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Grit. Tenacity. Resilience. Detroiters take pride in these attributes when applied to our work ethic, sports, and generational "we will overcome" spirit. Better yet, Detroit's outdoors provide the perfect arena for acquiring and sharpening our resiliency skills. Midwesterners - and especially Detroiters - are tough. This statement doesn't reflect a biased opinion from a homegrown writer. This is an all but universally-recognized fact, and the supporting evidence is overwhelming. Revitalized neighborhoods. Transformed downtowns. Reclaimed green spaces. Enterprising entrepreneurship. Undying fan bases. And most importantly, our intangible-yet-undeniable approach to all of life's challenges and opportunities. A "screw the conditions, let's get after it" ethos that has provided the bedrock for our region's global leadership in innovation, productivity, and resilience for a century. A recent article from Ski Magazine reinforced this theme. In an article aptly titled "Skiing Needs More Midwestern Vibes," the author notes that midwesterners have developed a "toughness that is impenetrable to the cold and sound decision-making." The article further defines midwesterners as the most "no frills" contingency on any mountain. Regardless of the conditions, "folks are skiing for skiing's sake . . . they only need to go downhill, anywhere, with snow." Amen to that. We at Expedition Detroit are immensely proud of this "hard work heritage" that our region has inherited. While applying these traits to our operations, we've found ourselves caught in a serendipitous productivity cycle: the more that we lean into exploring our outdoors for value creation opportunities, we've returned to the office taking far more lessons away from the experience. Stated differently, our forests, trails, beaches, and waterways constitute the supreme sensei on all facets of life. A wilderness experience provides the ultimate masterclass on ingenuity, creativity, tenacity, self-care, and resiliency - a core skill that applies just as much to setting up camp as launching a new enterprise, strengthening a marriage, or recovering from a major setback in life. A skill that we should all actively seek to incorporate and strengthen within our daily lives. A skill that you can sharpen in Detroit's outdoors through these five resilience-building ways. 1. WAKE UP EARLY Goal: Rise before sunrise on a regular, if not daily, basis. Rationale: Studies have consistently supported the physical, mental, and other personal benefits of rising early. Application: For roughly two years, Robin Sharma's best-selling book The 5AM Club collected dust on my bedside table. For anyone who knew me pre-2023, this scenario was predictable - I was a notorious night owl, including regularly going to bed at 4AM during my college years. While I occasionally harnessed the solitary hours of midnight through 4AM for undisturbed productivity, I always knew that this unorthodox lifestyle was unsustainable. Getting married, joining the legal profession, and developing my interests in outdoor recreation further drove home the hypothesis that a regular circadian routine - including rising early - would strengthen each of these core interests. Spoiler alert, this hypothesis turned out not only to be correct in my personal life, but also a scientifically-verified practice. As stated in The 5AM Club, rising early - especially when coupled with exercise - produces the physiological benefits of cleansing the stress hormone cortisol from your body, increasing your dopamine and serotonin levels, elevating your metabolism, and releasing "brain-derived neurotrophic factor" which repairs brain cells damaged by stress and accelerates the formation of neural connections. The cumulative benefits of these micro-processes include increased and sustained focus, productivity, creativity, energy, fitness, and longevity, coupled with decreases in depression and stress. As anyone who has ever slept in the field can attest, spending a night in a tent, shelter, or under the stars will certainly strengthen this life-giving, resilience-building habit. The symphony of bird calls coupled with the gradual increase in daylight will trigger nature's circadian alarm clock to go off in your neurobiology, thereby kick-starting the other benefits listed above. No backpacker, hunter, or rider has ever complained about boosted levels of focus, energy, and creativity while on the trail - nor has any corporate associate, artist, or other professional in their workspace. These benefits translate A-to-A from the field to the desk, and the outdoors provide a perfect environment for cultivating this early-riser habit. 2. SLEEP OUTSIDE ONE NIGHT EACH MONTH Goal: Spend one night each month sleeping in a tent, shelter, or under the stars. Rationale: Sleeping outside improves sleep quantity and quality, increases cognitive function, reduces stress, and improves your immune system. Application: Alright, so now we know the benefits of early rising - as well as that camping alone facilitates acquiring that resiliency habit. However, science further defends that "tent sleeping," or really any outdoor overnight sleeping method, provides a litany of additional physiological benefits beyond realigning our circadian methods. And yes, the benefits actually increase during the colder months. To begin with, simply sleeping outside throughout the year has proven to improve immune system functionality and speed up metabolic rates. Scientific research has demonstrated that when sleeping outdoors, you expose your body to helpful microorganisms that give your immune system a test drive and help you prepare for more dangerous viruses or bacteria. Additionally, research supports that spending more time outside will increase the white cells and protein levels in your blood, thereby protecting you from life-threatening diseases like cancer. During the winter, leading research supports the notion that these benefits are further enhanced by the colder air. Studies show that winter camping helps reduce inflammation, improve our brain's cognitive functionality, and increase metabolism as the body burns more fat to keep you warm. In summary, since we have the blessing of recreating in a four-season environment, why not harness winter's benefits while also improving the resiliency of our physical and mental capacities? Quick word of caution here: you need the right equipment to maximize the benefits of this outdoor resiliency method. Yes, sleeping on a deflated air mattress, in a warm-weather sleeping bag, over exposed rocks, and in 15ºF conditions will undoubtedly build "resiliency" (if that example sounds oddly specific, let's just say that my back is still sore). It will also greatly increase the likelihood that you will never want to sleep outside ever again. Especially for winter camping, make sure that you buy - and "backyard test" - the right winter gear BEFORE heading out into more isolated locations. 3. LEARN ONE NEW (SURVIVAL) SKILL EACH YEAR Goal: Every year, pursue at least one particular skillset that you are not proficient at but would greatly benefit from mastering - especially in the outdoors. Rationale: Developing a lifelong habit of learning not only will equip you with new and valuable skills, but also augment your cognitive capacity. Application: Always Be Learning. If there's one key takeaway from the inundation of "self-optimization" audiobooks and podcasts that narrate our commutes and workouts, then that's it. Just as Isaac Newton's First Law of Motion states that "an object at rest remains at rest," we further theorize that a "mind at rest remains at rest - and therefore atrophies." The inverse of our theory as that a "mind in motion remains in motion - and therefore grows." When it comes to the outdoors, the single best skill, gear, or other utility that you can bring into the field is a sharp mind. The simplest method of sharpening your brain is by improving your cognitive capacity via regularly "exercising your brain." An exercised brain is a challenged brain, so learning new skillsets - especially those geared towards equipping you for experiences in the outdoors - will have a compounding benefit of improving your memory, focus, reasoning, processing, problem-solving, technical, and outdoor skills. Wondering which outdoor skills to start with? We recommend starting right at the basics: read a survival skills book, practice building a shelter and/or contained fire, learn about wilderness first aid, and regularly practice with your camping or backpacking gear. Beyond the outdoors, you can also great improve your cognitive abilities through enrolling in community educational classes, learning a second language, practicing a musical instrument, and regularly dancing. As an extra benefit, scientific studies summarily agree that an aggregate resiliency effect of lifelong learning includes diminishing the onset of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other memory-affecting ailments. 4. ADD 1% TO YOUR PURSUITS Goal: Plan your ideal duration for training runs, paddling mileage, hiking treks, or other physical pursuits - and then add 1% more to that duration. Rationale: Adding incremental increases to physical endeavors cumulates in sustainable, consistent, and significant growth in the aggregate. Application: At the end of a long run - especially those monster 10+ mile runs as you're getting closer to your half-marathon, marathon, or ultra race day - the tendency to glance at your watch to hit your target distance becomes more and more tempting. Harsh conditions or rapidly declining energy levels can further allow an appeasing voice to whisper into your ear; although gently at the beginning, soft nudges towards ending a run early can snowball into screaming demands for the experience to end, numbers on the watch be damned. No, giving into such demands does not equate to weakness. This voice that we all hear simply means that we're human, and therefore we naturally lean into our innate survivalist state to take the path of least resistance. Which has collectively served us well over the course of human history...but in our bloated 21st century lives, this tendency has also led to skyrocketing figures of obesity, complacency, and lack of resiliency across every sphere of our lives. In other words, our contemporary comforts + survivalist nature = decreased drive to venture into the realm of discomfort. What can we do to combat this? Quoting long-distance runner and former special operations solider David Goggins, "The reason it’s important to push the hardest when you want to quit the most is because it helps you callous your mind." A calloused mind is a trained mind, which sometimes requires some harmless manipulation in order to train properly. The 1% Rule, as captured in the best-selling book by Tommy Baker, is a simple, time-tested means of such beneficial manipulation. The core concept of the rule is that by consistently and persistent increasing the intensity of physical pursuits by just 1%, you will make significant and successful progress over the course of a year, decade, and lifetime. For me personally, I typically apply this concept at the start of my runs - if I'm scheduled to run 5 miles, I set my watch at 5.05 miles. That way, when that tempting voice starts to creep in towards the end of my run, I already have the extra distance hardwired in. Now, at the end of that run, I have not only completed the required 5 miles, but added a little extra mileage on top of resisting the urge to ease up on my workout. A win-win for both physical and mental resiliency. 5. COMPLETE A SOLO AND GROUP TREK EACH YEAR Goal: Complete at least two overnight camping trips per year - one by yourself and one with at least one other person. Rationale: Actively developing both your self-reliant and collaborative skillsets while in the wild will equip you with the experience to successfully handle the broad spectrum of life's challenges. Application: "Survival Shows" are truly having a moment right now in the media spotlight. For several years now, "Alone" has been my personal favorite show: a "last person standing" contest where several survival experts are dropped off at dispersed locations in a wilderness destination, forced to live off of the land in complete isolation from one another. Then, just this past March, Netflix flipped the survivalist concept on its head with its groundbreaking "Outlast": a "last team standing" show where contestants must collaborate with at least one other person or else face elimination. Collectively, these shows demonstrate the core skillset required to survive and thrive not only in the wilderness, but also back home: an ability to successfully operate both independently AND in team environments. Where should one go to test and hone in on such skills? Grab your pack, and then a buddy or two. You're headed to the woods. Okay...so why two trips? Well, for starters, camping is not easy - regardless of how many hands are available around a campfire ring to assist with seemingly basic tasks. With a group trip, while you will have strength in numbers for gathering firewood, filtering water, running your camp stove, setting up tents, and other "home base functions," the lethal combination of sore feet, inclement weather, incessant insects, and - most dangerous of all - clashing personalities, can all but nullify the benefits of a group. In order to successfully camp with a group, the group must be willing to leave their egos at the trailhead, allocate responsibilities equitably, and collectively agree to maintain positive vibes regardless of what the trail throws at them. For example, I was lucky enough to join a group of 15 backpackers that traversed one of Colorado's most challenging trails last summer. Maybe the altitude affected my memory, but I do not remember a single argument within our group despite the mileage, climbs, different backgrounds, and weather. To summarize this point, as author Yvonne Prinz famously penned, "If you can survive camping with someone, you should marry them on the way home." On the other end of the spectrum, you have the ultimate test in resiliency: solo camping. Don't get us wrong, while is an undeniable beauty in the unrestrained freedom that solo backpacking provides to those daring enough to embark on it, there is also an unrelenting uncertainty regarding the "What ifs." On a personal note, despite my decade+ of group backpacking experience, my stomach was in a knot as I took my first solo steps on my thru-hike of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail last month. My trusted companions were not available to share in transporting the gear. My small med kit was the only true professional medic on the trail (I have the luxury of typically hiking with an E.R.'s quantity of doctors). Solo backpacking or camping means that you are truly alone, along with the responsibility of addressing any and all variables that the trail may throw at you. That may sound scary, but now imagine fast-forwarding to the end of your solo trip. You have just completed 24 hours+ by yourself in the elements, a completely self-sustaining machine of an outdoor enthusiast. You have embraced and conquered every challenge without the assistance of another. You have definitively answered the questions of "Can I do this..." or "Am I capable of..." in the affirmative. Yes, you are capable. Yes, you have what it takes. And yes, this newfound confidence translates to other realms of your professional and personal life, further boosting the benefits of the first four aspects of this article. To summarize this two-for-one outdoor resiliency method, taking time each year to develop your ability to work successfully with others AND by yourself might be the single greatest skill that you could meaningfully develop. A successful, resilient life incorporates both of these elements flawlessly: acquiring the skills that you need to survive alone, while also recognizing and delegating certain responsibilities to others. In honor of #MentalHealthAwareness month, we wanted to share these five outdoor ways of building resiliency during a time when our "indoor culture" is reeling from a mental health epidemic. A perfect storm of oppressive work commitments, poor dietary and sleep habits, insufficient time to exercise, and an increasing dependency on technology for cognitive stimuli is undeniably eroding our culture's ability to obtain and sustain peace, joy, and productivity. Unfortunately, all indicators point towards this "mental health crisis" remaining a turbulent force for the foreseeable future. Please, friends - don't toss in the towel on this issue. There are a wealth of mental health resources available to us all, but ultimately each of us must be willing to implement daily practices towards building our fortitude against this crisis. Fortunately, the most potent AND accessible resource is waiting just outside your door. Our great outdoors provide an idyllic sanctuary for healing and strengthening our core resiliency skillsets - and our sincere hope is that these 5 methods will provide an initial framework for embarking on this lifelong expedition. We can't wait to see you out there.

