We’re ecstatic that you’re here - we’re also certain that you have some questions regarding this website, especially since we quite literally just got off the ground. One of our goals is to form supportive and informative relationships with each member of this community; so, like any good trail guide, hunting partner, or decently polite person, allow us a moment to introduce ourselves. WHO WE ARE No one knew it at the time, but Expedition Detroit began in March of 2020 when the world shut down and the only place to explore was home. Dan Cooke, Expedition Detroit’s founder, started channeling his outdoorsman drive and stifled wanderlust into exploring areas around his hometown that he had driven past for decades but never thought to check out. As the pandemic raged on travel restrictions remained in place, Dan uncovered one new favorite trail, park, retailer, event, or organization after another. Even as the world started to normalize, Dan continued to explore more of Detroit’s outdoors, join conservation organizations, and dive deeper into the industries supporting and impacting Detroit’s outdoor economy. That 2+ year journey ended with the shocking realization that Detroit’s outdoors - our most beautiful, valuable, awe-inspiring, and fragile resource - is severely undervalued, underserved, and dangerously exposed to neglect. This realization held true despite several private and non-profit organizations that are deeply invested in promoting Detroit’s natural environment. While there were a myriad of factors leading to this conclusion, a critical missing factor appeared to be a leading and unifying enterprise that promoted the full spectrum of Detroit’s outdoor experience. After several days of consistent (and somewhat depressing) research, Dan concluded that such a venture did not exist…yet. A few strategic phone calls later and Expedition Detroit was born. Holly Laginess was one of those first strategic calls. Holly is not only a longtime friend of Dan’s, but is an immensely talented graphic designer, brand content manager, and website builder. As Expedition Detroit evolved from dinner conversation to an operating business, Holly grew more and more integral to the development process. Honestly, the fact that you’re reading this right now, on this platform, is a testament to Holly. WHAT WE DO Expedition Detroit is a multimedia content platform that exists to promote, support, and advocate for every facet of Detroit’s outdoor ecosystem. We create original print, photo, and video media that highlights and facilitates access to the best outdoor experiences in our region, starting initially with hiking, backpacking, camping, running, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hunting. Yes, this list is not exhaustive - we will include more activities and content mediums as this platform progresses, while simultaneously diving deeper into these leading experiences. Beyond just enhancing outdoor experiences, our content will aim to provide value to the industries and stakeholders whose operations and interests are interconnected with Detroit’s natural environment. We will cover the most valuable and useful gear for optimizing your outdoor experiences, including retailers that are disrupting markets and creating products designed for making the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable. We will promote advocacy groups, volunteer organizations, and proposed legislation that exist to create and protect a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive outdoor experience and culture. We also intend to explore and create new opportunities for our region. Detroit’s outdoor ecosystem is ripe for disruption, whether it be new or improved trail systems, more efficient regulations, an influx of new ideas into stagnant industries, or new entrepreneurial ventures like us geared towards resolving these issues. Ultimately, our goal is to create and foster a community of passionate outdoor enthusiasts, recreationists, and advocates. We embrace - no, celebrate - the diversity of interests, backgrounds, and even nationalities that define our region. We can’t wait to serve you with content that enriches experiences, inspires new adventures, facilitates outdoor lifestyles, and protects the best of the Detroit region for generations to come. WHERE WE’RE EXPLORING Absent a few outliers, Expedition Detroit’s content will exclusively cover outdoor recreation opportunities, retailers, events, policies, and stories occurring within a 1 hour drive of Downtown Detroit. Yes, this scope includes the entirety of Metro Detroit, plus Southern Ontario and the northwestern coast of Ohio. This geographic limitation is intentional on multiple fronts; not only do we recognize that a car continues to serve as the Motor City’s default transportation mode, but we are passionate about highlighting the immensity of outdoor opportunities that are immediately accessible in our region. Regardless of whether you’re a lifelong local, just in town for business, looking to squeeze in some exercise before a big event, picking up a new hobby, or simply looking for something new and exciting to do, Expedition Detroit will curate the best outdoor experiences for any interest or limitation that you may have. Check out our Destinations page for more information on the hundreds of outdoor experiences and locales that are largely hiding in plain sight. You may notice that the destinations within an hour’s drive from Downtown Detroit are not created equal - expressways, international border crossings, ferries, and other logistical hurdles can impact which locations fall within our criteria. Don’t worry, we’ll stay on top of our game regarding any changes that bring new destinations into our zone. Suggestions are always welcomed too. WHY YOU SHOULD PARTNER WITH US Truth be told, the general “Expedition Detroit” business concept is not a novel idea - similar enterprises have existed for decades in the world’s most famous outdoor adventure destinations like Colorado, Switzerland, Argentina, South Africa, and Nepal. What makes Expedition Detroit very unique, however, is that virtually no one in the global outdoor community views Detroit as an international gateway to world-class outdoor experiences. Our region remains uncharted territory for most adventure seekers. As we all know, when you first mention that you’re from the Detroit region to someone who has never visited here, their initial response is an “8 Mile” movie reference at best and an insulting remark at worst. Who can blame them - the mainstream media has broadcast the worst of this region for over 50 years, resulting in Detroit being largely neglected in every aspect other than its cars, music, urban blight, bad football team, and the recent renaissance of its city center. Here’s the good news: this region’s inconceivably undervalued outdoor ecosystem has an unprecedented opportunity to make an impact on the global outdoor industry. Regardless of whether you’re a trail runner, mountain biker, kayaker, hunter, hiker, bird watcher, or any combination of the above, you have surely experienced moments in our region that invoked senses of awe, adventure, and pride in our environment. This region is stunningly beautiful - you can see it when first-time visitors relinquish any preconceived ideas of Detroit during their jog through Belle Isle, paddle down the Huron River, or hike over the rolling