varied hills beloved by runners, hikers, hunters, and wildlife alike. We're saving this trail for a later #TrailTuesday installation, but no trip to Highland would be complete without also trekking the Haven Hill Loop trail. Especially popular during peak fall colors, this 3.5 mile trail encircles both the Haven Hill ruins and the pristine Haven Hill Lake. Recreationists embarking on this trail will also be treated to a variety of shifting landscapes throughout the hike, ranging from lakeland shoreline and marshland to mature forests with panoramic vistas from the hilltops. Beyond the park, Highland offers visitors a full course menu of recreational options to satisfy your appetite. Our snow base is rapidly melting as I'm typing these words, so you should definitely get a few runs in at Alpine Valley Ski Resort - just 4.4 miles west of the MTB trailhead parking lot - while conditions last. Downtown Milford is also well within biking and running distance from the MTB trailhead parking lot, including the trail town's immediate access to Proud Lake State Recreation Area, Kensington Metropark, the Milford Trail, and the Huron River. 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!

SUMMER IS BACK!! With the floodgates wide open for amazing outdoor experiences near Detroit in June, we have nailed down these "Top Ten Outdoor Events" for kicking off your perfect summer this month! The Detroit region is, without a doubt, a summertime paradise. Don't believe us? Try moving away for a summer, as I did nine years ago when I spent May through early August living in Barcelona, Spain. Admittedly, that was a great problem to have - any time spent living in a foreign culture is time incredibly well spent. Here's our sage advice, though: don't think twice about doing it during primetime in our outdoors - unless you're planning on disconnecting technologically for the entire summer. Why? Because your social media feed and group chats will be FLOODED with your friends and family thriving in our natural environment. Beach days at our pristine lakes. Epic rides on our mountain bike trails. Trail brews after dense forest hikes. Campfires galore. And one of America's best summertime towns to play in after a full day spent recreating under the sun. Truly, friends - there aren't enough tapas or sangria in all of España to drown out the homesickness that summer in Detroit can unleash. And it all kicks off this month with a whirlwind of outdoor events going down in our collective backyards. Without further delay, here are the Top 10 Outdoor Events going down in the Detroit region this month. We can't wait to see you out there! 1. Commemorate International Trails Day with an International Hike June 3rd | Windsor-Essex, Ontario June 3rd, 2023, is going to be a "Day of Days" for outdoor recreation in the Detroit region. From races to festivals, adventure challenges to laid-back picnics, folks are going to be getting outdoors in droves to celebrate none other than one of our favorite holidays: International Trails Day. Since we have two U.S.-based events on deck for this holiday (spoiler alert), we'd like to focus instead on the events that our friends at the Essex Region Conservation Authority are promoting across the border. In honor of the ERCA's 50th anniversary, Canadian (and U.S.) outdoor enthusiasts are invited to venture into the Windsor area's parks and promote conservation through special sponsored hikes. For a minimum tax deductible donation of $25 (CAD) per person or $50 (CAD) per family, expert naturalists will host these hikes at locations across Windsor-Essex for unique guided experiences. 2. Flirt with Trail Running at Maybury State Park June 3rd | Maybury State Park | 7:30 a.m. Rise and shine, runners! International Trails Day has arrived and its time to flirt with your newest or oldest love: trail running in the Detroit region's pristine parks. Better yet, the team at RF Events invites you and hundreds of your closest running friends to hit the trails at their "Flirt with Dirt" 5K, 10K, and Dirty Duo events this Saturday morning at Maybury State Park! The Flirt with Dirt race events mark the second installment of RF Event's "GOAT Trail Series," one of our featured adventure challenges for Summer 2023. Don't worry if you missed the season opening back in April - "Flirt" marks only the second of five qualifying events for the series, so trail runners still have plenty of races left to make their mark on the leader board. We'll see you all at the starting line! 3. Celebrate Detroit's MTB Community at the Milford Bike Fest June 3rd | Milford, Michigan | 9 a.m. Sponsored by our friends at the Motor City Mountain Biking Association, the Milford Bike Fest and its legendary "Century Challenge" represents the largest celebration of southeast Michigan's growing mountain biking community. The festival occurs in Milford because of the trail town's central location to five world-class single track mountain biking trails and features live music, complementary drinks, food discounts, and hundreds of your new favorite riding buddies. The heartbeat of the festival, however, centers around the completion of the Century Challenge: a continuous MTB ride that covers THE ENTIRETY of all five trail systems that are readily accessible from Downtown Milford. Yup, a total distance of over 100 miles in a day. These trail systems include the Milford Trail, Highland State Recreation Area, Hickory Glen, Proud Lake State Recreation Area/the Kensington Connector, and Island Lake State Recreation Area. We have biked each of these trail systems independently, and each one packs one hell of a punch. So, the thought of conquering all five in a single day...yeah, that's definitely one way to earn a post-ride beer! 4. Run the Huron at the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon June 4th | Dexter, Michigan | 8:30 a.m. Yes, you read that correctly - primetime season for longer road races has FINALLY returned! This month, you have the opportunity to run one of the most beautiful courses in the Detroit region during the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon, also known as the "DXA2"or "Run the River" race. Setting off from the quintessential trail town of Dexter, this race runs parallel to the Huron River as the course meanders through Dexter-Huron Metropark, Delhi Metropark, Barton Park, and finally into the heart of Downtown Ann Arbor. The route follows the new B2B Trail and one of the most scenic portions of the Huron, so runners will be treated to some of the best 13.1 miles of natural running in the entire state. DXA2 also features 10K and 5K event options that run only along the Ann Arbor stretches of the Huron River. 5. Voyage Across the Metroparks Throughout June | Lake St. Clair and Oakwoods Metroparks This month, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks invite you to travel both back in time AND across the Metroparks' waterways in their 34 foot replica of a Great Lakes voyageur canoe! These guided paddles will occur intermittently at Lake St. Clair and Oakwoods Metroparks on June 9th, 10th, and 23rd. The experience will provide exploratory and educational opportunities regarding unique wetland habitats, European and early American voyageurs who paddled those canoes during Michigan’s fur trade era, and wildlife viewing for animals like beavers, muskrats, egrets, and swans. These paddles are offered during the day and select evenings, so you will get the opportunity to see varying wildlife and sunset views. Limited seating is available and all ages must wear a lifejacket. 6. Race Along the Detroit Riverfront June 10th | Cullen Plaza, Detroit, Michigan | 8:40 a.m. After a record attendance last year, the Detroit Riverfront Run is back and better than ever for 2023! Join our friends at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy in actively celebrating their 20th anniversary with family-friendly 5K and 10K events. The race route will showcase the world-famous Detroit Riverwalk, William G. Milliken State Park, and the Dequindre Cut Greenway. All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, a participating medal, post race snacks, and other goodies offered at the event! 7. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve June 17th | Point Pelee National Park | 7:30 p.m. The days may be reaching peak length as we approach the Summer Solstice this month, but the stars at Point Pelee National Park - the single best stargazing destination in the Detroit region - are still shining as bright as ever! Point Pelee's "Dark Sky Nights" are especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave near-freezing temperatures at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. 8. Embrace the Mud at a Tough Mudder Race June 17-18th | Oxford, MI | 8:00 a.m. There comes a certain moment in every race where you mentally give in to the experience. A "point of no return" where you realize that you're locked into running the miles, or swimming the laps, or pedaling up the hill that's in front of you. In military terms, this resiliency-building moment is commonly referred to as "embracing the suck." For Tough Mudder racers, you're forced to "embrace the mud" right from the get-go - and we strongly advise doing so with open arms and disposable running shoes. This month, Tough Mudder will host its sole Michigan event on the weekend of June 17th and 18th in Oxford at Koenig Materials. Runners can choose between 5K, 10K, and 15K events that feature obstacles ranging from ice pits, 40-foot nets, cage crawls, and, of course, lots and lots of mud. Embrace the mud. Live this unforgettable outdoor experience. 9. Prove that You're a Triple Threat at the Motor City Triathlon June 18th | Belle Isle Park | 7:30 a.m. Completing an outdoor race of any kind typically represents one of the crowning achievements of a month well spent. With a triathlon - especially at a destination as idyllic and well-suited for swimming, biking, and running as Belle Isle Park - you get a 3-for-1 special that's honestly a bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Anyone who's completed such a feat will back us up on this point. As the temperatures continue to rise well in June, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by diving into the cool waters of the Detroit River during the Motor City Triathlon at Belle Isle. Believed to be the fastest triathlon course in the U.S., this race represents the perfect opportunity for seasoned athletes to obtain that coveted PR. There's also a duathlon option for this event (swimming omitted) that kicks off at 7:56 am. 10. COME EXPLORE WITH US! Throughout June (and beyond) | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas After nearly a year of questions, months of negotiations, and weeks of web design/planning, we are ECSTATIC to announce that our brand new Guided Trips platform is FINALLY LIVE! The Expedition Detroit team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coach across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides will have the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience. Yes, this is a shameless plug for our business - but in the immortal words of The Pointer Sisters, we're so excited and we just can't hide it! We will be gradually adding new guided summer trips over the coming weeks, as well as special trips like night hikes, photography-specific treks, and eventually guided snowshoe, mountain biking, and kayaking trips. So, stay tuned friends. We can't wait to host you on one of our trips soon! P.S. Subscribers to our content get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store items..... Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

The second installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, we're highlighting the best features of Northville, Michigan for every hometown outdoor enthusiast. Check out why we are celebrating this oasis of adventure opportunities within the heart of the Detroit region! If you take a quick look at the map on our Destinations page, one overarching aspect includes that the majority of Detroit's premiere outdoor opportunities are found along the outer rim of our region. Geography bears the responsibility for that - the western rim of rolling, forested hills and the great waterways of the east naturally draw recreationists towards the periphery. But there's one particular location that jumps out on our map as an oasis of adventure within the great interior of the Detroit region. The home of a state park, the the northern terminus of a premiere biking trail, and an innovator for the expansion of community outdoor recreation opportunities. MEET NORTHVILLE That location, my friends, is Northville, Michigan. A place that I've grown to love dearly over the last 15 years. A town that continues to invest in its outdoor opportunities. A community whose collective conservation efforts are well worth the recognition that we are aiming to provide in this article. It is our pleasure to re-introduce Northville - a city and township straddling both Wayne and Oakland Counties that is home to over 30,000 residents. Dating back to 1825, Northville's historic city center has evolved through the centuries into a dynamic and thriving "Pure Michigan" downtown. Northville represents the ideal prototype of a city that has both preserved its 19th century victorian, "frontier" character while developing its core center to attract business suited for the 21st century. Most importantly, Northville has emphasized not only preserving its outdoor spaces during such innovative development, but actually expanding recreational opportunities for generations to come. OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS Northville is one of several cities in the Detroit region that has adopted the "European approach" to urban development: creating a predominantly pedestrian city center for unhindered mobility at its core, coupled with immediate access to green spaces surrounding the city's developed areas. As such, Northville's outdoor highlights begin at the city's core and organically extend to cover the entirety of its periphery. Insert "chef's kiss" emoji for near-perfect city planning for an outdoor enthusiast. Starting within "The Twist" - Northville's pedestrian-only outdoor corridor covering portions of East Main Street and North Center Street - the main Town Square, Ford Field Park, and Mill Race Historical Village are all easily within walking distance from downtown's trendy stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. Northville's predominant water system, the Walled Lake Branch of the Middle Rouge River, flows bifurcates Ford Field Park from Mill Race Village and provides decent waterfowl viewing opportunities. The main remaining outdoor destinations that are walking distance from downtown include the historic Oakwood Cemetery, Fish Hatchery Park and Denton Park. While walking through the heart of downtown to these destinations, you may also notice distinct blue and red trail marker signs for "The Link." Congratulations - you have just found Northville's biking and jogging highway linking its two premiere outdoor destinations: Maybury State Park and Hines Park. The Link runs west-east between the northeastern corner of Maybury State Park and the northwestern terminus of Hines Park, connecting these epicenters of adventure via a clearly-marked trail running along 8 Mile Road, Randolph, Wing, Main, Cady, Beal, and River Streets. Northville's last outdoor highlight - Legacy Park - is still largely a work in progress. Located south of 7 Mile Road behind the former location of the Northville Psychiatric Hospital, Legacy Park will comprise of a 332-acre "green space oasis" that will host hiking and mountain biking trails and other amenities. Some trails are already ready for exploration...more on that in a bit. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: Maybury State Park Maybury is without a doubt the crown jewel of Northville's outdoor recreation ecosystem. As I mentioned in our introductory paragraph, Detroit area residents typically need to travel to our region's periphery to experience the world-class opportunities that Maybury provides within our core area. Hiking and trail running? Check. Mountain biking? 6.3 miles of one of our favorite single-track loops. Equestrian trails? Day camp options? Family-friendly farms, sports fields, and fishing piers? Checks all around. The true genius behind Maybury is the visionary reimagining of what was once the Detroit Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Back in 1919, William H. Maybury, the park's namesake patron who spearheaded the sanitarium's development, believed that the beautiful natural surroundings would help nurse some patients back to health at a time when no cure existed for the disease. Although the sanitarium closed in 1969, resulting in its 944 acres becoming Wayne County's first state park in 1975, its legacy lives on through the provision of a small patch of wilderness that alleviates the masses from the chronic stresses of urban life. BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Hines Park Let's imagine that you've explored Maybury, followed The Link through the heart of Downtown Northville, and now you've reached the trail's southern terminus at 7 Mile Road. Well, you may want to fuel up at one of the pizza joints just east of The Link's terminus point - you've just reached the northernmost point of one of the Detroit Region's preeminent outdoor trail system: Hines Park. Starting just south of Northville Downs, Hines Park provides a lifetime of outdoor recreation opportunities stretching from Northville to Dearborn along the banks of the Middle Rouge River. Within Northville Township, the Hines Park system includes the sporting fields at Northville Recreation Area, the famed hills and trails of Bennett Arboretum, the Cass Benton Hills Disc Golf Course, the playgrounds at Waterford Bend Recreation Area, and the ruins of historic Meads Mill. The central vein of Hines Park is the paved Hines Park Trail runs parallel to the scenic Hines Drive. Trail users beware: the steepest climb and highest point of the entirety of the 17.5 mile Hines Park Trail strikes during in the infamous climb between Bennett Arboretum and Cass Benton. Don't forget your water bottle for this climb - maybe throw in some extra ice cubes for those mid-summer pain-gain days. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Legacy Park As we wrote earlier, Legacy Park represents the future of Northville's outdoors: a massive green space in the works located on the township's eastern border, currently only accessible from Wayne Avenue off of Haggerty Road. Don't let the "Coming Soon" signs on 7 Mile throw you off, however; there are several miles of trails already open and regularly used by the most expeditious of recreationists looking for the new frontiers of our outdoor ecosystem. Naturally, our team at Expedition Detroit are a part of that growing demographic. We invite you to join us, starting with exploring the conveniently located Legacy Park. In its current iteration, Legacy Park is best explored either on bike or foot. Our good friends at the MCMBA have been working their tails off over the last few years building, improving, and maintaining the Bell Branch Loop Mountain Bike Trail, a beginner-friendly 2 mile loop that is generally smooth and free of rocks and roots. Additional trail segments are in the works, but the adjacent 1 mile Chinkapin Hiking Trail leads to a massive chinkapin oak tree and serves as a great place to explore on foot before or after a ride. There are also nature trails within the Ward Woods that connect directly to the Bell Branch Loop trailhead on the southern side of Wayne Avenue. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, especially deer - I rode the Bell Branch Loop last spring and saw at least 50 deer... FEATURED OUTFITTER: Town & Country Bikes & Boards Yes, many of you already know that Northville is uniquely blessed by the outdoor recreation gods for being a REI host location - 1 of only 4 in Michigan. We love REI and make weekly pilgrimages to the Northville location, but for this article, we'd like to highlight a hometown hero: Town & Country Bikes & Boards. Beyond retailing top-line bikes, snowboards, and related clothing and gear, T&C also offers a plethora of related services, ranging from bicycle repair and tune-ups to ski and snowboard waxing. T&C also provides generous financing options for qualified buyers needing some payment flexibility for their new gear. T&C's location on The Twist is also an added perk - nothing quite like having your new favorite bike shop steps away from your favorite coffee shop or bar. MORNING FUEL: Rebecca's Restaurant For generations of Northville residents, the best mornings start at Rebecca's. Founded in 1998, Rebecca's has been serving up homestyle meals to its patrons in its cozy-yet-eclectic setting right in the heart of downtown. While the model trains and endlessly-entertaining wall decor keep diners preoccupied while indoors, Rebecca's front patio seating during warmer months provides tremendous people-watching opportunities alongside The Twist. Rebecca's encourages you to ease into your morning before hitting the trail - take your time and enjoy the family environment, you'll be very glad that you did. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: Exchange Bar and Grill You know that you're at the right place when there's a bike storage rack right outside the patio. Located at the former "Poole's Tavern" site, Exchange is conveniently positioned right at the eastern end of The Twist and along the pedestrian segment of The Link. The pub boasts not only an enviable patio and connected plaza, but also Northville's only rooftop area during the summer months. There's no better way to end a long ride than pulling off the trail, ordering an ice-cold one, and sitting back with a view. This article only scratches the surface on all that Northville has to offer for its residents and visitors. For more information on local businesses, organizations, and outdoor recreation opportunities, be sure to check out fantastic local networks like the Northville Chamber of Commerce. Do you live in Northville? 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!

The third installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, we're highlighting the best outdoor attributes of Dexter, Michigan - the "Hidden Gem of the Huron" - for every hometown recreational enthusiast. I remember the first time that I ever visited the picturesque little city of Dexter, Michigan. My wife had just formally launched her professional acting career at the Encore Musical Theatre Company in Dexter, a town whose name had sounded vaguely familiar despite my upbringing just 30 miles east on M-14. One warm Saturday afternoon during her rehearsal period, we decided to meet for lunch. I uncharacteristically decided to arrive early to scope out both some lunch options and explore this little town that had always flown under my radar. Reverting to my natural state, I arrived late to our lunch date. But at least this time I had a valid excuse. "Sorry I'm late - Dexter is an AWESOME town, got carried away exploring. Why have we never been here before??" Five years later, this small town continues to surprise me with its wealth of community events, quintessential "Pure Michigan" charm, and - of course - outdoor experiences. Dexter's idyllic shops, restaurants, and location at the confluence of Mill Creek and the Huron River, have elevated the city to a can't miss "Trail Town" that we're honored to spotlight. MEET DEXTER Located just northwest of Ann Arbor, the City of Dexter dates back to 1824, when the city's namesake, Samuel W. Dexter, purchased a large tract of land that would eventually form the city center. Over the next two centuries, Dexter's "Mill Creek Settlement" evolved into the village and eventually the City of Dexter, complete with a rich history involving industrial mills, the Underground Railroad, UFO sightings, and a large tornado that caused substantial damage to the village in 2012. Heading into 2023, Dexter presents a dynamic community offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for shopping and dining along Main Street, enjoying its historical architecture, experiencing its vibrant "Dexter Daze" and other festivals, visiting its cultural hubs, and exploring the beauty of its great outdoors. Naturally, we're excited about shifting this spotlight towards Dexter's beautiful natural environment, but Dexter truly has an amazing experience waiting for every genre of small town tourist. Trust us, all of you foodies, thespians, hikers, and paddlers - a day trip to Dexter will leave you excited for planning your next visit! OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS As this article will exemplify, Dexter's outdoor opportunities are influenced largely by its envious location at the crossroads of two beautiful, pristine waterways: Mill Creek and the mighty Huron River. This location not only provides arguably the best paddling opportunities in the Detroit region, but also superb fly fishing locations along both the creek and the river. An extensive network of biking and hiking trails - including the Washtenaw County-redefining "Border to Border" or "B2B" Trail - also run parallel to the waterways, which cumulatively elevate Dexter to a one-stop-shop for recreationists of varying tastes and expertise. More on those water and land trails in a bit. Aside from its world-class trail networks, Dexter also provides the complete package for outdoor enthusiasts of every adventure-seeking level. If paddling rapids or biking 30+ miles isn't quite your cup of tea, then the pedestrian-accessible Hudson Mills and Dexter-Huron Metroparks - which feature family-friendly playgrounds, nature centers, sporting fields, natural trails, and even a labyrinth - will absolutely scratch that recreational itch. Other outdoor outlets around the city include stunning Mill Creek Park along the eastern bank of Mill Creek, Dexter Community Park, First Street Park, Lions Park, and the historic Monument Park that constitutes the heartbeat of Dexter's community vitality. Several hometown races - such as the annual "Holiday Hustle" - cross the finish line right at Monument Park, thereby also establishing the park as the core of Dexter's recreational community for generations. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: The Huron River We have taken the liberty of dubbing Dexter as the Hidden Gem of the Huron. This may come off as fighting words to the other immaculate "Water Trail Towns" situated along the banks of the Huron River National Water Trail, but hear us out. Dexter lives and breathes the Huron. For starters, the 1.9 mile Mill Creek segment of the National Water Trail is the only significant deviation from the main body of the Huron River throughout the entirety of the 104-mile water trail. There's a good reason for that: in 2009, the Village of Dexter removed its Mill Pond Dam impoundment to allow Mill Creek to flow freely once again. Since that decision, the construction of Mill Creek Park, including its famous rapids, boardwalks, two launching points, and revitalized surrounding habitat, have made this short segment of the river a can't miss docking point. Extra destinations include the Dexter Farmer's Market and Riverview Cafe that are a stone's throw away from Mill Creek Park. The perks of Dexter's idyllic location only sweeten once you're back within the main flow of the Huron. Paddling upstream - which we always recommend that you do first - you will paddle directly into Hudson Mills Metropark, including its navigable rapids, wildlife viewing opportunities, and one of four "canoe campgrounds" located along the National Water Trail. Continuing downstream, you will paddle into another Metropark: the less-visited Dexter-Huron Metropark, clearly designed for naturalists looking to find their peace along the river's tranquil banks. Delhi Metropark is also located just downstream from Dexter-Huron, therefore providing you with an opportunity to paddle through 3 pristine metroparks - including views of picturesque Downtown Dexter - within a normal day's paddle. You simply cannot top that experience on the water. BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Hudson Mills Metropark Only have time for one outdoor stop on your Dexter visit with the family? Fortunately, you really can't go wrong with visiting any of the parks or other destinations mentioned in this article. That caveat aside, if you absolutely have to visit only one location, Hudson Mills Metropark provides the best bang for your buck. Obviously, paddling or fishing along the Huron River is a go-to experience for visiting Hudson Mills (the park's amenities include boat rentals). Beyond the water, Hudson Mills also represents a paved cycling and running paradise, including direct access to the world-class B2B Trail and the park's own 3-mile paved trail loop. The expansive metropark also features a 6,560-yard, par-71 golf course, two 24-hole disc golf courses, multi-sport fields, picnic and playgrounds, a nature center, its 2-mile "Acorn" natural hiking trail, and a 6-mile cross-country skiing course. In summary, regardless of the outdoor recreational activity that you may be craving, chances are that Hudson Mills has the exact experience that you're looking for. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Border to Border Trail Since the early 1990s, Washtenaw County trail innovators started imagining a seamless, world-class trail network stretching from Rawsonville in the southeast corner of the county to Stockbridge in the northwest corner. Over the last 30 years, this initial dream has slowly but steadily evolved into the B2B Trail: a 35-mile, 10 foot wide, ADA accessible, paved pathway that consists of 8 trail corridors that connect recreationists to cities, parks, and destinations throughout the county. Once completed, the trail will not only connect major population centers like Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti to flagship parks like Waterloo and Pinckney State Recreation Areas, but will also constitute a key component of the hiking segment of the Iron Belle Trail. As we've reported on before, the Iron Belle Trail will feature a direct connection across the completed Gordie Howe International Bridge to the Trans Canada Trail. Put differently, by 2024, Detroit will be the international trails capital of North America - and Dexter will provide a prominent gateway to that continent-spanning network. Narrowing the focus back to the B2B Trail, Dexter is located literally at the epicenter of the trail system. Traveling southeast, the uniform trail will run parallel to the Huron River, crossing through Dexter-Huron Metropark, Delhi Metropark, Barton Hills Nature Area, Gallup Park, and Riverside Park near Ypsilanti. Venturing northwest, Dexter marks the bifurcation point of two distinct segments. The northern segment travels through Hudson Mills Metropark and onto the heart of Pinckney State Recreation Area. The western segment - which corresponds with the Iron Belle Trail - travels directly through Chelsea before verging northwest into the heart of Waterloo State Recreation Area. Work crews are still actively constructing both the Dexter-Ann Arbor and Dexter-Chelsea segments of the B2B Trail, with completion anticipated during 2024. FEATURED OUTFITTER: The Painted Trout My favorite part about writing these #TrailTownSpotlight articles is in the prep work: exploring the Trail Towns, visiting the featured locations, and asking locals about their favorite outdoor getaways hiding conveniently in their backyard. Out of every "Featured Outfitter" that I've visited so far, The Painted Trout in the heart of Downtown Dexter has left the greatest impression. Yes, the outfitter features outdoor apparel, gear, and even jewelry that you might expect to find in a similar hometown retailer. But The Painted Trout has a trick up their sleeve, and a visit down to their historical basement will quickly dispel any notion that this is just a typical Detroit region outfitter. The Painted Trout is indisputably the foremost authority on fly fishing gear, instruction, and guided trips in southeast Michigan. The basement cellar features wall-to-wall rods, flys, fly fishing-specific apparel, and helpful employees ready to impart their knowledge, experience, and stories on you. Admittedly, we have hardly touched fishing within the Expedition Detroit platform, but believe us when we say that venturing into fly fishing is very, very much on our agenda - and The Painted Trout will undoubtedly be our first stop on that journey. MORNING FUEL: Joe and Rosie Coffee and Tea Remember that lunch date that I mentioned above? The one that I was late to? Well, the idyllic central location that we met at - including near-panoramic views of the heart of Downtown Dexter - was Joe and Rosie Coffee and Tea, which has since become one of my favorite morning fuel stops. Beyond the provision of artisan tea and coffee, Joe and Rosie's also offers pastries, sandwiches, wraps, and a variety of other warm and cold beverages. Park your bike at one of their on-site racks, grab your morning coffee and breakfast sandwich, crack open a book, and enjoy watching Dexter kick into gear from the windows of this fantastic, welcoming establishment. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: The Beer Grotto We've said it once, twice - possibly a million times by now: nothing beats a post-trail beer, and The Beer Grotto makes sure that this thirst is adequately clenched. Located in the heart of downtown, "The Grotto" offers its faithful plentiful listings of bourbon & spirits, wine & cocktails, pub-style food, and - of course - an extensive craft beer menu. Focusing on the beer, The Grotto pours everything from sours to dark amber ales, Michigan IPA favorites to Belgian choice finds, light Mexican beers to barrel aged ABV heavy-hitters. Bottom line is that regardless of what your post-paddle-palate is craving, The Grotto is all but guaranteed to deliver. This article only scratches the surface on all that Dexter has to offer for its residents and visitors. For more information on local businesses, organizations, and outdoor recreation opportunities, be sure to check out fantastic local networks like the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce. Do you live in Dexter? 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!

After a brief hiatus, our #TrailTownSpotlight series is back! This edition crosses the border to explore the outdoor gems of Amherstburg, Ontario - possibly the single most historic recreational trail town in the Great Lakes region. All roads lead to Amherstburg, Ontario. Or at least that's our lingering sentiment after researching the Detroit region's outdoors over the past several months. Allow us to explain. Our first encounter with colonial Amherstburg dates back to our article on the Battles of Frenchtown - known predominately in the U.S. as the Battle of River Raisin - during the War of 1812. The decisive British, Canadian, and Native American forces that routed the outnumbered Americans at Frenchtown (now Monroe, Michigan) had assembled at Fort Malden in Amherstburg, crossed the frozen Detroit River into Michigan, and later returned across the river on foot with hundreds of captured American soldiers during the infamous blood march now known as the "River Raisin Massacre." In an unintended twist of fate, Amherstburg popped back up on the Expedition Detroit radar just a few weeks later. In honor of Black History Month, we published a two-part series on the Underground Railroad and its lasting legacy within the Detroit region. To our surprise, the long, clandestine trails of the railroad did not typically end in Windsor. Amherstburg, and specifically Fort Malden again, provided the final destination for tens of thousands of fugitive African Americans. While Detroit had the Underground Railroad codename of "Midnight," Amherstburg was referenced symbolically as "Dawn" - the light at the end of our history's most dark and dangerous trail. Beyond history, our research into southwestern Ontario's most popular trails (future article spoiler) led to uncovering 5 "Top Trails" within cycling distance of Downtown Amherstburg. Add in a healthy mix of Essex Region Conservation Areas, regional parks, and a dramatic coastline along the Detroit River and Lake Erie - well, let's just say that it didn't take much convincing for us to grab our hiking boots, passport, and hit the road. Here's our point: Amherstburg should be on the bucket list of every traveler to the Detroit region. A must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, street art fans, and foodies alike. It's our pleasure to formally introduce this quintessential Great Lakes colonial destination now. MEET AMHERSTBURG Located just under 30 kilometers (~18 miles) south of Windsor, the Town of Amherstburg has maintained a constant and historically-imposing presence on the eastern banks of the Detroit River since 1796. Originally settled by the Ojibe, Odawa, and Potawatomi peoples, the British established the first European presence in the area at the turn of the 19th century with the construction of "Fort Amherstburg" in the colonial settlement of "Malden." The fort and its surrounding town proved to be of utmost importance to the control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812, despite switching names in the official records of the British Canadian Government by the 1830s. As the 19th century bled into the 20th and 21st, Amherstburg continued to maintain - and expand - its historical, economic, and national significance. Coinciding with Amherstburg's boom as a shipping and logging port during the 1850s, the town's docks converted into the chief importer of freedom for its hundreds of newly-minted African-Canadian citizens that had successfully stowed away from Detroit. The legacy of Amherstburg's role as the "great landing place" in the Underground Railroad continues today with the preservation of the abolitionist-founded Amherstburg First Baptist Church, Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. The industrial wheels of the 20th century also incorporated Amherstburg as a plastic manufacturing and whiskey distilling hub - especially during the "Prohibition Era" in the United States. The Amherstburg of today maintains its storied history alongside a vibrant and dynamic modern community. Impressive forts and monuments coincide effortlessly with chic cafes, manicured promenades, incredible street art, boutique shops, and year-round festivals. And yes, the town also provides an ideal gateway to several of the Detroit region's most historic, accessible, and beautiful outdoor destinations. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: Fort Malden National Historic Site While Amherstburg is arguably the most historic destination in Ontario, Fort Malden is definitely the most historic destination within Amherstburg. The fort's foundations date back to the initial settlement of the town in 1796, and during the next two centuries served as a military barracks, strategically-vital naval base, outpost to crush the Rebellions of 1837, first nations conference host, and even a "lunatic asylum" (as dubbed by the government of Canada West in 1859). In 1921, the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada formally recognized the fort and its historic grounds as holding "historical importance" and therefore worthy of governmental preservation. Parks Canada has since included substantial additions to the protected area comprising the historic site, including a restored 1819 barracks, remnants of the 1840-period earthworks barriers, and two additional preserved buildings. A visit to Fort Malden includes opportunities for guided tours along an interpretive trail, scenic lookouts, youth programs, dog walking, and picnicking along the banks of the Detroit River. BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Navy Yard Park Just down the shoreline from Fort Malden, the remainder of Amherstburg's colonial and maritime history waits for your discovery at Navy Yard Park. The park's previous life as a coastal stronghold is impossible to ignore, as evidenced by the cannons, plaques, and dramatic naval statues that define the 10.5-acre park. The park's modern design actually mirrors the original Navy Yard from 1796, which was responsible for the construction of several war ships that fought in the War of 1812. Beyond its impressive history, Navy Yard Park is also celebrated for its award-winning gardens, mature trees, walkways, and idyllic river bank. The 0.8 mile loop trail depicted above guides visitors through the park in a comprehensive yet succinct route. This trail is popular for recreationists of all ages and interests - a local favorite for birding, fishing, and paddle sports, as well as some solitude during quieter times of day and less busy times of the year. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are also welcomed, but must be on a 6 foot (2 meter) leash. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Holiday Beach Conservation Area Alright, describing Holiday Beach Conservation Area as "Off the Beaten Path" may prove to be decisive for our readers. If you're an American, then you're most likely confused as to why I've started with this disclaimer. If you're Canadian, then chances are that you've visited Holiday Beach countless times - especially when Point Pelee National Park seemed either just a little too outside of your travel plans or overrun by tourists. For our readers who haven't visited Holiday Beach, the protected Essex Region Conservation Area is located just over 13 kilometers (~8 miles) southeast of Downtown Amherstburg. The park is widely viewed as a pristine destination for world-class kayaking, fishing, wildlife photographing, bird-watching, hiking, cycling, cross-country skiing, and even hunting. Bird-watching from the park's observation tower is especially popular in the park; in 2000, Holiday Beach received international recognition as an "Important Bird Area" by BirdLife International. This designation largely resulted from the park's massive concentration of raptors, prompting the annual "Festival of Hawks" that coincides with the migration of thousands of hawks, vultures, eagles, falcons and other birds of prey across the Detroit River and south for the winter. The Holiday Beach Long Loop Trail leads hikers, trail runners, snowshoers, and dog walkers through the heart of the park, with the trail's pinnacle landmark comprising of the park's three-story observation tower. The route oscillates between marked paved roads, board walks, and forest trails. The observation tower will come into view just before the 1 mile marker (don't get too close to the large tree on the right side of the trail the tower - raccoons are known to burrow inside). From the tower, continue down the shaded trail until you reach roughly the 1.2 mile marker. We strongly encourage you to break off from the trail at this point and head due south towards the Lake Erie coastline. The views are magnificent, the sandy beach is perfect for a lunch break, and your trail dog will be convinced that you've stumbled upon paradise. You will pick up the trail again within 0.1 of a mile and continue inland through expansive fields, mature forest, and the marshlands that are native to this corner of Ontario. MORNING FUEL: Downtown Espresso Cafe When we at Expedition Detroit think of an ideal coffee shop, we imagine three specific ingredients: amazing coffee, delicious pastries, and an ideal location. The Downtown Espresso Cafe has all three elements in spades - especially when it comes to the cafe's location (trust us, not at all a knock on the coffee and baked goods). The Cafe's friendly "hometown diner" atmosphere invites you to sit back and enjoy your traditional espresso, latte, or cappuccino as you watch Downtown Amherstburg wake up from the Cafe's panoramic windows. Once caffeinated, the best attractions of downtown are mere steps away. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: Lord Amherst Pub and Wine Lounge If you find yourself traveling north into town after a day spent exploring the parks, marshlands, and beaches of southern Ontario, then you won't need to travel very far up Dalhousie Street to find your post-trail beer. The famous Lord Amherst Pub and Wine Lounge awaits your arrival at the southern entry to the heart of Downtown Amherstburg, complete with its upscale British pub dishes served for lunch and dinner. Lord Amherst's direct access to Navy Yard Park across Dalhousie also provides the perfect avenue for a post-poutine stroll. This article only scratches the surface on all that Amherstburg 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 information outlets like Visit Amherstburg and the Essex Region Conservation Authority. Do you live in or around Amherstburg? 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!