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores a trail widely recognized as one of the Top 100 Trails in the entire country: Pontiac Lake's Mountain Bike Trail. Join us as we scale the climbs and ride the bends of this classic biking and hiking trail! "Yeah, I've been riding for a while now. Pontiac Lake was what really got me into it." Flashback to April of 2020, and my buddy has formally inducted me into the Detroit region's mountain biking faithful. I'm far from being the most recent convert - cycling in general, and mountain biking in particular, exploded as recreational interests during the peak pandemic era. There are legions of new bikers on Maybury's MTB trail that day, but I'm one of the lucky few to have an experienced guide waiting for me at each check point. I try to pick his brain about the sport at each of those points, mostly in an effort to buy myself an extra minute to catch my breath. "This trail's great, but Pontiac Lake is just another level. Definitely harder than this, but it might be my favorite in the state." Regardless of the pursuit, new minds are immensely impressionable. I can still vividly recall that conversation because of the imprint that it left on my perception of some local park known as "Pontiac Lake" - a place that I had never heard of and, frankly, was intimidated by. A trail that I would surely explore someday, via bike or boot, but certainly not that day. A little over three years later, I find myself finding standing at 1,118 feet - the highest point of Pontiac Lake's MTB Trail Loop. Despite the years of trail experience that I have now logged in the saddle of my bike, I'm actually a hiker during this inaugural pilgrimage to Pontiac Lake (bike is finally out of the shop and ready for the season!). As my eyes catch fleeting glimpses of the glistening waters of Pontiac Lake through the recently-bloomed canopy below, I'm a juxtaposition of emotions. Disappointment for not reaching this exact vista sooner in my life. Gratitude for having the interest and ability to stand here now. And excitement for presenting this miraculous trail to an audience so that they too can explore it - hopefully soon. It is our honor to reintroduce Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area now. MEET PONTIAC LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA 1944 was a pivotal year for conservation in the Detroit region. After 23 years of surveys, fundraising, negotiations, and land acquisitions, the Michigan Department of Conservation acquired roughly 100,000 acres to establish 10 "state recreation areas" throughout southeast Michigan. One of those fortunate recreation areas consisted of 3,745 acres situated along the northern banks of Pontiac Lake, largely former farm parcels and woodlands that blanketed the hills of central Oakland County. As exciting as finally realizing a decades-long dream was, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Pontiac Lake Recreation Area was just the start of the park's modern development. Over the next 80 years, the generations of Michigan Conservation and DNR staff that directed the preservation and progression of the park witnessed the construction of the massive PLRA Beach, the construction of a modern campground, the establishment of an Off-Road Vehicle area, and the construction of hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking trails. In 2023, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area continues to serve as an oasis of wilderness within the heart of Oakland County. The park's kaleidoscope of lake, pond, marsh, mature forest, rugged moraine, and former farmland habitats provides a refuge for a vast variety of wildlife. Pontiac Lake represents sacred ground for the Detroit region's most ardent mountain bikers, hikers, hunters, anglers, bird watchers, equestrians, and casual day trippers just looking to catch some rays on the longest beach in southeast Michigan. The mountain biking trail has garnered special praise since its initial planning in 1976; the trail has been recognized as one of the "Top 100 Trails" in the United States and is considered one of the most technical trails in southeast Michigan. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 9.4 miles Elevation Gain: 649 feet Trail Rating: Moderate-Difficult Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at Pontiac Lake trailhead (Michigan Recreation Passport required) Some parks in the Detroit region, we're convinced, get a sadistic satisfaction out of hiding their trailheads. Maybe the trail builders back in the 1950s just had a bad day because their Elvis record got scratched, who knows. On the other hand, a select few parks idiot-proof their trailheads: there's only one prominent place to park that's within direct eyesight of one core trailhead. Let's take a moment to collectively thank the bygone trail builders of Pontiac Lake's main MTB and hiking trailhead for conveniently idiot-proofing the trailhead. The westernmost parking spots at Pontiac Lake's massive beach parking lot are essentially the starting point of the famous Mountain Biking Trail, marked conspicuously by the metallic sign depicted in this article's cover photo. Seriously, you can't miss it. The first 0.4 miles of the trail are equally easy to follow. Once past the metallic trailhead sign, the trail leads you on a straight line northwest through flat and relatively open fields. Pause at the somewhat busy Gale Rd. crossing to check for traffic, but then you will continue due north until you reach Trail Marker #2 - the "real" starting point of the famous MTB Loop. Quick note on the trail orientation described in this #TrailTuesday article. Similar to our article on Highland's A-B-C-D Loops, we will provide instructions regarding Pontiac Lake's MTB Loop in the orientation that mountain bikers ride it, not hikers or trail runners. Remember that hikers and trail runners should always move in the opposite direction of mountain biking traffic whenever possible, which for Pontiac Lake means that mountain bikers will turn LEFT at Trail Marker #2 and hikers/runners will continue RIGHT. There is a "Bike Trail" directional sign just behind the Trail Marker sign in case you need a blatant reminder of which direction bikes should travel. Assuming that you have elected to ride the trail, then we have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that you're starting the trail with fresh legs. The bad news is that Pontiac Lake will throw its most challenging climbs at you within the first 3.7 miles of the 9.4 mile trail - including its steepest 14% grade incline at mile 1.7. In light of this, use the rolling terrain of mile leading up to this steep climb to warm up your legs. Especially if you're a newer rider, recognize that speed compared with the confidence of fresh legs could spell caloric disaster later down the trail. Pace yourself. Enjoy the rolling, wetland terrain of the rev up. And ready to hit the switchback-esque incline with all pistons firing. Once you've reached the top of what I dubbed the "false summit" - the top of the 14% climb described above - the trail briefly flattens out before dipping into an "inner-peak" lowland. The 0.4 mile stretch to the "true summit," marked by an exposed hilltop with impressive panoramic views in the post-foliage months, provides an excellent opportunity for "active recovery" after the initial climb. The true summit provides ample space to rest if you need a breather, but downhill junkies might be tempted to power through due to the next 0.7 miles of almost entirely flowy, speedy fun. Starting at the 2.9 mile marker - the lowest point of the MTB Trail beyond the shores of Pontiac Lake proper - you will start climbing again towards the "Peak #3" of the trail. This stretch of the trail is relatively straight through the density of Pontiac Lake's hardwood forests. Keep your eyes peeled for the scattered equestrian crossings through this segment, although you should be forewarned of each of these crossings via the ample signage. Once at the unceremonious forested summit of Peak #3, your well-earned sustained decline does unfortunately get short-circuited by a Maceday Rd. crossing. Enjoy the 0.2 miles of speed while you can. Across Maceday Rd., a relatively flat section of the trail becomes one of its most memorable due to the dramatic juxtaposition of moraine ridges and deep marshland kettles left by glacial activity 10,000+ years ago. Other than a brief grassland opening just south of White Lake Rd., this rolling, rocky, and densely forested terrain remains largely uninterrupted over the next two miles. Past the trail variances near Robinson Lake (look for the orange "EASY" vs. "HARD" directions, and don't overestimate your ability...), you have nearly reached the "beginning of the end" of the nearly 10 mile trail. While the final 3 miles of the trail still contain some sharp climbs and adrenaline-pumping descents to keep even advanced riders engaged, the main challenges are behind you at this point. Turning south at the 7.3 mile marker indicates that you are truly in the homestretch, although a final ascent at the 8.7 mile marker known as "Final Climb Peak" waits to welcome you back with one final dropkick to your ego. Once you have completed your conquest of Final Climb Peak, Pontiac Lake truly rewards with you smooth sailing back to the trailhead. There's a technical downhill just past Final Climb, but otherwise you will enjoy a remarkably straight route through the forest, into the grasslands, and back to the lakeshore trailhead parking lot. You'll know that you're close to completing the trail once the hills completely dissipate and the only sounds that you can hear are the airplanes taking off above you. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Pontiac Lake undoubtedly represents an outdoor adventure destination in its own right, but maritime recreationists may also be unaware that the park's lakes, creeks, and wetlands provide the de facto launching point for literally multiple streams of adventures. In fact, the headwaters for each of the Clinton, Huron, and Shiawassee Rivers originate within the park's boundaries. While intrepid outdoor enthusiasts could surely find a way to navigate each of these river systems from in or around the park's boundary, the park's eastern boundary along Maceday Lake means that PLRA directly connects to the Clinton River Water Trail's western origination point. Similar to its larger cousin on the Huron, the Clinton River Water Trail consists of 72 miles of interstitial paddling between Maceday Lake and Lake St. Clair. at its eastern terminus. Other than a notable interruption in Pontiac, paddlers can traverse the beautiful Clinton River through the idyllic "lakelands" villages of Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake, the downtowns of Rochester, Utica, and Mount Clemons, before finally completing the journey past Lake St. Clair Metropark and into Anchor Bay. Along the way, paddlers will venture through multiple environments, including marshlands, woodlands, and parks ripe for wildlife viewing opportunities. From Maceday Lake, multi-sport outdoor enthusiasts can easily pair a Saturday on Pontiac Lake Recreation Area's trails with a Sunday on the water. Launching from the southernmost Maceday Lake Access Point, the Clinton River Water Trail provides 20.8 miles of paddling exploration opportunities. This segment of the water trail passes through multiple inland lakes, lakeside parks, and Dodge #4 State Park. In full transparency, we at Expedition Detroit have yet to explore any segments of the Clinton River Water Trail. Yikes. But here's the silver lining: launching out from Maceday Lake represents a top priority for our Summer 2023 "bucket list," and we hope that you'll join us in rediscovering the hidden gems of one of the Detroit region's most prominent water trails during these warm days ahead. As always friends, we can't wait to see you out there. 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!

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores the lakeside vistas and dramatic forested ravines of the Seven Lakes Loop, the flagship trail of Seven Lakes State Park. Join us as we traverse one of the most beautiful trails of the Detroit region! I've never understood why anyone hates a surprise. I'm referring to "good" surprises, of course. All of your best friends surprising you on your birthday, serendipitously running into your favorite professional athlete on the street, landing your dream job when you had heard nothing but crickets for weeks, or seeing your phone light up for the first time with an unexpected text or call from your crush. Moments that reaffirm a childlike belief that there's some magic still left in this world - and that it may appear in just a moment's notice. Exploring the Detroit region's outdoors - especially as part of our #TrailTuesday Series and new Guided Trips platform - has not only reignited this childlike sensation, but set it ablaze in spectacular fashion. An initial curiosity regarding a destination or trail inspires a visit, and each visit comes along with preexisting expectations of what a "Detroit region trail" should look like. Woods. Bugs. Maybe a lake or pond. Hopefully some incline/decline action. Then you finally get to the trailhead, grab your gear, and start your trek. What comes next - without fail - is a fundamentally life-altering surprise. Trails and woods that you have commuted past hundreds of times unveil a new world that's been hiding in plain sight. Stunning lakeside vistas. Towering oak trees. Dramatic ravines. Vast stretches of untouched forest, inducing the solitary reflection that our modern minds crave yet seldom find. I am extremely lucky. As a necessary component of this new venture, I get to experience moments like this on a fairly regular basis. And yet, during my hike yesterday afternoon along the Seven Lakes Loop trail - my first time ever visiting Seven Lakes State Park - I experienced this exploratory fire ignite yet again. An increasingly familiar sensation that I had just rediscovered an experience so beautiful, unassuming, exhilarating, and accessible that I had to share it with this community. ASAP. It is our honor to reintroduce Seven Lakes State Parks now. MEET SEVEN LAKES STATE PARK Seven Lakes State Park resulted from one of the best failures ever. Traveling back to the 1960s, a certain private interests group purchased the 1,434 acres of farmland, rolling hills, forests, and lakes - lots and lots of lakes - with the goal of creating a new development on the banks of one massive impoundment of water. To accomplish this goal, the group constructed a dam on Swartz Creek to create one massive 170 acre lake from seven smaller lakes. The dam accomplished its goal, but the project as a whole rapidly fizzled out. C'est la vie. Thankfully, the developers sold the acreage surrounding this new "Big Seven Lake" to none other than the Michigan DNR Parks and Recreation Division in 1969. With the name of neighboring "Holly Recreation Area" already snatched up, this new state park would adopt the name of its most beautiful and prominent feature - and living monument to the benefits derived from failure. Six decades later, Seven Lakes State Park has firmly established itself as a final frontier for world-class recreation in the northernmost stretches of the Detroit region. Unsurprisingly, Seven Lakes is a maritime paradise for aquatic activities: swimming, paddling, and no-wake boating are immensely popular at the park, although fishing for bluegill, bass, pike, tiger muskie, or catfish represents Seven Lakes' favorite generational past time. Unique for a state park, Seven