hills of Pinckney Recreation Area. Simply put, the entire business plan of Expedition Detroit falls apart if our region’s natural environment doesn’t exceed expectations. Let’s just say that we’re not losing any sleep on that question. Where we do have concerns - and where you play a vital role - is in raising awareness of the importance of preserving our remaining wild places. Largely due to the neglect that our region has suffered, Detroit’s natural environment is vulnerable to industrial pollution, local retailers struggle against household name brands, and financial resources are diverted from conservation towards more topical uses. If the status quo of general neglect remains, Detroit’s outdoors will likely be sacrificed on the altar of urban sprawl and unsustainable development. In our democracy, the two most effective tools that everyday citizens have in their arsenal are their vote and their dollar. Here at Expedition Detroit, we strive to educate our community on the most impactful uses of both for effectuating change that improves and protects our outdoors. Our utility as a value creation incubator for Detroit’s trail networks, gear manufacturers, and advocacy organizations only succeeds if our community also embraces this passion. Don’t worry, we vow to do the heavy lifting on producing field research, guides, and analyses on the most important matters facing our greater region - we just hope that you will join us in any capacity on this expedition. Now that we’ve introduced ourselves, we’ll get back to the trail and circle back with new content to fuel your next adventure. We sincerely thank you for joining us so early on, and we hope that our content will bring lifelong value into your outdoor experiences. We can’t wait to see you out there.

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores two of the most controversial, diverse, beautiful, and fun trails in the Detroit region: Proud Lake's northwestern Loops 2 and 3. Join us as we explore the heights and depths of these battleground trails! It's 7:30 p.m. on a Monday night just off of Garden Road. The sun has just started to ignite golden hour. Nocturnal wildlife wipe the sleep from their eyes. Hoards of mosquitos mobilize for their twilight feast. A box turtle watches me skeptically as I descend from my truck. There's no one else at Proud Lake Recreation Area's equestrian staging area trailhead. After a flurry of biking activity over the weekend, the dust has settled on this remote section's trails. If all indicators hold true, then I should have 4.5 miles of pristine hiking all to myself on this beautiful late spring evening. You could not write a better script for a peaceful and rejuvenating hike. Then the signs appear, reminding me that I've arrived to the front lines of a decades-long war. Not an actual war of course - although the blood on your arms from dispatching ambitious mosquitos may dictate otherwise. Combat has yet to occur on these trails (knock on wood), but the northwestern stretches of Proud Lake have constituted ground zero over a trail-rights battle fought between the Detroit region's mountain biking and equestrian communities. The crisp, fresh signage posted by both the Motor City Mountain Biking Association and Proud Lake Trail Riders Association blankets the trails like military outposts. Riders following these signs serve both as sentinels directing their troops on where to ride and scouts ready to report the unpardonable crime of wayward trail use. As the war rages on between these groups, the trails remain uncannily quiet on this tranquil Monday night. My neutral hiking boots leave tracks in the dirt alongside horse hooves and bike treads. I may be hiking in the trenches, but after a few miles spent traversing these highly-coveted trails, I fully understand why both groups have dug-in for the long haul on this fight. These trails are stunning. The sharp climbs and falls of the variable terrain provide true exhilaration, even when hiking. The mature forests, dramatic ridges, and open grasslands yield panoramic vistas. Oh, and don't forget about the legions of wildlife that emerge right around dusk. More than enough beauty to make you forget all about the struggle currently defining these trails. And why Proud Lake has maintained its generational place as one of the crown jewels of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem. It is our honor to reintroduce Proud Lake State Recreation Area now. MEET PROUD LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA Those of you who have been following our content since last fall know that the Expedition Detroit team does not shy away from our love for Proud Lake State Recreation Area. Founded in 1944, the recreation area is named after the Proud family that originally farmed the countryside surrounding Huron River during the 19th century. The Proud Lake of 2023 consists of more than 3,000 acres, over 30 miles of trails, and several distinct habitats supporting the wildlife within its confines. In terms of recreational potential, Proud Lake undoubtedly represents a land of opportunity. Proud Lake has firmly established itself as a year-round outdoor destination due to the borderline-excessive amount of recreational activities that visitors can partake in despite the park's immediate accessibility to Metro Detroit's suburbs. While living in Downtown Milford, I visited Proud Lake daily for trail running, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, or hunting. I also frequently crossed paths with backpackers on the Chief Pontiac Trail, equestrians, cross-country skiers, and anglers. Yes, the park even has overnight camping facilities - my father used to make an annual pilgrimage to Proud Lake's main campground in the early 1960s with his youth church group. The main point is that Proud Lake has something for every one, especially during these peak warmer months when outdoor enthusiasts of all demographics flock to its trails and shores. Now let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 255 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at equestrian staging trailhead off of Garden Road (west entrance) - additional parking available on Garden Road (east entrance) across Norton Creek Bridge (Michigan Recreation Passport required) Setting off from the equestrian staging area trailhead, you find yourself firmly in horse country. The open field that the trail circumnavigates is filled with equestrian training equipment and other items that, presumably, are useful for horseback riding lessons or skills. Our point is that you should make your way through this brief section of the trail as quickly and respectfully as possible, remembering that all trail users must yield to equestrians. This golden rule protects you, the rider, and the horse. Heed it accordingly. One other word of preliminary caution - this trail gets bombarded by mosquitos during the summer months. We strongly recommend not only wearing insect repellant and long sleeve shirts/hiking pants, but also treating your outer layers with permethrin at least a day before hitting the trail. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills mosquitos and ticks upon contact but is regarded as very safe for treatment of recreational clothing (obviously apply outdoors and avoid direct contact with skin/eyes during application). Once you have completed your 0.2 mile journey through the equestrian training field, you will arrive at the first of several trail junctions along the route. Keep right up the hill to start your circumnavigation of Loop 2, the tamer and more exposed loop on your hiking agenda. Your journey along Loop 2 will consist of just under two miles of gently rolling hills, oscillating between dense forest cover with marsh views and sweeping grasslands. During the colder months of the year with less foliage, the trail's first minor climb provides for incredible views of the massive wetlands just east of the trail. This forested climb gives way to a pastured valley to your west - the ideal location for wildlife viewing at dusk and dawn. The trail does come shockingly close to a home at the 0.6 mile marker, so be sure to act respectfully for this fleeting segment if hiking with a group. Aside from this minor aspect of the trail, Loop 2 comprises of one of the most isolated sections of all of Proud Lake. Trail runners will especially enjoy this paradise of gentle climbs and falls, expansive views, enough tree cover to keep you cool, and ample exposure to warm you up again. The majority of Loop 2 - 0.9 miles - runs as a slight decline parallel to the railroad tracks. There are a few side trails that aren't technically a part of Loop 2 during this stretch, but rest assured knowing that as long as you continue moving south along trails located next to the tracks, then you're headed in the right direction. Avoid the "faux trail crossing" at the 1.6 mile marker; while this crossing does connect to Loop 3, it is hardly maintained and deviates materially from the route we're describing here. Trust us, you'll know when you reach the main railroad junction at the 2.1 mile marker (hint: look for the Chief Pontiac Trail orange marker). This should go without saying, but EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHENEVER CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS. There is plenty of visibility here, so an oncoming trail should come as zero surprise to any trail user. NEVER TRY TO BEAT A TRAIN ACROSS THE TRACKS. Believe it or not, the trail isn't going anywhere. In fact, waiting for the train to pass should absolutely be utilized for a water break. Why? Because Loop 3 - commonly referred to by mountain bikers as the "Loop of Pain" - is next on your agenda. Once safely across the railroad tracks, turn right at the major trail junction that will immediately mark your arrival at Loop 3. Yes, the hills are coming, but Loop 3 generously allows hikers and bikers with plenty of time to acclimate with a 0.8 mile gentle ascent into the hills. While the first portion of this ascent also runs parallel to the railroad tracks - this time heading north - the last 0.4 miles comprises of one of the most pristine sections of forested ridge line trail that I've yet to hike in the Detroit region. Especially when you have the trail all to yourself. As you traverse the ridge line in a counter-clockwise direction, you will loop around one of the most beautifully maintained sections of forests throughout all of southeast Michigan. The views here are stunning - large, mature trees with virtually no bittersweet vines canvassed across several distinct "kettles" formed among the dramatic hills. I sincerely hope that you get to experience this either alone or with a small group of close friends - it's an ethereal, dare I say religious, passage of trail. After a slight decline as you come out of this idyllic loop, you'll finally meet "the Pain" starting at the 2.9 mile marker. You'll climb for the next 0.3 miles, with the steepest grade reaching a 12% incline. Fortunately the ridge trail remains dramatic throughout this portion, so you should actually thoroughly enjoy the sights and challenge of this climb. A nice summit of 1,031 feet at the 3.2 mile marker provides a much-needed opportunity for a water break. Hold on - you're not done yet. You may have just completed the longest sustained climb of the trail system, but just like the initial climb of a rollercoaster, this trail has a few minor climbs and drops to throw at you. For the next 0.3 miles, you'll traverse one of the most turbulent trails throughout the Detroit area, possibly even the entire Great Lakes region. Trail runners, this portion is especially for you - the three bipolar hills, complete with their sharp descents and surprisingly steep risings, will get your quads and calves burning in no time. This section used to consist largely of a sandy nightmare, but trail maintenance squads of recent years have dramatically improved the conditions for mountain bikers. To summarize, completing this segment of trail that's defined by these four hilltops is the single most fun hiking experience that I've had since launching Expedition Detroit. The sporadic, near-comedic terrain literally and figuratively keeps you on your toes throughout the ride - and yes, the trail most definitely feels like a ride. For better or for worse, once you're through the hilltops, then there's nowhere to go but downhill. The trail is far from being a direct shot back to the trailhead - you'll make a few turns to navigate south through open trail, then east towards the train tracks, before heading north again to reach the equestrian training fields. Nonetheless, a full mile of consistent downhill provides plenty of opportunity to recharge your legs, reflect on an amazing trail experience, and prepare for any other outdoor adventures that you might have line up on your Proud Lake itinerary. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS A visit to Proud Lake simply isn't complete without bringing your kayak, canoe, or paddle board. Gratuitously utilizing its prime location along the Huron River, Proud Lake maintains several ideal launching points for day paddles on the Huron. The Moss Lake Dam reigns as the crowd favorite launch point for accessing both the eastern and western stretches of the Huron, although the "Fishing Site" location just east of Wixom Road also provides a popular drop-in spot. For me personally, a favorite pastime comprises of paddling from the Fishing Site launch to Central Park in Downtown Milford. Along this 2.6 mile section of the Huron River National Water Trail, natural wetlands gradually give way to privately-owned shorelines. A series of bridges signal that you are indeed leaving the wilderness and paddling into the heart of the Village of Milford. Remaining highlights along this route include the historic Oak Grove Cemetery and passing through Milford’s historic Stone Arch Bridge. The route reaches its final destination at Milford Central Park immediately after crossing under the Main Street Bridge. Quick bonus tip - between the Stone Arch and Main Street Bridges, you will notice a few kayaks pulled off onto a concrete dock along a south shore hill. We strongly advise that you follow suit and have a pint or two with our friends at River’s Edge Brewery, aptly named for its direct link to the Huron River. Known by locals simply as “The Brewery,” we at Expedition Detroit are not only big fans of their beer, but also the active stewardship and conservation advocacy that The Brewery has engaged in towards protecting the Huron. Want to explore this trail for yourself but would prefer hiking or running with a guide? Look no further! Expedition Detroit proudly leads guided trips on this trail. 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!

