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Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the backcountry of the Detroit region's least known Michigan State Park: Ortonville State Recreation Area . Join us as we scale the heights and navigate the backwoods of Ortonville's Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail ! Yeah...I get it now. That little quip holds a special place with my hiking crew. Credit's owed to my buddy Joe, who originated it during his first backpacking trip with us back in February of 2021. We had finally arrived in Canyonlands National Park, just in time for a cowboy-cliché sunset from the park's Green River Overlook. Silence overtook the group as we were entranced by the panoramic view below us. Silence only to be broken by Joe's line. Followed by an eruption of laughter from all of us. Nearly four years later, this line is reserved for outdoor moments when awestruck by a natural phenomenon. Especially when said phenomenon surpasses all expectations of its grandeur, despite ample literature that clearly foretells of its legitimacy. Exhibit A , the Grand Canyon. For some indefensible reason, I fully expected it to be "not-as-grand" as its same suggests. Too much publicity, too many visitors - has to be underwhelming, right ? Wrong. Dead wrong. To this day it is truly one of the most impressive, awe-inspiring natural phenomenons that I have ever seen. We at Expedition Detroit believe that the entire Detroit region belongs in the " Yeah...I get it now " genre of outdoor destinations. We have experienced this firsthand on our guided trips , witnessing guest after guest fall in love with the forests, lakes, hills, and wildlife that define our corner of the world. Most of whom have lived in the Metro Detroit for their entire lives, yet never thought they would or could encounter such natural beauty in their own backyard. The best part of this gig is that I get to actively seek out those " Yeah...I get it now " destinations for this community. The " Parks Unknown " of the Detroit region that have miraculously, and tragically , escaped the attention of the wider outdoor world . This investigative appetite led me to the outer fringe of the Detroit region in Lapeer County, summiting one of its tallest moraines, in the midst of the least-visited Michigan State Park in all of Southeast Michigan . All by myself on a bluebird winter's day. Surrounded only by beautifully-rolling hills, forests, and shimmering lakes. Yeah... hopefully you're starting to get it now, too. It's our pleasure to introduce Ortonville State Recreation Area and the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loop Trail to this platform. MEET ORTONVILLE STATE RECREATION AREA Ortonville State Recreation Area has held several names in its century+ history. Although technically founded in 1944 like so many other Detroit region State Parks and Recreation Areas, the 5,400 acres now comprising the park started with the southernmost quadrant of 46 acres. This segment was originally known as " Bloomer #3 State Park " after its 1922 donation from public lands-pioneer Howard Bloomer . Locals subsequently bestowed the name "Hadley Hills" to the westernmost region of the park. Utilized largely for equestrian, fishing, and snowmobiling recreation, the Hadley Hills provides a renown destination for horseback and snowmobile riding due largely to its diverse, rugged moraine terrain . All trails in the Hills lead to Pinnacle Point , a ridge top climbing to 1,100 ft. that once contained a lookout hut at its peak (ruins still remain). For this article's purposes, we're most interested with the least visited eastern segment of Ortonville Rec: Kerr Hill . This section of the park was named after 19th century pioneer Robert Kerr , who farmed the land located on both sides of Hadley Road near where Fox Lake Road crosses Hadley Road. South Hadley Cemetery is also located there, thus answering why Kerr Hill is often cross-referenced as "Cemetery Hill." Its forested hilltop constitutes the second-tallest point in Lapeer County ( first is privately-owned ), standing proudly at 1,229 feet. The Ortonville Recreation Area of 2025 that covers all 3 of the segments provides a lifetime of outdoor recreation opportunities for thrill-seeking visitors. The park has established itself as a "hidden gem" destination not only for equestrians and snowmobilers, but also mountain bikers, cross-country skiers , hunters, anglers, paddlers - and, of course, hikers. For adventure-seekers truly looking to experience one of the Detroit region's most scenic, intrepid, and surprisingly rigorous trails, there few - if any - better than Ortonville's Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail . Let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 4.7 miles Elevation Gain : 614 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Limited parking available at Road Lake trailhead (located off of Fox Lake Road) The origination point of the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loop Trail represents one of the strangest hiking experiences for any outdoorist. A typical trail to a high point usually begins at the lowest point of the trek, gradually builds to a scenic overlook, and then rewards your efforts with a steady, relaxing decline back to the trailhead. Not so for Kerr Hill. The trek starts at nearly the highest elevation of the entire trail, leading to a deceptively-easy "summit" of the trail's namesake hill. The true summit is located within the woods off to your right as your ascent starts to flatten out. Attention Peak Baggers - please remember " Leave No Trace " principles as you venture out to conquer the Kerr Hill Summit. Kerr Hill Summit area after fresh snowfall " Ah, I get it now. " You'll be tempted to orate that phrase a few times as you start you descent into the massive, forested valley due east of the summit. After reaching the summit just 0.1 miles into the trail, the next 0.4 miles of hiking comprises a straight, dramatic descent into the heart of Ortonville State Recreation Area's "Four Lakes" wilderness region. The descent is steep for the Detroit region's trails, including 12% declines in certain rocky, root-filled sections. Enjoy the views; descend with caution. Your descent will end along the banks of Round Lake, the first of four sizeable lakes that the route features. If you choose to pack in an inflatable kayak or paddleboard during the warmer months, Round Lake will be your best option for a relaxed, scenic float. Also an ideal spot for cracking a few trail beers for your day on the water ( always consume responsibly ). Descent towards Round Lake From Round Lake, the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail backtracks 0.3 miles before continuing southwest into the heart of the park. The trail provides you with a sneak-peek into your hiking future at the 0.7 mile marker - a preview of the trail's final ascent back up to Kerr Hill 4 miles later. Fair warning, it's steep. But that's why you're here, conquering one of the highest points in the entire Jackson Interlobate Range . Regardless, that's a challenge for a future iteration of you. Keep hiking downhill into the heart of the valley. Once at the valley floor, you'll gradually start to ascend again before reaching a trail intersection at the 1 mile marker. Look for a pink paint marker on a tree at the intersection (depicted below). The AllTrails route will direct you south at this point. Team Expedition Detroit decided to complete the route in a scenic clockwise direction. This article will follow our traverse of the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail. Obviously. Trail marker at the main intra-trail intersection of the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail From the "pink tree intersection," the trail leads 0.6 miles along a notable moraine ridge line towards isolated Mud Lake. This area is very popular with hunters during open seasons , so please be mindful of any hunting activity during peak morning and evening shooting hours while in-season. Similar to Round Lake, the Mud Lake section of the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail provides hikers with an opportunity to trek right up to the shoreline. The isolated nature of Mud Lake means that it provides an ideal bird watching, wildlife viewing, and fishing destination. Also an idyllic spot to enjoy any snacks that you may have packed in. After completing another ascending backtrack of 0.4 miles, keep left at the Diehl Road parking area to continue along the two-track road for 0.1 miles. Turn east (left) at the first opportunity to stay on the trail towards Davison Lake. Davison Lake peeking through the trees In our humble opinion, the next 0.7 miles of trekking proved to be some of the most difficult terrain that we've encountered throughout the Detroit region. Why? Simply due to the scant, if completely nonexistent, trail maintenance that we encountered while hiking through the isolated eastern section of the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail . That's not to say that we didn't enjoy this segment of the trail. To the contrary, it was one of our favorite aspects of the entire experience. In an age where so many outdoor spaces have been pacified into sanitized, paved, and "dummy-proof" experiences - especially in greater metropolitan regions - discovering an authentically intrepid trail is worth celebrating . If nothing else, the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail provides an opportunity to test your orienteering and resiliency within a manageable recreational arena. There are several moments during this segment of the trail where the trail appears to disappear into thin air. Trust us, it's there. But your eyes and mind may beg to differ. Example of the barely-visible trail conditions; here, look for the tracks to the left of the dual-trunk tree. Here are some signs to look for if you find yourself unsure regarding whether you're still on the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail - or any trail for that matter: Stop : Pause for a moment, calm your breathing down to 3 second inhales/exhales, and assess your surroundings. Stay calm, stay put. Panic is your greatest enemy. Think : Go over in your mind how you got to where you are. What landmarks should you be able to see vis- à- vis the AllTrails map? Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step. Observe : Look for any signs of the trail that you were surely following just moments prior. Other key indicators include boot prints in snow or mud, trampled grass or vegetation, and tree clearings. As a very last resort, follow a drainage or stream downhill. This is often a difficult path but could lead to a trail or road. Again, this could be very dangerous. Plan : Based on your thinking and observations, come up with some possible plans, think them through, and then act decisively on one of them. If you are not very, very confident in the route, then it’s always better to stay put. If it’s nightfall, you are injured. or you are nearing exhaustion, stay in place and seek shelter. As you may have noticed, the four steps noted above form an acronym: " STOP ." The outdoor recreation industry absolutely loves acronyms, but this one is easily to most useful since it also forms the first action step for assessing your situation. For us, we STOP ped several times during this stretch of the trail. Boot prints and broken vegetation were our best friends. Just remember to keep calm, reference your map as needed, and relish the opportunity to live a genuine wilderness experience in Metro Detroit. The final ascent up Kerr Hill As you complete the 1.4 mile "semi-loop" through the heart of the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail's southernmost region, you'll be treated to scenic - yet distant - views of Davison Lake and Big Fish Lake. The Davison Lake vista on a clear winter's day is especially beautiful and provides yet another reason to visit this rarely-visited park during its "offseason." The rolling terrain and open woodlands leading back to the "pink tree intersection" provide welcomed variety as well. The last half-mile of the Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loops Trail provides déjà vu, but with a twist. Yes, you will undoubtedly recognize the "valley" as you descend back into it. What will seem surprising, however, is the climb. The half-mile, 17% incline, consistent climb straight up Kerr Hill. Remember that sneak-peek from earlier? Future you's challenge? Guess what. It's go time. As the porters say all along the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro , take this final stretch " Pole Pole ." That phrase is Swahili for "Slowly Slowly," encouraging trekkers to slow down and although their bodies to adjust to the extreme altitude. Here you will not be ascending to over 19,000 feet. But you will be facing your steepest challenge of the day, at the very end of moderately challenging hike, within earshot of the parking lot. Those variables - terrain difficulty, exhaustion, and a decreased caution due to trailhead proximity - are often a recipe for disaster. Pole Pole , friends. Complete the summit to Big Fish Road. Follow the road uphill to the trailhead. Head home with the innate satisfaction of completing one of the most unique trail experiences to be found within Southeast Michigan. 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!