Lakes also provides hunting and shared-trail mountain biking opportunities. On this inaugural visit, we opted to stick to our go-to exploration method: hiking. Ideal for exploring Seven Lakes' trail network of over 6.5 miles that criss-cross the park's near-endless variety of topography and ecosystems. Beyond daily use by hikers, cross-country skiers, and mountain bikers, the wetlands surrounding Seven Lakes' trail ecosystem provides a home for songbirds, muskrats, beaver, turtles, squirrels, deer, waterfowl, heron, and many other species of wildlife. And of these magnificent trails, the "grand daddy of them all" is none other than the Seven Lakes Loop. Now let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 4.1 miles Elevation Gain: 177 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at trailhead off of park service road - enter park from northeast Fish Lake Road entrance and continue 1.2 miles straight until parking lot appears to your left (Michigan Recreation Passport required) Some trails make you work for their best attributes. Think of a pristine alpine lake or exposed summit that's 12+ miles, one way, from the trailhead. Worth the strenuous effort? Undoubtedly. But still, the effort alone will test both the willpower, physical ability, and daylight restrictions of even the most ardent recreationist. The trailhead of the Seven Lakes Loop trail does not bother with playing such games. To the contrary, you will emerge from your vehicle to immediately gaze downhill at a forested, lakeland paradise, unveiled before you like a buffet of adventure. Even more convenient, the first trailhead marker (#4) awaits your arrival directly downhill from the parking lot. Check it out, orientate yourself for a moment or two, and then turn left towards #5 to descend into the heart of this natural wonderland. The first half mile of the trail provides you with an immediate highlight reel of Seven Lakes' trademark features. You will initially traverse an exposed natural bridge separating massive Big Seven Lake to your right and Little Seven Lake to your left. This area is immensely popular with shoreline fishers, so try to contain any enthusiasm for this stunning display of outdoor majesty as you traverse the land bridge towards a small forested inlet. Once in the woods, the next two miles of your adventure will consist of following the roller coaster of a hardwood ridge line. A part from two offshoots towards Big Seven Lake - one at the 0.4 mile marker and a longer one at the 1 mile marker - the trail will guide you along an oscillating path of steep climbs with sweeping vistas to declines into vernal pool depressions. You may notice the bike paths through the dirt under your boots; yes, these are permitted, and yes, this trail also rips on a mountain bike - especially this fun section. At around the 1.5 mile marker (including the tangents towards Big Seven Lake and back), the trail briefly juts out in its forested route towards Dickinson Lake before curving back to continue circumnavigating Big Seven Lake. Let us be abundantly clear here: EXPEDITION DETROIT does not condone unnecessary adventurism. However, if necessity dictates, there is a downed log around this section across a creek that leads directly to one of the steepest inclines that one could hope to find in the Detroit region. Again, if you reasonably find it necessary to traverse said log and climb this uphill, you will shave off roughly 0.2 miles of this hike, but supplemented with an immensely fun "micro-adventure." But, again, only if necessary. Of course. Around the 2.4 mile marker - once you catch a glimpse of the clear-cut utility area - you'll notice that the joyfully unpredictable terrain that you spent the last two miles scaling and descending starts to mellow out a bit. This "mellowing" reaches its zenith at the 2.7 marker, when you will (reluctantly) trade Seven Lakes' natural trails for an exposed paved road running adjacent to the western shoreline of Big Seven Lake. Fortunately, whatever quantity that this 0.4 segment may lose in "wilderness aesthetic," it easily regains in "unfiltered beauty." While simultaneously hiking back into civilization as you traverse past the picnickers and sunbathers of the immensely popular Seven Lakes Beach, your eyes will feast upon the unobstructed views of the immensity of Big Seven Lake - views that were physically impossible to obtain during the heavily-forested portions of the trail. There are also modern amenities like restrooms and water fountains near the beach, which will certainly come as a welcomed sight for many after 3 miles on the trail. The final mile of the loop provides a welcomed return to the wild, although not before passing by the massive Big Seven Lake Dam at the far northern tip of Big Seven Lake. If you're looking for a rushing, powerful dam, then this is not the dam for you - any water flow over the dam results solely from higher than normal lake levels, so it was hardly a trickle when I trekked past it. Warning: this is some sort of large animal skeleton at the base of the dam, which some hikers will find intriguing and others off-putting. Around Big Seven Lake Dam, the trail starts its final extended climb through grassland and wild flowers before descending into lakeside forest. Some stretches of this portion of the trail are situated right only the water, so please exercise caution with your foot placement while hiking here. When you notice a surprisingly steep climb towards an open field at the 4.1 mile marker, you will know that you have reached your final destination - the trailhead parking lot where your journey began waits for you at the top of the hill. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Did we mention the beach? For the sake of transparency, the only downside of completing the Seven Lakes Loop trail consisted of having to high-tail it out of the beach area in order to complete the trek/assignment. The area simply looked fun - plenty of trees for hammocks, grilling pits, horseshoes and corn hole courts, playground areas for kids, picnic tables for relaxing, and more than enough beach space to lay out and relax. Big Seven Beach also provides boar rental opportunities, so you can easily pair your relaxation agenda with some maritime exploration fun. Especially in light of its relatively remote location from the heart of Downtown Detroit, Seven Lakes also fortunately features a modern campground at Sand Lake. With spaces equipped for both rustic and RV camping, you and your loved ones can easily stretch out your exploration of the park and nearby Holly Recreation Area over a weekend. So go ahead, pack the bike, kayak, fishing pole, and hiking boots - you're going to have plenty of time and unfettered access to utilize all of your favorite gear. Want to explore trails like this for yourself but would prefer hiking or running with a guide? Look no further! Expedition Detroit proudly leads guided trips across 11 MICHIGAN STATE PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS. Book your next adventure by CLICKING HERE! 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!

Especially in the run-up to the holidays, "Burnout Epidemics" spread like wildfire throughout major metropolitan areas like Detroit. Fortunately for all of us, mother nature's life-saving antidote is available for immediate consumption just outside the door. We invite you to take a quick break from your desk to explore nature's remedy for clinical burnout. In 1789, Benjamin Franklin famously penned that “in this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Fast forward to 2022, Mr. Franklin’s now-famous idiom has stood the test of time, although a third certainty has emerged that we all will face at one point or another in modern life: Burnout. The 21st century’s dreaded killer of motivation, destroyer of optimism, grim reaper of productivity. What Exactly is Clinical Burnout? Theatrics aside, Psychology Today defines “Clinical Burnout” as a “state of emotional, mental, and often physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress.” Clinical burnout manifests through symptoms like physical and mental exhaustion, headaches, fatigue, heartburn, gastrointestinal issues, an increased potential for alcohol, drug, or food misuse, a sense of dread about work, and frequent feelings of cynicism, anger, or irritability. Common causes of Burnout include situations where a person does not have control over how a task is carried out, their daily tasks directly conflict with their sense of self or long-term goals, or a consistent lack of support in professional or family life. While clinical burnout has long been a workplace harm, the COVID-19 pandemic elevated the condition’s status from “likely nuisance” to “Franklin-level certainty” in modern society. As noted by the American Psychological Association, a byproduct of the pandemic included the normalization of longer work hours while simultaneously juggling increased demands at home. In 2021, 79% of employees had experienced work-related stress, nearly 60% of employees reported negative impacts of work-related stress, 36% reported cognitive weariness, 32% reported emotional exhaustion, and 44% reported physical fatigue—a 38% increase since 2019. Even before the pandemic, this time of year already constituted "Burnout Season" due to the cumulative effect of year-end deadlines, the holidays, and the Winter Solstice. As much as we have been preaching the #EmbraceTheDark mantra, we are not immune to the reality of Seasonal Affective Disorder and that these darker, colder days can induce its corresponding depression, anxiety, and dissociation. To summarize, the bad news is that the mental state of the American workforce is in far less than ideal shape - and the prognosis for a trend reversal in the near future is equally dire. Is There any Good News? Fortunately, yes, and the most effective cure is literally right outside your door. The great outdoors has already provided a cure for this ailment: simply stepping away from the desktop and getting out there. Now I am in complete agreement that such a simple, “duh” statement could be viewed as borderline insulting for a readership that already has a strong affinity for the outdoors. However, for anyone questioning whether to trade the known monotony of a draining workplace for the unpredictable weather and buggy conditions of the outdoors, scientific research has overwhelmingly affirmed the psychological benefits of regular engagement with our natural environment. Here are the key takeaways: The average adult spends less than 5% of their waking hours in nature (Global Environmental Change). “Forest walks” compared to “urban walks” have a significantly more positive effect in the reduction of cortisol levels, diminishing sympathetic nerve activity, and decreasing both blood pressure and heart rate (Center for Environment, Health and Field Sciences, Chiba University). A 90-minute forest walk versus an urban walk leads not only to decreased negative thoughts, but also decreased neural activity in the part of the brain associated with anxiety and depression (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). Nature can boost creativity and capacity to think clearly via a phenomenon called “Attention Restoration Theory” (Association for Psychological Science). Emotional well-being has the most consistent positive connection to physical activity in nature, whereas general health is positively associated with physical activity in both indoor and outdoor settings (International Association of Applied Psychology). Compared with exercising indoors, exercising in natural environments is associated with greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy, positive engagement, and decreases in tension, confusion, anger, and depression (Science Daily). Even just 5 hours of outdoor exercise per month provides tangible benefits for one’s psychological and physical health, although there is a dose-response effect where the more time that you spend in nature, the better off your mental and physical health will be (Brad Stulberg, The Cut). Action Steps So, if you are experiencing the onset or an extreme case of clinical burnout, here are five simple outdoor practices that you can start implementing today: 1. Block Off a Mid-Day Outdoor Break. Commonly referred to as a “Mental Health Walk,” even 30 minutes of outdoor activity during the middle of the work day can induce the psychological benefits listed above. Especially if you have the flexibility to work from home, blocking off at least 30 minutes of time where you are away from your desk and surrounded by nature will result in a boost of positivity and motivation for finishing the work day. 2. Maximize Your Weekends. For most workers, Saturdays and Sundays serve as well-deserved recharge periods for overworked brains. While it may be tempting (and occasionally necessary) to utilize weekends to “get ahead” on next week’s workload, investing that time instead in an outdoor experience will pay dividends through detoxing any lingering negative emotions and enhancing feelings of revitalization for the week ahead. Remember, there is a positive correlation between the quantity of time spent outdoors and the longevity of psychological benefits received. Purposefully dedicating at least 90 minutes of your weekend to the outdoors will continue to provide mental health benefits well into your work week. 3. Aim for Full Immersion. Even though studies support that even just looking at a photo of nature can improve your attention span and complex thinking capacity, the brain most benefits from an outdoor experience when all of its senses are fully-immersed. More specifically, the sense of touch is an often-overlooked component of an outdoor experience that is essential for the brain’s complete immersion in the present and disconnection from the noise of modern life. The more engaging or strenuous the activity (example, mountain biking vs. casual biking), the more that the brain will tap into its “touch senses” and experience a neurological detox from external stressors. 4. Make the Outdoors Non-Negotiable. In my last year of law school, one of my professors went well out of his way to remind his students that “everything is negotiable.” While that may be true in a corporate law setting, but the prioritization of spending time outdoors - especially when experiencing symptoms of clinical burnout - should be a clear exception to the norm. Setting a hard boundary like this will not only insulate the psychological perks described here, but will actually compound those benefits by further improving self-esteem, enhancing focus, and further diminishing symptoms of clinical burnout. We recommend clearly communicating to coworkers what periods you will be offline, setting work-related devices to “airplane mode” (or leaving them behind altogether), and consistently following-through with your outdoor game plan. 5. Share the Experience. While misery may love company, thankfully so do the neurological stimuli that are benefited by the outdoors. There is growing scientific evidence that sharing an experience with another person amplifies the intensity of the psychological impact of that experience. This phenomenon is further enhanced when experienced with a loved one rather than a new acquaintance. Put differently, absolutely use your “anti-clinical burnout” outdoor adventures as an excuse to plan dates, reconnect with family, or build relationships with long-time friends. Ready to get outside but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered - check out our Destinations page to find a trail near you, today. We can’t wait to see you out there.