Happy New Year, Detroit!! Now that 2023 has arrived in full regalia, here are the Expedition Detroit Team's New Year's resolutions, covering the most ambitious, exciting, and rewarding experiences that the Detroit region offers throughout the year. I love the moment that midnight strikes on New Year's Eve. Yes, I agree that over-hyping the start of a new calendar year easily wades into the territory of cliché, idealistic, or even setting yourself up for disappointment literally from the get-go. And yes, "New Year's Resolutions" - self-improvement goals to be accomplished over the next year - are the manifestation of lofty ambitions made by quixotic daydreamers like myself. But here's the catch: each year, I find myself entranced by the allurement of a fresh start. Similar to an artist staring at a blank canvas, a skier ready to drop into a pristine powder run, or a paddler launching into perfectly still water. There's an inherent beauty to a new year, and if establishing a few ambitious resolutions provide the framework for routing your course through 2023, then I'll gladly adopt the "cliché" or "basic" label. I'm far from being alone in my sentimentality towards looking forward to setting new goals for a new year. In fact, the New Year's Resolutions social trend is so widespread that there's a growing body of research regarding the science of accomplishing or failing to achieve such goals. The TL;DR summary of such research includes that successful New Year's Resolutions typically consist of the following characteristics: Specific or well-defined (e.g., "Run a half-marathon" vs. "Exercise more"); Framed in positive, actionable terms (e.g., "Eat more broccoli" vs. "Stop eating Big Macs"); and Focused on the goal-setter's individualists interests (vs. societal, familial, or work-place expectations). Keeping these traits in mind, the Expedition Detroit team has curated this list of 10 specific, ambitious, actionable, and rewarding New Year's Resolutions to be accomplished over the next 12 months. Spoiler alert, each of these resolutions directly involve world-class experiences in the Detroit region's outdoors. But these aren't just any experiences - completing any of these goals could easily stand out as your "Outdoor Highlight of 2023." Here are the top 10 outdoor New Year's resolutions that we will be striving for this year: 1. Ski or Ride the Big Four Resorts Mt. Brighton, Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob Ski Resorts Don't let the recent spring weather fool you - each and every new year for us in Detroit begins in January, during the dead of winter, within a northern climate. Snow will return, hopefully sooner than later, and while our backcountry skiing aspirations will be on hold for a bit, Detroit's "Big Four" ski and snowboard resorts will be back in action in no time! In line with our recent article on the Big Four, each of these resorts have special attributes that make them well worth a visit over the next few wintry months. Alpine Valley provides a full-service mountain within a stone's throw of the Detroit region's best hiking, paddling, and mountain biking destinations. Mt. Brighton has state-of-the-art facilities and direct connections to world-class ski resorts around the country. Mt. Holly provides skiers and riders with Up North-caliber vertical terrain. And Pine Knob packs the largest adrenaline punch for our resident terrain park junkies. Those are just the 30,000 ft. highlights; to get the full experience, take on all four mountains this season and rediscover your love for our local runs. Look for us on the chairlift. 2. Thru-Hike the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail Waterloo and Pinckney State Recreation Areas Last month, when I was on the ground conducting research for our "Trail Town Spotlight" article on Dexter, I struck up a conversation with a local outdoor enthusiast about Expedition Detroit. Naturally, our conversation shifted towards the most exciting and awe-inspiring outdoor experiences in our area. I tried to keep the conversation focused on Dexter, but she couldn't help spilling the beans on one very specific experience: "Whatever you do, please don't write about the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. It's our region's hidden gem!" Sorry, ma'am. I told you then that I would have to write on it - multiple times - because it's simply that incredible to be kept a secret. For the uninitiated, the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail is the Detroit region's sole, true thru-hiking trail (for the time being - ball's in your court, Iron Belle Trail). Typically backpacked from Waterloo in the southwest to Pinckney in the northeast, the trail is a 33.8 mile point-to-point hike (38.5 miles with campground diversions) that provides hikers with ample camping opportunities along the route. Hikers will gain 2,312 feet of elevation over the course of this hike, which usually takes between 2 - 4 days to complete. Mark our words: we will write a feature on this trail in the months ahead, possibly even a glorified installation of our #TrailTuesday series launching next week. Subscribers, keep an eye on your inbox! 3. Paddle the Entirety of the Huron River National Water Trail Proud Lake State Recreation Area to Lake Erie Metropark Let's stay on the theme of thru-expeditions, shall we? We have already written extensively on the beauty of the Huron River - especially during peak fall colors - but the true blessing of the river is that it provides an endlessly flowing supply of recreational opportunities. Day paddles, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, camping, or hunting along its banks. In spite of these incredible activities, we must give credit where credit's due and crown the most adventuresome, comprehensive, and awe-inspiring endeavor that one can pursue on the Huron: Thru-paddling the entirety of the Huron River National Water Trail's 104-mile route. Launching at the headwaters of Proud Lake, the official water trail route guides paddlers through several of the Detroit region's idyllic parks and quintessential trail towns along the journey to Lake Erie. Milford, Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Flat Rock are the trail's official "Water Trail Towns," although the trail provides for ample exploration opportunities throughout the metroparks, state recreation areas, and other destinations that encompass its surroundings. There are four official canoe campgrounds along the water trail: Kensington Metropark (appropriately located off of Group Camp Rd.), Island Lake State Recreation