Is it winter or spring..? Nobody in the Detroit region really knows, especially the month of March. Regardless of this month's conditions, here is our March Survival Guide: 5 tips for surviving, and dare we say thriving, during the most unpredictable month of the recreational year. The idea for this article struck me exactly three years ago today, as I stared at the muddy soup that had previously resembled the Milford Mountain Biking Trail. The trail was simply unrideable, so my mind started racing to other recreational pursuits that I could substitute for my ill-fated MTB session. Kayaking on the Huron River ? No, that's a no-go. Most of the river is still frozen. How about skiing? Eh, half of the runs are green fields thanks to the recent rains and heat spells. Gravel biking on the paved Milford-Kensington Trail? Nope, still largely frozen over. Trail running? Hunting? Anything?? I settled on a hike with my trail pup that March day - a messy, muddy hike through the rolling hills and leafless vistas of Highland State Recreation Area . That hike changed the momentum of my day, however; from the pit of recreational despair rose up an idea - no, a calling - to brainstorm a game plan on how to avoid similar scenarios in the future. A predetermined attack plan for maximizing outdoor experiences in less-than-ideal conditions. A means of heading into unpredictable elements head-on, as opposed to allowing the weather to dictate your outdoor agenda. The net result is this five-point survival guide to the month of March , fit for every outdoor enthusiast. Photo courtesy of Evolucion Innovations, Inc. 1. CAPITALIZE ON SHOULDER SEASON FLEXIBILITY As everyone in the Detroit region knows, you can experience all four seasons within the month of March. One week's whiteout blizzard can abruptly melt into the next's 80ºF heatwave. The end result is that muddy, thawing trails tend to dominate this season , but nimble, proactive outdoor enthusiasts can harness the power of March to their advantage. Does the forecast call for snow? Awesome - grab your board or skis and plan on getting first tracks at one of Detroit's "Big Four" ski and snowboard resorts , which will remain open - weather permitting - through mid-March. Dryer conditions coming down the pipeline? Sweet - we recommend opting for your road bike, pavement running shoes, or kayak while the natural trails thaw out, which can take days or even weeks of consistently dry weather. Trail running and mountain biking , in that order , should be the last activities on your March recreational agenda. Remember: if you're leaving deep tracks, leave the trail . 2. MAXIMIZE YOUR HIKES - FOR THE NEXT HIKER The sun rises. The trail thaws. The trees remain barren. Your lungs are filled with the crisp air of early spring. And your eyes calibrate to unspoiled vistas of the our region's beautiful forests, hills, and waterways. Well... almost unspoiled. Unfortunately, wild flowers aren't the only colorful beings that come forth from our annual snowmelt. Trash - lots and lots of trash - reliably emerges each spring from the pristine snow that had hid their existence for the past season. Even autumn's fallen leaves that have wrinkled under the pressure of the snow can no longer aid in its concealment. March is the single best time of the year to go hiking with a trash bag and protective gloves . The coming weeks will provide a fleeting window between snowmelt and bloom where hikers' visibility - especially within areas with thick cover during the warmer months - will reach peak levels. March represents the perfect opportunity to volunteer your time towards preparing our trails for the peak usage months that are just around the corner. 3. GO SHED HUNTING For most hunters, there are two primary hunting seasons: whitetail deer and waterfowl in the fall, and turkey hunting in the spring . In between those peak periods, hunters can get a little stir crazy - especially during the late winter and early spring months when harsh conditions cause wildlife to bed down and cabin fever to set in. Fortunately, March provides an exceptionally time of year for whitetail hunters to chase their game in a different, non-lethal way. Shed hunting consists of scouting for the shed antlers of bucks, which are typically completely shed by March. Like other antlered animals, deer begin to shed their antlers following the late-fall rut when their testosterone levels start to rapidly decrease. Beyond just yet another excuse to get back in the woods, shed heading can provide hunters with several informational benefits towards preparing for next fall's main event. Finding the shed of a particular buck that you had scouted over previous informs you that, obviously, your target buck survived the previous fall. The condition of the base of the shed also indicates the general health of the animal (the cleaner the better). Last, the location of the shed can identify late-season bedding habits, food sources, and travel corridors. 4. KICK OFF YOUR SPRING TRAINING REGIMEN While we at Expedition Detroit are firm believers that race season never truly ends, we're also not oblivious to the fact that mainstream race season kicks off post-thaw in April. Several of Detroit's leading race companies, like our featured partner Running Venture , RF Events , Kona Running , and several others kick off their formal race season on April 1st. With March's notorious oscillation between wintry and spring-like conditions, the Detroit region's favorite running trails will be your best - and possibly only - bet for consistent outdoor recreation. Most of April's races constitute lower-mileage races (10K or less), so March presents the perfect opportunity to build up your running base with consistent, low-mileage runs. Trust us, your de-hibernating legs will thank you. KICK OFF YOUR SPRING TRAINING WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ! 5. PLAN YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURES Believe it or not, backpacking, bike-packing, canoe-camping , and regular car camping season is just around the corner! Don't let the unrelenting snowfalls discourage you - in just a few short months, the Detroit region's thousands of miles of cycling, hiking, and paddling trails will be open and accessible for your overnight adventures. While winter remains, we invite you to join us in our planning efforts. The Michigan DNR's campsite reservations are already starting to fill up for the peak summer months, so we strongly advise that you jump on any prospective dates that you are hoping to camp within a state park or recreation area. Our #TrailTuesday series will also continue to highlight our region's 50 most popular trails for hiking, backpacking, cycling, and trail running - especially during post-thaw conditions. To help with your planning activities, here is a quick run-down of our favorite Detroit region guidebooks: Best Tent Camping Michigan by Matt Forster Best Bike Rides - Detroit and Ann Arbor by Rob Pulcipher 50 Hikes in Michigan by Jim DuFresne Paddling Michigan by Kevin Hillstrom and Laurie Collier Hillstrom Rail-Trails - Michigan & Wisconsin by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy BOOK A TOP-RATED DAY HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! What are your favorite "Shoulder Season" recreational activities? Do you have any additional insights or ideas that would benefit Detroit's outdoor community this month? If yes, then awesome - let us know in the comments!

As tensions mount along the U.S.-Canadian border due to trade war threats, the international Detroit region has the unprecedented opportunity - no, the necessity - to rise above temporary politics in support of our collective outdoors. The first time that I visited Canada, I was on the hunt for its outdoors. Literally and figuratively. It was Thanksgiving 2003 and my Detroit Lions had just managed to pull off a victory against the Green Bay Packers. I was still wearing my Joey Harrington jersey at our large family gathering a few hours later, beaming with joy at my team's under-dog victory over our divisional rival. My Uncle Mike picked up on my excitement. As stoked as 11-year-old Dan was about the win, he still had an ace up his sleeve to top-off a perfect holiday visit to Metro Detroit. " Hey Dan - any interest in going duck hunting in Canada this weekend? " The answer was an obvious, emphatic " yes ." Even by those early years, my two greatest recreational passions - international travel and the outdoors - were already firmly welded into the foundation of my personality. The fact that I had an opportunity to marry both of those interests within a day trip blew my mind. Especially as a kid from Washington, D.C. that had yet to explore the vast array of outdoor experiences found within the Detroit region. Young Dan on the hunt outside of Windsor, Ontario; pellet gun effectiveness questionable, life-changing experience certain. Twenty-two years later, the binational nature of the Detroit region's outdoors continues to serve as one of my favorite aspects of living in this corner of the world. Since Expedition Detroit's genesis, we have lauded the rare and world-class recreational opportunities found on both sides of the border. Unforgettable moments like watching the sunrise at Point Pelee National Park or running through the fanfare in Windsor during the Detroit Free Press International Marathon . Competing in cycling races through the rolling Ontario countryside or paddling along the southern bank of the Detroit River. And so, so much more. In fact, for the majority of our operating history, our #TrailtownSpotlight feature on Amherstburg, Ontario held the coveted position of Expedition Detroit's most-read article. We're proud that the Detroit region transcends an international border. That our adventure athletes and relaxed recreationists alike get the privilege of readily exploring two interconnected, yet differentiating, ecosystems. We broadcast that pride openly and emphatically. So you can imagine our surprise when we received the following comments to ads promoting our guided hiking trips platform: " Sorry but no. 🇨🇦" " Nope 🇨🇦" " Sadly we are boycotting the U.S. until the evil pair are gone. Sorry. " Do a few comments signal the utter destruction of the binational outdoor relations that we at Expedition Detroit cherish so fondly? No - or at least we hope not . But these comments are startling since they address another, deeper concern: that high-level political tensions are fueling personal vendettas and xenophobic decision-making . Don't worry - our business operations can, and will, survive this tense period. Our outdoors, on the other hand, may not be so lucky if international collaboration grinds to a halt. Simply put, the Detroit region cannot afford to allow tariffs to divide our shared outdoor heritage and ecosystem. WHERE WE'VE BEEN : THE COMMON NATURE OF DETROIT'S OUTDOORS The shared history of Southeast Michigan and Southwest Ontario dates back to the dawn of recorded history - plus several millennia. Beginning at the end of the last ice age (roughly 16,000 years ago), the Laurentide Ice Sheet gradually receded into ice masses called "lobes," with the two most prominent lobes over the Detroit region comprising of the western Saginaw and eastern Huron-Erie lobes. The Saginaw lobe covered most of "the mitten" that's now Michigan's lower peninsula. The Huron-Erie lobe covered southeastern Metro Detroit, Detroit proper, Windsor, and most of southwestern Ontario. The massive deposits left behind carved our thousands of lakes, rivers, ponds, kettle pools, and the dramatic " Jackson Interlobate Range " highlands that comprise most of our Michigan State Parks, Huron-Clinton Metroparks , ski hills, and mountain biking trails. As the ice receded and a pristine ecosystem emerged, ancestral settlements of the First Nations began hunting, fishing, and settling in the forests, marshlands, and grasslands surrounding the Detroit River. By the time of the first European contact in the 17th century, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes had firmly established roots throughout the region. These same tribes formed commercial and military alliances with the French, British, and Americans as each power rose to prominence in the Great Lakes, with certain tribes aligning and realigning with Western forces during conflicts like the French and Indian War, the American Revolutionary War, and the War of 1812 . The fluidity of the U.S.-Canadian border progressed throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Prior to the American Civil War, the Detroit River represented the final stop - codenamed " Midnight " - on the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves seeking the protection of British Canada . The unprecedented industrialization of the City of Detroit in the early 20th century led the Detroit River to be dubbed "the Greatest Commercial Artery on Earth." The border also rose to unique prominence during America's Prohibition Era, during which an estimated 75% of all liquor smuggled into the United States entered from the Detroit region. As Americans and Canadians returned home victoriously from the Second World War, their joint efforts would migrate from the battlefield to fueling an increasingly-interdependent economy. The automotive industry particularly ballooned on both sides of the border, leading the Detroit region's border crossings to evolve into some of the most lucrative and voluminous trade corridors in the world. In early 2025, that figure amounted to roughly $323 million worth of product crossing the border every single day. The purpose of this historical overview is not to claim that the Detroit region's resident Canadians and Americans are identical. Anyone with a sibling knows how different you can be even when originating from the same gene pool. However, from our glacial foundations to interwoven industries, we share a complex, common heritage. We often root for the same teams, enjoy the same recreational pastimes, work similar jobs, and share common beliefs. Most importantly for Expedition Detroit , we also share the same beautiful, fragile natural environment. So much so that I regularly receive "Welcome to Canada!" texts when leading guided hikes on Belle Isle . If only our governments understood how close we are - and how devastating a tariff-induced trade war will be to our healing environment. WHERE WE'RE AT :  THE POLITICAL TENSIONS PULLING US APART So..why exactly is Expedition Detroit receiving misguided, anti-American comments on our ads? In one word, tariffs . The same buzzword sending shockwaves around the world. In case you're not 100% on what exactly a "tariff" is, it's defined as " a tax imposed by one country on the goods and services imported from another country to influence it, raise revenues, or protect competitive advantages. " Stated differently, in order to discourage consumers in Country A from buying goods and services from Country B, Country A places a tax on Country B's goods and services to make them more expensive, and therefore less appealing, to the average Country A consumer. Who benefits from tariffs? The answer is two parties: the government and domestic producers of the otherwise tariffed goods and services . The importing government benefits from creating trade leverage on the exporting country's government. The domestic producers benefit since they now have a price advantage over foreign, competing producers. Everyone else suffers under tariffs . Especially all of us domestic consumers. Foreign-produced goods and services, often produced more cheaply than domestic, are now more expensive. We inevitably bear those costs. And, to make matters worse, tariffs are often reciprocated - so domestic producers end up feeling the pain as well. Image courtesy of the Detroit Free Press Apologies for the economics lesson on an outdoor recreation website. Unfortunately, this is a lesson you truly shouldn't tune out of like your high school Econ class. Beginning tomorrow, March 4th , the Trump Administration's 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports will go into effect. The President's rationale for imposing the tariffs include "halting the flow of migrants and fentanyl across their borders" and into the United States. As predicted, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said last month that Canada would respond "forcefully and reciprocally" to Trump's tariffs, signaling a potential for a trade war between the two North American allies. Now, on the eve of Tariff-mageddon, consumers across both borders of the Detroit region are bracing for the following repercussions: More expensive every day goods for U.S. consumers , including crude oil, wood and lumber, plastics, charcoal, aluminum, paper books, and iron and steel appliances. Massive stock exchange market losses , with the Dow Jones Industrial Average already being down 1.58%, the S&P 500 down 1.78%, and the Nasdaq Composite down 2.47%. Significant loss of U.S. and Canadian jobs , including a loss of 31,000 U.S. jobs related to the liquor industry alone. Disproportionate detriment on Canadian imports , seeing as more than 75% of Canada's goods and service exports go to the U.S. Sky-rocketed pricing for industries with an international supply chain , most notably the automative industry . Decimation of goodwill and willingness to collaborate on international issues , sacrificed on the altar of "winning" a trade war. That last point is what prompted this article. The greatest loss of any zero-sum trade war. The intangible, incalculable cost that stems from a short-sighted solution and plagues a region for generations. A fundamental, catastrophic breakdown in international relations that torpedoes any existing hope of working together in accomplishing complex and pivotal objectives. To my fellow Americans and Canadians throughout the Detroit region, we cannot allow this animosity between our governments to contaminate the international collaboration necessary for protecting and expanding our outdoor opportunities . Our region is far, far too fragile to bear such a cost. WHAT'S AT STAKE :  WHY DETROIT'S OUTDOORS CAN'T AFFORD THE TOLL OF A TARIFF TRADE WAR Those of us working within the Detroit region's outdoor recreation economy have had calendar year 2025 dog-eared for several years now. After years of innovative planning, careful designing, voluminous fundraising, and diligent construction, the crown jewel of Detroit's recreational ecosystem will finally be unveiled this year: the Gordie Howe International Bridge . Beyond providing another means of linking Detroit and Windsor, this bridge will serve as the critical missing link between North America's expansive trail networks. Through connecting the 17,000 mile Trans Canada Trail directly the Michigan's Iron Belle Trail - which in turn merges into the 4,800 mile North Country Trail - the bridge's pedestrian lanes will open our continent to unprecedented recreational opportunities . A transformative ripple effect that could forever redefine living, working, and recreating within our region. Unless, of course, we view each other as the enemy. Image courtesy of GlobeNewswire Industry-redefining projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Great Lakes Way , and Great Lakes Waterfront Trail  are only possible with notable degrees of international collaboration. These projects are intended not only to boost this corner of the Great Lakes as an internationally sought-after destination for adventure tourism, but to also protect rivers, forests, grasslands, and other fragile habitats that had been historically decimated  in the name of industrialization. That's one vision for the Detroit region's outdoor economy. The creation of a thriving, sustainable, collaborative, and truly unique binational adventure destination. A future that thousands of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, nature conservancies, large corporations, and small businesses like yours truly have been investing in for decades. A revitalized Detroit Riverfront. A marathon crossing multiple international borders. A multi-day backpacking, canoe camping, or bikepacking adventure on an international scale. Sadly, we already know the alternative . Nationalistic, protective policies that lead to a " tragedy of the commons " scenario whereby natural resources are utilized for their maximum, short-term use. Lax environmental regulation in the name of industry. Deemphasis on promoting outdoor recreation on a region-wide scale. International marathons? Cross-border trail experiences? Ease of binational recreational experiences? Those favorite pastimes become exponentially more difficult to organize when we allow fear-based policies and xenophobic rhetoric to dominate our collective conscious. Worse yet, our capacity to innovate collaboratively and harness synergetic creativity all but dissipates when we start to view each other as "the other" vs. "the partner." In the short term, this trade war will cost us in several small, tangible ways. More expensive gear. Potentially more difficult border crossings. Definitely more difficult collaboration on large scale infrastructure and environmental projects. The ultimate danger lies in the long term . The lost opportunities that die in the wake of a trade war. Environmental initiatives left uninitiated. Innovative businesses forced to shutter. Trail connections that remain unbuilt. Recreational passions priced out by tariffs. And experiences never lived due to boycotts, grudges, and spiteful Facebook comments. Those intangible costs are tragically immeasurable. Fortunately, they're also avoidable. RESIST THE RHETORIC : HOW OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS CAN WIN A TRADE WAR Let's end this somber article on a high note, eh ? Now that we're apparently on the verge of the "Great Trade War of 2025," we as Detroit region outdoor enthusiasts must resist the rhetoric of economic nationalism that threatens to deprive us of our recreational livelihood. Here are 5 steps you can take during this forthcoming season of economic uncertainty to preserve our region's recreational viability: Become an advocate, not a detractor. Utilizing your voice on social media or elsewhere to demand action and resolution from those responsible for enacting protectionist economic policies is commendable. Utilizing the same voice to further divisive rhetoric or suppress local business is detrimental. Support your local outfitter. Rising manufacturing prices will inevitably hit the retail sector as a whole, but especially "niche" industries like outdoor outfitters. Future you will thank you for utilizing your dollars for preserving your local outdoor industry. Keep exploring - especially across the border. During the coming days, our governments will inevitably attempt to perpetuate an "us vs. them" agenda. Resist such fear tactics. Dare to plan a day trip to "the other side" and discover for yourself how beautiful it truly is. Care for your local outdoor destinations. Public funding may become scarce in the event of a prolonged trade war. So, as the weather warms up and our trails become more accessible, pack along a trash bag and complement your hike with a stewardship mission. Harness the power of your dollar and vote . In a modern democracy, our purchasing power and voting capacity constitute the most profound means of effectuating change. If a politician or company appear to be supporting protectionist, xenophobic, or divisive policies, then utilize one or both of the aforementioned tools against them until they change course. Friends, we'll make it through this next chapter. We just need to remember to keep our long-term, collective priorities - especially the protection and expansion of our region's world-class outdoors - above short-term fear mongering and uncertainty. Let's keep exploring.