Crisp weather, crunchy leaves, changing colors - could you imagine a more perfect autumn hike? Well, the promise of sweet apple cider, a warm donut, and maybe even a caramel apple waiting at a cider mill will make any fall aesthetic dream come true! Grab your flannel and hiking boots: let's look at 3 destinations where you can live your perfect fall day. The 'Ber months have arrived in Michigan! Call me basic, but fall has always been my favorite season. That fresh but earthy scent in the air, bonfires and football, spooky season and soup. There's a sentimentality that comes with this change of season - memories of childhood trips to the cider mills, jumping and climbing all over those hay bale piles. Riding a tractor through the orchard to pick apples, gathering colorful leaves while hiking bright wooded trails. There are many states that boast of beautiful scenic foliage, but let's be honest - I've yet to find a place that feels like Michigan and brings all the colors and the idyllic fall activities together! There's truly no place like home, especially when home consists of bluebird fall days spent hiking to a cider mill. So let's look at some local autumnal hotspots for a memorable (and delicious!) fall adventure to Metro Detroit's favorite cider mills. 1. Island Lake Yellow Trail Loop + Blake's Lyon Orchard | South Lyon, MI First on our list is a tried and true classic - Island Lake State Recreation Area's famous Yellow Loop Trail! This trail has been well explored and documented by our fearless trailblazer and founder, Dan Cooke. Check out our #TrailTuesday feature article to get all the details on exploring this Detroit region favorite. After 5+ miles of hiking, you will be certainly ready for some seasonal refreshment! Make your way just 4 miles down the road to Blake's Lyon Township cider mill and orchard. Previously known as "Erwins Orchard," this is a recently opened location of the well known Blake's Orchard in Armada, Michigan. If you're in the mood for a harder cider option, you may recognize their hard cider flavors that are distributed nationwide. You will also find many fun attraction for kids, like a petting zoo, tractor rides, U-Pick orchard, corn maze and straw mountain. VISIT BLAKE'S ORCHARD Sunday - Thursday | 8am - 7pm Friday & Saturday | 8am - 8pm U-PICK Open Daily | 9am-6pm Phone: (248) 437-0150 Address: 61475 Silver Lake Rd, South Lyon, MI 48178 2. Hudson Mills Metropark + Dexter Cider Mill | Dexter, MI Dexter is a charming town to explore, offering many opportunities for hiking, biking or floating on the Huron River! Looking for a day trip? Check out our #TrailTownSpotlight feature on Dexter for a good overview of all the possibilities that this quintessential Trail Town has to offer! The true beauty of Dexter, however, is its immediate access to top tier outdoor destinations, including one of our favorites: Hudson Mills Metropark and its Acorn Nature Trail! This 2 mile trail gently guides hikers on a loop showcasing Hudson Mills' best natural features. From marshes to wildflower fields, dense oak forests to sweeping Huron River vistas, this short hike under the changing leaves will provide an ideal excursion to pair with your cider mill visit! Now we know Michigan boasts countless cider mills spread all over the state, and we are lucky to have this historical gem right in out backyard! I present to you, The longest continuously operating cider mill in the state: the Dexter Cider Mill. Dating all the way back to 1886, this cider mill is one for our Michigan history lovers and can not be missed! The Dexter Cider Mill presses their cider the old fashioned way, using an oak rack press. In my humble opinion, their donuts are the absolute best version of a good cider mill donut: crunchy on the outside with a warm gooey center. The owners are passionate and committed to preserving the history and tradition of this special place, and as such it earns are full endorsement for that coveted post-hike donut and cider! VISIT THE DEXTER CIDER MILL Open: Wednesday - Sunday, Closed Monday and Tuesday Hours: 8am - 5pm Phone: (734) 426-8531 Address: 3685 Central St. Dexter, Michigan 48130 3. Maybury State Park + Parmenter's Northville Cider Mill | Northville, MI We could say we've saved the best for last, but we may be biased here at Expedition Detroit since Maybury State Park undoubtedly holds a special place in our hearts. Why? Well, you can check out our #TrailTuesday feature on Maybury's beloved Hiking Trail for a quick refresher on why we adore this special place. The family-friendly hiking trail guides visitors through the heart of the former sanatorium's grounds. A 3.1 mile adventure under hardwood forests, moraine ridge lines, and a panoramic view of the park's most sought-after gem: Maybury's magnificent pond and its surrounding wildlife. Our Northville cider mill pairing is Parmenter's Northville Cider Mill! Here you will find another charming mill that boasts a rich history - this year they are celebrating 150 years! On certain days of the week you can watch the cider pressing process in action. After grabbing your cider and bag of donuts, stroll down to Mill Race Creek and visit the large community of resident ducks. But wait, there's more! Especially if you planned an afternoon hike, then also be sure to top off your cider and donut with a visit next door to the Northville Winery and Brewery Co. Their menu offers a large selection of hard cider, beer, and wine options. Throw in a dog and family friendly environment, live music, and food trucks - what more could you ask for in topping off your small town hike and cider mill adventure? VISIT PARMENTER'S NORTHVILLE CIDER MILL Open daily 10am-8pm Address: 714 Baseline Rd. Northville, MI 48167 Phone: 248-349-3181 Do you have any favorite places that you visit every fall? Let us know in the comments, and enjoy all the sunshine, colors and fresh air of the season! ​ P.S. Subscribers to our content get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store items..... Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

Happy #TrailsWeek, Michiganders! With more than 13,400 miles of trails to choose from, here is our short list of the five best ways to celebrate this year's "Michigan Trails Week" throughout the Detroit region. We'll see you at the trailhead! "An abundance of opportunities ... the beauty of meandering rivers, the majesty of forests teeming with wildlife ... a significant role in strengthening Michigan’s economy ... increasing the quality of life for all Michiganders." Those are just a few snippets from Governor Whitmer's official gubernatorial designation of this week, September 17 - 24, as " Michigan Trails Week ." Although the statement from Lansing only consists of 10 short paragraphs, the governor's writing team delivered a masterclass in succinctly describing why Michigan reigns as the "Trails State" on a national scale. Here are a few highlights of the benefits of Michigan's trail system : More than 13,400 miles of diverse and state-designated trails resulting from partnerships among state agencies, trail groups, nonprofits, businesses, and local residents. Increases quality of life through promoting physically and mentally healthy activities like hiking, biking, walking, running, horseback riding, off-road vehicle use, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and paddling. Supports sustainable economic development through facilitating thousands of jobs, providing alternative transportation corridors, and expanding access to year-round tourism and recreational opportunities. The main point here is that Michigan's trails are worth celebrating. These meticulously planned and maintained routes constitute so much more than simple lines on a map. Our trails both literally and figuratively give life to our state, supporting livelihoods and habitats, inspiring creativity and community, and ultimately further connecting us to our environment. So, how does one best celebrate our trails? Yep , you guessed it - by exploring them . To assist in that effort, here is our list of the five best ways to experience the Detroit region's trails during the 2023 Michigan Trails Week . 1. BIKE TO A CIDER MILL When most Michiganders think of fall, they dream of crisp mornings in the woods, vibrant colors, tailgating in East Lansing or Ann Arbor, watching the Lions on Sundays, evenings by the fire, and fresh, mouth-watering donuts - typically with a side of cider . The State of Michigan, and especially Metro Detroit, is beyond blessed with an abundance of cider mills dotting our quintessential Americana countryside. Better yet, several of these cider mills are conveniently located either near - or directly alongside - our region's pristine biking trails. Outdoor and cider enthusiasts living in the Rochester area are especially spoiled with their trail-to-mill access. The aptly named Paint Creek Cider Mill is located right just over Paint Creek from the beloved paved Paint Creek Trail, and the renown Yates Cider Mill regularly serves its recreational patrons right alongside its namesake Yates Trail. On the west side of the Detroit region, a visit to Blake's Farms in South Lyon is just a short cycle south from Island Lake State Recreation Area , while bikers can easily stop over at Parmenter's Northville Cider Mill by heading east from Maybury State Park or north from Hines Park. Nothing quite hits like a mid-ride cider and donut to refuel for the journey home. 2. EXPLORE DETROIT'S BEST URBAN TRAILS Across the country, recreationists tend to fall into one of two camps: wilderness explorers or urban adventurers . This line between these demographics tends to follow geography and lifestyle factors - the proximity of mountains vs. skyscrapers, freeways vs. backcountry roads, starlight vs. street light. For better or worse, most outdoor enthusiasts face the stark choice of electing which camp to fall into. Here in the Detroit region, we are blessed to face no such dilemma. While most major cities are located hours away from their most sought-after trailheads and destinations, our wilderness trails , dense forests, and secluded campgrounds are all within a one-hour radius of downtown. Better yet, the City of Detroit proper features award-winning trail s that are immediately accessible for Detroiters - and these trails are becoming increasingly interconnected thanks to the rapid development of the Joe Louis Greenway , Iron Belle Trail , and Gordie Howe International Bridge . This Michigan Trails Week, don't forget to opt for the city and explore Detroit's dynamic urban trail network. Celebrated staples like the Dequindre Cut , Belle Isle Park , and the reigning "Best Riverwalk in America" Detroit Riverfront trail should absolutely be on your list. If you find yourself looking for a more comprehensive adventure, however, be sure to explore the recently-minted Southwest Greenway and Rouge Park's winding trail system. 3. PLAN A BACKPACKING GETAWAY Contrary to popular to popular belief, the 2023 backpacking season in the Detroit region is far from over . Throughout Metro Detroit, the campgrounds at most state parks will remain open for reservation until the end of October. Some rustic campgrounds even remain open year-round, meaning late fall or winter overnight expeditions should absolutely hold a place in your rolodex of off-season adventures . Michigan Trails Week has just kicked off, so now is the perfect time to make your reservations for a quick backpacking getaway for this upcoming weekend ! For us at Expedition Detroit , we strongly recommend two trails: the Waterloo-Pinckey Trail and the Chief Pontiac Trail . Backpackers looking for a full weekend of adventure should opt for the WPT : a roughly 40 mile thru-hiking adventure that belongs on every local outdoor enthusiast's bucket list. On the other hand, trekkers looking for an extended day hiking trip should opt for the Chief Pontiac Trail, tackling either the shorter Highland State Recreation Area or longer Proud Lake-Kensington Metropark segment . 4. PADDLE FOR EARLY FALL COLORS Foliage prediction reports state that peak fall colors won't strike the Detroit region for a few more weeks, but a quick walk in the woods will reveal Mother Nature has already started to unveil her autumnal flair. If you're looking to beat the droves of leaf-lovers that will descend upon Michigan's forested trails in early October, than this Michigan Trails Week presents the ideal opportunity to enjoy nature's magic without the crowds - especially when exploring via paddle . While you can't go wrong paddling any of the Detroit's region's official water trails , we at Expedition Detroit typically opt for launching out on the Huron River . Why? Well, the vast amount of protected wetlands and watershed areas along the banks of the Huron means that paddlers find themselves spoiled by the natural beauty and diverse wildlife surrounding them . From the narrow inlets of Proud Lake State Recreation Area to the enormity of Kensington Metropark's Kent Lake, the raging rapids of Delhi Metropark and Argo Cascades to the leisurely flow of Oakwoods Metropark, the Huron River is best suited for every genre of paddler. 5. BOOK A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Here at Expedition Detroit , we strongly believe that the outdoors should be accessible to everyone and anyone who has a passion for - or even the slightest curiosity about - Southeast Michigan's immaculate natural environment. We also fully understand that not everyone feels as comfortable about exploring the Detroit region's trails on their own. From lack of experience, knowledge, or other safety concerns, we recognize that enjoying Michigan Trails Week may come off as a daunting endeavor to many an aspiring outdoor enthusiast. That's where we step in . This Michigan Trails Week, we will be leading 9 guided hiking trips across several Michigan State Parks within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit ! These hikes will occur across beloved destinations like Highland State Recreation Area , Maybury State Park , Proud Lake State Recreation Area , Belle Isle Park , and Brighton State Recreation Area . Better yet, in honor of Michigan Trails Week, hike participants can use code " TRAILSWEEK " for 20% off of your booking ! How are you planning on celebrating Michigan Trails Week? Do you have a favorite fall desitination within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit that you would like to see featured? Let us know in the comments or reach out directly via (734) 821-6416 or info@expeditiondetroit.com !

Fall means primetime in Detroit's outdoors - especially for the Michigan hunting community ready for crisp mornings and cool evenings in the woods! Here is Expedition Detroit's breakdown of the species, dates, equipment, and special regulations for this year's hunting season. Each year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (the “DNR”) releases its annual fishing guide and hunting digests to educate anglers and hunters on the state’s fishing and hunting regulations. These digests are invaluable resources for prospective hunters regarding recent changes to DNR regulations, restrictions, and procedures, such as the new mandatory deer harvest reporting requirements. Regardless if you’re a veteran woodsman or as green as hunters come, reading through the 2022 Michigan Hunting Digest would be a worthwhile investment of your time prior to heading out to your stand. My only critique of the digests are that they tend to be over-broad, especially for hunters who will spend the vast majority of the season hunting one or two species in a specific geographic area (the inundation of ads aren’t particularly reader-friendly either, although we understand their role). Enter this cheatsheet, which we curated as a five-minute informational download specifically for hunters that will hunt primarily in the Detroit region. Here's our a breakdown of Michigan hunting specifications for each season: Whitetail Deer When: October 1st - November 14th and December 1st - January 1st for archery, November 15th - 30th for regular firearm, and December 2nd - 11th for muzzleloader. There is a late antler-less firearm season open on private lands only from December 12, 2022 - January 1, 2023. An extended archery season exists until January 31st for Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Hunting Equipment: Compound or crossbow all season; limited firearms and muzzleloaders during various phases of season. “Limited firearms” include a shotgun, a handgun that is .35-caliber or larger with straight-walled cartridges, a .35-caliber or larger rifle with straight-walled cartridges with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.80 inches, and a .35-caliber or larger air rifle or pistol charged only from an external, high compression power source. Where: Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Bag Limits: 1 per kill tag. Licenses Required: Base License and either Deer License or Deer Combo License. Waterfowl (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, and Geese) When: September 1st - 30th, October 15th - December 11th, December 31st - January 8th, and February 4th - 13th (geese); October 15th - December 11th and December 31st - January 1st (ducks, coots, and mergansers). Hunting Equipment: Shotgun. Where: Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Bag Limits: Ducks: Daily limit is 6, season-long possession is 18. Coots: Daily limit is 15, season-long possession is 45. Mergansers: Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 15. Dark Geese (Canada, brant and white-fronted): Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 15. Light Geese (snow, blue and Ross’s): Daily limit is 20, season-long possession is 60. Licenses Required: Base License and Waterfowl Hunting License. More information: 2022 Waterfowl Digest Turkey When: September 15th - November 14th. Hunting Equipment: Shotgun, crossbow, or compound bow. Where: Private or public lands within Washtenaw and Livingston Counties; only on private land within Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair Counties. Bag Limit: One per kill tag. Licenses Required: Base License and Fall Turkey License. More information: 2022 Fall Turkey Digest Pheasant (male only) When: October 20th - November 14th and December 1st - January 1st. Hunting Equipment: Shotgun. Where: Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Bag Limits: Daily limit is 2, season-long possession is 4. Licenses Required: Base License and Pheasant License (required only for hunters 18 years of age and older hunting on public lands). Quail When: October 20th - November 14th. Hunting Equipment: Shotgun. Where: Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties on private or public land. Bag Limits: Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10. Licenses Required: Base License. Ruffed Grouse When: September 15th - November 14th and December 1st - January 1st. Hunting Equipment: Shotgun. Where: Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Bag Limits: Daily limit is 3, season-long possession is 6. Licenses Required: Base License. Fox and Gray Squirrel When: September 15th - March 31st. Hunting Equipment: Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where: Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits: Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10. Licenses Required: Base License. Predator (Coyote, Russian Boar, Raccoon, Skunk, Weasel, Fox) When: October 1st - March 31st (raccoon); October 15th - March 31st (fox); year-round (coyote, Russian boar, skunk, and weasel). Hunting Equipment: Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where: Statewide on public and private lands. Bag Limits: No limit. Licenses Required: Base License. Coyote, raccoon, and skunk may be taken by a property owner or designee without a license if doing or about to do damage on private property. More Information: 2022 Fur Harvester Digest Small Game (Rabbit, Red and Ground Squirrel, Woodchuck, Opossum, Porcupine) When: September 15th - March 31st (rabbit); year-round (red and ground squirrel, woodchuck, opossum, and porcupine). Hunting Equipment: Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where: Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits: Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10 for rabbit; no limit for red and ground squirrel, woodchuck, opossum, and porcupine. Licenses Required: Base License. Woodchuck may be taken by a property owner or designee without a license if doing or about to do damage on private property. Small Birds (Feral Pigeons, Starling, and House Sparrows) When: Year-round Hunting Equipment: Shotgun or air gun. Where: Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits: No limit. Licenses Required: Base License. Starlings and House Sparrows may be taken by a property owner or designee without a license if doing or about to do damage on private property. Please note that this cheatsheet is only a high-level and supplemental reference to the Michigan Hunting Digest. The digests linked to above include a broad range of very helpful and instructive information, such as legal shooting hours, species-specific limitations (e.g., ducks and other waterfowl), information on lawful stands and baiting practices, and penalties for violations. Any further inquiries regarding applicable rules and regulations should be directed to the Michigan Hunting Digest or DNR at 517-284-WILD. You can CLICK HERE to purchase any of the requisite licenses listed above. Best of luck this season!