Area, Hudson Mills Metropark, and Lower Huron Metropark. As the above map shows, there is quite a stretch between the Hudson Mills and Lower Huron campgrounds - a 38.7 mile stretch. A previous expedition camped at a "secret campground" location referred to as "Superior Pond" to break up this segment, but we are unsure whether this pre-approved "campground" was located on private property. We'll dig a little deeper into that detail, but for the time being, we would advise maybe breaking up that segment with a night spent in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti. A proper beer, burger, and bed rarely hurt anyone. As a bonus perk of completing the thru-paddle, you will earn access into the Huron River Watershed Council's "Huron104" Trail Registry. Huron104 lists the names of each successful adventurer that has completed at least 100 distinct miles of the water trail within a calendar year. As of the date of this article, the registry lists only 12 names. Is that a comprehensive list of everyone who has completed the trail from point-to-point? Probably not, but it's hard to imagine a better way to add an adventuresome exclamation to this year than joining such an exclusive club. 4. Cycle the Century Challenge during the Milford Bike Fest Milford, Michigan Call us jaded, but our taste for adventure drifts subconsciously towards the extreme. The experiences that push our bodies to the limit, demand more energy than we thought we were capable of delivering, and leave us with a newfound appreciation for what the human body is capable of. Several of these resolutions fit into that genre of adventure, but I have to be completely transparent: just the thought of taking on the Milford Bike Fest's "Century Challenge" makes my palms sweat (sorry, keyboard). Allow me to back up for a moment. The MCMBA-sponsored Milford Bike Fest is, at its core, a celebration of Southeast Michigan's mountain biking community. The festival occurs in Milford because of the trail town's central location to five world-class single track mountain biking trails, including the top-tier Highland A-B-C-D loops. While the festival comes complete with live music, complementary drinks, food discounts, and hundreds of your new favorite riding buddies, everyone knows that the main draw of the festival is the Century Challenge. Here's the challenge: completing a mountain biking ride that covers THE ENTIRETY of all five trail systems that are readily accessible from Downtown Milford over a distance of at least 100 miles. These include the Milford Trail, Highland State Recreation Area, Hickory Glen, Proud Lake State Recreation Area/the Kensington Connector, and Island Lake State Recreation Area. I have biked each of these trail systems independently, and each one packs one hell of a punch. So, the thought of conquering all five in a single day...yeah, that's definitely one way to earn a post-ride beer! We're crazy enough to give it a go. Please, comrades, join us on this odyssey! 5. Conquer the Black Diamond Trails Bald Mountain, Brighton, and Highland State Recreation Areas When it comes to hiking trails, not all trails are created equal. Hear me out, that's a good thing - you wouldn't want to take someone making their first steps towards a lifelong fitness journey on a rim-to-rim trek of the Grand Canyon. Such an endeavor would likely kill their drive to ever set foot on a trail again (or just to ever hike with you again). The same concept holds true for our local hiking trails. Here at Expedition Detroit, we have already covered our area's top-ranked trails for every genre of hiker. We have also wrote about our most accessible trails for venturing out on a night hike. But for this special article - the shoot-for-the-moon "New Year's Resolutions" article - we're aiming for our three toughest, steepest, and most challenging trails: our three "Black Diamond" rated-trails at Bald Mountain, Brighton, and Highland State Recreation Areas. We wrote a feature on these trails a few months back, so I won't recreate the wheel now. What I will state here though is that completing this triple crown of Detroit hiking is no easy feat: the combined stats of these trails are 1,560 feet of elevation gain over 37.6 miles of Southeast Michigan's most rugged, variable, punishing, yet beautiful terrain. Who knows, we may go crazy and try to knock out all three trails in a single day...stay tuned my friends. Stay tuned. 6. Bike, Hike, or Run the Entirety of the Trans Canada Trail in Windsor Windsor, Ontario Last October, we made a prediction that in the not-too-distant future, Detroit will claim its place as the international trails capital of North America. Yes, the State of Michigan's immense investment in trail infrastructure as part of its campaign for Michigan to earn recognition as our nation's "Trails State" has facilitated immense momentum for our city's outdoor recreation economy. That being said, our Canadian cousins have undeniably acted as pioneers in this space: the Trans Canada Trail, the longest recreational trail network in the world covering over 15,000 miles, extends directly to Windsor’s Riverfront Trail. Will we ever trek across all of the TCT's 15,000 miles, completing an epic journey from the Atlantic waves of St. John's Island to the icebergs of the Northwest Territories? Eh, probably not in this lifetime. We very much can - and therefore will - take on the 15.5 miles of its trail that stretch across Windsor's northern shores, including the stunning Riverfront Trail, Malden Park, and Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Preserve. We prefer our trails without wild, scavenging polar bears anyways. 