The fifth installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, we're re-introducing an outdoor destination that truly needs no introduction: Brighton, Michigan. Join us as we explore this regional outdoor powerhouse and its wealth of world-class recreational opportunities! On a global scale, there are only a handful of destinations that inspire adventure with just a single word. Patagonia. Alaska. Himalayas. Banff. Sahara. Outback. For us Michiganders, you could also add "Tahquamenon" or "Keweenaw" to that list. Like a kid passing through the turnstiles at an amusement park, each of these hallowed places leaves even the most ardent outdoor enthusiast nearly paralyzed in anticipation of the exhilarating experiences about to unfold. Unbridled adventure has that effect on us all. Within the growing circle of Detroit's most impassioned outdoor recreationists, "Brighton" is another one-word denomination that evokes the call to adventure. If the Detroit region represents the future of North America's recreational infrastructure, then Brighton has provided the quintessential archetype on how to create a thriving community built around preserving and promoting its outdoors. A near-perfect case study on interweaving small-town charm with cutting-edge innovation, while simultaneously providing trail access to two of Michigan's largest state recreation areas, a Metropark, a world-class ski resort, and countless other community parks and waterways. In full transparency, this article's writing journey has been the most difficult since Expedition Detroit's launch last fall. Trying to capture the immensity of Brighton's outdoor recreational outlets has led to hundreds of burnt calories pacing across my office, plus a few mid-day jogs, trying to sustain a fool's errand of framing a lifetime's worth of outdoor opportunities within a web article. Brighton has pushed our research and writing capacity to its brink - but for the best reasons imaginable. Challenging articles make the best articles, and we sincerely hope that these words will inspire you to rediscover the best of Brighton in these long, beautiful days ahead. MEET BRIGHTON Located on the northwestern rim of the Detroit region - just on the cusp of the "frontier communities" between Detroit and Lansing - lies the quintessential "Pure Michigan" community of Brighton, Michigan. First established in 1832, Brighton's initial structures consisted of a saw mill on the stream now known as Ore Creek (also the city's original namesake until 1838) and the humble homes of its first settlers, brothers Almon and Maynard Maltby. Over the next two centuries, the settlement gradually grew in industry, population, and amenities to support and establish the modern city that visitors know and love today. The Brighton of 2023 prominently features a dynamic downtown that has carefully balanced its historic charm with the necessities of modern innovation. Brighton's postcard-worthy Main Street corridor prominently features trendy shops and cafes, artisan restaurants and bars, pristine public spaces, monuments, street and sculpture art exhibitions, and live performance venues - both inside and outdoors. Better yet, Brighton has retained its outdoor-centric culture that originated from its initial settlement along the banks of Ore Creek and continues through its investment into improving its outdoor spaces. OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS Oh boy, where to begin... Starting at the heart of Downtown Brighton, a stroll along the city's shops and restaurants must include exploring the boardwalks and paved walkways of the Millpond Trail. Easily one of the most scenic urban trails throughout the Detroit region, the stunning beauty of the roughly 1-mile Millpond Trail resulted from 5 years of habitat restoration and shoreline beautification initiatives spearheaded by the Brighton City Council and Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Countless volunteer hours produced what's now described as the "focal point of the Brighton community," where the hustle and bustle of downtown meets a one-of-a-kind natural beauty. Downtown Brighton also maintains a city-wide outdoor sculpture exhibit, featuring several permanent and circulating pieces aimed towards enhancing the vibrancy of downtown. The Brighton Arts and Culture Commission has curated a self-guided tour to enable the public to experience the walking exhibition and the Brighton community. Several art installations are located along the Millpond Trail and its adjacent Brighton Imagination Station, which harnesses the synergy of natural and artistic beauty for a truly impactful experience. For most of Detroit's outdoor community, however, the allure of Brighton begins just outside the limits of downtown. For paddlers and anglers, Woodland Lake and Brighton Lake are directly accessible from downtown via their respective north and south passages of South Ore Creek. For skiers and snowboarders, "Brighton" is ubiquitous with Mt. Brighton, one of the Detroit region's "Big Four" resorts that features the slopes, events, amenities, and experience that any big mountain skier would expect of an Epic Pass resort. Last, but certainly not least, we have the triple crown of Brighton's outdoor ecosystem: Island Lake Recreation Area, Hudson Mills Metropark, and Brighton Recreation Area. Collectively, these three world-class destinations highlight Brighton's highest ranked destination, the Detroit region's premiere water trail, several of the most sought-after hiking trails in the entire state, and much, much more. Let's explore why Brighton is the Detroit region's adventure capital. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: Island Lake State Recreation Area On a shockingly frequent basis, a well-intentioned jerk asks me the single most difficult question related to this business: "Which park is your favorite?" For us at Expedition Detroit, this inquiry is akin to asking a parent to pick out their favorite child. Once the tangible "ugh" wears off, I try to provide an honest answer, which admittedly is usually influenced by whichever park I most recently had the privilege to explore. However, more often than not, my answer to that dreaded question is Island Lake State Recreation Area. Apparently I am not alone in that sentiment. And here's why. Within its 4,000 acres, Island Lake provides a comprehensive spectrum of experiences and landscapes that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the Detroit region - maybe even the entire state of Michigan. As such, the park is extremely popular for almost every recreational pursuit: mountain biking, road cycling, paddling, hiking, trail running, swimming, triathlon training, camping, canoe camping, picnicking, hunting, fishing, trapping, and snowmobiling. Island Lake even has its own shooting range and connects directly to and from the paved Kensington Metropark Bike Trail and the Huron Valley Trail. For me personally, the shifting topography of Island Lake is the park's "X Factor," best experienced by foot, peddle, or paddle. Looking for a grand tour of Island Lake? Opt to hike or mountain bike the park's beloved Yellow Loop (5.5 miles, moderate terrain) and Blue Loop (9 miles, easy terrain) trails - either separately or together. These trails guide hikers or bikers on an expedition spanning the park's rolling hills, mature forests, prairie grasslands, and stunning "Badlands" terrain only found at Island Lake. Prefer a more direct route? The Huron River National Water Trail provides the central vein of Island Lake, starting at the southern terminus of Kent Lake at the cascading Kent Lake Dam, and gently flowing through 9 miles of the park. The twists and turns of the Huron will guide you along a journey through Island Lake's wetlands, wooded hills, thick boreal forest, and grasslands along its southwestern edge. There are four launch areas along the Huron's route, as well as one of the four canoe campgrounds along the entire HRNWT (reservation required in advance). BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Huron Meadows Metropark Just downstream and across US-23 from Island Lake, you'll find your next priceless gem in the triple crown of Brighton's outdoor destinations: Huron Meadows Metropark, a family-centric destination laden with experiences for every genre of outdoor enthusiast. Starting with the Huron River, Huron Meadows features approximately 2 miles of a gently-flowing segment of the HRNWT. Especially if you're newer to paddling or fishing, this segment of the Huron that is directly accessible from the Cedar Ridge Picnic Shelter provides a beginner-friendly avenue for enjoying the river (remember to always start by paddling upstream). Beyond the river, Huron Meadows also comprises of 11 miles of well-maintained rustic hiking trails, a par-72 golf course, playgrounds, softball fields, and cross-country skiing facilities at its Ski Center during the winter. Especially with regard to cross-country skiing, Huron Meadows is widely regarded as the "Southeast Michigan destination for skate-style and classic cross-country ski trails," as evidenced by hosting regional prominent nordic skiing events like "Frosty Fest!" last January. Skiers can choose from 14.8 miles of trails for classic skiing or 9 miles of skate skiing. All trails are groomed daily and are lighted at night. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Brighton State Recreation Area Only in Brighton would its namesake state recreation area receive the designation of "Off the Beaten Path," but that just further demonstrates how jam-packed with outdoor opportunities Brighton truly is. Having the ever-popular Island Lake and Huron Meadows as next-door neighbors could be viewed as an unfortunate twist of events for a world-class park like Brighton Rec, but hear us out: Brighton's more isolated location and rugged terrain make the park a "hidden gem" for Detroit's most adventuresome outdoor community. Let's start with the basics. Just like any top-tier Michigan state recreation area, Brighton Rec packs a knock-out punch with its full menu of outdoor pursuits. Scattered throughout the park's nearly 5,000 acres of steep ranges of hills, dense forest, marshlands and pristine lakes, recreationists can engage in mountain biking, hiking, trail running, equestrianism (mostly throughout the western segments of the park), paddling, swimming, fishing, hunting, camping, and cross-country skiing. The Bishop Lake area of Brighton Rec is especially stunning and provides the nexus of Brighton's most enviable paddling, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking opportunities. For camping, Brighton maintains several reservation-only campgrounds, with its Appleton Lake and Murray Lake campgrounds constituting the park's two "rustic" camping options. Before signing off on Brighton Rec, we wanted to especially zero-in on two of the park's outdoor features that truly certify Brighton as an outdoor adventure hub. First, the celebrated Penosha Trail - a roughly 5 mile route traversing Brighton's easternmost rolling hills and dense forests that commonly ranks as the #1 hiking trail throughout the entire Detroit region. Second, for our advanced mountain bikers and trail runners, Brighton Rec's full MTB Loop Trail System - comprising a heart-pounding 14.8 miles in total - represents one of only three "Black Diamond" ranked trails existing within the Detroit region. Amazingly, both of these world-class caliber trail systems originate at the same trailhead, therefore providing our recreational all-stars with an opportunity to complete two bucket list-worthy feats back-to-back. Damn. Only in Brighton. FEATURED OUTFITTER: Running Lab Downtown Brighton's Running Lab isn't your typical shoe store. Or running apparel outlet. Yes, it is technically is a running store where anyone from 5K hopefuls to seasoned ultra marathoners can purchase industry-leading footwear, accessories, and other running gear. But if you take on aspect with you from this featurette, we hope