This summer, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks launched their inaugural Metroparks Trail Challenge: completing 13 "challenge trails" across all 13 Metroparks. We took the bait and completed the challenge with a twist - all 13 trails with 13 days. Happy Trails! The Expedition Detroit team is a sucker for a good challenge. Think Marty McFly's "Don't call me chicken" mentality. And especially when said challenge occurs in the outdoors. Back in early May, we published an article focused entirely on the best "Adventure Challenges" for Summer 2023. In full transparency, that article was inspired by one singular, monumental adventure challenge: the recently-launched Metroparks Trail Challenge. Equal parts scavenger hunt and endurance feat, this challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore the Detroit region's pristine Metroparks with mission. A fun-filled, award-earning extra reason to get outdoors. As our crazy summer stretched on, however, we found that completing the Metroparks Trail Challenge proved a more daunting task than anticipated. Launching our guided trips platform through the Detroit area's beautiful Michigan State Parks system meant less time for exploring the Metroparks. Throw in a few trips, meetings, and the general time drain of modern life, and the prognosis for a timely completion of the Metroparks Trail Challenge looked daunting at best. So, we gave up. Haaa. Of course we didn't - in fact, we doubled-down by adding an extra variable: completing the Metroparks Trail Challenge, encompassing 13 trail challenges across all 13 Metroparks, within 13 days. An epic expedition that would require dedication, most likely multi-park days, and whirlwind tour of some of the most immaculate and diverse outdoor destinations within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. With the plan set, it was time to kick off our challenge. Here's how went: DAY ONE: AUGUST 5, 2023 THE CHALLENGE BEGINS! This journey began exploring the Metroparks closet to Ann Arbor and Dexter - a relatively continuous journey up the Huron River and largely along the scenic Border-to-Border Trail. Come for rapids and river-views. Stay for the meadows, bridges, wildlife, and perfectly-placed beach picnic locations. DELHI METROPARK | Ann Arbor, MI Metropark Highlights: Nestled in a quiet bend of the Huron River, Delhi Metropark offers natural beauty to enjoy. You’ll find mature stands of oak trees, open lawns and well-maintained ecosystems along the water that herons, turtles, and deer call home. Relax in the fresh air with family and friends under the park's picnic shelter or give kids the space to explore on Delhi's playground. Fan favorite activities include a bike ride along the B2B Trail or exploring the Huron River by canoe or kayak. Recreational Activity: Hiking with the trail pup Challenge Trail: B2B Trail Mileage: 1.6 miles DEXTER-HURON METROPARK | Dexter, MI Metropark Highlights: Peace and rejuvenation wait your arrival at Dexter-Huron Metropark. The park invites you to get out into nature and experience the rich ecosystems along the Huron River. Dexter-Huron's dense woodlands, open fields, and gently flowing waters are home to a variety of unique plants and animals. Spend the day picnicking, biking, fishing, or paddling the Huron River. Recreational Activity: Hiking with the trail pup Challenge Trail: B2B Trail Mileage: 2.5 miles (point-to-point) HUDSON MILLS METROPARK | Dexter, MI Metropark Highlights: Discover the best of the Huron River at Hudson Mills Metropark. This park features some of the most picturesque spots on the Huron and is popular with anglers, hikers, and paddlers alike. Hikers and bikers especially have access to well-maintained trails that connect to Downtown Dexter and sports enthusiasts will find plenty of space to play ball. In winter, the park's cross-country ski trails provide an excellent way to maintain your fitness. Recreational Activity: Hiking with the trail pup Challenge Trail: Hike-Bike Trail Loop Mileage: 3.1 miles DAY SEVEN: AUGUST 11, 2023 Yikes... A whole week burned in the blink of an eye. Amazing how knocking out three parks along the Metroparks Trail Challenge can instill a false sense of confidence, even for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. Any world-class outdoor challenge requires endurance and resilience, and the Metroparks Trail Challenge is no different. Even with the weather forecast predicting heavy afternoon storms, I knew that I couldn't risk burning another day. With no time to lose, I packed up the trail pup and sprinted out to Brighton for Trail #4. HURON MEADOWS METROPARK | Brighton, MI Metropark Highlights: Huron Meadows Metropark features a vignette of nature’s finest scenery, providing visitors with an opportunity to let the pressures of modern life fade away under the park's dense forests and wildlife-rich wetlands. The park offers year-round access to some of Southeast Michigan’s best recreation, including casting a line off the pier at Maltby Lake, inviting family or friends for a picnic under a shelter, or spending the day wandering the trails and observing wildlife. In winter, glide through the landscape on well-groomed cross-country ski paths. Recreational Activity: Hiking with the trail pup Challenge Trail: Maltby Rustic Trail Mileage: 1.7 miles DAY TEN: AUGUST 14, 2023 Double-digit days mean time to conquer some trails at double-speed! Although nothing beats hiking with the trail pup, I opted to switch up my hiking boots for my trail runners and stretch out my typical #MondayMiles over the four southernmost - and new to the Expedition Detroit team - Metroparks near Lake Erie. LAKE ERIE METROPARK | Brownstown Charter Township, MI Metropark Highlights: Located just a short drive from the Gibraltar and Rockwood, three miles of captivating shoreline await you at Lake Erie Metropark. Enjoy 1,607 acres of exceptional views that you’ll only find along a Great Lake, along with plenty of opportunities for recreation. With trails for hiking, paved trails for biking, a “Great Wave” pool, cross-country skiing, and some of the best birding in Southeast Michigan, you’ll find great ways to move, learn and enjoy nature all year long. Recreational Activity: Trail running Challenge Trail: Cherry Island Nature Trail Mileage: 1.6 miles OAKWOODS METROPARK | New Boston, MI Metropark Highlights: Scenic woodlands and picturesque views of the Huron River anticipate your arrival at Oakwoods Metropark. The park's 1,756-acre park features well-tended trails that meander through mature woodlands, a Nature Center filled with easy ways to discover the great outdoors, fishing spots, and a designated monarch butterfly waystation. Spend the day paddling the Huron River or hiking the trails or enjoying a program at the Nature Center. Recreational Activity: Trail running Challenge Trail: Big Tree Nature Trail Mileage: 0.8 miles WILLOW METROPARK | New Boston, MI Metropark Highlights: Escape the daily grind and explore the immaculate scenery of Willow Metropark. You’ll find 1,532 acres of mature woodlands and scenic views of the Huron River. Stop by for a walk, a hike or a bike ride along the Huron River on our hike-bike trail or schedule a tee time to play our 18-hole golf course or 24-hole disc golf course. Anglers will find plenty of great fishing spots here along the river. In winter, Willow Metropark transforms into a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with cross-country skiing and great sledding hills. Recreational Activity: Paved trail running Challenge Trail: Hike-Bike Trail - North Loop Mileage: 3.7 miles LOWER HURON METROPARK | Belleville, MI Metropark Highlights: With easy access from I-275 and I-94, you’re never far from the natural beauty of Lower Huron Metropark. At Lower Huron, you’ll find 1,256 acres of mature woodlands, grassy meadows, and easy access to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Huron River. Run or inline skate along the park's paved hike-bike trail, or opt to shoreline fish or canoe along the Huron and observe waterfowl and other wildlife on the water. Recreational Activity: Trail running Challenge Trail: Woods Creek Rustic Trail Mileage: 3.1 miles DAY ELEVEN: AUGUST 15, 2023 Golden hour remains undefeated for an ethereal hiking experience - especially immediately after storms. I couldn't help but capitalize on venturing out to one of the more isolated of the Metroparks under these conditions. As the sun slowly set over the short Lupine Loop Trail, I took my time being present in the moment. Enjoying and appreciating the late-summer wildflowers and dive-bombing geese. Taking in the scenic views from the Outwash Overlook. Trying to catch a glimpse of an extremely-rare eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the only venomous snake native to the Detroit region. And, in general, simply expressing gratitude for the ability to explore so many beautiful destinations located so close to home. INDIAN SPRINGS METROPARK | White Lake, MI Metropark Highlights: Towering trees and native ecosystems offer visitors a window into the past right at Indian Springs Metropark. Come learn the natural history of the Detroit region at the Environmental Discovery Center or enjoy mile after mile of trails through prairies, woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. The quiet natural setting of this land also features a paved hike-bike trail, winter cross-country skiing, sledding, and much more. Recreational Activity: Hiking solo Challenge Trail: Lupine Loop Nature Trail Mileage: 0.7 miles DAY TWELVE: AUGUST 16, 2023 Day 12 was for the birds. Literally and figuratively. "Bluebird Sky" conditions. Freely swimming swans. Inquisitive doves, ducks, and red-winged blackbirds. And, to top it all off, a family of sandhill cranes that made it their lives' mission to get as close to me as possible. I wasn't expecting for a two-ish mile hike to turn into an action-packed bird safari, but - as countless visitors to Kensington can attest - you never know what outdoor adventures you'll inadvertently stumble into when visiting the largest Metropark. KENSINGTON METROPARK | Milford, MI Metropark Highlights: Kensington Metropark offers 4,481 acres of wooded, hilly terrain surrounding beautiful Kent Lake. The park provides a home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl, as well as a multitude of recreation opportunities available throughout the year. From biking and boating to cross-country skiing and ice fishing, taking a swim at one of Kensington's beaches, or just spending the day fishing, hiking, or picnicking along the water. Kensington has a unique adventure in store for each visitor to its expansive shores, dense forests, and rolling hills. Recreational Activity: Hiking solo Challenge Trail: Wildwing Nature Trail Mileage: 1.9 miles DAY THIRTEEN: AUGUST 17, 2023 Then there were three... For the fateful Day 13, only the Metropark's three most eastern AND northern destinations remained. As someone primarily located on the southwestern edge of the Detroit region, getting out to these final parks alone had always represented a daunting challenge looming in the back of my mind. Throw in the storms on the forecast for August 17th, and I genuinely had doubts whether completing the Metroparks Trail Challenge in 13 days would actually be doable. Naturally, I threw caution to both the literal and proverbial wind, packed in my rain gear, and ventured out to the glistening shores of Lake St. Clair. LAKE ST. CLAIR METROPARK | Harrison Township, MI Metropark Highlights: At Lake St. Clair Metropark, you’ll find abundant recreational activities for every interest. Whether you're an aficionado of bird watching, windsurfing, kiteboarding, boating, bicycling or swimming, you can get your recreational fix in there along the shores of Lake St. Clair. Visitors can readily bike, hike, jog, or in-line skate along the park's paved trail or hop out on the water from its marina. The fun continues into winter, with ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating with friends and family. Recreational Activity: Hiking solo Challenge Trail: Marsh Forest and Meadow Nature Trails Mileage: 1.4 miles WOLCOTT MILL METROPARK | Ray, MI Metropark Highlights: Spending a day at Wolcott Mill Metropark means having access to four unique areas connected by nature and history. You’ll find a working farm, one of America’s last remaining grist mills – built nearly 200 years ago – a park complete with trails, picnic shelters, and a trail system all ready for exploration and enjoyment. The park also features sheep, goats, chickens, geese, horses and dairy cows reflecting Michigan’s agricultural heritage. Equestrians can also bring their own horse for riding Wolcott Mill's equestrian trails. Recreational Activity: Hiking solo Challenge Trail: Mother Earth Nature Trail Mileage: 0.75 miles (map shows combined Nature Trails) STONY CREEK METROPARK | Shelby Township, MI Metropark Highlights: Last but CERTAINLY not least, Stony Creek Metropark offers 4,435 scenic acres teeming with opportunities for outdoor recreation all year long. At the heart of the park sits the gorgeous 500-acre Stony Creek Lake, where boaters, anglers, and swimmers can spend time enjoying a day on the water. Surrounding this serene lake, you’ll find lush woodlands, gorgeous wetlands, tallgrass prairies, and expansive fields in every direction. Stony Creek also maintains fantastic paved and natural trails for hikers, cyclists, in-line skaters, and general wanderers. In winter, watch the park transform into a world of snowshoeing, fat tire mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and more. Recreational Activity: Paved Trail Biking Challenge Trail: Hike-Bike Trail Loop Mileage: 6.5 miles We'd like to close out this article by NOT recommending that you follow suit with tackling all 13 parks in 13 days. Is it doable? Yes, clearly - and there was an undeniable beauty in experiencing each of these diverse landscapes and destinations in such a brief window of time. However, our largest takeaway from completing the Metroparks Trail Challenge remains that each and every one of these parks constitutes a world-class destination in their own right. Parks, trails, and waterways that you could spend a lifetime exploring while constantly uncovering new, "off the beaten path" discoveries. Pristine landscapes uniquely designed for welcoming recreationists of all interests, backgrounds, and abilities. For Expedition Detroit, the 2023 Metroparks Trail Challenge is over. But our lifetime adventure of fully experiencing our Metroparks has just begun with this speed-dating introduction to all 13 parks. And, as always, we invite you to join us on the journey.