7. Volunteer with "Friends" Throughout the Detroit Region One of REI's core marketing slogans has evolved into one of our mantras at Expedition Detroit: "A life outdoors is a life well lived." Well, we would like to revise that slogan a tad: "A life outdoors with friends is a life well lived." Yes, that could refer to actual, adventurous, human friends, but for this article we're writing about the vast volunteer network of "Friends" organizations of specific parks that accomplish amazing environmental feats throughout our region. We try to regularly spotlight these organizations on our Instagram feed, but groups like the Friends of Maybury State Park, Friends of Point Pelee, and Friends of the Rouge dedicate countless hours towards making our outdoors more accessible, beautiful, and sustainable for generations to come. This year, we humbly ask that you join us in volunteering for one or more outdoor stewardship work days with these "Friends." Aside from earning some good karma for this year, donating your time and muscle to such causes instills a sense of pride and ownership in our outdoors that simple recreation just can't hold a candle to. Oh, and don't worry, we will blow up our social media feeds well in advance of those volunteer opportunities, so you'll know exactly where we will be getting our hands dirty at. 8. Run the Detroit Free Press Marathon Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario We've said it once, twice, and will say it proudly a million times more: the Detroit Free Press Marathon is the crown jewel in the treasure trove of Detroit's outdoor events calendar. The race embodies everything that we love about our region's outdoors: breath-taking views from the Ambassador Bridge, international fraternization along the Windsor and Detroit riverfronts, a natural haven within Belle Isle, and heartwarming, encouraging interactions with Detroiters and Windsorites throughout the event. Yes, we are generally more pro-trail running than road running. However, the Detroit Free Press Marathon will forever lure us back on an annual pilgrimage to the concrete labyrinth of Detroit's core routes. We emphatically urge you to join us in this amazing, heart (and lung)-pounding race that briefly turns the attention of the international running community towards our great city. Oh, and did we mention that the medals are basically Olympic quality each year...? We're suckers for an amazing finisher's medal, and the Detroit Marathon never disappoints. 9. Actively (or Passively) Support Conservation Throughout the Detroit Region Let's cut right to the chase: hunting and fishing are not everyone's cup of tea when it comes to outdoor recreation options. We get it - we even wrote an article addressing the negative stereotypes that hunters face head-on, as well as steps that the hunting community can take to address such public apprehension towards our passion. The bottom line is that any recreational sport that involves the taking of life will raise eyebrows. Now, here's another uncomfortable, universal truth: in our modern, sprawling suburban ecosystem, hunting and fishing are vital to the DNR's ongoing conservation efforts. Last October, the Detroit Free Press published a front-page article covering the devastating impact that exploding deer populations are unleashing on habitat sustainability, vehicular safety, and the environmental longevity of the Great Lakes region. Add in the material detriment of decreasing hunting and fishing license sales on the DNR's annual budget, the net result is that our developed region can't afford to lose its hunters and anglers. While we strongly encourage anyone looking to lead a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle to consider actively supporting conservation by hunting or fishing in 2023, we adamantly argue that all ethical outdoor recreationists should purchase a hunting and/or fishing license. If that statement comes off as a little "pushy," well, I unapologetically stand by it. The DNR desperately needs our participation in its greater conservation program in order to properly care for the outdoor spaces that we love. Actively hunting or fishing gets you in the game, but even just purchasing a license - with no intention of hunting or fishing - will provide the DNR with revenue to reinvest into the sustainability of our wilderness. Easily the best $20 you'll spend this year. 10. Qualify for The GOAT Trail Series Throughout Southeast Michigan Before I started my amateur running career during my senior year of college, I viewed the sport of distance running in a similar fashion as the masses that loath it: monotonous, boring, and brutally repetitive. I fortunately converted into the faithful of passionate runners, but even then my excitement for typical 5K road races waned pretty quickly. Moving my training runs from sidewalks to natural trails truly saved my passion (and physical capacity) for competitive distance running. I started researching the best trail races in the Detroit region; a few years and several races later, I can confidently state that the best trail events are hosted by our friends at RF Events. But wait, there's more. Last year, RF Events launched their inaugural trail racing series called "The GOAT Trail Series." In summary, the GOAT - which, for those of you that may have been living under a rock for the last decade, stands for "Greatest Of All Time" - comprises of competing in at least 3 of RF Event's 5 flagship races, spanning from April 29th ("Trail Weekend") to November 4th ("Bonfyre Trail Fest"). Runners are placed in either the "Sprint" or "Open" categories based on event distance, and are allocated points per race based on their results. At the end of the season, runners who qualified for the GOAT Series will be eligible to win special awards if they ranked as either the top three runners (by gender) for each of the Sprint and Open categories, or they placed within the top three for their age group (also by gender). If you're looking to break into trail running in 2023 - or honestly just to lead a healthier year - then we could not more strongly recommend including the GOAT Series as a New Year's Resolution. For starters, you will be committing yourself to a running season spanning most of the year. The races occur in some of the Detroit region's most pristine destinations, including Pinckney and Waterloo State Recreation Areas and Maybury State Park. The trail running community is formed of fun, adventurous, and supportive people. RF Events pulls out all of the stops for hosting these races, including live music, bonfires, and ample post-race snacks. Oh, and did we mention that you can come home with some extra hardware and bragging rights..?? Not to toot our own horn, but the image above reflects our team's haul from this previous season (I actually won the 30-39 Sprint age group). I'll be aiming to keep that title this year, so I challenge anyone in that demographic to try and take the spot from me this season. Seriously. Bring it on. Before signing off on this article and getting a jump on these resolutions, we also formally want to invite you to join us on each and every one of these goals. Another less-known characteristic of successful goal-setting is accountability. Well, this article is our team's public accountability notice. We fully intended on accomplishing each of these New Year's Resolutions, and we hope to see you on the trail, in the river, or across the finish line. Happy New Year, Expedition Detroit community. As always, we can't wait to see you out there!