it's that Running Lab represents a community of likeminded runners - regardless of experience level, demographic, or purchase powering - looking to improve the Brighton and greater Detroit region's running faithful. New to running? Sweet, check out Running Lab's "5K Training Group," which conducts its own 8 week training plan and coached runs on Tuesday nights. Growing as a runner? Solid, Running Lab has a larger training group that supports and prepares runners for races of all lengths. Simply looking to make an impact on your community and environment? Awesome, Running Lab also supports several foundations, including the MORE Foundation Group that recycles and re-purposes used athletic shoes. MORNING FUEL: Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater Location. Location. And coffee. When we're scouting out an area in the hunt for a prime "morning fuel" coffee shop, those three (alright, two) variables are right at the top of our list, and Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater has all of them in spades - plus much, much more. Let's start with the coffee house's location. Not only is the coffee house and theater located right on Downtown Brighton's Main Street, but the spot is literally steps away from easily the most scenic destination in downtown: Mill Pond Park and its boardwalk trail, including Brighton's "AMP" amphitheater and Veteran's Memorial. As expected, the "coffee" portion of the Coffeehouse and Theater serves up your go-to orders of coffee and specialty drinks, as well as tea, lemonade, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads. Oh, as you may have guessed, the coffee house AND THEATER also maintains an in-house theater for promoting dramatic arts, cinema, music art, and other crafts. The Brighton Coffeehouse and Theater truly has something for everyone. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: Brewery Becker Admittedly, I have a soft spot in my heart for the folks at Brewery Becker. Back in the late spring of 2020 - right after indoor dining restrictions were loosened during the Covid-19 Pandemic - my friends and I finished up a trail running and mountain biking session at Island Lake. One of us realized that we could, finally, enjoy that coveted post-trail beer in a real establishment. "Have you guys ever been to Brewery Becker in Brighton?" my buddy Ryan inquired of the group. Alas, we had not. "Oh, we're going. See you there." Since that fateful outing, Brewery Becker has been my go-to spot in Brighton for post-ride, run, or paddle craft beers. Besides the brewery's impressive on tap menu and ample "Bill of Fare" food menu, the restaurant easily has one of the most enviable venues in terms of its Main Street location and ornate architecture in all of Downtown Brighton. Complete with its award-winning biergarten, fire pits, generous bring-your-own wine and carry-out food policy, and family-style environment, a visit to Brewery Becker truly provides a unique experience that we unequivocally endorse. This article only scratches the surface on all that Brighton 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 Explore Brighton Howell Area and the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. Do you live in Brighton? 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!

Race Weekend for the 2023 Detroit Free Press Marathon is HERE! As runners finalize their pre-event prep and arrive in Detroit, here are the 4 most iconic routes that runners and spectators alike should explore before AND after the race kicks off. "This...this is...wow." I mumbled those eloquent words to my father nearly four years ago as I paused my morning run in the middle of one of the most striking architectural landmarks in the Great Lakes region: the Ambassador Bridge. The sunrise unfolding in front of us illuminated and contrasted the glowing skylines of Downtown Detroit and Windsor like a Van Gogh masterpiece, complete with a myriad of colors and abstractly-defined shapes. Truly one of the most beautiful sights that I've ever seen. Or should I say *we've ever seen, because I was far from being alone. I was joined in that magical morning moment by thousands and thousands of Detroit Free Press Marathon participants hailing from all corners of the running world. When I finally managed to peel my eyes away from the scenery surrounding us, I was equally intrigued by the expressions of the fellow runners also enjoying this spectacular moment. I wondered how many of these runners had never visited our corner of the outdoor world before. And how many would have their perception of the Detroit region forever altered by experiences like that. If any first time Detroit Free Press Marathon runners are reading this article as part of their pre-race prep - especially anyone who has never visited Detroit before - then we'd like to be the first to welcome you to our great city and region! We wanted to start this article with that micro-memory for illustrating just a snippet of the incredible moments that await you during the race. The Detroit Free Press Marathon truly constitutes the crown jewel of Detroit's outdoor events calendar, one in which our international community pulls together to host the running universe in spectacular fashion. Once you're settled in to your Detroit or Windsor accommodations, we strongly encourage you to explore the marathon's course. Beyond the massive race day boost that stem from visualizing the route, the race coordinators purposefully planned the 2023 course to highlight certain neighborhoods and destinations that are integral to the history, culture, and future of the Detroit region. Even long-time race runners should consider scouting this year's route due to its several updates and course modifications. Updated for 2023, here are the Detroit Free Press Marathon's four most iconic routes: 1. The Windsor Riverfront Marathon Route Markers: Miles 3 to 8 Route Highlights: Ambassador Bridge, Windsor Sculpture Park, Riverfront Trail, Trans Canada Trail, Dieppe Memorial and Gardens, and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel You may be tempted to think that running over the Ambassador Bridge right at daybreak may represents the highlight of the race. Yes, it's an undeniably remarkable moment. But we've got even better news: the Bridge marks the just the starting line of one of the most unique, memorable, and beautiful segments of the race. Runners: welcome to Canada! The next five miles will guide you right along the pristinely-maintained Windsor Riverfront, complete with direct access to the 17,000+ mile Trans Canada Trail and the best views of the Detroit skyline. The route also leads runners past the Windsor Sculpture Park, Dieppe Memorial and Gardens, the largest Canadian flag that you'll ever seen, and thousands of cheering Canadian spectators. Oh, and this unforgettable route also concludes with the only official underwater international mile in the world, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Talk about a whirlwind, bucket list-worthy visit to Windsor..! 2. Downtown Detroit Marathon Route Markers: Miles 8 to 10 Route Highlights: Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, Hart Plaza, Spirit of Detroit Plaza, Monument to Joe Louis, Grand Circus Park, Comerica Park, and The District Detroit Welcome back to Detroit City, international travelers! As you venture towards the depth of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, you may notice a small gathering of runners huddled to the left side of the tunnel. They will most likely be taking selfies at the mid-point of the tunnel, with one foot in Canada and the other in United States. PRs be damned, this is a fantastic photo op. Emerging from the tunnel is also one of the most energetic - and for Americans, patriotic - experiences of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. You will run into a sea of waving American flags, cheering crowds lining Jefferson Avenue, and the gleaming towers of Downtown Detroit. Peering through the crowds you will catch glimpses of the famous Spirit of Detroit statue, the iconic (and soon to be renovated) Dodge Fountain at Hart Plaza, and the Joe Louis Fist. Continuing north, the route's self-guided tour of downtown concludes through the heart of Grand Circus Park down Woodward Avenue, past the roaring tigers of Comerica Park, and into the renovated core of The District Detroit. 3. Midtown and Woodbridge Neighborhoods Marathon Route Markers: Miles 10 to 16 Running Trail Highlights: Cass Park, Woodbridge Neighborhood, Wayne State University, Cultural Center, Little Caesars Arena, and Brush Park With nearly a fourth of the race occurring in Detroit's Midtown and Woodbridge neighborhoods, you know that the route coordinators designed the Detroit Free Press Marathon to purposefully showcase these beautiful blocks of the city. Starting at Cass Park, the route follows popular 2nd Avenue north past the Masonic Temple and Midtown's trendiest bars and shops. This segment continues through the Woodbridge neighborhood's victorian home-lined streets, just south of Wayne State University's main campus, and around Wayne State's Hogwarts-esque "Old Main" Building. A few miles down famous Cass Avenue completes this route as runners head directly south towards Little Caesars Arena and east into ultra-modern Brush Park. As a Wayne State University Law School alum, I'm personally stoked for the race to finally showcase this incredible and often-overlooked area of Detroit. Running routes through Wayne State's campus, Midtown, and New Center was a favorite post-class (and de-stress) ritual of mine, so it's beautiful that the Detroit Free Press Marathon has re-routed to include the cultural heart of the city. 4. The Dequindre Cut Greenway Marathon Route Markers: Miles 17.5 to 19 Route Highlights: “Art Walk” murals, Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, Eastern Market, and Wilkins Street Plaza Possibly the most famous "Rail Trail" in Michigan, the Dequindre Cut Greenway trail was part of the Grand Trunk Railroad line in a former life, running parallel to St. Aubin Street. In its current glory, the Dequindre Cut is a 2 mile trail that serves as a lightening rod for invigorating community recreation, social events, and urban art inspiration. A run down the Dequindre Cut is a quintessential Detroit experience - a microcosm showcase of the past, present, and future of one of America's greatest cities - so it's no surprise that the greenway is making its Detroit Free Press Marathon debut this year! The marathon's Dequindre Cut route begins on the trail's north end at Mack Avenue. Heading south, runners will jog past several landmarks, including Wilkins Street Plaza, Eastern Market, and the lively Dequindre Cut Freight Yard. Continuing south, runners will enjoy an uninterrupted display of Detroit's finest street artwork - known as the "Art Walk" - until verging off the greenway trail at the E Lafayette Street exit. ATTENTION ALL RUNNERS! We wanted to end this article with a few Race Weekend Reminders from the Detroit Free Press Marathon Team: PACKET PICKUP: You must come in-person to pick up your race bib and runner packet at the Health & Fitness Expo at Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Hall). You can NOT have a friend or family member pick up your race bib for you. DOCUMENTATION: You must bring proper proof of identifcation to receive your race number. This means your WHTI-Compliant ID. For most participants, that means Passport, Passport Card, or Enhanced Driver's License. BORDER AGENCIES: A small percentage of participants will need to speak with border agencies at the Expo. Border agents and marathon staff will guide you through the process. RACE DAY: On race day, please carry your WHTI-compliant travel document on your person. Please note REAL ID cards cannot be used for border crossings into Canada, Mexico or other international travel and will NOT be accepted as a valid travel document to cross into Canada. Good luck, runners - we'll see you at the starting line!