As the Michigan Department of Natural Resources finalizes its "Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan" for 2023-2027, the Michigan DNR has turned to us - the #TrailsState nation - for feedback. Here's our take on, and suggestions for, the current draft of the Strategic Plan. Every five years, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (the "Michigan DNR") rolls up their sleeves, wades into a half-decade of data, and taps into their collective brainstorming power. The Michigan DNR takes these actions with one singular goal: progress . Progress in terms of improving the protection and preservation of Michigan's natural and cultural resources. Provision of access to outdoor recreation and education resources. Expansion and operation of an inclusive, diverse, and dynamic natural ecosystem. Ensuring the sustainability and viability of our natural resources, so that they will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. Since Expedition Detroit's founding, we have sought to partner with the Michigan DNR in each of these ambitions. Yes, the sustainability of the Detroit region's outdoor recreation industry is a business interest that we are heavily invested in. Beyond that superficial alignment, however, we also recognize that without the Michigan DNR's tireless and often thankless service to Michigan's outdoors - dispersed across 103 state parks, more than 300,000 acres of public land, 140 state forest campgrounds, 13,750 state park campsites, and over 14,430 miles of state-designated trails - the vast majority of our state's wilderness areas and wild experiences would simply not exist. We are collectively indebted beyond measure to the Michigan DNR. Thankfully, we have an opportunity right now to give back to both support the Michigan DNR while influencing the future of our outdoors. Between now and January 20th , the Michigan DNR has requested for the public to review and comment on its working draft of its Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 , which identifies goals and objectives for the Michigan DNR to prioritize over the upcoming five-year period. This "public review" period constitutes one of the final and most important phases of the Strategic Plan's drafting process before funds get allocated, recreational rights get prioritized, and work boots hit the trails. Don't worry - we have already read through the draft Strategic Plan and will provide a "sparknotes" summary here. We also took the initiative to propose three corresponding suggestions for the Michigan DNR to consider for their final draft. Here's our take on the working draft of the Michigan DNR's 5 Year Strategic Plan : EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Actions Aimed at Tackling Pandemic and Climate Change Challenges Friends, we have some good news and bad news for you. Always starting with the bad, if you clicked on this article hoping for a fiery evisceration or hostile takedown of the Michigan DNR's planned operations, then this is not the article for you. Sorry ( but not really ). That leaves us with the good news: we couldn't be more excited to endorse the operations and key objectives that the DNR has proposed for the upcoming 5 years . Especially given the 30% increase in visitor traffic that our state lands have experienced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Michigan DNR has recognized the momentous responsibility on its shoulders resulting from unprecedented recreational interest throughout our state. While this historic uptick in outdoor recreation has generated $26.6 billion for our state's tourism industry, the tidal wave of visitors has exacerbated management and staffing issues, strained environmental sustainability safeguards, and brought underlying fundamental issues like infrastructure maintenance and stakeholder inclusion to the foreground. In light of the changes and challenges experienced during the pandemic-era, here are the six primary issues (presented without priority) that the DNR has identified for addressing during the next 5 years : 1. Continued Recreation and Resource Conservation . The DNR's facilities continue to experience higher visitation, resulting in greater resource impacts and demands to expand traditional recreation endeavors, as well as developing innovative recreation opportunities. Combating forest health issues, such as emerald ash borer, oak wilt and hemlock wooly adelgid, in addition to other invasive species, will also remain a top priority for the longevity of Michigan's state parks. 2. Environmental Sustainability . The effects of climate change remain a potent threat to Michigan's ecosystem, and the Michigan DNR has made a commitment to utilizing public lands towards mitigate those effects. The Michigan DNR will install renewable energy systems to reduce its carbon footprint, add electric vehicle charging stations at state parks and marinas, increase the use of electric equipment at its facilities, and expand and promote waste reduction and recycling programs. 3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice . In line with the greater outdoor recreation industry, the Michigan DNR will remain committed to fostering and promoting an environment focused on equity and inclusion to expand and broaden the diversity of its visitors and workforce. Continued review of the Michigan DNR's operations and facilities will identify where improvements are required to ensure the provision of acceptable service to all visitors, regardless of ability, ethnic background, and location. 4. Funding . While the $250 million in funding from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act will benefit a significant portion of the state parks’ infrastructure needs, the Michigan DNR anticipates that sustained inflation, raw material shortages, and implementing many large projects - in less than five years - will trigger additional fiscal challenges. 5. Management and Administration . The Michigan DNR administrative challenges have included updating policies and procedures to meet changing needs, keeping pace with essential technology advances, and responding to political and public pressures. The Michigan DNR will aim to improve its operational efficiencies through forming strategic partnerships, enhanced data management capacity, improved technology, and refining its general business practices. 6. Staffing . Occupational pressure on Michigan DNR employees has grown significantly over the past 5 years due to staffing shortages and increased use of Michigan DNR facilities brought on by unprecedented recreational usage, both of which were spurred on by the COVID-19 pandemic. To summarize, the DNR is aiming to utilize the next five years towards rectifying, improving, and preventing the challenges faced during the last five years - and especially during the peak pandemic era. As we're all painfully aware, the changes that occurred across the country during 2020 brought several endemic political, societal, and economic issues to light. Conversely, the pandemic also shone a spotlight on the value of outdoor recreation, both in terms of its economic and social benefits. These six goals reflect the DNR's acceptance that its management, staffing, resource allocation, environmental sustainability, and social equity initiatives require significant further development and investment in order to surpass recent challenges. We applaud the Michigan DNR for the prioritization of these goals...but we also think that even more specificity should be included. Especially for the benefit of the Detroit region. EXPEDITION DETROIT SUGGESTIONS: FURTHER SPECIFY PLANNED OBJECTIVES Out of the DNR's six stated objectives, the only one that we thought could and should be further refined is #1: to preserve, protect, maintain and restore Michigan’s natural and cultural resources on DNR-administered lands . Don't get us wrong, this goal by itself is fantastic. However, after reading - and re-reading - the draft Strategic Plan, we found the lack of specificity on clear objectives to be underwhelming. In light of this sole critique (and to avoid any accusations of hypocrisy), here are three specific suggestions that we propose for inclusion in the final Strategic Plan: 1. Acquisition and Preservation of Reclaimed Green Space. As we have all witnessed over the last few decades, the cityscape of the City of Detroit has changed dramatically. Rising skyscrapers downtown and reclaimed lots from previously blighted structures represent the most visible manifestations of a living, evolving, and resurgent city. A great American city. Our city. The Expedition Detroit team encourages the Michigan DNR to further invest in the future of Detroit through active participation in the reclamation and development of the city's vacant lands. In line with the DNR's goal of preserving Michigan's natural resources, the conservation of such vacant lands via the establishment of new parks and natural areas would permanently protect critical portions of Detroit's growing " open space network ," as well as ensure that nature, food systems, and recreational health opportunities are preserved throughout the city. On a practical level, the successful development of the Detroit Riverfront, William G. Milliken State Park, the Michigan DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center, and the upcoming developments at Ralph Wilson Park, represent recent examples of a long history of vacant land acquisitions turned into beneficial green spaces for outdoor recreation. Looking ahead towards the next five years, we absolutely endorse - and expect - the Michigan DNR to continue this productive, inclusive, and sustainable trend. 2. Expansion of Backpacking Opportunities. As we have published nearly ad nauseum , our mission involves the creation and acceleration of value for Detroit’s emerging outdoor industry . This mission specifically includes providing guidance for discovering this region’s best outdoor experiences, and as such we have concentrated our research efforts towards a deep dive into every facet of Detroit's outdoor recreation industry. While our research has uncovered a lifetime's worth of beautiful, awe-inspiring recreational opportunities, there is one specific field where we're sorely lacking: backpacking opportunities . Yes, we have the spectacular Waterloo-Pinckney Trail , Chief Pontiac Trail , and a few other longer trails that we could generously stretch to be considered a bona fide "backpacking trail." But look, let's be honest - backpacking is Detroit's pain point, so let's change the narrative by actively investing in our backpacking resources. Here's the good news: the Michigan DNR is already deep into the process of developing trail infrastructure that will support the future of Southeast Michigan backpacking. The DNR's forthcoming Iron Belle Trail represents the greatest opportunity to efficiently address this problem, especially since it intersects and corresponds directly with other trail networks like the B2B Trail, Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, North Country National Scenic Trail, and - eventually - the Trans Canada Trail. Put differently, the Michigan DNR has absolutely nailed it when planning the Iron Belle's route across both peninsulas. There's only one key component that's still missing, and one that I directly posed to a Michigan DNR representative at the Southeast Michigan Regional Trails Summit last month. For the Iron Belle to represent a true "backpacking route," let's say of a North Country or Appalachian Trail caliber, the Michigan DNR must invest further in building or facilitating campground construction for thru hikers. In the current iteration of the Iron Belle's interactive map, accessible campgrounds for backpackers aren't available until Waterloo State Recreation Area. Ultralight be damned, one does not simply walk from Belle Isle to Waterloo in a day... For Michigan to firmly establish itself as the "Trails State," we need more campgrounds for backpackers. Period. 3. Eradication of Oriental Bittersweet. If you have spent any time hiking in the Detroit region - especially along its outer, western rim - then I'm willing to bet that you've encountered the dangerously invasive Oriental Bittersweet ( Celastrus orbiculatus ) vine. If you're not sure what I'm referring to, take a hike through Highland State Recreation Area, Maybury State Park, or really any other state park or recreation area. Honestly, we'd be impressed if you didn't notice acres upon acres of long, interwoven vines, some of which are as thick as tree trunks. These vines are literally and figuratively strangling our region's natural vegetation with boa constrictor efficiency. Oriental Bittersweet poses several significant risks to our great outdoors and the recreationists that enjoy them. Beyond climbing and overtaking native trees and shrubs, the vines add immense weight to tree canopies, leading to breakage of otherwise secure trees and branches. I kid you not, my buddy's dad nearly lost his life on Opening Day of bow season last fall when an Oriental Bittersweet-strangled tree fell during our mid-day break and crushed his pop-up blind. Yes, we acknowledge and applaud that the Strategic Plan already addresses the removal of invasive species as a key component of its 5 year agenda. Call us particular, but we simply would like to see Oriental Bittersweet specifically listed as a top public enemy on the DNR's "kill list" for 2023-2027. This shouldn't come as a surprise, either; the Michigan DNR has already published public notices regarding the identification and eradication of the vine, including best practices for its removal. In other words, Oriental Bittersweet is a dangerously prolific invasive species that the Michigan DNR already knows how to effectively kill. We are simply asking for the department to flex some conservation muscle and release the kraken on this pest. We strongly encourage each of you to also read the entirety of the draft Strategic Plan, as well as provide your own comments to the Michigan DNR via DNR-PRD-Planning@Michigan.gov . What do you think of our suggestions? Any important ideas or considerations that you would like to add? Let us know in the comments below!