Whitetail Deer Season in Michigan may have reached its final week, BUT there's still plenty of time left to contribute to charitable conservation at Doe Patrol's inaugural "DOEnation Metro Detroit" event this Saturday, January 25th! Michigan - especially Southeast Michigan - is a beautiful hunting paradox. Our region is literally and figuratively overrun with an abundant natural resource: whitetail deer. Specifically female whitetail deer, or "does." So much so that leading up to the 2024-25 hunting season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources practically begged hunters to pass on male "buck" deer and target does. Why? Because for several years now, our regional deer population has skyrocketed while our hunter population has steadily plummeted. The statewide deer population is estimated at 2 million deer, a 200% increase from the 1940s ( overpopulation was even seen as a problem back then ). Spurred on by warmer climates, suburbanization, and hunter decreases, this ballooning population caused over 58,000 car accidents  and a 59.6% increase in crop damage last year. The oversized herds also wreak havoc on forest floors, including the decimation of essential young trees, wildflowers, and plants for warding off invasive species. In response, the DNR has unveiled several tactics for encouraging the harvest of antlerless deer this season, including a new extended antlerless firearm season lasting from January 2nd to 12th . That policy change rides on the momentum generated by similar relaxed hunting policies enacted in recent years, including an unprecedented "urban archery season" that is still in effect in the Detroit region through January 31st . Now, the good news. Michigan's hunters have clearly heeded the call and harvested 141,704 antlerless deer so far this season . Seasons past exhibited Michigan hunters harvesting 1 doe for every 3 bucks - the worst ratio in the Great Lakes region . This season so far, thankfully, has a 1:1.1 ratio ( gold standard is 1:1 ). A notable proportion of those doe harvests have occurred since the start of the New Year, statistically illustrating the effectiveness of the extended season. Well done, hunters and DNR policymakers - but our work as conservationists and advocates doesn't end in the field . Especially in Southeast Michigan, we have an unprecedented opportunity to marry Michigan's herd management needs with Metro Detroit's significant food insecurity needs. Over 38% of the combined population of Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties is unable to meet all their basic necessities, including food, housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare. When faced with such dire needs, nutritious food often becomes treated as a luxury and therefore immediately cut from the payroll. That's where we as hunters with extra tags and longer seasons can step in. Especially with organizations like Doe Patrol leading the charge in bringing high quality venison to Metro Detroit families in need. MEET DOE PATROL: Where Conservation Meets Philanthropy Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat the rest of his life . This quote attributed to ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu applies to the entirety of the outdoor recreational arena, where knowledge, skill, and resiliency pave the road to success. For our friends at Doe Patrol - a West Michigan-based nonprofit that has provided over 5,000 pounds of venison since 2020 - this quote defines the core of their operational philosophy. Beyond processing and donating venison for free, Doe Patrol aims to teach new and veteran hunters alike on the benefits of hunting, processing, utilizing dog trackers, and harnessing local resources for maximizing every animal harvest. Doe Patrol brings their calling to fruition via sponsoring several events throughout the calendar year. In 2024, these events included their " Doe Camp " social processing event, special educational sessions on processing for small groups, and larger educational processing events throughout the whitetail season. Doe Patrol's hallmark event - DOEnation Day - featured additional festivities like largest and smallest doe competitions, featured speakers, giveaways, raffles, door prizes, and provided food & drink. Oh, and processing a lot of charitable venison. All of the aforementioned events have occurred on the west side of the state. That finally changes this Saturday, January 25th , in Clarkston. Image courtesy of Doe Patrol INTRODUCING DOE PATROL'S " DOEnation Metro Detroit " EVENT Alright, let's bring all the pieces together . You're now an expert on why doe maintenance is so important for Michigan's natural environment and social needs, how Michigan's hunting community is playing an active role in alleviating these pain points, and who is leading the charge in both providing venison to those in need and educating the next generation of sustainable processors. Now we turn to the most exciting aspect of this article for Detroit's charitable hunting community: where and when you can get involved. THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 25TH IN CLARKSTON , Doe Patrol will be hosting their first " DOEnation Metro Detroit " event from 3 to 10PM! Open to all, this rendition of DOEnation will feature a largest and smallest doe competition, raffle drawings, door prizes, and complimentary food and drink. What's entirely new for DOEnation Metro Detroit, however, includes that everyone who donates will receive a free t-shirt and that a keynote presenter will be speaking on tracking. All of the venison donated at DOEnation Metro Detroit will be further donated to Neighborhood House , a Rochester-based nonprofit that distributes about 200,000 meals annually to local families in need. While every food pantry serving Metro Detroit is both incredible and impactful, Neighborhood House's operations uniquely align with the ethos of Doe Patrol in that their goal is to enable self-sustainability for their donees, not just temporary satiation. More specifically, Neighborhood House's assistance services include meal service, clothing provision, rent and utility assistance, counseling, transportation, and educational classes. As a "Client Choice" food pantry, the organization's food delivery process includes having clients choose their own food selections instead of simply handing out boxes of pre-packaged food. Neighborhood House also provides home food delivery to clients who are homebound or without access to transportation. Friends, events like DOEnation Metro Detroit - and charitable organizations like Doe Patrol and Neighborhood House - are exactly why Team Expedition Detroit is so passionate about hunting in the Great Lakes State. Ethical hunting produces near limitless opportunities to improve our communities. From environmental sustainability to full freezers, hunters have both the privilege and responsibility of utilizing their passion for the benefit of all. How awesome is that. And how grateful are we for organizations like Doe Patrol for facilitating how all of us can channel conservation into charitable action. Expedition Detroit is proud to promote the social and charitable activities of Doe Patrol West Michigan and Doe Patrol Metro Detroit. If you operate a nonprofit or charitable organization that benefits the Detroit region's outdoor recreational ecosystem or natural environment, please contact us via info@expeditiondetroit.com for collaboration opportunities.

Who says that winter camping has to be a suffer fest? Here we invite you take sit back, warm up, and explore the cozy side of camping with these 5 best glamping destinations near Detroit during Winter 2025! Eight degrees Fahrenheit. -13.3333º Celsius for our Canadian faithful. I could barely make out the temperature from my near-frozen watch while burrowed inside a tent perched high on the "Island in the Sky" in Canyonlands National Park. All that I knew was that I had never been so cold in my life. A type of cold where sleep becomes a foregone conclusion, leaving you huddled and shivering while endlessly waiting for the sun to make its grand arrival. You'd think that a bitter Michigan winter would provide enough conditioning for a backpacking trip to the deserts of Moab, Utah in early spring. You'd also be damn wrong for underestimating the temperature swings of the desert - especially when compounded by the critical error of leaving nearly all of their winter camping gear back home. Air mattress? Deflated. Sleeping bag? Not tundra-rated. Expedition Detroit's own Dr. Eric Reilly? Snoring profoundly about two feet to my right. Sunrise couldn't come soon enough. Basecamp for the coldest night of my life in Canyonlands National Park, Utah Friends: winter camping does NOT have to be an all-night "Suffer Fest." While nights spent in a backcountry tent - in the dead of winter - will inevitably produce greater resiliency and legendary campfire stories, we'd be fools to suggest that such experiences are for everyone. Especially if you have friends and family that you hope will actually want to continue adventuring through the Detroit region's outdoors with you. This article wanders from the backcountry campsites of our typical content to the cozier side of camping: Glamping, or "glamorous camping." In the spirit of Scandinavian hygge traditions, we invite you to schedule a relaxing and rejuvenating wintertime retreat to these five idyllic destinations for glamping near Detroit. Photo courtesy of Michigan Blue Magazine 1. Green Lake Yurt | Waterloo State Recreation Area | Chelsea, Michigan Weekend Reservation Fee: $78 per night How to Reserve: Online via Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations If you're looking for the most adventurous destination for glamping near Detroit, then Waterloo Recreation Area's famous Green Lake Yurt will provide the perfect destination for your crew this winter! The Yurt sits on a scenic bluff overlooking its namesake Green Lake. The Yurt is located within the Green Lake Rustic Campground and is close to the reknown Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, the Detroit region's preeminent backpacking thru-trail. The Yurt is ADA accessible with a ramp leading up to the deck and a handicap parking area in front. The yurt will sleeps 5 people with its 2 futons that each convert to a double bed and a single bunk above one of the futons (bedding is not provided). The Yurt is heated by a propane stove, has solar powered lights inside (no electricity though), features a small inside table inside, a propane cooking stove (bring a 1-pound canister), and an outdoor grill are provided. Logistical Information: From December 1st to the first Friday in May, the gate to Green Lake Campground is closed. Depending on the weather, you may have to hike in to the Yurt (approximately 3/4 of a mile). If weather and snow permits, there is a combination lock on the gate to provide driving access to the Yurt. The Yurt door key is located in a lock box on the deck rail by the door. The combination to the lock box and the gate will be available 2 days prior to your arrival. Contact the park at (734) 475-8307 during business hours (8-12 & 1-4:30) to obtain the combination. Recommended Experience: Hike or bike the DTE Green Trail along the banks of Green Lake. Photo courtesy of Wandering Canadians 2. Point Pelee oTENTik Campsites | Point Pelee National Park | Leamington, Ontario Weekend Reservation Fee: $133.25 (CAD) per night How to Reserve: Reserve by calling 1-877-RESERVE (737-3783) or online by visiting Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service. Experience the prisitine lakeside wilderness of Point Pelee National Park like never before this winter by experiencing the glamping life in an oTENTik tent! Located at Point Pelee's Camp Henry campsite, the oTENTik tents provide a relaxing, comfortable, and easy camping experience for adventurers of all experience levels. The oTENTik tents are a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent, permanently fixed to a raised wooden floor, and maintained for visitors all year round. There are 24 oTENTik sites nestled in the heart of Point Pelee, making them a great base to explore all the park has to offer. Point Pelee is located at the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland and boasts world-class cycling, paddling, and hiking throughout Canada’s second smallest and most ecologically diverse national park. Better yet, your overnight stay will provide you with an unparalleled stargazing opportunity thanks to Point Pelee's status as a Dark Sky Preserve. Recommended Experience: Hike to "the Tip" - the southernmost point of mainland Canada! Photo courtesy of Hipcamp, Inc. 3. Waymeet "Orchardside" Homestead | Ann Arbor, Michigan Weekend Reservation Fee: $50 per night How to Reserve: Online via Hipcamp Introducing the first Hipcamp destination to be featured in an Expedition Detroit article! Visitors to the stunning "Orchardside Homestead" will pair this gorgeous destination for glamping near Detroit with native Michigan woods, pastures grazed by North American Heritage Yak, an ancient orchard, a natural swimming pond, and free ranging chickens. Visitors are free to explore the site's pond, wander the woods, meet a chicken, pet a yak, and live the "small farm experience" by following the hosts through their morning farming chores. Orchardside features a 16 ft. diameter glamping tent, lavishly furnished with a king bed, furs and Persian carpets. The tent is heated by a wood burning stove capable of keeping the tent toasty down to 0ºF. Nestled in beside its namesake orchard and one of their yak pastures, the glamping tent is located just a short walk from the destination's hot outdoor shower and natural swimming pool. Recommended Experience: Hike or paddle through Ann Arbor's Barton and Bird Hills Nature Areas. Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 4. Rustic Cabins at Island Lake | Island Lake State Recreation Area | Brighton, Michigan Weekend Reservation Fee: $100 per night How to Reserve: Online via Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations Does a rustic cabin truly constitute "glamping"? Eh...we may be stretching the definition slightly, but we simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to live the cabin life at one of the Detroit region's most celebrated recreational destinations: Island Lake State Recreation Area. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Island Lake's "White Pine" and "Blue Spruce" cabins provide campers with an "Up North experience close to the city." Each cabin includes bunk beds (8 beds in each cabin), a propane heater, a closet, and a grill. Vault toilets are located nearby, and both cabins share the same water supply. Recommended Experience: Hiking Island Lake's famous "Yellow Trail Loop." Bonus points if you pair your rustic cabin stay with one of our top-rated guided hikes on the Yellow Trail! Photo courtesy of HipCamp, Inc. 5. Territorial Acres | Whitmore Lake, Michigan Weekend Reservation Fee: $50 per night How to Reserve: Online via Hipcamp Couple a peaceful getaway with an idyllic glamping experience this winter at the top-rated "Territorial Acres" Hipcamp destination! You'll find yourself right at home in their large 4-season canvas tent, which is fully-outfitted on a wood platform with a wood burning stove, fire pit, grill, and private bathroom containing a hot shower and composting toilet. Located off-grid yet in the heart of Washtenaw County, Territorial Acres boasts 15 acres of pristine wetlands, open fields, and forests. In the winter, the site's wetlands freeze over for added adventure opportunities. Territorial Acres also features 12 chickens on site, 2 hoop houses, perennial berry bushes, grape vines, and seasonal veggies. Within 20 minutes of our property there are dozens of options for hiking and mountain bike trails, lakes, rivers, restaurants, museums, and more. Additional Amenities: Queen bed, pillows, blankets, linens, dining table, dishes/silverware, french press coffee maker, pots and pans, games, towels, dish cloths, potable water, hot shower, and composting toilet. Recommended Experience: Explore the hiking and cross-country skiing trails at Huron Meadows Metropark. Do you own or operate a unique destination for camping or glamping near Detroit? Amazing - we'd love to hear about it! Contact us to collaborate via info@expeditiondetroit.com. This article contains affiliate links that align with Expedition Detroit's Disclosures policy. This article does not constitute an endorsement by Expedition Detroit of any of the featured destinations for camping or glamping near Detroit.