Born out of military boot camp training, the physical and mental benefits of "Rucking" is taking the recreational community by storm! Here's why you should definitely add hitting the trails with a weighted backpack to your offseason agenda this year. "You know what you should write about? Rucking. Seriously, man. Rucking." As I looked back at the kind-spirited man sitting across from me, I could sense the underlying sincerity in his voice. The subtly commanding tone inherited from decades spent serving in the U.S. military - and continued service with assisting veterans across the Detroit region. A gentle, yet tangible, nudge intended to offer a topical suggestion while affirming its validity. Fortunately for me, I didn't require any further military-grade convincing. Rucking - simply wearing a weighted vest or backpack while hiking - crossed the Expedition Detroit radar several times as a topic of interest before and throughout our inaugural year. Our interest in this recreational activity is hardly unique: rucking now has 16.8 million views and counting on TikTok under #rucking. Stated differently, what originated as a military exercise for acclimating soldiers to carrying heavy equipment over long distances has evolved into an international phenomena. A seemingly simple sport that science-backed data continues to reinforce the physical and mental benefits of participating in. And, dare we say, your next favorite offseason training activity. Friends, family, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts: meet rucking. BENEFITS OF RUCKING When I'm leading a guided hike, I try my best to make the experience as holistically interesting and enjoyable as possible for our guests. While that approach changes from trip-to-trip, the constants are (1) exploring the most beautiful and engaging trails in the Detroit region and (2) providing verifiable information about the destination and activity that we're embarking on. One of my favorite facts, applicable to each of our guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running experiences, is this: Humans are genetically superior than almost all other species at running and load carrying over long distances. That's right, naysayers (and Springsteen fans): you were empirically born to run...and ruck. Per Michael Easter's thorough research on the topic, the human body evolved over millennia to fine-tune its ability to run down prey over several miles, harvest the exhausted animal, and then carry it the same distance back to camp. This is exactly why the human physique of 2023 comes complete with two strong legs, springy arches in our feet, big butt muscles, a plethora of sweat glands, no fur, shorter torsos, and strong grips. Even more specifically, Easter argues that the human body is more inclined to ruck vs. run, due predominantly to mankind's more immediate needs to "distance carry" rather than "distance run" throughout our existence. So...how exactly does a Paleolithic-era genetic predisposition translate to current health benefits? We're so glad that you asked! Here's a breakdown of the core health benefits of rucking: Cardiovascular Fitness: Rucking isn’t just a leisurely stroll around your subdivision - it's a proven calorie burner that spikes your metabolism and helps you burn more calories than walking alone. Add in the elevation changes inherent to trail rucking and your typical trek elevates into a calorie-burning expedition. Low-Impact Exercise: Rucking constitutes a form of "Low-Intensity Steady State" training, which means it supports fat loss while having a low impact on your joints and connective tissue. Perfect for offseason fitness maintenance while recovering from the wear and tear of peak fall racing. Full Body Strength Building: While rucking won't immediately deliver the camera-ready results expected with weighted strength training, rucking strengthens both the shoulders and the lower body - particularly the upper traps, quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. The exercise also stabilizes your core, promotes the stability and balance of the muscles in your ankles and hips, and can even assist with promoting better posture. Fitness Level Flexibility: Regardless of your fitness level, you start rucking. Since rucking only involves the adjustment three variables – weight, distance, and intensity – the activity is easy to rev up or down based on your fitness experience, preferences, and goals. Mental Resiliency: By solely adding a weighted vest or backpack to your typical hikes, you will add a notable degree of difficulty to what was formerly a comfortable activity. Rucking provides one of the most effective - but manageable - means of increasing your resiliency and mental fortitude in the outdoors. Studies support that building up your resiliency through acts like rucking will translate into becoming more ambitious, handling stress healthier, and better performance across life's full spectrum. Simplicity: In terms of simplicity, you simply can't beat rucking. Pick a trail, warm-up, throw a ruck sack on your back, and go. That’s it. In summary, the verdict is in that rucking is naturally very, very good for you. So let's keep this trek moving by properly outfitting you for your next rucking adventure. BEST RUCKING GEAR Spoiler alert: rucking may have one of the lowest equipment barriers to entry of any recreational sport. If you're already outfitted for hiking or trail running, then you're just a purchase or two away from becoming a fully-stocked rucker. Our backpacking faithful may have already ventured into the sport without even realizing it. For anyone who is either brand new to rucking or looking to acquire rucking-specific equipment, here's a shorthand reference of Expedition Detroit's recommended gear: RUCKING BACKPACK Brand: QT&QY Tactical Training Rating: 4.7/5 Price: $35.99 