Home of the Detroit region's best mountain biking trails, ski runs, backpacking ridges, and hiking gems, this article explores the past and present of the "Detroit Mountains"- southeast Michigan's glacial Jackson Interlobate Range. Growing up, I liked reading maps. We're talking battlefield maps, geographic encyclopedias - even fake maps from fictional worlds like Middle Earth, Kanto/Johto, and Narnia. Yes, I'm also the geography nerd on my local bar trivia team, and we've got the gift card winnings to back up the extensiveness of this very specific genre of knowledge. So we'll see if you're still laughing when the final jeopardy category comes up as African geography... Anyways, as I grew up, this random childhood peculiarity gradually evolved into a decades-long interest in scouting backcountry routes, planning international trips, and utilizing satellite imaging via Google Maps to identify "hole in the wall" or hidden gem outdoor destinations. I loaned this skillset to Expedition Detroit when first building out our "Destinations Map," a near-exhaustive collection of every park, trailhead, launching point, ski resort, and other noteworthy outdoor space within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. What was my complex, algorithmic methodology for identifying such spaces? I opened Google Maps and looked for the color green. Seriously. And the darker the green, the more expansive the outdoor space. Here's a screenshot for reference: Yes, this non-satellite layer omits a multitude of incredible outdoor spaces within the core of Metro Detroit. However, glance over at the western edge of this map - the extensive, darkest shade of green that runs largely consecutively from Grass Lake to north or Auburn Hills. An area whose scope includes several of our region's most beloved "Trail Towns," including Brighton, Chelsea, Holly, Lake Orion, Milford, and Pinckney. If you dig a little deeper, you'll soon realize that this area also constitutes one of the largest and most unique, rugged, adventurous, historic, and collectively protected swaths of land found within the entire Great Lakes region. The home of 12 Michigan state parks and recreation areas, 5 Michigan state game and wildlife areas, 4 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, 2 county parks, and several independent natural preservation areas. This coveted area is the focal point of this article: the massive area geologically identified as the Jackson Interlobate Range (the "JIR"), but we'd like to informally dub it here as the "Detroit Mountains." SHORT HISTORY OF DETROIT'S TALLEST RANGE If we were to time travel 16,000 years back, we would all be cold. Very, vey cold. In fact, we would find ourselves conveniently buried under a mountain of ice titled the Laurentide Ice Sheet that extended from the Arctic Circle to southern Indiana and Ohio. Over a 3,000 year period, 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. Thankfully for our resident hiking, mountain biking, and downhill skiing enthusiasts, these lobes did not recede uniformly across the Detroit region. To the contrary, as the bulk of each of these lobes receded, any terrain caught in the "no man's land" between them found itself irrevocably transformed by the massive deposits of converged sand and gravel left in the wake of the receding glaciers. As such, while the diminishing lobes ubiquitously flattened most of the Detroit region, this narrow strip of terrain with steep ridges, extensive hills, and "kettle" pools left by abandoned glacial deposits, remained a striking contrast against its surrounding swamps and grasslands. This rugged landscape was further defined by the chaotic manner in which the lobes handled their multi-millennia retreat. The melt-back of the lobes was neither a continuous nor a steady process, including several periods of resurgence followed by short retreats, more advances, and more retreats. In the interlobate regions, where initial soil deposits from earlier retreats already presented obstacles for the path of any resurgent glaciers, these episodes meant that unfortunate deposits from intact glaciers were further piled on top of the growing hills in increasingly dramatic fashion. The first human inhabitants of southeast Michigan arrived roughly 10,000 years ago, shortly after the glaciers finally completed their full retreat from the Great Lakes region. Rather than a landscape in geological turmoil, these first nations made their homes among the JIR's hilly and forested landscape and navigated its rivers and lakes for commerce and travel. European and American settlers would follow suit in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, including the establishment of the region's first permanent settlements and farms. From a conservation perspective, most of the stunning Michigan state parks and recreation areas located within the JIR date back to 1943 - when the Michigan Department of Conservation founded Waterloo State Recreation Area, the largest state recreation area. Over the next 80 years, the rebranded Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Authority, and local municipalities collaborated to purchase and preserve hundreds of thousands of acres across this region. Thanks to such actions, not only have recreationists crossing several generations been afforded the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of the JIR, but the region has continued to serve as the natural home for rare species and habitats. NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JIR The highlands of the JIR cover an area of roughly 2,580 miles and reach elevations oscillating between 750 to 1,330 feet in elevation. The largest of the kettle lakes and ponds scattered throughout the JIR form the headwaters of several major rivers throughout the Detroit region, including the Huron, Grand, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Rivers. The highest points of the JIR include several of Detroit's "Big Four" ski resorts, include Pine Knob (1,286 ft.), Mt. Holly (1,240 ft.), and Mt. Brighton (1,330 ft.). The general height of the JIR's hills also tends to increase along the range's northeastern trajectory, with average peaks in parks like Holly Recreation Area reaching greater elevations than those in Waterloo or Pinckney Recreation Area. The JIR also provides an ecological home to several rare species of plants and animals. The range features a rare habitat called an "oak savanna" - a lightly-forested grassland environment featuring oaks as the dominant tree. Once prevalent throughout North America, oak savannas have now largely disappeared from the continent due to agricultural production and fire suppression. Detroit's Mountains also harbor one of the most elusive wildlife gems of the entire Great Lakes region: the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Michigan's only venomous snake and only one of two rattlesnake species that exist throughout our corner of North America. RECOMMENDED TRIPS FOR EXPLORING THE JIR Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations: you've made it to the really fun part of the article. Now that we've spent the better part of the last year exploring the JIR's heights and depths, here are Expedition Detroit's top-recommended trips for exploring the JIR. BACKPACK THE WATERLOO-PINCKNEY TRAIL Trip Length: 38.5 miles Duration: 3 or 4 days (depending on campground reservations) Recommended Exploration Method: Backpacking, Hiking, or Trail Running (only if you're an expert) The pinnacle of world-class outdoor experiences in the Detroit region, we strongly recommend that local recreationists escape to their local wilderness for a long weekend to hike the nearly 40 miles and 4,000 elevation gain of the famous Waterloo-Pinckney Trail! I completed a solo thru-hike of the WPT back in April, during which I represented the sole thru-backpacker along the entirety of the trail. I completed the trail over 3 days/2 nights, camping at the Pines and Green Lake Campgrounds. Experienced backpackers could easily follow suit, although new or growing backpackers should add in a third night at Blind Lake Campground to rest their legs for the final push. Interested in learning more about backpacking the WPT? Be sure to check out our 3-part series on the trail! THRU-PADDLE THE UPPER HURON FROM PROUD LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA TO HURON MEADOWS METROPARK Location: Proud Lake State Recreation Area, Kensington Metropark, Island Lake State Recreation Area, and Huron Meadows Metropark Trip Length: 22.9 miles Duration: 2 or 3 days (depending on campground reservations) Recommended Exploration Method: Kayaking and Canoe Camping While the high ridges of the JIR provide the main draw to exploring this geographic anomaly of the Detroit region, the constant presence of the Huron River throughout the area provides the low-lying marshland ying to the yang of the hilltop peaks. Especially the northwestern stretches of the Upper Huron River, which paddlers typically follow from one of Proud Lake Recreation Area's several launching points to their dock of choice downstream. The trip highlighted above can either be paddled in day-trip segments or as one continuous canoe camping thru-paddle utilizing the Huron River National Water Trail's two canoe campgrounds at Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area. CONQUER HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS Location: Highland State Recreation Area Trip Length: 13.7 miles Duration: 1 - 6 hours (depending on recreational activity) Recommended Exploration Method: Mountain Biking, Trail Running, or Hiking If you have the masochistic desire to conquer the most grueling terrain of the JIR - scratch that, the entire Detroit region - then do we have the trail system for you. Meet Highland Recreation Area's A-B-C-D trail loops, unanimously hailed as the most rigorous of the only three "Black Diamond"-rated trail systems within the Detroit region. Although built for and maintained by mountain bikers, the "Alphabet Loops" are also utilized by hikers and the most extreme of our trail runners. Please note that the vast majority of first-time bikers, runners, and hikers do NOT complete all four loops in a single outing. These trails are very technical, so we strongly advise that you ride, run, or hike with at least one other person every time that you attempt Highland's loops - or at the very least give your friends and family a heads up. Kudos to you if/when you complete all of the loops in a single day, regardless of your exploration method of choice! My fellow geography nerds, history buffs, and adventure seekers - brothers and sisters after my own heart - we wrote this guide to exploring the Detroit Mountains' history, biodiversity, trails, and special outdoor challenges especially for you. We hope this article enriches all of your appreciation for this geological marvel located right here in our backyards. Happy trails! Want to explore the Detroit region's best trails for yourself but would prefer hiking or running with a guide? Look no further! Expedition Detroit proudly leads guided trips across 11 Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Book your next adventure by CLICKING HERE!

Part triathlon training guide, part misadventure story, here are the "dos" and "don'ts" of competing in one of the most challenging, rigorous, and rewarding racing events that the outdoor world has ever concocted: the Triathlon. "Ohhhh my friend! Did you sign up yet??" I blankly stared at the text from my buddy Eric for a few seconds, knowing that my response would have to be "Yep!" despite, indeed, not signing up yet. To his credit, Eric had texted me about the sprint triathlon race several weeks prior, but I had been caught up in a little life event called "launching Expedition Detroit." I detest lying - even well-intentioned, harmless little ones - so I quickly registered for the race and shot back a confirmative text with a clear conscience. We had just signed up for Running Fit’s final “T-Rex Triathlon” event for last August - a sprint race consisting of a 0.5 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. As any longtime reader of this platform is well aware of, we at Expedition Detroit are outspoken supporters of Running Fit’s races. So it didn’t take much for Eric to twist my arm into signing up three days before race day. With Running Fit kicking off their 2023 "T-Rex Triathlon" season next Wednesday, May 31st, with the Stegosaurus Triathlon and Duathlon at Island Lake Recreation Area, we wanted to share this personal tale and educational article for all first-time triathletes diving head first into their new sport. Hopefully this article will catch you before you repeat our misguided approach to our race... How NOT to Complete a Triathlon - A Personal Tale I woke up on race day with the realization that I may have underestimated the consequences of my knee-jerk registration. Yes, I am an avid runner and mountain biker, but my swimming experience is largely limited to a few years on a swim team in elementary school, open water swims on beach vacations, and a few laps in my parents’ pool every now and then. I did not own a pair of goggles, let alone a swim cap, road bike, or tri-suit. What complicated matters further was that every retailer that I contacted mere hours before the race was either fresh out of tri-suits or closed (several had closed early for the event). The silver-lining in all of this was that, by the grace of God, Eric was just as unprepared. We would swim in REI trail shorts, complete the biking portion on our mountain bikes, and finally be on a somewhat-equal footing with the other competitors during the run. Cool. As I pulled into the parking lot at Kent Lake on race day, I could only laugh as I saw how unprepared I was compared to 90% of the other racers. While a typical hometown 5K has a broad range of experienced runners vs. those reaching the first milestone on their fitness journey, every athlete on the beach that evening looked like they were on track to race in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The gear? Immaculate. The suits? Definitely not trail shorts. The bikes? Tuned up for Le Tour de France. Again, I didn’t stop laughing as I placed my trusted REI Co-op Mountain Bike on the rack next to top-market, triathlon-specific racing bikes. “Just remember - the goal is to have fun.” I kept repeating that mantra to myself over and over, like a youth soccer coach knowing that their team is about to get absolutely smoked on the field. And yet, despite all of these glaring deficiencies that I was solely responsible for, my first triathlon was one of the most fun racing experiences that I’ve ever had. Yes, I was recklessly underprepared, but my general conditioning allowed me to finish the swim before my heat. I actually passed some road bikes on my mountain bike, and had plenty of gas left in the tank for comfortably finishing the 5K. Rather than crossing the finish line scarred for life, I found myself inspired to sign up for another race - but next time with a dramatically different approach. Triathlon Training Tips for Beginners “Intelligence” can be defined as “the ability to learn from your mistakes,” while “wisdom” comprises of “the ability to learn from the mistakes of others.” With regard to my first triathlon, I was anything but wise towards my training approach, although I gained some intelligence by learning precisely how not to complete a triathlon. That experience prompted my desire to research how a responsible triathlete would prepare for - and crush - a race. Now, allow me to provide some “intelligent wisdom” via five triathlon training tips that you should incorporate into your preparation - ideally long before the morning of race day: 1. Invest in Proper Gear Especially for sprint triathlons - where every second counts - investing a little extra time and money into proper clothing and equipment will pay dividends on race day. The essential clothing item is a pair of triathlon-specific shorts ("tri shorts"), which are moisture-wicking, typically offer enhanced ultraviolet sun protection, and contain a chamois pad that is thinner than regular bike-shorts for comfort during the run. There is also a full wetsuit alternative to the tri short for colder conditions, with triathlon-specific wetsuits being lighter and giving less resistance than normal wetsuits. Both tri-shorts and wetsuits should fit snugly on your body. Additional event specific gear includes the following: Swimming. We highly recommend that you acquire a swim cap and goggles. Optional gear includes a quick-dry towel, earplugs and nose plugs for the swim. Biking. Easily the most expensive category for gear purchases, we would advise purchasing at least a road bike for maximum versatility during both the event and generally road biking purposes. There are also triathlon-specific bikes that are more aerodynamic and utilize the hamstrings efficiently for energy preservation during both the biking and running phases, although these bikes are typically more expensive, difficult for maneuvering and braking, and uncomfortable for longer rides than road bikes. Other cycling equipment to purchase includes a helmet, cycling-specific shoes (if you have clip-in pedals), socks, gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, and repair tools (more necessary for longer races). Running. As you may have guessed, choosing the right running shoes is essential for success in any footrace, especially a triathlon where the run is at the tail-end of two other intensive events. I personally opt for trail-running shoes for most running events - I’m on my third pair of Hoka’s “Speedgoat” trail shoe series, which are light-weight, provide extra cushion for my tendency to heel-strike when racing, and have enough grip for use as both a trail and biking shoe. Additional running gear to consider depending on the length of race and race day conditions includes a hydration pack or belt, sunglasses, and lightweight running hat. 2. Complete a Training Regimen While my race demonstrated that you can comfortably complete a sprint triathlon with general swimming, biking, and running experience, we highly advise against this approach. Most weekend warrior distance athletes do not introduce the element of combined, sequential activities into their workouts, which is obviously a fundamental component of a triathlon. Outside Magazine’s Triathlete content - a gold mine for information pertaining to the triathlon universe - sponsors an 8-week Sprint triathlon training regimen intended to take athletes from couch to finish line. The prerequisite fitness metrics for starting the regimen include being able to swim 100 yards non-stop, 20 minutes of continuous cycling, and 10 minutes of continuous running. Each week contains 5 days of event-specific training workouts with specific instructions on distances and “perceived effort zones.” Following and completing a training regimen - especially with the gear referenced in step one above - will all but guarantee that you arrive at the beach on race day with optimal physical conditioning and confidence. 3. If Practical, Train On-Site One of the few elements working in my favor during my first triathlon was my familiarity with Island Lake Recreation Area. Had I swam half a mile into Kent Lake before? No, but I had regularly kayaked and paddle boarded into its relatively calm waters, in addition to the countless bikes and runs that I had completed on its roads and trails cover the last few years. This familiarity with the course enabled me to recover some lost time due to my serious equipment deficiencies, most notably on the biking segment (just ask some of the road bikers that I managed to burn past on uphill climbs). Especially if you live near the race site, we strongly advise conducting at least one regimen training workout for each event, per week, on-site. A material element in any race is a competitor’s mental state - familiarity with a particular course not only lessens race day jitters (and their corresponding mistakes), but can also be fundamental for implementing a strategic approach for planning speed bursts, navigating currents, and general pacing. If you are not able to train on-site, then at a minimum you should review course maps and elevation charts - bonus points if you find similar locations in your vicinity to train at. 4. Treat the Race as Starting during Race Week This may be an impossible ask, but there should be no surprises on race day. How does one accomplish such a feat? By treating the days before race day - and most importantly the night before - as critical stages of the actual event. Here’s a quick pre-race checklist, starting with larger lead-time to night-of items: Confirm that your bike is tuned up (REI is my go-to for routine bike tunings). Starting three nights before, eat normal-yet-balanced dinners. Try to incorporate protein (chicken, fish, turkey), healthy fat (avocados, nuts, olives), and a lot of carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans) into these meals. Starting with two nights before, prioritize getting a good night’s rest. Confirm your directions to the race site and parking location - nothing is worse than a pre-race parking scramble. Layout, label, and pack each item of your equipment. Bonus points if you put everything in the car the night before to minimize open variables on race day. Confirm that you have all credentials required for the registration packet pick-up, which is even more important if the event only has a race day pick-up option. This typically includes photo ID, registration or bib number, and your USA Triathlon membership number. Charge your fitness monitor. Especially if it’s a morning race, set more than one alarm via different means (e.g., phone, watch, alarm clock, early-bird partner). Again, I learned this one the hard way. 5. Good Vibes Only on Race Day You have completed two months of training. You have prepared your body and mind for this one great event. You have taken all of the prerequisite steps to minimize any unpleasant surprises during the race. Now, all that’s left is to relax, trust the journey that you have nearly-completed, and get your butt to the event! Practically speaking, every action that you take leading to the starting gate should be focused towards improving your mental state and optimism towards the race. At least two hours before the race, eat your favorite, nutritious pre-race meal. Dress in comfortable layers over your tri-suit. Arrive to the race location an hour early so that you can leisurely check-in at the registration booth, set up your transition area, and break the ice with other athletes in the area (avoid talking about training techniques - this is a Bar Exam tip that directly applies to endurance racing). Line up in your pacing corral of choice, recognize how cool and unique this crazy event is about to be, take a deep breath, and…enjoy the ride. BONUS - Post Race Tips Congrats - you’ve finished your first triathlon and have graduated from “rookie” status! After receiving your post-race finisher’s shirt and/or medal, be sure to keep walking around the finisher’s concourse while hydrating. Now is also the optimal time to stretch while your legs are still warm. Once you’re well-stretched and hydrated, your body will thank you if you bring warm, dry, and comfortable clothes to change into. Most racing companies (especially Running Fit) do an excellent job at creating festival-like environments around their events for both runners and spectators, so be sure to stick around for free or discounted snacks, beverages, and live music. Also, we all enjoy having a crowd cheer us on as we sprint towards the finish line - be sure to pay it forward and cheer on other finishers that are in the homestretch! Please note that this article is NOT a comprehensive list of all training tips, gear, and other considerations that you should take into account while considering or preparing for your first triathlon. The information provided in this article is intended to be supplementary to more detailed triathlon training regimens and advice that are available for review online, such as articles published by REI, Triathlon Lab, Active, and My Tri World.