Looking to FINALLY accomplish your New Year's Resolutions of living a healthier and more adventurous lifestyle? Your search is over - we're proud to introduce Expedition Detroit's " Expedition Bundles " of guided hiking trips for all experience levels! New Year's Resolutions : all make them, few end up keeping them. That's the cold, hard truth about the promises that we all make to ourselves at the turn of the calendar. I especially get hooked by the romanticism of the "new year, new me" allurement that January 1st emits into the universe. A blank page full of new adventures, experiences, and possibilities. I'm far from being alone in this sentiment. An entire field of social data exists around the study of New Year's Resolutions, including the most prevalent goals, the likelihood of actually accomplishing them, and key actions that improve that likelihood. In the Detroit region , here are the most common New Year's Resolutions made each year: Image courtesy of ClickOnDetroit.com ; data sourced from Statista. Other common New Year's Resolutions include learning a new hobby or skill , traveling more , and breaking digital addictions . These goals seem simple enough to accomplish, right? Wrong - at least according to all pertinent data. Getting New Years Resolutions to stick is apparently a nationwide problem. A University of Scranton study found that only 19% of people stick to their resolutions long term (two+ years). Worse yet, the same study published that 23% of people give up on their resolutions after one week . Yikes . So, what can you do to become a part of the 19% that actually exercises more, loses weight, spends more time with family & friends, travels more, and reduces stress from social media, work, and life? Well, Expedition Detroit is proud to announce that we have an ideal solution for this problem. One that's data-driven, nature fueled, and most importantly, extremely fun for the entire family. New for 2025, we're ECSTATIC to launch our " Expedition Bundles " of curated guided hiking trips for every experience level! INTRODUCING "EXPEDITION BUNDLES": CURATED GUIDED HIKING EXPERIENCES FOR EVERY EXPERIENCE LEVEL Our guided hiking trips affiliation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has evolved slowly but surely since its launch in June of 2023 . We started simply with day hiking trips to fan-favorite parks like Belle Isle, Maybury, and Island Lake. Our highly-publicized night hiking trips followed one year ago. And now - as heavily requested by first-time and veteran trip participants alike - we're stoked to roll out the next iteration of our top-rated guided hiking day trips: the Expedition Bundles ! Three Tiers of Expedition Bundles: Beginner, Adventure, and Expert EXPEDITION BUNDLES: The Basics So what exactly are the Expedition Bundles? Three pre-packaged guided hiking trip bundles sorted by recommended experience level, terrain diversity, and adventure intensity . Our goal is to take the guess-work out of planning your next guided hiking expedition in Detroit's outdoors - and save you a little cash in the process. That's right: by purchasing an Expedition Bundle vs. individually-reserving our guided hiking trips, you will SAVE OVER 20% on the Detroit region's top-rated  guided hiking experiences! Here's the breakdown: Each Expedition Bundle covers 5 unique trails + a bonus night hiking safari ! Automatic savings compared to individual guided hiking trip reservations Bundle period lasts 3 months for reservation flexibility Bundle participants are billed monthly and can cancel anytime Seven day free trial We're firm believers that adventure doesn't have to hurt your wallet. In fact, we've thrown in a bonus guided hike for each bundle just to add a little more bang to your buck. Let's get into the Expedition Bundles now! BEGINNER BUNDLE : Perfect for the Whole Family Are you brand new to the wide world of hiking - or looking to FINALLY introduce a loved one to your passion for the outdoors? Then the "Beginner Bundle" is the perfect selection for you! We've carefully crafted the Beginner Bundle for anyone looking to leave the concrete behind and explore the Detroit region's most accessible, beautiful, and family-friendly hiking trails. The Beginner Bundle covers the following destinations: BUNDLED TRAILS TRAIL PERKS TRAIL PERKS Belle Isle "Lighthouse & Blue Heron Lagoon" Trail 2.2 miles Scenic natural hike along the wild eastern coast of Belle Isle Park Maybury "Classic Hiking" Trail 3.1 miles Top-rated hiking experience through historic Maybury State Park Proud Lake "Expedition Loop" Trail 3.1 miles Highlight reel of natural beauty of Proud Lake State Recreation Area Holly "Wild Lakes Loop" Trail 2.5 miles Gorgeous lakeside hike at Holly State Recreation Area Highland "North Loop" Trail 2.2 miles Rolling woodland trail through Highland State Recreation Area Beginner Bundle hikers will also have access to Expedition Detroit's fan-favorite guided hiking experience: a night hiking safari at Maybury State Park! ADVENTURE BUNDLE: The Very Best of Detroit Hiking In full transparency, the " Adventure Bundle " answers the most common question that our guides receive during our guided trips: "What is your favorite hiking trail near Detroit?" We can never just pick one answer to that question, so we grouped our favorite trails together in one highlight reel of a bundle for the whole region to enjoy! The Adventure Bundle is simply for everyone - especially experienced hikers that are looking for their new favorite getaways throughout the Detroit region. Each of these award-winning trails leads hikers through the most epic, historic, diverse, and beautiful terrain that the Jackson Interlobate Range has to offer. The Adventure Bundle covers the following destinations: BUNDLED TRAILS TRAIL PERKS TRAIL PERKS Highland "Haven Hill Loop" Trail 3.7 miles Fan favorite that explores one of the Detroit region's most famous, beautiful, and historic trails at Highland Recreation Area Pinckney "Crooked Lake" Trail 4.4 miles Forested hills that are widely regarded as the Detroit region's most beautiful at Pinckney State Recreation Area Highland "Mt. Kanzer" Trail 3.8 miles Intrepid hike to the highest point in Highland State Recreation Area Brighton "Penosha" Trail 4.9 miles A can't-miss Southeast Michigan trail that explores the heart of Brighton State Recreation Area Island Lake "Yellow Loop" Trail 5.5 miles Rollercoaster single-track trail that provides stunning views of the Huron River at Island Lake State Recreation Area Adventure Bundle hikers will also have access to Expedition Detroit's  newest guided hiking experience: a night hiking safari at Highland State Recreation Area's Haven Hill! EXPERT BUNDLE:   Trails for World-Class Adventurers Calling all thru-hikers, Out West ex-pats, summit baggers, and type-2 adventurers: the "Expert Bundle" is designed exclusively for you. For me personally, the Expert Bundle's challenging trails at Pontiac Lake and Highland Recreation Areas have become my go-to destinations for world-class training purposes. The imprints of my Hokas are permanently embedded into the rocks, roots, and sand of both of these trails, especially in the lead up to my "G.O.A.T. Series" trail races and Mt. Kilimanjaro summit . PLEASE DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THESE TRAILS. They will, undoubtedly, kick your ass if you arrive at the trailhead unprepared. Which is exactly why we at Expedition Detroit love them so much - and if you're looking to raise your hiking level to world-class, then you will too. The Expert Bundle covers the following destinations: BUNDLED TRAILS TRAIL PERKS TRAIL PERKS Pontiac Lake "MTB Loop" Trail 9.4 miles Iconic mountain biking trail that also serves as a hiker and trail runner's paradise through the heart of Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area. Highland "A-B-C-D Loops" Trail 14.7 miles Regarded as the most challenging trail system in Southeast Michigan, this all-day adventure explores the surprisingly rugged terrain of Highland State Recreation Area. But wait - I thought each Expedition Bundle covers 5 trails...? Good memory, reader ! Anyone who takes on the challenge of the Expert Bundle will be rewarded with access to ALL THREE of Expedition Detroit's highly-requested " Night Hiking Safari " trips! We do plan on adding additional "Black Diamond"-rated trails to the Expert Bundle over 2025, but for now trust us when we saying that conquering Pontiac Lake and Highland are enough of an accomplishment in and of themselves. THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUCCESS: HOW THE EXPEDITION BUNDLES WILL HELP YOU ACCOMPLISH YOUR RESOLUTIONS IN 2025 Alright, you're now an expert on the guided hiking opportunities ( and savings ) associated with each of the Expedition Bundles. But how exactly will signing up for a specific bundle help you accomplish your New Year's Resolutions for 2025? Fortunately for all of us, empirical research strongly supports that subscribing to a regimen like an Expedition Bundle will dramatically increase your likelihood of successfully accomplishing your goals . The "gold standard" for creating achievable goals is to create " SMART " goals, meaning Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound . By signing up for an experience like an Expedition Bundle, somewhat generic resolutions like "exercise more," "spending more time outside with friends" or "reduce stress" become immediately SMART(er). Here are some examples: SPECIFIC : " Exercise more " becomes " Go hiking at several Michigan State Parks several times a month. " MEASURABLE : " Spend more time with loved ones " becomes " Go hiking with my friends two times each month. " ACHIEVABLE : " Go backpacking " becomes " Start my hiking journey on beginner-friendly trails across the Detroit region. " RELEVANT : "Reduce stress levels" becomes " Spend a few hours away from work/personal commitments each week on a curated guided hiking experience. " TIME-BOUND : " Spend more time in nature " becomes " Hike at least 6 new trails across Southeast Michigan over a 3 month period. " With these Expedition Bundles, one of our resolutions for 2025 is to make your fitness, wellness, and exploration resolutions SMART-er, simpler, and easier to accomplish. We at Expedition Detroit wish you nothing but the best in this new year, and we hope to see you at the trailhead very soon! BONUS:  DON'T MISS OUR 2025 NEW YEAR'S DEALS! In the spirit of expanding friluftsliv  opportunities throughout our region, we at Expedition Detroit  are also proud to announce our 2025 "New Year's Deals"  for our guided services! More information will be released in the coming week, but here are the highlights of our current deals: SNOWSHOE TREKS PRESALE:  Use discount code " SNOWDANCE25 " to save 10%  on any of our planned snowshoe treks ! BUNDLE AND SAVE:  Use discount code " NEWYEARBUNDLE " to save 20% on any of our EXPEDITION BUNDLES  of curated guided trips. FREE BEANIE:  In honor of 2025, the first 25 participants to book a guided trip will receive a free Expedition Detroit  beanie  with their booking! These offerings are only available through January 31st , so we hope that you will kick off your New Year with us as we continue exploring the beautiful parks and trails surrounding Detroit! START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH A GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREK ! PRESALE IS LIVE NOW  WITH SPECIAL OFFERINGS FOR EARLY BOOKINGS!