Carrying Capacity: 45L The QT&QY Tacticial Training Backpack comes purposefully designed to facilitate your rucking training sessions - as well as any other backcountry adventures that you may embark on this offseason. Each backpack features waterproof fabric, breathable support, 45L capacity for weights and other gear, and ample webbing for attachments. All compartments feature high quality zippers with two-way openings, including the ability to lay 180 degrees flat for easy packing/unpacking. Weights are not included with the purchase of the backpack. RUCKING WEIGHTED VEST Brand: RunMAX Rating: 4.6/5 Price: $36.71 - $439.99 (price based on weight) Weight Range: 20 - 150lbs The RunMAX weighted vest has all the features that you'll need for an effective rucking vest. With a weight capacity ranging from 20lbs all the way up to 150lbs, you can modify the vest's weight by removing or adding the desired weight. You can also purchase shoulder pads with the vest extra comfort, and the best includes both a water bottle holder and phone pocket. RUCKING STANDALONE WEIGHTS Brand: Yes4All Rating: 4.8/5 Price: $22.99 - $78.00 (price based on weight) Weight Range: 10 - 45lbs The Yes4All Ruck Plates are the ideal standalone weights for packing into your go-to rucking backpack. Constructed of solid cast iron and covered with a black paint coating finish, these plates can stand for years without corrosion, oxidation, and rust. The plates fit seamlessly into standard rucksacks for superior stability. ADDITIONAL GEAR While the above items are the only "rucking-specific" gear items on our list, we also strongly encourage you to review our articles on two other important gear genres: proper footwear and night gear. For footwear, we recommend treating rucking exactly like backpacking - supportive trail runners for easier rucks, durable boots for difficult sessions. For night gear, always remember that visibility is safety. While your rucking backpack may be camouflaged, your headlamp and reflective gear should aim to undermine its covert qualities. BEST RUCKING TRAILS So now that you have your backpack or weighted vest, the next logical question is obviously "Where should I ruck?" Yes, you could obviously just walk out the door and ruck around your neighborhood for a mile or two. But come on...where's the fun in that? For our more expeditious readers - i.e., you since you're currently reading these words - we've highlighted three of our favorite trails for your rucking adventures. These trails are organized from beginner-friendly to advanced, so please explore them in proportion to your comfort level and ability. You can also utilize these trails as benchmarks for tracking your rucking progression. Most importantly, you'll be reaping the benefits of rucking, within three of the most pristine trails in the Detroit region, during a time of year where most outdoor enthusiasts opt for the treadmill. Here are our top recommended rucking trails: 1. MAYBURY STATE PARK | Northville, MI Trail Rating: Beginner-Friendly Trail Length: 3.1 miles Trail Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Orientation: Loop Maybury's family-friendly loop in the heart of the Detroit region has provided a hiking staple for generations. Fortunately for anyone interested in rucking, the oscillating terrain of the trail's multidimensional ecosystem is also perfectly-suited for introductory-level rucking. Maybury's panoramic forests, defined moraine ridge lines, and wildlife-abundant pond will keep you engaged throughout your first steps into this new sport - especially during this fall's peak colors season! BOOK A GUIDED RUCKING HIKE AT MAYBURY STATE PARK THIS FALL! 2. BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA | Brighton, MI Trail Rating: Intermediate Trail Length: 4.9 miles Trail Elevation Gain: 393 feet Trail Orientation: Loop Ready to up the ante on your rucking sessions? Awesome, we've got the perfect trail for you: Brighton Recreation Area's famous Penosha Trail. Often hailed as Metro Detroit's best day-hiking trail, this ~5 mile loop beautifully features the full spectrum of our region's best natural landscape characteristics. For rucking purposes, however, the steady 0.5 mile incline striking at roughly the 2.5 mile marker will kick the organic benefits of hiking into overdrive when sporting your rucksack. Your legs may not be too thrilled with you in the middle of Penosha's 17% grade incline, but trust us - your celebratory post-hike brew at the Bishop Lake trailhead will taste just that much better when earned. BOOK A GUIDED RUCKING HIKE AT BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA THIS FALL! 3. HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA | Highland, MI Trail Rating: Advanced Trail Length: 14.7 miles Trail Elevation Gain: 1,309 feet Trail Orientation: Loop We're not going to sugar coat this last one: Highland Recreation Area's infamously adventurous A-B-C-D Loops are very, very difficult. Conquering any one of these loops - let alone all four at once - with a weighted vest or backpack qualifies as a feat worth bragging about. That being said, for Metro Detroit's most hard-nosed, intrepid, experienced, and resilient endurance athletes, this is the trail for you. The hardest of the Detroit region's three "Black Diamond Trails." An adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster of winding climbs, descents, rocks, roots, and bliss in Milford's northwoods. BOOK A GUIDED RUCKING HIKE AT HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA THIS FALL! Note: Before beginning any new exercise program, you should always consider consulting with your doctor. Stop immediately if you experience any pain.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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!

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!