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 trek of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, the Detroit region's preeminent backpacking trail. So, my 50 lbs of decades-old backpacking gear was on full display for the entirety of the online world to see. Fortunately, I can get away with heavy packs for extended periods of time. Maybe that's due to the extensive cardio that I work into my everyday life. Or perhaps a distant ancestor of mine was a Sherpa. Who knows, but regardless of whether I'm trekking in the Detroit region, in the upper peninsula of Michigan, the Rockies, or the Andes, I have been fortunate enough to complete multi-day backpacking expeditions regularly carrying 45+ lbs on my back. That doesn't mean that I should - and neither should you. The truth is, the extra pounds that I typically carry reflect the age of my gear, antiquated manufacturing methods, and outdated belief systems that surrounded its production. My old REI 65 liter pack dates back to 2008. Most of my sleep system and other accessories have a carbon date of circa 2016. Compared to 2023 gear, my kit is a dinosaur. A heavy relic from a bygone era. The outdoor industry has changed dramatically in the last 15 years - and especially since the pandemic. Spear-headed especially by gear manufacturers like CTUG, the recreational world is moving towards producing equipment where the minutiae of each product is designed to enable you to hike farther, explore more terrain, endure harsher conditions, and increase sustainability from both environmental and athletic longevity perspectives. Don't worry - we're not here to convert you to the ultralight faithful that treks off into the woods with 20 lbs or less on their backs. However, the everyday outdoor gear that the ultralight community relies on greatly improves even shorter day hiking trips, mountain biking rides, afternoon kayaks - even mowing your lawn. We know this firsthand because we tested CTUG's everyday products. Spoiler alert, they're awesome. CTUG WATERBOTTLE SLEEVE Cost: $30.00 Weight: 1.4 - 1.6 oz (depending on size) Recommended Use: Backpacking, Hiking, and Kayaking When Austin and I connected on the phone, one of the first questions that he asked me was whether I had joined the "Smartwater Bottle Team" yet. Alas, I had not - I was still using an older water system including a reservoir, nozzle, and hose. I did mention to Austin that I had noticed the recent uptick in thru-hikers opting for larger water bottles lately, especially Smartwater-sized bottles. Turns out that the data backing the "Smartwater Movement" proves that it's far more than just a recreational fad. Larger plastic water bottles are cheap, durable, featherlight, recyclable, readily, replaceable, and work effortlessly with most screw-on water filters. Better yet, these bottles fit into just about any water bottle pocket on most commercial backpacks. But what if your backpack doesn't have a dedicated water bottle pocket? Or one that has a pocket so inconveniently located that you either rely on buddies to grab your water, or completely take off your pack? We'll raise the stakes even higher - what if your reservoir opens while you're hiking, only alerting you to the disaster when your pack starts leaking (based on a true, personal horror story)? Friends, that's where CTUG's top-selling Water Bottle Sleeve swoops in to save your trek. Designed to easily attach to virtually any backpack shoulder strap, the Water Bottle Sleeve will fundamentally change your perspective regarding your on-trail water system. Immediately accessible, extremely lightweight, and an absolute space-saver inside your pack, it blows our mind that this sleeve isn't a mainstream staple in the outdoor hiking community. Plus, the mesh visibility eliminates the potentially fatal guessing-game of "How much water do I have left?" from your hiking concerns. CTUG SHOULDER STRAP ZIPPER POCKET Cost: $40.00 Weight: 1.6 - 1.7 oz (depending on stitching) Recommended Use: Backpacking, Hiking, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Trail Running, and Snow Sports In full transparency, I have been skeptical of shoulder strap pockets for a few years now. That's solely because of a test-run with a similar product 8 years ago, produced by a renown national gear manufacturer. That first experiment ended poorly; the pocket was too narrow for my iPhone, didn't attach reliably, and wasn't remotely water resistant. I've since opted to keep my handheld gear in my pants pocket, despite the aspirational practicality of a shoulder strap pocket. Sad. The awesome CTUG Team must have run into similar issues, because their Shoulder Strap Zipper Pocket remedies every single one of those previous complaints. The Zipper Pocket is easily - and securely - attachable to any backpack shoulder strap. The pocket has plenty of room for my iPhone X, PLUS room for fruit snacks and other trail goodies. The sealed pocket is highly water resistant and is manufactured with waterproof Xpac on the seam. Oh, and my favorite part is that the front of the pocket has a "bonus mesh pocket" with an elastic band that is perfect for holding my GoPro camera. In summary, the Shoulder Strap Zipper Pocket is a lightweight no-brainer for casual adventurers and a must-have for outdoor content creators. Founded in 2018 by Austin Gongos and Nathan Ackerman, CTUG strives to make durable and lightweight gear for people who love wild places, Michigan backpacking opportunities, and need gear that will last thousands of miles. CTUG's mission focuses on helping to get more people outside and develop a passion for the natural world. CTUG also incorporates "Leave No Trace" principles into their manufacturing process and outdoor operations. This is a sponsored article featuring the products of one of our #ExpeditionPartners, Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear LLC. Please note, however, that Expedition Detroit retains the right to decline creating sponsored content based on our experience with certain products or services. Stated differently, we only publish if we fully endorse what our partners produce. CTUG's products absolutely fit in that category. Do you produce or provide outdoor goods or services in the Detroit region? Looking for an innovative, multimedia platform to feature your operations? CONTACT US today to learn more about our #ExpeditionPartners program and collaborative marketing opportunities!

Times flies when you're exploring Detroit's outdoors! Now that we have officially crossed into Year 2, here's a quick recap of our favorite highlights from Expedition Detroit's inaugural year in the field - as well as glimpses into where we're heading with our platform. "OK... we're live." I'll never forget saying those words audibly, by myself, sitting on my living room couch. The moment occurred late on a Friday night - actually, it was probably Saturday morning by then - after reading and re-reading my first article for the 100th time that day. Our digital marketing and web design specialist had finally gone to bed after I had lit up her phone incessantly over the previous month. The branding was complete, design work wrapped up, initial concepts planned, and the site appeared somewhat user-friendly. All that remained on my to-do list was click that one, terrifying button. "Here we go..." With that unceremonious action, a dream that had consumed far too many early morning coffee cups and dinnertime conversations instantaneously became a reality. Suddenly every aspect of my professional life became geared towards supporting this fledgling enterprise, a vision for creating the ultimate value incubator for the entirety of our region's outdoor industry. A one-stop shop for the best trails, experiences, retailers, events, causes, and more within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. A mission to fundamentally change the way that Detroit, the Great Lakes, and the rest of the world views our magnificent natural environment. And most importantly, an unquenchable desire to serve our outdoor community by advocating for the creation, expansion, and protection of our outdoor spaces. To summarize, it was finally time to get to work - a ****-ton of work - with no guarantee of how the Detroit region's outdoor community would react to our arrival. Well, one year later, we're ecstatic to announce that we have found our place amidst Detroit's thriving, exciting, diverse, and overwhelmingly-welcoming community . This past year has brought forth more ground-breaking experiences, dynamic partnerships, and once-in-a-lifetime chances than we could have ever hoped for. Yes, this year has also featured a plethora of mistakes made and lessons learned. However, we as a team couldn't be more excited for the breadth of opportunities that are already starting to align for Year 2 and beyond. Truly, we still feel like we're just getting started. Before moving full steam ahead into this next year of our operations, we wanted to briefly pause and look back on our favorite highlights from this past year . While we would never bother you with a short novel on our brief history, we wanted to share our most popular articles and memorable adventures from this past year. Long-time readers, we hope that you enjoy this trek down memory lane. Recent converts, hopefully this provides a glimpse into where we've been and the momentum that we're carrying into our next phase of expeditions. Here's a quick recap of our favorite highlights from Expedition Detroit's Inaugural Year: TOP READS : OUR 3 MOST POPULAR ARTICLES Since our genesis , the " Expedition Detroit Blog" has represented our go-to resource for engaging with our community. From highlighting specific trails and trail towns to reviewing top-industry gear and guides, we have aimed to create a comprehensive library for our community to learn, experience, and leave a positive impact on our outdoor ecosystem. This mission has matured and grown through the growth of our readership and the community's consistent feedback. Personally, my favorite highlights of this year have consisted almost exclusively of instances where community members have shared how a particular article inspired them or benefitted their experience outdoors. That being said, not all articles are created equal...and t hese three ranked far above the rest in popularity with our readers . 