In honor of National Hiking Day, we proudly present the triple-crown of the Detroit region's most intense and exhilarating hiking experiences: our three most rigorous Black Diamond hiking trails. Let’s cut right to the chase: these trails are not for the faint of heart. Unlike our previous article regarding the Detroit region's “Top Five Hiking Trails,” these trails are best suited for our list endurance athletes, aspiring thru-hikers, and our other resident hikers that are looking to up their hiking levels an Up North or Out West capacity. These treks were designed to push boundaries, expand capacity, build confidence, and break down any preconceived notion that Detroit does not have trails suitable for top-tier adventurers. Put differently, if you’re not sure where to start training for that Mt. Kilimanjaro trek or Appalachian Trail thru hike in our area, we recommend that you start with this triple-crown of Detroit’s most challenging trails. 1. Highland A-B-C-D Loops | Highland State Recreation Area Length : 13.7 miles Elevation Gain : 1,309 ft. Estimated Completion Time : 5h 15min Highland State Recreation Area’s alphabet loops stand on top of the podium for the most challenging hike in the entire Detroit region. Starting at the E. Livingston Road trailhead, you will initially head south on the A Loop for only 0.1 of a mile before heading west (right) at the point where the A Loop splits. Note that you should hike the loops in the opposite direction of the mountain bike trail instructions. Your first diversion - and real test of the entire trail system - will occur 0.9 miles into the trek when you head due west (right) to conquer the infamous D Loop. You will “summit” 3.4 miles into the trail while on the D Loop (1,134 ft.) before being rewarded with a long, steady decline to briefly rejoin the A Loop. Continue southwest on the B Loop at the 4.4 mile mark. The B Loop is the second-hardest trail of Highland’s alphabet loops, including the trail system’s second highest point at mile 5.3 (1,124 ft.). You will diverge off of the B Loop to complete the milder C Loop at mile 6. With the main challenges behind you, the last legs consist of 8.1 miles as you complete the eastern segments B and A Loops towards the trailhead. The route consists of varying sections with roots, rocky stretches, steep climbs, and manageable technical areas. While these loops are primarily intended for mountain bikers, these trails are also very popular for hikers, trail runners , bird watchers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hunters . Hikers should also be aware that Highland’s horse riding trail system also intersects with the four loops, so be sure to keep a map readily-accessible. Pro Tip : Due to the several low-lying bogs in this area, Highland’s four loops are prone to mosquitos during the summer months. We recommend applying a healthy amount of bug spray during the summer months ( Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is my personal favorite - highly effective, natural, and actually feels good on your skin). This trail is also relatively mosquito and human-free during the late fall through early spring, although please wear hunter orange or bright clothing during the fall firearm hunting months (especially late November). Parking Directions : Park at the mountain bike trailhead parking lot on the north side of E Livingston Rd. The A Loop trailhead is directly south across E Livingston Rd., although Highland’s tamer North Loop trail is directly accessible from the parking lot. A Recreation Passport is required for parking here. CONQUER HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 2. Brighton Loop Trail System | Brighton State Recreation Area Length : 14.8 miles Elevation Gain : 892 ft. Estimated Completion Time : 5h 10min The longest of the three “Black Diamonds,” Brighton State Recreation Area’s loop trail system also provides rewarding, arduous hiking for Detroit’s most intrepid hikers. Similar to Highland, these trails are also primarily used for mountain biking, although they are also popular with trail runners, birdwatchers, and occasionally hunters. Due to the heavy use by mountain bikers (especially in the summer months), we also advise hiking this trail in the opposite direction of mountain bike traffic. Starting from the mountain bike trailheads, head southeast to start on the Torn Shirt Trail before diverting north (left) at the 0.1 mile mark. After a steady decline, continue heading northeast (keeping left) onto the Murray Lake “Purple Loop” for 4.1 miles of rolling hills and switchbacks. At the lowest point of the hike (874 ft. elevation) you will merge onto the Lost Loop “Green Trail,” renown for its thick forest cover, for 1.7 miles. Back on the Murray Lake trail, you will steadily climb over rolling terrain for 2.8 miles until you nearly reach the trailhead at mile 8.7. Don’t linger too long on thoughts of a post-trail beer, however; Brighton’s real crucible, the Torn Shirt Trail, remains unconquered. Heading northeast on the Torn Shirt Trail, you will navigate around smaller ponds and technical terrain for 3.3 miles before facing the trail’s most formidable challenge. At an 11% grade, you will hike from one of the trail’s lowest points (894 ft.) to its summit (965 ft.) over 0.3 miles, although you will be rewarding immediately with a descent of similar length. A few more rolling ascents and descents over the remaining 2.3 miles and you will have finally earned that post-hike beer in one of Brighton’s famous watering holes. Pro Tip : Consider tackling Brighton’s challenging loops over a weekend by camping in one or more of the park's campgrounds . The Murray Lake rustic campground is immediately accessible to the Murray Lake Trail, while the Appleton Lake rustic campground and Bishop Lake modern campground are also within close proximity. Reservations are required to be made in advance. Parking Directions : From Bishop Lake Rd., turn into the side street at the “Bishop Lake Complex” sign within the park. Take the first right turn available to you to arrive at the Bishop Lake parking lot . A Recreation Passport is required for parking here. Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 3. Bald Mountain's Orange, White, Green, and Blue Loops | Bald Mountain State Recreation Area Length : 9.1 miles Elevation Gain : 538 ft. Estimated Completion Time : 3h 5min Although the shortest of the three “Black Diamonds,” Bald Mountain State Recreation Area’s four loops should not be underestimated. While this trail system is also shared with mountain bikers and hunters, you will have the best opportunity here to only share the trails with fellow hikers and wildlife. As such, we recommend starting with Bald Mountain if you are just starting to “level up” your hiking skillset. Starting at the East Graham Lake trailhead, you will head south until turning northeast (left) onto the Orange Trail less than 0.1 miles into the hike. Be sure to utilize the next 0.7 miles of flat hiking and lake views to warm up your legs - at the 0.8 mile mark, you will find yourself tackling almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain towards the trail system’s summit (1,028 ft.). After the summit, you will be rewarded with 0.4 miles of decline as you head west towards Duck Pond. At the 2.2 mile mark, complete the out-and-back that runs parallel to the northeast bank of Prince Lake before hiking 1.4 miles south to the point where the Orange and Green Trails meet. Turn right onto the Green Trail at the 3.8 mile mark. The Green Trail comprises a half mile out-and-bank, which fortunately includes established restrooms right at the turnaround point. You will only briefly retrace your steps though before heading west (left) on the White Trail at the 4.5 mile mark. Don’t get too comfortable on the White Trail, however; you will turn south (left) at the 4.8 mark onto the Blue Trail, which in turn will warmly welcome you with a steady 0.7 mile climb towards the trail’s second highest point (1,022 ft.). Enjoy the ensuing decline as you finish the Blue Trail and turn northwest (left) at the 6.6 mile mark to rejoin the White Trail for a half-mile out-and-back. Continue on the rolling White Trail for its final mile until you reconnect with the Orange Trail at Mile 8.6. The remaining half mile is a leisurely, well-deserved decline back to the East Graham Lake parking lot. Pro Tip : Most trail maps for this hike include a segment through a residential area starting at the 7.1 mile mark, and then continuing for roughly a mile over the southwestern segment of the White Trail and northwestern segment of the Blue Trail. Unless you’re hunting for that extra mile, we recommend skipping this portion of the typical hike (we omitted it from our instructions above). Why? Well, there’s no better buzzkill for a wilderness experience than hiking through a subdivision, plus you would have already hiked the Blue Trail segment in the same direction. Trust us, your senses (and legs) will thank you. Parking Directions : From the Harmon Rd. entrance to the park, turn right onto W Predmore Rd. Turn left at the East Graham Lake Boat Launch sign - be on the lookout for your fellow hikers on the Orange Trail that you will quickly bisect. The road dead ends at the East Graham Lake parking lot .

Tomorrow, the Michigan State Senate Appropriation Committee vote on whether to award a $50 million mining grant on the border of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Here's why all Detroit region recreationists should fight against it. "Right here Lucy, lay right here. Perfect. Good girl!" With the headlamp freshly off, I could barely make out the silhouette of my golden retriever navigating through the pitch-black darkness of our tent. We had never camped before, so with bated breath I watched her sniff around the tent for a few moments, find a spot right next to my sleeping bag, and nestle in to her "dad den." I exhaled. And smiled. Perfect . Everything in that moment was perfect. We had spent the day trekking through the backcountry of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park with two buddies, also from Metro Detroit, and all of our first time to this corner of the Upper Peninsula. We backpacked in to a backcountry site, built a roaring fire, and killed most of a bottle of rye while laughing and telling stories under the starlit sky. Lucy was one of the guys - she even had her own "pack" on to carry her poop bags, collapsable water bowl, and trail treats. Everyone carries their load on the trail. As we laid down to close out a perfect trail day, the Porkies had one last surprise for us. Howls pierced the soundtrack of an August night. A whole pack of wolves, somewhere in our greater vicinity, decided to make their presence known in spectacular fashion. My eyes shot open. Not out of fear, but out of curiosity - and renewed apprehension regarding my newest backpacking companion curled up next to me. Lucy picked up her head. Curiously cocked it to the side. Listened attentively. Smiled. And then nestled back into her polyester den. As I gave her one last kiss goodnight, I couldn't help but smile too. We were sharing a very primal wilderness experience together, just as man and canine had experienced for roughly 30,000 years . Lucy and I always had a special bond, but it was never stronger than those days backpacking through the Porcupine Mountains together, reconnecting with our roots as symbiotic outdoor beings. Hiking those trails. Wading into Lake Superior. Admiring the stars reflecting off of the Lake of the Clouds. A truly #PureMichigan wilderness experience. The "Porkies Crew" at Lake of the Clouds, August 2019 That's my personal Porkies story. One of innumerable special moments that have been experienced by generations of visitors to " America's most beautiful state park. " A beautiful collection of memories that I hold deeply close to my heart, especially since Lucy is tragically no longer in my life. Now, as I type these words, another main character in my story is also at risk. An unreasonable, indefensible, and potentially catastrophic risk. A risk that threatens not only the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior, but the entirety of Michigan's outdoor recreation industry - and especially Detroit's. The Porcupine Mountains themselves are in risk of exploitation, contamination, and degradation. Here's why all of Michigan's outdoor community must join forces to #ProtectThePorkies. The Danger Facing the Porcupine Mountains In case this article is the first that you are hearing about this issue, allow us to give you the TL;DR summary. TOMORROW, DECEMBER 18TH , the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee will be voting on whether to approve a $50,000,000, taxpayer-funded grant to a Canadian mining company called Highland Copper. The Michigan House Appropriations Committee provided their preliminary approval of the grant last week. The "Copperwood Mine" will be located all of a 15 SECOND DRIVE from the southeastern corner of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, with mining waste having direct gravitational flow access to the Presque Isle River and Lake Superior. Additionally, the Copperwood Mine will be located directly north of the North Country National Scenic Trail , one of the longest national scenic trails in the United States. Image courtesy of Protect the Porkies Before diving into the severe environmental and economic risks of the Copperwood Mine, for the sake of fairness we would like to point out some of its economic benefits. The price of copper is roughly $3.72 per pound , so the mine could produce an estimated $400 million. The copper mining industry produces roughly $1 billion per year for Michigan's economy. Alright, those are the "pros." Here is the startling long list of " cons ": Thirty million tons of mine waste. That's right - the Copperwood Mine is anticipated to produce 30,000,000 tons of toxic waste over a 10 year period. Copper will comprise only 1.45% of the total extracted material from the mine - the remaining 98.55% would be waste, containing mercury, arsenic, and other toxins, to be stored on-site in a 323-acre waste facility erected on topography sloping directly into Lake Superior. There has never been a copper sulfide mine which did not contaminate local water. The Copperwood Mine would erect a tailings disposal facility holding 50+ million tons of heavy-metal laden waste-rock on topography sloping towards Lake Superior - a lake that comprises 10% of the world's freshwater. The underground operations of the Copperwood Mine would threaten the roots of the Porcupine Mountain's old growth forest. The 35,000 acres of old growth forest in Porcupine Mountains State Park represent the largest tract of mixed old growth remaining in the Midwest. Irreparable harm to local wildlife. The mine would subject the Porcupine Mountains to heavy metal dust spewed up from hundreds of meters underground, to catch and carry on the wind for miles in all directions; twice-daily subterranean blasts which are known to disrupt the reproductive cycles of aquatic life; noise pollution and light pollution which will further impact the mating rituals and calls of wildlife. Intense light pollution. The 24/7 requisite industrial lighting for the Copperwood Mine would entail severe light pollution for the wilderness region, leading to negative and deadly effects on many creatures, including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Copper is not scarce. It is 100% recyclable, and an estimated 88% of copper still remains in the ground. Copper was also just recently denied an upgrade of status to "critical mineral" by the U.S. Geological Society. Highland Copper is an inexperienced and foreign entity. The extra copper will be shipped to Canada for Canadian infrastructure and manufacturing operations. Highland Copper has never developed a mine before. This list only scratches the surface of the projected risks that the Copperwood Mine poses to the Porcupine Mountains, including additional and specified harm to secondary forest growth, endangered wolf and Redside Dace populations, medicinal plant species, and cultural degradation to indigenous Anishinaabe lands. But wait, there's more. An additional genre of "harm" that may sound intangible, but will have a devastating impact on the Great Lakes State for decades to come. In fact, it is a recurrent harm that generations of Michiganders - and especially Detroiters - have already faced and suffered under: The Degradation of our Outdoor Identity. The Fragility of Michigan's Outdoor State Until very, very recently , Michigan's outdoor recreation industry has faced a severe image problem. Scratch that, the entire Great Lakes region has had to overcome a legacy of favoring industrialization over conservation . The impact of such political and economic favortism has had dire socioeconomic and environmental consequences, which we have felt the most painfully right here in the Detroit region. As political strategist Lee Atwater once said, " Perception is reality. " Throughout Michigan's history , our collective perception of our natural resources has varied significantly. From fur trapping to logging booms to the rise of the automative industry, we have systematically perceived our Michigan's bountiful forests, water ways, wildlife, and minerals as a means of economic and industrial production. Yes, this has brought "high times" of wealth, development, and prosperity to our region. The natural cycles of industrialization have also left ghost towns, economic exposure , and irreparable environmental contamination in its wake. One of the first articles that we ever published on Expedition Detroit featured a response to the dumping of 10,000 