Fall backpacking means less crowds, more colors, and better opportunities for trekking without summer's heat or bugs. Before you reach the trailhead, be sure to pack in these 10 essential gear items for your next Michigan backpacking adventure. #ExpeditionEssentials In the survivalist competition show “Alone” - which we highly recommend you binge if you haven’t been converted already - each contestant is allotted only 10 items for the duration of their isolation in the wilderness. Yes, that’s extreme, even in spite of each contestant’s standing as an expert survivalist. However, to kick off our #ExpeditionEssentials series, we want to provide our own top 10 list of essential gear for any Michigan backpacking venture into the backcountry. Please note that there are several extremely important factors to consider when preparing for any backcountry expedition. These include the expected length of your trip, climate, your fitness level, pack weight, access to water, and whether you will be hiking solo or with a crew (if with a crew, also factor in their backpacking experience levels). These 10 items are intended to cover your bases regardless of these factors, but you should absolutely feel free to substitute, omit, or supplement these items if circumstances dictate otherwise. Also, we have omitted essential clothing items, including hiking boots or shoes, since we assume you will not be backpacking on “Naked and Afraid.” Without further ado, here are our top ten essential Michigan backpacking items: 1. Backpack Spoiler alert: if you’re heading out on a Michigan backpacking trip, you’re going to need a good backpack to get the job done. When selecting a good backpack - especially your first pack - we highly recommend that you visit a reputable retailer like REI to get one fitted for you. Your backpack should be lightweight (2-5 lbs), hold anywhere from 30 to 70 liters depending on the length of your trip, and fit comfortably on the hips and in the shoulders. Other specifications to consider include a backpack’s padding, ventilation, access, pocket, and water reservoir features. Bonus item: Daypack. Smaller daypacks are very useful for shorter trips out of basecamp, such as a quick summit venture or supply run. Several newer backpacks even feature removable daypacks that are designed directly into their top lid or reservoir pocket. 2. Lightweight Shelter In true survival scenarios, the three most important problems to resolve are sources of shelter, water, and food. Of these three necessities, most backpackers are unaware that shelter is the most time-sensitive - in extremely harsh environments, you can only survive for 3 hours without an adequate shelter. Fortunately for backpackers, there is a plethora of lightweight, durable, and easy-to-assemble options of tent shelters to choose from. When selecting a tent, important factors to consider include capacity (how many people will be sharing the space), weight and size when packed (approximately 2.5 lbs per person), ease of assembly, durability, seasonality (most tents sold are 3-season), and “live-ability” features like pockets, windows, and interior space. Bonus item: Hammock Camping. Outdoor equipment manufacturers like Eno have recently placed more of an emphasis on producing “hammock camping” equipment as an alternative to tent camping. Hammock camping is generally lighter weight than conventional tents, takes up less space in a backpack, and includes features like a rain fly and bug net. This option is obviously tree-dependent and is more suitable to solo-trekking, but hammock camping can serve as a viable and enjoyable reason to leave the tent behind for certain trips. 3. Water Bottle and Filtration/Purification System Under average conditions, you can survive for 3 days without water. For the vast majority of day hikes, that dire fact fortunately does not enter the equation. For backpacking expeditions and day hikes gone wrong, however, packing in adequate water containment and filtration or purification gear becomes exponentially more important. Always pack in a water bottle or bladder (like a camelback), with the size depending on the length of your trip, climate, activity level, anticipated access to water sources, and cooking needs (dehydrated food sources typically require a cup or two of boiled water). For deciding between a water filter vs. purifier, there are a myriad of considerations to take into account. The most important factors include whether you anticipate viral contaminants from humans or livestock (go with a purifier), volume of water to purify, ease of use, weight and size within pack, and speed of filtration. Stay tuned for a future breakdown and ranking of the various water filters and purifiers that are available on the market. 4. Food The last of the “three survival necessities” is food, without which the average person can survive for 3 weeks. While I have gone for a few days on shorter trips surviving on just dried fruit, trail mix, and beef jerky before, the niche “backpacker meal” market has exploded recently in dishes, flavors, meal options, and allergy-sensitive options available to consumers. Beyond being lightweight and ready to serve in a matter of minutes, my favorite aspect of these pre-made, dehydrated meals is that they are truly delicious. Backpacker’s Pantry tends to be the favorite vendor of these meals amongst my hiking crew, but you also can’t go wrong with Mountain House, Peak Refuel, and AlpineAire Foods’ options. Bonus item: Bear Canister. While this item is less of a necessity in even the remotest parts of the Detroit region vs. in the upper peninsula or out west, we still recommend purchasing a bear canister for both food storage and smaller-critter prevention (raccoons and coyotes would also love a bite of your leftover Pad Thai backpacker meal). Another option is purchasing a bear-resistant Ursack, although this option is also tree and rope -dependent. Regardless of option, food should be stored overnight away from your camp - ideally 100 yards if there is a risk of bears or other predators where you’re camping. 5. First-Aid Kit No backpack is complete without at least a small first-aid kit included within an easily-accessible compartment. Any pre-assembled first-aid kit should include treatments for blisters, adhesive bandages of various sizes, several gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, and nitrile gloves. The contents of your first-aid kit should also be modified based on the length of your trip, the number of people involved, and the degree of wilderness medical training among your Michigan backpacking team (I fortunately hike almost exclusively with a team of doctors - virtually all of my undergrad buddies went to medical school). Bonus Item: Satellite Messenger. While less important in the Detroit region, the peace of mind that comes with packing in a personal locator beacon (“PLB”) or satellite messenger cannot be overstated. When activated in an emergency, these gadgets will determine your position using GPS and send a message via satellite. A PLB or satellite will work in remote locations where cell signals die off - an all-too-familiar experience for those of us living amidst the notorious cell coverage that defines Southeast Michigan. 6. Navigation Tools There are few worse feelings, and certainly none more surprising, than the moment that you realize that you are lost in the wilderness. Fortunately, with the right navigation tools and training, any misstep along the journey can be quickly remedied and redirected. The most common navigation tool among modern backpackers is a well-charged cell phone with pre-downloaded trail maps (such as those maintained on AllTrails), but you should also always carry a compass and at least one hard-copy version of a trail map (keep in a water-proof container). Bonus item: Wilderness Navigation Training. Is this a true item? No, of course not, unless you decide to bring a small wilderness navigation guidebook with you. That admission aside, bringing a moderate knowledge of wilderness navigation skills into the wilderness with you could quite literally save your life. 7. Stove and Fuel In light of the growing number of wildfire outbreaks and their corresponding restrictions, open campfires have become less and less prevalent across the country. Despite such restrictions, most (if not all) wilderness areas permit the use of camp stoves for boiling water and cooking food. There are three main types of backpacking stoves: canister, liquid, and alternative-fuel stoves. Canister stoves are the most popular on the trail (such as a Jetboil’s “Flash Cooking System”), although alternative-fuel stoves are also gaining traction (like BioLite’s “CampStove 2+”). Important considerations when deciding which stove to purchase include best use (i.e., backpacking vs. car camping), fuel type, average boil time, weight, and heat output. Bonus item: Camp Kitchen Equipment. Can you survive on using your knife as both a cutting and eating utensil? Yes, I guess that you can, but just because you can doesn’t mean that you should. Save your mouth from the obvious cut risk by packing in a lightweight set of camp kitchen utensils. The most common and basic utensil that I’ve seen (and own) on the trail is humangear’s “GoBites Uno Spork,” which only weighs 0.5 ounces. 8. Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad Hardcore ultralight backpackers may disagree with me concerning the necessity of a sleeping pad, but it is universally-accepted that a durable, lightweight sleeping bag is a Michigan backpacking essential. When deciding on which sleeping bag to purchase, factors to consider include temperature rating, insulation, compact-ability, weight, and special features such as adjustments, stash pockets, and pad compatibility. For sleeping pads (which we highly recommend since trees have this tendency to have roots near them), important features to consider include warmth (“R-value”), bag compatibility, weight, cushioning, and ease of inflation (especially important if you have asthma). Also remember that there are several types of sleeping pads that differ significantly from one another, with the main debate concerning the merits of air pads vs. closed-cell foam mats. I’ve found air pads to be the more comfortable option, but the ease of simply unrolling a foam mat after a full day of hiking is hard to beat. The debate rages on. Bonus item: Camp Chair. We are solidly in “luxury territory” with this bonus item, but I would bet that 99% of backpackers wouldn’t hesitate to add an extra pound to their pack in order to end a 10+ mile day in a comfortable chair vs. the ground. REI’s “Flexlite” camp chairs have become a staple in my backpacking crew’s pack list - mine has the minuscule campfire spark holes to prove it. The Flexlite chair weighs just over 1 pound, can support up to 250 pounds, and takes just over a minute to set up. 9. Knife with Fire Starting Capacity I have never been on a trip where I did not use my knife for an important task. Whether it was cutting rope, splitting small logs, field dressing game, using the whistle to ward off bears in the backcountry, or sparking a fire, my Gerber “Ultimate Survival Fixed Blade Knife” has held a place in my pack for over a decade. Knives are also useful for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, making kindling, or other emergency needs. Bonus item: Stormproof Match Kit. When I was in Alaska during a near-freezing rain storm, I was able to start a very necessary fire thanks largely to the “stormproof” match kit that I always keep in my pack. The cheap UCO Stormproof Match Kit comes with 25 windproof matches, a durable case, and a striker bar. Especially when the conditions turn for the absolute worst, your dry feet and warmed soul will thank you for this inclusion in your backpack. 10. Headlamp Have you ever tripped over a rock, root, or rope while navigating around a campsite at night? Even worse, have you ever had to race the setting sun back to your camp while still on the trail? As someone who has experienced all of the above, trust me when I say that a well-charged headlamp is an essential for every Michigan backpacking venture. Bonus item: Solar charging lamp. While this item may be more in “luxury” than “essential” territory, I am a firm believer in packing in a lightweight solar lamp with USB charging capacity. Other than keeping your phone or any additional electronics like a fitness tracker charged during your expedition, having a fully-charged solar lamp ready by sunset can be a true lifesaver if any of the other essential items mentioned above, such as a UV water purifier, navigation tool, or headlamp, depend on a charge. Now that you are orientated around the Michigan backpacking gear essentials, are you ready to start planning your next venture in the Detroit region? We’ve got you covered - start exploring the best backpacking destinations within an hour’s drive of Downtown Detroit. We can’t wait to see you out there.