1. TRAIL TOWN SPOTLIGHT: AMHERSTBURG, ONTARIO Date Published : March 20, 2023 Oh, Canada! We had no idea what to expect last winter when we crossed the Ambassador Bridge into Ontario. Well, I knew at the time that the historic town of Amherstburg had incredible odds of providing a gold mine for world-class outdoor, historical, and cultural experiences. The trail pup and I spent a full day exploring Holiday Beach Conservation Area, downtown Amherstburg, and the Windsor Riverfront. We were conducting field research for several articles at the time, including a prospective #TrailTuesday on Holiday Beach, Part II of our Underground Railroad series , and a Trail Town Spotlight on Amherstburg. In full transparency, when we originally posted each of those articles, we didn't see a lot of traction at first. "No worries," I remember thinking when I reviewed the metrics, "still a phenomenal experience." Then, when I was on a flight home from a ski trip, I received push notification that our web traffic was soaring. I checked Expedition Detroit's metrics. Friends, Amherstburg SHOWED UP for their Trail Town Spotlight..! The article was broadly shared across Southwestern Ontario, as well as within Michigan and the greater Great Lakes region. Looking ahead, we're really excited to provide this community with more Ontario content mixed in with our Michigan-centric articles. After all, the Detroit Region's outdoors truly unite a dynamic, international community of adventure enthusiasts. It's our honor to connect with both likeminded outdoorists hailing from sides of the border. 2. TRAIL TOWN SPOTLIGHT: NORTHVILLE, MICHIGAN Date Published : November 29, 2022 Our second published " Trail Town Spotlight " started simply as a love letter to my hometown of Northville, Michigan . Located in the heart of the Detroit region, I always thought that Northville represented a "hiding in plain sight" outdoor recreational marvel. Conveniently caught in the crosshairs between Maybury State Park and Hines Drive , my years spent living in Northville provided a year-round opportunity to pursue my favorite outdoor pursuits. From mountain biking and trail running in the summer to snowshoeing and creative backcountry skiing in the winter, Northville blessed me and my community with world-class parks and trails. In this "Spotlight," my simple goal was to give back via recognizing the recreational value that so many unrecognized heroes had provided to their neighbors for generations. As confirmed by our metrics, I was far from representing the only outdoor enthusiast that held these sentiments. Our "Trail Town Spotlight" feature on Northville received broad readership throughout Metro Detroit and beyond, including several shares within prominent Northville community online forums. Several long time friends actually read the article without even realizing that I wrote it, which I was personally very proud of. We always intended for Expedition Detroit to be community-focused, highlighting the values of our region's destinations and trails - not the authors writing about them. I will happily live my professional life incognito as long as our outdoor ecosystem continues receiving the praise and recognition that it is undeniably owed. 3. GUIDE TO EXPERIENCING THE BIG FOUR SKI RESORTS NEAR DETROIT Date Published : December 13, 2022 Rounding out the podium for Year 1 was one of our first "guide articles" to a multi-destination experience: the " Guide to Experiencing the Big Four Resorts near Detroit ." Truth be told, we didn't know if anyone had ever referred to Mt. Brighton, Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob as the "Big Four" before. We took a bit of a chance on that, but the gamble appeared to pay off with the broad-receptivity that our guide received. Better yet, each of the Big Four re-posted our article, which absolutely led to its boost in readership. While we plan on writing a "2023 update" to our Big Four guide, we're also planning on further diving into winter content specifically focused on new experiences at each of the resorts next season. No spoilers will be dropped here, but let's just say we're pretty stoked for the first snowflakes to start falling next winter. IN THE FIELD : OUR 3 MOST MEMORABLE ADVENTURES When the " Expedition Detroit Concept" first started burrowing into my mind in the early months of 2022, one particular daydream absolutely captivated me and propelled the idea closer to becoming a reality. It went something like this: Imagine being able to wake up every day with the goal of experiencing, discovering, or creating something new and exciting in Detroit's outdoors. Maybe I had seen one too many National Geographic documentaries featuring TV personalities flying to all corners of the world to "discover" something novel and exotic about a well-known destination, but I dreamed about somewhat replicating the model. Except - and this is key - such expeditions would occur here . In a place that hardly anyone appeared to regard as an outdoor destination. Far off the radar of the often elitist recreational writers of publications like National Geographic and Outside Magazine . A region ripe for rediscovery. With that mindset solidly locked in, we started researching the year-round opportunities available to us. Our initial hypothesis turned about to be dead one: the Detroit region is filled to the brim with world-class, daring, and breathtaking outdoor adventure s . We barely scratched the surface this year with our backpacking, backcountry skiing, and multi-destination hiking pursuits... Plenty of adventures remain primed and chambered for Year 2, but here were our favorite ones from our inaugural year. 1. BACKPACKING THE WATERLOO-PINCKNEY TRAIL Dates Accomplished : April 20 - 22, 2023 If we were forced to recommend only one multi-day experience for an experienced outdoor enthusiast visiting the Detroit region, we would recommend thru-hiking the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail without a second thought. As of the publication date of this article, the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail without a doubt the Metro Detroit's most prestigious, challenging, and rewarding trail. We fell in love with the dream of thru-hiking the trail as soon as it crossed our radar last fall, added it to our " New Year's Resolutions " in January, and jumped at the opportunity to complete the feat as soon as spring had sprung and campgrounds opened for backpackers. Completing the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail in early spring was a near-religious experience for me. The solitude of the empty trails, the new life emerging from the earth, and the inherent physical and psychological challenges of solo backpacking roughly 40 miles provided the perfect initiation experience for Expedition Detroit's spring and summer content. The tone was set to keep searching for and experiencing that types of trails and pursuits that appealed to both novice and experienced recreationists alike . I owe that drive to my miles on the W-P, and I strongly encourage you to replicate that experience. 2. BACKPACKING THE CHIEF PONTIAC TRAIL Dates Accomplished : July 7-8, 2023 In another moment of transparency, we did not plan to complete more than one backpacking adventure in our inaugural year . Completing the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail alone was enough of an expedition to constitute the crowning achievement of a full recreational year. However, after completing the W-P, our site-wide metrics for backpacking and hiking-related content skyrocketed between April and early July. Even though our articles on the W-P didn't crack the "Top 3" listed above, our three-part series on the trail remains our most-read series since their original publication. We inadvertently seemed to have ignited a long-stifled desire for more backpacking content in the Detroit region . A fire that we were more than happy to continue stoking via setting out on another backpacking adventure: completing the half-century old Chief Pontiac Trail . While the W-P constitutes a well-maintained and well-trodden thru-hike, completing the CPT felt more like a true expedition. An often difficult, haphazardly maintained, and navigationally-chaotic expedition . One where I missed a trail marker within the first mile and ended up adding close to 5 miles to my overall thru-hike. Oh yeah, and also one of the worst campground experiences of my outdoor career . Here's the thing about brutal outdoor experiences though: they're almost always the most memorable . I have never enjoyed a backpacking story that starts and ends with " Everything was perfect ." Screw that. I want to hear about how you survived a near-zero degree night in the desert. Or when you were stranded on an island in Alaska. Or how you managed to keep trekking through buckets of rain in the Tetons. Solo hiking the CPT provided roughly 20 miles of humility, adventure, mosquitos, thrilling views, highway hiking, blissful solitude, midnight arrivals, obnoxious campgrounds, and rain. Lots of rain. But when I look back on Summer 2023 - and Expedition Detroit's first year - the CPT will always stand out as a reminder to keep going no matter how incredible or bleak the conditions may appear. In the end, the journey will always be worth the effort . 3. COMPLETING THE METROPARKS TRAIL CHALLENGE Dates Accomplished : August 5-17, 2022 The final adventure that we completed during Year 1 was, admittedly, an extended impulse decision . We spent most of Expedition Detroit's first year exploring the Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas surrounding the western edge of the Detroit region, largely due to our partnerships with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. In full transparency, that apparent preference left us feeling like we were ignoring some of the other world-class outdoor destinations in our vicinity - especially the immaculate Huron-Clinton Metroparks that dot the outer rim of the Detroit region. The joys of operating with a small ( but growing! ) team. The Metroparks' 2023 Trail Challenge first crossed our radar back in early May. We were researching the " Best Summer Challenges " to complete over the warmest months ahead, and the concept of hiking particular "Challenge Trails" throughout the entirety of the Metroparks system absolutely qualified for a fun-yet-arduous endeavor. We also hoped that it would provide us with the incentive to finally get our boots on the ground in each Metropark. Well, in classic Expedition Detroit fashion, we waited until summer's final fleeting days to tackle the challenge. We actually raised the stakes by setting a rigid timeline for us: 13 trails in 13 days . This did require a few multi-Metropark days in order to complete due to poor time management by yours truly, but we successfully completed the Trails Challenge within our arbitrary deadline. In fact, visiting all of the Metroparks in a vacuum like that provided a beautiful panoramic perspective of the diversity of each of the parks. Do we recommend only visiting the Metroparks in such a hectic manner? No. Absolutely not. But, if you'd also like to replicate the " Expedition Detroit method" of completing the Trails Challenge, then we do highly recommend completing the feat for gaining that unique perspective on our Metroparks. We'd like to close this highlights article out by thank you again for being a member of our community. Our highest goal truly is to provide you with content that inspires your adventures, outfits your expeditions, and advocates for preserving your favorite wild places. We are always one email or call away from discovering how we can best design this platform for your interests, so please don't hesitate to contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com and (734) 821-6416.