gallons of hexavalent chromium solution - a highly toxic carcinogen - into disposal channels that lead to the Huron River . The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is struggling to maintain healthy wildlife populations due to Michigan's over-suburbanization and aging, decreasing population. Our state is struggling to attract young workers to fill in the widening void wrought by poor economic development agendas brought forth by administrations past. Ironically, this is all occurring while Michigan's outdoor recreation industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy contributed $13.9 billion in value-add in 2023 , supporting 118,000 jobs and $6.4 billion in compensation to employee households. There are more than 7,000 outdoor recreation industry companies in Michigan, ranging from manufacturing, service providers and facilitators to retailers and wholesalers. National headlines have hailed both Michigan as a whole and Detroit specifically as "one of the most adventurous states in the U.S.," including the following quote from Outside Magazine : The Detroit Riverwalk, the city’s crown jewel, now connects to nearby Belle Isle, the southern terminus of the nearly completed 2,000-mile Iron Belle Trail. The statewide project, with hiking and biking paths to the Upper Peninsula, is over 70 percent ready following new route additions in 2023. . . The expansion of the Detroit Riverwalk—a 3.5-mile riverfront promenade voted one of the nation’s most beautiful—means easier access to Belle Isle, a 982-acre park. The best part about all of these good headlines? Young professionals - the " Holy Grail " for Michigan's long-term economic development agenda - are attracted to regions that feature world-class outdoor recreational opportunities . HOW YOU CAN PROTECT MICHIGAN'S OUTDOOR FUTURE Here's our main question to the powers that be: Why the hell are we shooting ourselves in the foot? A common definition for " Insanity " is "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." By sacrificing one of Michigan's most beloved wilderness regions in the name of marginal profits, we as a state are signaling to the greater outdoor economy that nothing has changed . That we will build a major manufacturing site directly next to a fragile natural resource. That we will disregard our natural environment in the name of pollutive profits. That we are comfortable trading short-term benefits for long-term pain. That we’re willing to gamble with our reputation as an outdoor destination, especially for nascent recreational economies like Detroit’s. That Michigan's outdoors - including the economic and ecological environment that supports it - truly do not matter. How can we call ourselves the " Great Trails State " when we're willing to build a pollutive mine right next to a National Scenic Trail? How can the "Great Lakes State" be so willing to utilize taxpayer funds to contaminate our largest lake? We're far from alone in expressing this outrage. As of the publication of this article, 324,902 individuals have signed a petition to "Protect the Porkies." You should too, but given the 11th hour of this publication, here is how you can join the fight. CONTACT YOUR SENATOR. Especially these Senators that will be VOTING TOMORROW: E-mail Addresses (copy and paste the full list into the To: field of an email) SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov SenJIrwin@senate.michigan.gov SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov SenDCamilleri@senate.michigan.gov SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov SenMCavanagh@senate.michigan.gov SenJBumstead@senate.michigan.gov SenTAlbert@senate.michigan.gov SenJDamoose@senate.michigan.gov SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov SenLTheis@senate.michigan.gov   Phone Numbers — Senate Sarah Anthony (Majority Chair): 517-373-6960 Sean McCann (Majority Vice Chair): 517-373-5100 Kristen McDonald Rivet: 517-373-1725 John Cherry: 517-373-0142 Rosemary Bayer: 517-373-2417 Sylvia Santana: 517-373-0990 Sue Shink: 517-373-2426 Jeff Irwin: 517-373-2406 Kevin Hertel: 517-373-7315 Darin Camilleri: 517-373-7918 Veronica Klinefelt: 517-373-7670 Mallory McMorrow: 517-373-2523 Mary Cavanagh: 517-373-7748 John Bumstead (Minority Vice Chair): 517-373-1635 Thomas Albert: 517-373-1734 John Damoose: 517-373-2413 Mark Huizenga: 517-373-0797 Rick Outman: 517-373-3760 Lana Theis: 517-373-2420 ***DECEMBER 20, 2024 UPDATE*** On December 19th, the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee DECLINED TO VOTE on the Copperwood Mine Grant, effectively DEFEATING its passage for the indefinite future! This is a MASSIVE win for Michigan's outdoor community, and one that inherently aligns with the values and aspirations of the Expedition Detroit community. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and contacted their state representatives. Thank you to the team at Protect the Porkies for their tireless efforts in advocating for the land. Most importantly, thank you to the Porkies and Lake Superior for being so damn spectacular that any reasonable person had no choice but to jump on board the #ProtectThePorkies train. Unfortunately, yesterday's actions do not guarantee the safety of the Porcupine Mountains. As certain as death and taxes are, you can also bet your last dollar that someone - either Highland Copper or another unknown party - will continue to try and extract valuable resources from this immensely vulnerable environment. Absolutely savor this moment of victory, but stay diligent. And when the time comes, we hope that you'll join us in continuing this fight. #ProtectthePorkies

'Tis the season for holly, jolly outdoor adventures - and we are stoked for them all! As you navigate the madness of the holidays, here are the top ten outdoor events near Detroit to guide you through this most festive of months. Happy holidays! In case you haven't heard, it's the most wonderful time of the year... And yes, not only because of the holiday season. The Expedition Detroit team is STOKED for a December that's JAM-PACKED with recreational opportunities in the Detroit area, which may come as a shock to some outdoor enthusiasts. Especially since we're waaaaay behind the curve here publishing this article on December 12th. Whoops . To be fair, December can be a polarizing month - less in terms of Santa's homestead and more regarding attitudes towards outdoor recreation. The Winter Solstice hitting mid-month means that December brings the shortest and some of the coldest days of the year. Add in the seasonal work and holiday commitments, the net result is that the odds for experiencing bountiful outdoor recreation thin out a bit. That, dear friends, represents the greatest gift that you will receive this month. December rings in opportunities for intrepid recreationists that simply do not exist mid-summer. Virtually empty running, hiking, and kayaking trails. Prime time for fat tire biking season. Expeditious s nowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes. Fresh groomer tracks at Detroit's ski resorts. Extended hunting periods. An entire season ripe for outdoor innovation. Put differently, December provides us all with two options : hibernate until spring, or fully embrace and capitalize on the gift that is winter in Detroit. You already know which option we're choosing, so we're kicking off our winter expeditions with these awesome top ten outdoor events near Detroit for December . Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts Management Company. 1. Earn First Tracks at Detroit's Premiere Ski Resorts Throughout December | Big Four Ski Resorts Winter recreation invokes many different emotions, expectations, and memories. For certain members of the Expedition Detroit team, winter means claiming first chair rights and carving fresh tracks into a perfectly groomed ski slope. Yes, we of course love our backcountry terrain too, but there's nothing quite like a crisp groomer or a deep powder day at one of Detroit's four premiere resorts: Mt. Holly , Pine Knob , Alpine Valley , and Mt. Brighton . As of the writing of this article, 3/4 of Detroit's " Big Four Ski Resorts " are open for riding! We state this with a little bit of a caveat - all four resorts are largely still in the snowmaking/accumulating process . Conditions are only going to heat up ( er , cool down?) as this month progresses, so while we're waiting for the snow to fall we will be purchasing our lift tickets (relevant links here and here ), sharpening our skis, and dreaming of those first sweet runs. 2. Run like Rudolph in a Holiday Race December 7th   | Throughout the Detroit Region   | 9:30 a.m. Remember those few extra pounds that you may or may not have packed on during Thanksgiving? Well, lucky for you, 2024's holiday race season didn't end with that Turkey Trot your in-laws dragged you out of bed to run. To the contrary, 'tis the season for Christmas-themed races , so you'll burn off those extra turkey pounds in no time. The holiday race season, all of your favorite running Santas will be coming to towns across the Detroit region this Saturday, December 7th . Starting in Utica, the Eggnog Jog  kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Dexter's a nnual " Holiday Hustle " then sprints off with their half marathon race at 11 a.m., followed by community-favorites 1 mile and 5K events respectively at 4 and 4:30 p.m. Last but certainly not least, Saline's " Merry Mile " closes out the festive racing at 5:30 p.m. 3. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve December 7th   | Point Pelee National Park    | 6:00 p.m.   Sometimes the best break from the frenzy of the holidays is to do nothing. Well, almost nothing - hiking through a national park to experience the   best stargazing in the Detroit region  definitely counts as doing something. Fortunately for us, Point Pelee National Park  saves the day yet again as our region's sole Dark Sky Preserve : the ideal location for gazing into the cosmos and tuning out the world for an extraterrestrial outing. 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. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) will be onsite with telescopes to facilitate star gazing. RASC attendance is weather permitting as cloudy skies inhibit night sky viewing. Cloudy skies or clear, the park will be open until 12 am unless otherwise stated 4. Wander Into Winter with Expedition Detroit! Throughout December | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Detroit is a world-class, year-round outdoor destination - and our guided trips are curated to capitalize on each phase of our calendar trail conditions! Beyond our typical offering of guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running adventures, this December we're excited to broaden our offering of guided night hiking safaris and - conditions pending - GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREKS ! Both of these trips will provide snowshoes and headlamps for rent. 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 has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience . P.S. Subscribers to our content  get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store  items... 5. Discover the 12 Birds of Christmas at Humbug Marsh December 21st | Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge - Humbug Marsh Unit | 9 a.m. Let's be honest - why just sing about a few festive birds when you can venture into our region's sole International Wildlife Refuge to experience the real deal? The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is hosting a free " 12 Birds of Christmas " hiking and bird watching event at Humbug Marsh. Located along the Detroit River, Humbug Marsh is the last undeveloped mile of the Detroit River on the U.S. side of the border. The guided hike will traverse native prairies, native shrublands, forests with a unique mosaic of 300-400 year old oaks mixed with hickory and ash, diverse wetlands, and beautiful Humbug Island. Rare birds on the viewing agenda include eagles, winter wrens, golden crowned kinglets, herons, and other migrating and resident water birds. 6. Book Your Escape from the Holiday Mayhem All December   | Throughout Detroit Region Let's call a spade a spade: the holidays often provide some of the most stressful days of the year. A perfect storm of year-end burnout , financial stressors, and familial pressures. Oh, and constant reminders to be "merry" and "joyful" don't really ease the situation as much as carolers hope for ( they actually tend to exacerbate it ). During times like these, our go-to remedy is a winter escape. Anything from an overnight at Green Lake's iconic yurt , a rustic cabin at Island Lake Recreation Area, Point Pelee National Park's " oTENTik " modern tents, or the best "glamping" destinations throughout the Detroit region. Basically anything to get you off-grid and in nature during this magically stressful time of year. Photo courtesy of Glenlore Trails 7. Experience the Winter Wonderland of Glenlore Trails Throughout December  | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan   | 7 p.m. This holiday season, Glenlore Trails invites you to step into "Aurora," an illuminated winter wonderland! Glenlore's magical night walk is filled with dazzling lights, interactive activations, and a special twist - magic wands that let you unlock hidden surprises along the trail . Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a memorable date night, Aurora offers a truly immersive experience that will bring the holiday season to life! Aurora will be open from until December 29th. 8. Seize the Day on a Winter Solstice Hike December 21st   | Lake Erie Metropark | 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Winter is coming. For many, that may invoke a feeling of dread - or a signal to start looking at flights south. For Expedition Detroit, on the other hand, that means an opportunity to kick the " Friluftsliv " lifestyle into high gear. The Detroit region's generous snowfall and shorter days mean incredible skiing, snow shoeing , and night hiking opportunities . Plus, the fair-weather crowds leave our pristine natural environment virtually vacant. And that all officially kicks off on December 21st - the " Winter Solstice " - which is also the shortest day of the calendar year. This solstice, our friends at Lake Erie Metropark invite you to seize the fleeting daylight on their nature trails on an educational Winter Solstice Hike ! The guides will dive deep into the why and how the winter solstice happens, and what that means for the natural world around us. This program is entirely outdoors, lasts approximately 120 minutes, will be spent on a leisurely walk with frequent stops. The hike will conclude at the Lake Erie Marshlands Museum. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. EXPLORE A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 9. Stay in the Woods for Extended Whitetail Deer Season Throughout December   | Statewide in Michigan    Wait - you didn't think that whitetail deer season   ended in November, right ...? If you did, don't sweat it. Most Michiganders only associate deer hunting with "primetime" firearm season during the last two weeks of November. However, deer season continues all the way until the very end of January. In fact, Detroit-region hunters have the most expansive and inclusive hunting opportunities in the entire state . Here's a quick reference guide for the remaining schedule for deer season near Detroit: Period Dates Equipment Regulations Location Muzzleloader December 6th - 15th A muzzleloading rifle or black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute Statewide Antlerless Firearm December 16th - January 12th All firearm regulations apply Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties Urban Archery December 1st - January 31st Compound and crossbow; must wear hunter orange during firearm periods Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources  has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy . More specifically, in order to alleviate the significant stress that an overpopulation of deer has levied upon the lower peninsula's ecosystem, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe . Increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits  of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 10. Sprint into the New Year at the Belle Isle NYE Run December 31st | Belle Isle State Park   | 3 p.m. Every New Year's Eve , we all find ourselves looking forward to a blank slate of opportunity. Races to be run. Trails to be explored. Memories to capture. And for the most part, all of those experiences lay just outside of our grasp - one ripped calendar page away from becoming a reality. December 31st also provides us all with one last sweet, finite way of sticking it to the year that's on its way out. Regardless of whether you'll look back on 2024 as the best or worst year of your life, we can't think of a better way to close out this chapter than sweating it out on a New Year's Eve race. This year, head down to Belle Isle for the annual New Year's Eve Run 5K ! Set against the picturesque backdrop of Downtown Detroit , this annual run features a range of distances to accommodate all levels of runners and walkers. Participants enjoy a scenic route with stunning views of the Detroit skyline and the Detroit River, while festive decorations and a lively atmosphere add to the celebration. The event often includes post-race festivities such as music, food, and opportunities for socializing, making it a memorable way to ring in the new year. Happy December to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2024. We can’t wait to see you out there! 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.