Expedition Detroit is proud to announce that we are now leading guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running outdoor adventure trips across ELEVEN Michigan state parks near Detroit! Learn more about our trips - and how to book your next local adventure - here. "When are you guys going to start leading guided trips?" If we had a nickel for every time that we've heard that question, well, let's just say that business would be booming. Since the launch of Expedition Detroit last fall, we have sought to explore every aspect of Detroit's rapidly emerging outdoor industry. The trails, parks, ski hills, waterways, and trail towns that our recreational community flocks to. The governmental agencies, organizations, and advocacy groups that meticulously maintain our beloved outdoor spaces. The major corporations and hometown retailers that supply our expeditions. The coffee shops that fuel our adventures and breweries that host our post-trail stories. In the midst of this industry-wide exploration, we found that one critical component was largely missing: guided services. Yes, the fantastic teams at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Huron-Clinton MetroParks host excellent guided events, but these events are typically far-and-few between or have very cool, but nuanced, themes attached to them. In fact, while we were working with the DNR on aligning our online store with their "These Goods are Good for Michigan" campaign, our negotiations almost stopped dead in their tracks when we brought up the prospect of leading guided services. "Please, please tell us when you're ready to launch," the DNR representative said, "we're desperately looking for guides!" Well, friends, that day has come. Starting this month, Expedition Detroit is officially the largest supplier of commercial guided services in state parks throughout Michigan. Better yet, and keeping to our core ethos, we are solely providing guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running services in the following 11 state parks and recreation areas throughout the Detroit region: Belle Isle Park, Brighton Recreation Area, Highland Recreation Area, Holly Recreation Area, Island Lake Recreation Area, Maybury State Park, Pinckney Recreation Area, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Proud Lake Recreation Area, Seven Lakes State Park, and Waterloo Recreation Area. Here's everything that you should know about our guided trips: WHAT GUIDED TRIPS WILL EXPEDITION DETROIT OFFER? We will initially be offering guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running trips. For hiking, trip participants should expect a fantastic day hiking experience across the most beautiful and sought-after trails in the Detroit region. If you're a fan of our #TrailTuesday Series, then you will recognize and thoroughly enjoy exploring several of the trails that you've read about. With our backpacking and trail running services, we enhance the exploration factor by including instructional and coaching elements to your experience. For backpacking, our guides will not only lead your trip while providing tips on pacing, water intake, and proper form, but also will hold instructional sessions on gear assembly and utilization, proper packing technique, wilderness safety, Leave No Trace principles, and any other questions that aspiring, new, or growing backpackers might have. Our trail running services take the coaching element to a whole new level. Each of our running guides will have ample running coaching qualifications to assist you with preparing for your next race or reaching fitness goals. The best part? You will simultaneously reap the physical and mental health benefits of exploring the Detroit region's best trails while being led by a knowledgable and experienced guide. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BOOKING A GUIDED TRIP WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT? Let's start here by affirming a core belief of our guided services operations - your recreation time is sacred. We know firsthand that every hour spent on the trail is earned, not given. As such, we have designed our entire guided services with one goal in mind: Maximizing the value of your experience in the Detroit region's outdoors. This goal starts with your safety in mind. Each of our guides are Wilderness First Aid certified and carry industry-standard gear in the unlikely event of a medical emergency. We firmly believe that safety starts with knowledge, so our guides are required to complete mandatory "trail awareness hikes" prior to leading a guided trip. Each guided route has also been independently reviewed and confirmed by the Michigan DNR. Our guides will also comprise of accomplished outdoor recreationists resulting from years of academic, professional, or field experience. From backcountry trips up north, out west, or around the world, to knowing our state parks like the back of their hands, our guides have the outdoor experience to successfully and safely guide you along each of our featured trails. With our safety plan and qualifications in place, the main reason why you should book your next guided outdoor adventure with Expedition Detroit is our unrelenting passion for Detroit's outdoors. Each of our guides have experienced the transformative power of our region's great outdoors - the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits obtained only by time spent in nature - and they can't wait to share their local knowledge and passion with you. To further evidence this, we have aligned our operations to financially support the Michigan DNR's efforts towards protecting, maintaining, and expanding our state's parks, trails, and waterways. Expedition Detroit's slogan is that the Detroit region is a world-class outdoor destination worth exploring, celebrating, and protecting. Each of our guides believe this to their core, and you should expect this belief to emanate throughout your experience on our pristine trails! HOW DO I BOOK A GUIDED TRIP? Head over to our "Guided Expeditions" page here at ExpeditionDetroit.com! Offered are organized by activity, experience difficulty, and price. Clicking on any particular trail will provide you with additional information on the trail, as well as a satellite image of the route map that includes mileage and elevation gain. With regard to pricing, we have an established sliding scale that reflects trail length, trail difficulty, and the chosen activity. For example, the shorter hikes on "Easy"-rated trails are priced the lowest, while long trail runs on "Advanced"-rated trails are priced the highest. All trip prices and other information are available online. Please note that guided trips may only be reserved in advance and online. There is also a mandatory waiver that all trip participants must sign online as part of the booking process. WILL ANY DESTINATIONS BE REGULARLY FEATURED? Yes! We are planning on conducting weekly, consistent trips at specific parks. Currently, we will be hosting a weekly Monday morning 5K trail run at Maybury State Park titled "Maybury Mondays," as well as a weekly Thursday evening hike (and occasional backpacking trip) also at Maybury. Other weekly scheduled trips that we are in the process of finalizing will include Friday evening hikes at Proud Lake Recreation Area and Sunday afternoon introductory trail running and hiking at Belle Isle Park. While our regular schedule for guided trips will vary between the parks, we are planning for Saturdays to feature one specific park during all-day, multi-trip offerings. Our first Saturday feature will occur at Island Lake Recreation Area this Saturday, June 17th, kicking off with a 9:00 a.m. trail run at the Yellow Loop Trail, a 1 p.m. hike also along the Yellow Loop Trail, and a 5 p.m. backpacking trip along the Hickory Ridge Trail. Wednesday evenings will round out our initial weekly trip offerings, alternating between a guided hike or trail run at featured trails across our state parks. TOMORROW, June 14th, will kick off our initial Wednesday evening hike at Highland Recreation Area's famous Haven Hill Loop trail! DO YOU PLAN ON EXPANDING YOUR GUIDED SERVICES? To summarize, 1,000% yes. These initial services are intended largely to fill a critical gap in Detroit's outdoor recreation industry - i.e., the virtually complete absence of any guided services. Beyond eventually expanding our backpacking services to overnight trips, we also plan on increasing our platform to include guided mountain biking, kayaking, canoe camping, bikepacking, paved trail cycling, and even hunting and fishing expeditions. We also plan on expanding into other state parks throughout the Detroit, especially those in the northeast and southeast sections of the Metro Detroit area. We also fully intend on hiring additional guides in the near future! As outlined in our article, each guide should be at least Wilderness First Aid and Leave No Trace certified. Aspiring guides should also have a broad range of backcountry experience, local expertise, and a palpable passion for Detroit's outdoors. If you or someone you know might be interested in a part or full-time position as a guide, please CONTACT US! As always, we would love to hear your ideas and feedback regarding every aspect of the Expedition Detroit platform - especially regarding our guided trips. We are a community-driven venture aiming to maximize value for you, so your thoughts are worth their weight in gold for us. We're especially thankful for our subscribers, we get special discounts on both our online store AND our guided trips. These codes come out in our monthly Newsletter, so subscribe today to get yours next month! Thank you for your continuing support of Expedition Detroit. We can't wait to see you at the trailhead!

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition digs into one of the most popular trails in the entire Detroit region - a well deserved designation - within the heart of Maybury State Park. Join us as we traverse the rolling hills and expansive wetlands of Maybury! Have you ever experienced the joy - and frustration - of recognizing that something beautiful was hiding in plain sight? Maybe you finally realized that an old friend from your school years also constituted your ideal romantic partner. You serendipitously dropped into that one coffee shop that you’ve commuted right past for years, only for daily stops at said coffee shop to evolve into a staple of your workweek. You finally launched that business venture based on your natural gifts and interests. Or maybe you sat down and had a conversation with that one relative that you never thought you could form a strong bond with - and years later you’re practically joined at the hip. Detroit’s outdoors, in the aggregate, represent another “hidden in plain sight” opportunity. For us at Expedition Detroit, the scales from our recreationist eyes didn’t largely fall until the pandemic shut off the valve to the rest of the outdoor world. Especially during the spring of 2020, the only places available to explore were our immediate surroundings: the parks, rivers, forests, and lakes that most of us have rarely visited despite such places being “home.” For me personally, Maybury State Park had been hiding in plain sight for 13 pre-pandemic years. From my childhood home, you can clearly see the headlamps of mountain bikers riding at night along the park’s far-eastern trails. Owls, hawks, and even the occasional coyote could easily venture into our backyard from the sanctuary of the park. World-class experiences on some of the Detroit region’s best kept trails were a mere stone’s throw away. If this article serves one purpose, we hope that it will inspire you to explore that local trailhead that you may pass by on a daily basis but have yet to hike, run, or bike. And don’t lose any sleep if there is such a trail in your life - just like that hypothetical coffee shop or hometown sweetheart, I’m happy to report that Maybury’s trails have become a staple in my outdoor livelihood. It’s an honor to share one of our favorite parks and trails with you now. MEET MAYBURY STATE PARK Maybury State Park originated from the visionary reimagining of what was once the Detroit Municipal Tuberculosis Sanitarium. Back in 1919, William H. Maybury, the park's namesake patron who spearheaded the sanitarium's development, believed that the beautiful natural surroundings would help nurse some patients back to health at a time when no cure existed for the disease. Although the sanitarium closed in 1969, resulting in its 944 acres becoming Wayne County's first state park in 1975, its legacy lives on through the provision of a small patch of wilderness that alleviates the masses from the chronic stresses of urban life. The Maybury of 2023 provides the crown jewel of Northville's outdoor recreation ecosystem. Especially in light of its proximity to the demographic core of our (over)developed metropolitan area, Maybury contains recreational opportunities that Metro Detroiters typically need to travel to our region's periphery - or Up North - to experience. Hiking and trail running? Check. Mountain biking? 6.3 miles of one of our favorite single-track loops . Equestrian trails? Day camp options? Family-friendly farms, sports fields, and fishing piers? Checks all around. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 3.1 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking . Despite the map shared above, there are actually two primary trailheads at Maybury that you can utilize as "points of attack" for this trail . As noted above, there is an expansive parking lot and trailhead just south of 8 Mile Road that serves as the "designated trailhead" via AllTrails. If you plan to hike the trail during "peak visit times," e.g. a Sunday afternoon mid-summer, then parking here is your best bet to ensure a spot. The other option is parking just east of Maybury Pond via the Beck Road entrance to the park. This is our preferred route to start the trail, seeing as you will finish the route with a decline vs. incline , but the smaller parking lot does fill up quickly. For the purposes of this article, we will describe the trail from the main 8 Mile parking lot. The trail quickly leads hikers and runners into the "wooded highlands" section of the park, ideal for bird and deer sightings (which will be plentiful, especially during late fall). The trail does provide opportunities within the first 0.2 miles to venture north onto additional loops through the "prairie" area of the park. If you would like to stretch your perfect 5K hike into a 4-miler, this is the best opportunity to do so. Otherwise keep pressing on via a steady decline in the woods, all the while keeping your eyes peeled for roots. There are only two potential hazards on this trail. The first occurs at the 0.6/2.6 mile marker, where the hiking trail directly bisects the equestrian trail. Always remember to yield to equestrian traffic on the trail . This golden of rule of trail etiquette is intended to protect you, the rider, and the horse from easily avoidable harm. Give the horse and rider plenty of space, especially if you have no better option than to walk behind the horse (try to avoid this movement if possible). If venturing off-trail, try to avoid damaging the flora around the trail. The second dangerous point occurs between the 0.7-1 mile markers, or 2.2-2.5 on the return. This short segment of the trail consists of surprisingly steep and root-filled declines/inclines. Take your time on this section, paying extra attention to secure footholds. The final section of this trail, which will serve as your grand "turnaround point" if starting at the 8 Mile trailhead, surrounds Maybury Pond. The trail circumnavigates the pond via a series of boardwalks, which are very popular with anglers during the warmer months. The views of the pond and its wildlife are spectacular year-round, but especially in the fall during peak foliage and winter after fresh snowfall. Look out for trumpeter swans, Canadian geese, mallards, and even a snapping turtle that's spotted regularly on the banks of the pond. Once your circumnavigation of the pond is complete, the hiking trail will guide you back into the highlands for another stint under Maybury's thick canopy. Other than a westward deviation at the 2.7 mile marker, this trail will follow your exact route that led downhill towards the pond. Keep your eyes peeled for relics from the sanatorium era during the hike, and don't forget to bask in the natural beauty that surrounds you. EXPLORE THIS TRAIL ON A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Maybury is an all-season state park, and for reasons far beyond its ever-popular hiking and walking trails. Maybury's mountain biking trail - the first MTB trail that I ever rode - has a near cult-following within the Detroit region. The Motor City Mountain Biking Association has maintained the moderate-ranked trail for years in immaculate condition, including building additional features over the last two off-seasons. The trail also provides fantastic cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking terrain. Beyond the park's proprietary trails, visitors recreating near Maybury Pond may also notice little blue and red lines designating " The Link " trail. If you find yourself lucky enough to visit Maybury on a weekend day with nothing but time on your hands and calories to burn, then we strongly recommend that you follow this trail. Where do these little signs lead, you may ask? First, into the heart of Downtown Northville - one of our favorite "Trail Towns" in the Detroit region. Second, to the northern terminus of Hines Drive - another world-class recreation destination that we reference frequently across our content. To summarize, Maybury represents just the tip of the ice berg of thrilling outdoor recreation opportunities within an interconnected trail system surrounding northwestern Wayne County. Lace up your shoes, fill up your water bottle, and pump up those tires - you, my friend, are about to set out on a great expedition. FEELING ADVENTUROUS ? JOIN A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI AT MAYBURY STATE PARK ! 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!