In this opinion piece, Brandan Freeman of "Shades of the Outdoors" provides critical insights into the broken promises of "The Wilderness Act" and "Civil Rights Act" - and how all Americans can better uphold the call for an "Outdoors for All." The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of one of the most important pieces of legislation impacting the American outdoors: The Wilderness Act. The Wilderness Act drastically expanded the definition of what could be conserved under federal law. As a result, millions of acres of land across the country have been protected from commercialization and human development. This land has been protected to be used for, according to the Act’s edict, the " permanent good of all people. " The anniversary of the Act’s signing is worth celebrating by anyone who experiences our national parks, monuments, waterways, and public lands . As an outdoor enthusiast, I extol the Wilderness Act as a shining example of American ingenuity, perseverance, and commitment to conservation. Indeed, it truly is. It is also one of the most visible examples of systemic racism in this era of “color blindness.” This year, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, we should also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act . Both acts were approved by Congress within the same legislation session. The Wilderness Act was passed unanimously, in a bipartisan manner, by members of the House of Representatives on July 30, 1964.Three weeks earlier, members of the House convened to vote on the Civil Rights Act, which fortunately passed on July 2, 1964. Unlike the Wilderness Act, however, the passage of the Civil Rights Act was highly contentious and far from unanimous. In fact, when you analyze the voter rolls for both Acts, you undeniably discover systemic inequality in action. Out of all of the votes cast, nearly one third of Congress members that voted in favor of the Wilderness Act, did not vote in favor of the Civil Rights Act. That's right. Over 100 members of congress were simultaneously in favor of the Wilderness Act, but starkly against guaranteeing civil rights for millions of Americans. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. Two days before Independence Day - a day that Americans praise the virtues of freedom and independence, and three weeks before signing legislation that would preserve land for the enjoyment of all Americans - hundreds of members of Congress voted against granting African Americans rights guaranteed by the Constitution. In doing so, Congress perpetuated the dual-definition of what it meant to be an American. The reality of who , where , and how Americans can live their lives. Regardless of the de jure wins passed within the Civil Rights Act, the de facto definition of “all Americans” remained unchanged. Congress' actions affirmed that irrespective of the Act, Americans that identify as members of the global majority (often inaccurately labeled as BIPOC) would remain explicitly excluded. This intentional re-amplification of the racial caste system reaffirmed who qualifies as Americans. And, very notably, wh o were eligible to enjoy public outdoor recreation areas. “All” did not truly mean all. And that legacy of "not all" in our outdoors persists 60 years later. A common saying among the outdoor community is that " the outdoors does not discriminate. " Yes, this is true on its face - there are no records of trees or mountains engaging in hate speech or acts of bigotry. The social construct of "the outdoors," however, has a documented history of racism that both predates and survives the Wilderness Act and the Civil Rights Act. The displacement of Native Americans from their indigenous lands began long before the establishment of our Constitution in 1789. The monstrous amount of lynchings that occurred from 1865 to 1950s usually took place in forests or natural spaces. Even our beloved National Parks System was segregated until 1945. And in recent memory , discrimination in the outdoors has persisted in both covert ways - such as in the case of Christian Cooper, threatened with violence and arrest while bird-watching in Central Park - to overt and life-threatening ways, such as the tragedy of Ahmaud Arbery's murder while running outdoors in February of 2020. Here are additional facts on the current state of the outdoors in America: Only 23% of visitors to the 432 national park units across the U.S. are people of color. 74% percent of communities of color in the contiguous United States live in nature-deprived areas, compared with just 23% of white communities. Nature destruction has had the largest impact on low-income communities of color , depriving such communities of air and water purification, climate mitigation, biodiversity and disease control, and opportunities for leisure and recreation. In Michigan, people of color comprise 85% of residents living in a nature-deprived area. Oftentimes words lose their gravity, importance, and meaning due to overuse. "Systemic" is one of those words. Same with "inequality." From this day forward, when you hear the phrase "systemic inequality," remember the Wilderness and Civil Rights Acts. Inequality is deeply rooted into our society, laws, customs, and courtesies. When we say the "outdoors" was created within a construct that systemically excludes people of the global majority, the Wilderness Act is, unfortunately, exactly what we mean. Remember the statistics referenced here, and how they reflect the duality of what it means to be an American in our "outdoors." It is important to note that conservation didn’t end in 1964. In the 60 years post ratification, numerous additional pieces of legislation were signed to protect millions of additional acres of land. Even today , conservationists in Michigan are fighting in Lansing to protect Porcupine Mountains State Park from a foreign company's plan to erect a metallic sulfide waste facility directly adjacent to the park's boundary. Similarly, the fight for Civil Rights did not end on signing day. The fight for equality for all rages on. And it must continue, because 60 years after these two pieces of legislation were signed, forthcoming government policies continue to threaten the viability of both civil rights and conservation within the United States and around the world. The job wasn’t done then. Our job isn’t done now. Being mindful of our history, and perhaps the future,   we call on outdoor organizations to look inwards. Scrutinize your values, guiding principles, and practices. Colorblindness alone will not bring change. Intentional anti-racist actions are necessary. Only when that occurs will the outdoors truly become a place for everyone . This article was originally published as “ From 1964 to 2024 ” on November 11, 2024 via Shades of the Outdoors and is republished on Expedition Detroit with the express written consent of Shades of the Outdoors and Brandan Freeman. Further republications of the original article require the express written consent of Brandan Freeman. This article expresses the views of its author(s), which do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.

October means that FALL IS BACK IN DETROIT, along with your favorite autumnal traditions, seasonal treats, and the optimal opportunity to experience your favorite parks, trails, and waterways . With the best of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem waiting for your arrival, here's our short list of the Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit remaining in the best month of the year! We’ve said it once, twice, and possibly a million times : nothing beats October in the Detroit area. Crisp mornings, warm days, screensaver-worthy foliage, less crowded trails and campgrounds, open season for hunting, premiere racing… one does not simply top the optimal recreational opportunities that October entails. With an adventure-packed month like October that's already flying by, the sheer scope of the wealth of outdoor experiences available to you may come off as overwhelming at first. Trust us, you're not alone in the sentiment. If we're being honest, every October morning starts with a catharsis of which recreational aspirations we will pursue that day. Start the morning in the tree stand for the morning hunt or with a trail run ? Paddle out into the Huron River for reflective fall colors or pump up the tires for a mountain bike ride ? Head out for a stroll along Detroit's most scenic urban trails or book a guided hike for a backcountry adventure ? Don't worry though - when it comes to October in Metro Detroit, as long as you're outside on a bluebird sky and color-filled day, then you're living your best life . Regardless of your recreational pursuit. That being said, if you're searching for a shortlist of the best outdoor events to provide some structure to the last half of this month of months, then you've clicked on the right article. Here are Expedition Detroit's "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" occurring throughout this action-packed month ! Photo courtesy of Wheelhouse Detroit LLC 1. Dare to Peddle on a Haunted Bicycle Tour through Detroit Throughout October | Detroit, Michigan   | Noon Celebrate Halloween on two wheels with Wheelhouse Detroit ! This spooky cycling tour combines some ghostly anecdotes with factual historic info about Harry Houdini, the Nain Rouge, Elmwood Cemetery, and the St. Aubin Street Massacre. The three hour tour also visits a few spots rumored to be haunted, including the Fort-Shelby and Leland Hotels, The Whitney, and the Masonic Temple. The Detroit central route includes Rivertown, Elmwood Park, Poletown, Midtown/Cass Corridor, and Downtown. There will be time for a beer or coffee stop, per the group's preference. The total route distance is 13 miles and cost is $45/$55 with bike rental. 2. Get in the Woods for Whitetail Deer Bow Season Throughout October | Statewide in Michigan    Fall technically started on September 23rd, but the overwhelming consensus among Michigan outdoorsmen is that the season kicks off the moment that you get into your stand for whitetail deer season on October 1st . Months of gear preparation , scouting, land maintenance, target practice, and stand assembly have led to this moment. The temperature may be slightly warmer than preferred, but there’s no better place to sit back, watch the changing leaves wave in the wind, and wait for that buck of a lifetime to wander your way. This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy . More specifically, in order to alleviate the significant stress that an overpopulation of deer has levied upon the lower peninsula's ecosystem, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe during October's opening weeks . While that may seem counterintuitive to the longstanding - i.e., way outdated - approach to "bucks only" hunting, the DNR's action call also notes that taking an early-season doe will most likely entail increased rut activity, decreased young buck harvests, and improvement of overall herd ratios. Most importantly, increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. Join a Guided Hike under the Full Hunter’s Moon October 17th   |  Lake Erie Metropark   |  7 P.M. October’s full moon - appropriately named the “ Hunter’s Moon ”  - will reach its peak on October 17th. Be sure to catch a glimpse of this bright orange moon by heading over to Lake Erie Metropark  for a guided “ Hunter's Moon Hike ” led by a metropark ranger equipped with special historical and astronomical knowledge. We couldn’t resist doing some of our own research, though; it is believed that this full moon came to be called the “ Hunter’s Moon ” because it signaled the right time to start hunting  in relation to the impending winter. We embrace this omen and proudly endorse this moon.. 4. Ride into the MTB Life at Brighton Recreation Area October 19-20th | Brighton State Recreation Area | 7 A.M. Looking to FINALLY break into mountain biking?? Join Dynamic Cycling Adventures for a weekend of mountain bike clinics taught by local certified coaches!    This upcoming Saturday will feature a fundamentals clinic appropriate for all skills and abilities.  The fundamentals clinic will focus on laying the foundation of sound mountain biking skills. Sunday will consist of an intermediate/advanced clinic to explore more advanced mountain bike skills - cornering, jumping, caps, and rock rollovers.   Combine the two clinics for a great two day clinic experience to take your riding to the next level! The event staff requests that all participants bring helmets, appropriate bike shoes (preferably flats), plenty of water, snacks, lunch, and rain gear.  Online preregistration is required. The cost is $249 for one day or $449 for two days. EXPERIENCE BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA'S FAMOUS PENOSHA TRAIL 5. Hike under Peak Fall Colors with Expedition Detroit! Throughout October | 11 State Parks and Recreation Areas Peak fall colors are JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and there's no better way to experience them than on the trails of the Michigan State Parks! Not sure where to explore? No problem - we've curated dozens of guided trips intended to showcase the best of the best of the Detroit region's outdoors. EXPERIENCE PEAK FALL COLORS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 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 has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience . We will be gradually adding new guided trips over the coming weeks, as well as special trips like night hiking safaris . So, stay tuned friends. We can't wait to host you on one of our trips soon! EXPERIENCE MAYBURY AT NIGHT WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT P.S. Expedition Detroit+ subscribers save 40% on every guided trip AND 20% on online store purchases ..... 6. Run the Detroit Free Press Marathon October 20th | Detroit, MI | 7 A.M. We are certainly not alone in declaring that the Detroit Free Press Marathon is the crown jewel of the Detroit region’s fall outdoor season . The internationally-celebrated course guides runners not only along the crowd-favorite Windsor Riverfront, but also through several featured neighborhoods and destinations . The recently-updated course includes routes within the District Detroit, Midtown, New Center, Eastern Market, and the world-famous Dequindre Cut Greenway ! On a personal note, my all-time favorite racing moment is watching the sunrise while running across the Ambassador Bridge . I don’t know how the race planners perfectly time that year after year, but it’s the icing on the cake for an already bucket list-worthy outdoor event . We hope that you'll join us at the starting line this year! Photo courtesy of Glenlore Immersive Entertainment 7. Experience the Enchantment of Glenlore Trails Throughout October | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan | 7 P.M. Have you experienced the Detroit region's newest Halloween outdoor tradition..? For the fifth year in a row, Glenlore Trails will once again be delighting guests with their immersive and illuminated Enchanted Forest ! From Thursday to Sunday evenings, guests will be captivated and enchanted as they venture into a spellbound forest where "the line between mortals and magic recedes." This magical Halloween experience was transformed by wistful wraiths, frolicking fairies, and the weird wayward witch of the woods. Guests of all ages are immersed in this one-mile outdoor hike complete with sensory installations designed to amaze and entertain. During the walk, which begins at dusk, guests are encouraged take part in a variety of interactive games and installations that can be found throughout the trail. But wait, there's more! Glenlore Trails are also sponsoring a special 21+ night event on October 25th featuring live music. So if you're hunting for a unique date night this month, the ghouls and gobblins lurking around Glenlore have you covered. LOOKING FOR MORE HAUNTED HIKES? BOOK A SPECIAL HAUNTED HIKE AT BELLE ISLE! 8. Hoot and Holler at the Hootenanny Endurance Run October 26th   |  Gregory, Michigan   |  7 A.M. Do you have what it takes to be the last runner standing? Put your stamina to the test at the 2024 Hootenanny Endurance Run , an all-day, all-out running festival! The Hoot consists of several endurance running events ranging from 4 hour, 8 hour, 12 hour, and "Last One Standing" options . The timed events follow a 2-mile forested loop, with the goal being to complete as many loops as possible within the time window. The "Last One Standing" race occurs on a separate 1 mile loop, with the allotted time decreasing slightly with each loop. There's also a classic 5K race for the whole family to enjoy. Last note - the more loops completed, the more prizes runners will receive..! 9. Wear your Mask, Cape, and Helmet at the Batman Ride October 26th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 7:00 p.m. Looking to get some extra use out of your Batman halloween costume this year? Of course you are, you festive outdoor enthusiast. Pack it in alongside your nighttime MTB gear for a special themed " Batman Ride " sponsored by the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association . In full disclosure, the only description for this event is " Ride the Poto, backwards, at night ," so get ready for a night full of awesome mid-fall riding and whatever other surprises that the Poto MBA might have waiting in their utility belt... Photo courtesy of Kona Running Company 10. Run a Halloween-Themed Race October 26th and 27th | Kensington Metropark and Maybury State Park   | 9 A.M. We’re admittedly suckers for hometown 5Ks and 10Ks, and themed races that are enjoyable for runners and spectators alike absolutely top our lists. Running in one of the “Halloween races” occurring across Metro Detroit will undoubtedly get you in the holiday spirit, especially if you forgo your typical race attire for the most sweat-resistant costume in your basement. Finish Line Runs’ “ Michigan Monster Dash ” at Kensington Metropark kicks off the seasonal races on October 26th, which includes 1K, 5K, 10K, and half marathon events. Kona Running’s “ Wicked Halloween Run ” 5K at Maybury State Park closes out Spooky Season racing on the 27th. EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 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 third installment of our #EmbraceTheDark Series, we're exploring the best night hiking trails near Detroit. Spoiler alert: most of these trails are awesome for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing too. What makes for an amazing night hiking trail? We've wrestled with this question over the last few weeks - especially when compared to our existing articles on our region's top-rated and most challenging trails . Should trail accessibility play into the analysis? What about the difference in trail popularity vs. peak summer months? Availability for multi-sport use, such as snowshoeing and fat tire biking, during the winter months? Above average nocturnal wildlife viewing opportunities when compared to daytime wildlife opportunities? Yes - the answer to each of these questions/factors/analytical data points is yes . A truly great nighttime hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing trail should be easily accessible, especially in light of the, well, absence of light. The nocturnal version of the trail should provide benefits that are simply unattainable during peak season, daylight hours: dissipated crowds, bustling wildlife, opportunity to pursue your sport without constantly keeping your head on a swivel for other trail users. Now that we've established our ranking framework, here are the Detroit region's top five trails for your next nighttime outdoor excursion . 1. Maybury State Park Hiking Loop | Northville, MI Distance : 3.1 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy Trail Closure : 10 p.m. In our most recent #TrailTownSpotlight on Northville , we emphasized that Maybury State Park's central location in the Detroit region establishes the park as an outdoor adventure oasis amidst Detroit's western suburbs. Well, there's one downside to that high praise: Maybury is immensely popular with hikers, dog-walkers, and trail runners during the peak summer months - especially along its natural hiking trail. The net result of that popularity includes noise pollution, decreased wildlife sightings, and a slight diminishment of the wilderness sentiment that we all crave. Now, here's a beautiful insider tip: all of these negating factors disappear in the colder months - especially at night! Writing from personal experience, Maybury's main hiking loop has become my go-to hiking and running trail over the last month due to its ease of accessibility from virtually anywhere in the Detroit region, its depopulated route, and the immensity of wildlife that I regularly cross-paths on the trail. I kid you not, I have seen more giant bucks along Maybury's hiking trail during the past few weeks than I ever have over nearly a decade of hunting. Beyond these perks, the trail also nabs our top ranking for night hiking due to its combination of interesting geographic features, rolling yet manageable terrain, and opportunities for varied routes. Maybury is a relatively small state park, yet this 5K loop provides hikers with expansive old forest, lowland marsh, and stunning wetland terrain. The park's main fishing pond and adjacent piers are absolutely the gems of the route, but the wooded hills and valleys of the western stretches of the route make for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities - especially with the added visibility during this time of year. The only caveat here is to keep your eyes peeled for roots crossing the trail - especially during the steeper decline around the 1-mile mark. EXPERIENCE THIS TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. Bird Hills Nature Area Trail | Ann Arbor, MI Distance : 4.9 miles Elevation Gain : 393 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Trail Closure : 10 p.m. Coming in as a very, very close second, the Bird Hills Nature Area Trail provides one of the most scenic, unique, and challenging night hiking destinations on our list. Despite falling entirely within the city limits of one of the Detroit region's largest cities, Bird Hills provides hikers with a panorama view of the Huron River, access to four of Ann Arbor's celebrated "Nature Areas," and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a small patch of wilderness despite being walking distance from one of the country's greatest college towns. While Bird Hills stands out on its own anytime of the year, completing the trail outside of its peak March to October season - especially at night - comes with additional perks. Beyond the nonexistent crowds that typically flock to this trail, these colder, darker months take care of the suffocating mosquitos that dominate this trail during early summer. For any college students facing final exams, taking a well-deserved study break in nature, with little to no human interference with your surroundings, also dramatically decreases the stress and anxiety associated with this notoriously stressful final lap of the semester. While none of these trails are necessarily "difficult," the Birds Hill trail does take the prize as the most challenging trail in this article - most notably starting at the 3-mile marker. Please make sure that you adequately prepare for hiking in the dark before hitting the trailhead, including basic safety tips like always telling someone your itinerary before heading out for a hike. As depicted on the map linked above, Bird Hills features lots of intersecting trails, so please frequently check your trail map to avoid getting lost. Take your time, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature, and soak up every moment of having one of the Detroit region's most popular trails all to yourself! 3. Marsh, River, Red, and Blue Trail Loops | Proud Lake State Recreation Area | Commerce Charter Township, MI Distance : 5.6 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy Trail Closure : 10 p.m. I've said it once, twice, and maybe a thousand times: Proud Lake State Recreation Area is one of the Detroit region's most underrated parks, even despite being one of its most popular. For the uninitiated, Wixom Road bifurcates Proud Lake into two distinct western and eastern zones. We recently highlighted the western zone within our #TrailTownSpotlight on Milford as an "off the beaten path" gem for trail running (and mountain biking ), despite the zone largely being dominated by equestrian trails. The far more popular eastern zone is largely the realm of hikers, paddlers, swimmers, fishers, and in-season hunters, as well as scout groups, community camping trips, and anyone else who wants to spend an hour or two on the trail or in the Huron. As you can imagine, summers at Proud Lake can often feel more like a waterpark than a " Walden Pond "-style natural escape from suburbia. Not to sound like a broken record, but here's an amazing fact of nature: remove a few hours of sunlight and degrees Fahrenheit from the equation, and you end up with an entirely distinct experience despite holding all other variables constant. Rather than sharing the splendor of nature with what feels like half of Commerce Township, you're all but guaranteed to see more deer, cranes, or muskrats than people. The awe-factor described here is exponentiated by which trails the route covers. As I mentioned above, the eastern zone of Proud Lake typically represents the "hot zone" for foot traffic during peak visitor months. Of all of the trails in the eastern zone, the Marsh, River, Red, and Blue Trails comprise of the epicenter of Proud Lake's "instagram-worthy" highlight reel of destinations. Having the best of the best of Proud Lake to yourself - Moss Lake Dam, the Proud Lake Marsh boardwalks, the riverside trails, northeastern rolling hills that are typically dotted with hunters - is nature's equivalent of having Campus Martius in peak holiday form as yours alone to enjoy. The only items required are a well-charged headlamp, an extra layer or two, and a spirit of adventure. EXPLORE PROUD LAKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 4. Yellow Trail Loop | Island Lake State Recreation Area | Brighton, MI Distance : 5.5 miles Elevation Gain : 278 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Trail Closure : 10 p.m. If you love the outdoors, then you either will or already do love Island Lake State Recreation Area. Swimming, road cycling, mountain biking, hiking, running, birdwatching, shooting, hunting, fishing... you name it, Island Lake's probably got it. Unsurprisingly, the large park's trails can often swell as a result of the faithful swarming to its pristine wilderness hotspots. And out of all of those hotspots, the Yellow Trail Loop takes the prize as Island Lake's most sought-after trail. The Yellow Trail is the first of two predominantly MTB trails included in this article ( spoiler, sorry ), so during peak season hikers should always keep their eyes and ears dialed in for bikers flying down the descents or burning through tight turns. Come November, however, the likelihood of hearing the characteristic "zip" sound of a mountain bike while on the trail starts to diminish steadily. This has always surprised me, especially since the Yellow Trail more or less constitutes a curated highlight reel of the best natural aspects of what many outdoor enthusiasts consider the best recreation area of the entire Detroit region. Then December arrives, along with its imposing wintry temperatures and darkness, and the biking crowd further reduces to only its most passionate, gear-inundated minority. This, my friends, is when the winter hiking community can truly shine on the Yellow Trail. The decreased traffic allows for hikers to truly enjoy the rolling hills without the risk of a mountain biker flying towards them ( remember : whenever possible, always hike in the opposite direction of biking traffic). The bird-watching opportunities along the foliage banks of the Huron are also incredible - especially at night with the headlamp firing. Enjoy the tranquility of having one of the Detroit region's greatest year-round trails all to yourself! CONQUER THE YELLOW TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 5. Lakeshore Park MTB Trails | Novi, MI Distance : 9.7 miles Elevation Gain : 269 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Park Closure : 9 p.m. The final night hiking trail to make our list may come off as a bit misplaced (or sacrilegious) on first glance for our ardent mountain biking community . Lakeshore Park - also commonly referred to as "Novi Tree Farm" - represents one of the Detroit region's most sought-after and highly-praised mountain biking destinations , especially during the peak summer months. Similar to Maybury, its location within the central core of Metro Detroit has established the park as an accessible, well-maintained rider's paradise for decades (kudos, as always, to the MCMBA for their tireless efforts). Put differently, mountain bikers largely reign supreme at Lakeshore Park. Well, surprise surprise, that power dynamic shifts a bit towards other sports during the colder and darker months. Yes, fat tire bikers with beaming headlamps still rule the trail, but the palpable decrease in mountain biking traffic provides hikers, runners, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers with an opportunity to safely and comfortably explore Lakeshore Park's extensive trail system without constantly looking for cyclists. We have included the full 9.7 mile trail system here, but note that Lakeshore Park provides trail users with a "choose your adventure" opportunity regarding its several interwinding loops. While each distinct loop has varying degrees of difficulty, remember that this trail system was designed predominantly for mountain biking. As such, Lakeshore Park hikers should expect a "flowy" trail accentuated with some tight turns, steep climbs, and plenty of bonus features like rock gardens and log piles. Before closing out this article, we wanted to give a quick shoutout to a certain reader who suggested that we include the actual mapped trail routes that we reference within our articles. Fortunately AllTrails makes this feature super user-friendly, so we thank both the reader and AllTrails for providing us with the idea and capability to make this addition possible. Our primary goal at Expedition Detroit is to provide value to our growing outdoor community, so we welcome any and all ideas geared towards improving or enhancing this platform's content. We've actually referenced several reader-feedback ideas throughout our #EmbraceTheDark Series, so this simple recognition is long overdue. We're extremely grateful for everyone who takes the time to check out our posts, so any comments, ideas, or nudges towards new topics or trails are never brushed aside. Have an idea for a new series? Have a favorite trail that you'd like for us to check out? Sweet - we want to hear about it! You can either subscribe to our monthly Newsletter for regular content sharing opportunities or email us directly at info@expeditiondetroit.com to share. We can't wait to see you on the trail - just don't forget your headlamp!