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

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!

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

What do you get when you cram all four seasons of the year into 31 days? The month of March in Michigan - the epitome of "shoulder season" recreation where your days can start with a morning cycle and finish with skiing through powder. Here are Detroit's top 10 outdoor events for capitalizing on March's kaleidoscope of recreation opportunities. Shoulder. Season. There are no better two words for describing what Detroit region recreationists experience in March when trying to plan for a full day of outdoor experiences. If you're a glass-half-full kind of person, then March should represent your favorite month of the year. For the next 31 days, you will have ample opportunities to run on pristine trails in the morning and ski decent powder in the evening. Or bust out the fat tire bike for snow-covered trails in the early hours before basking in the warmth of a mid-afternoon kayak. Our most coveted parks are still largely vacant of warmer-weather crowds. The most sought-after river routes or campsites available for your recreational leisure. As a cherry on top, most state park drinking regulations don't take effect until April 1st. The obvious converse of these benefits is that, if timed poorly or conditions-dependent, March will simply suck for you. March can often be too warm to ski, too cold to paddle, too muddy to bike, and too early to hunt. A recreational purgatory for even the most ardent outdoor enthusiasts. We at Expedition Detroit view ourselves in the former category - the conditions be damned, "there's no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing" kind of crowd. However, especially for the "March Deniers" among us, we thought that we'd curate this list of Top 10 Outdoor Events to help ease your passing from winter into spring. 1. Get a Little Slushy at Mt. Brighton March 4th | Mt. Brighton Ski Resort | 12 p.m. Spring skiing tends to hit a little early in the Detroit region...and can switch back to peak-winter conditions in the blink of an eye. Even though a heavy snow storm is on the forecast for Friday, Saturday's temperatures are currently projected for a high of 42º. Stated differently, perfect conditions for Mt. Brighton's Slush Cup. The resort invites all of Detroit's ski and snowboard faithful to join it for its biggest spring party of the season. The event will feature a pond skimming competition (ages 7+), live music, an outdoor bar, tons of giveaways and prizes, and more. Participants in the pond skimming event can register the morning of the 4th in the picnic area between 9am - 11am. Registration is first come, fist serve, and the pond-skimming kicks off at 12pm. Helmets are required and the resort's rental equipment is NOT permitted in the pond-skimming competition. 2. Embrace the Snow with a Winter Hike March 4th | Maybury State Park | 7 p.m. "It's March now, so winter should be over, right..?" Anyone who has ever had the gall to utter these out loud probably felt an immediate gust of winter wind against their neck - the physical manifestation of Mother Nature laughing at them. Especially in and around Detroit. Yes, winter in our corner of the Great Lakes can be a very polarizing season. Most recreationists either love it or hate it, just like an ice bath or polar plunge. For us at Expedition Detroit, our biased opinion is that this winter has been underwhelming. We received what, two weeks of "winter wonderland" powder conditions? Just enough snow for one backcountry ski venture? We fully-endorse the DNR's team at Maybury State Park for embracing the incoming snow with an evening guided winter hike through the park. The hike is appropriate for all ages and pets are welcome (must be on a 6' leash at all times). Light snacks will be provided after the hike. The hike will set off from the trailhead building off the Eight Mile Road entrance, and headlamps are recommended. 3. Pack the Popcorn for a Free Screening of Black Ice March 5th | DYNO Detroit Climbing | 7 p.m. Detroit Parks & Recreation, Detroit Outdoors, and DYNO Detroit Climbing invite all of Detroit's recreation community to enjoy a free screening of Black Ice - a documentary that follows a group of African American climbers on an ice climbing expedition to Montana. The screening will also include a presentation by Detroiters that recently completed an upper peninsula ice climbing trip. This film showcases African American rock climbers from Memphis Rox climbing gym as they set off on an ice climbing adventure with professionals to experience the extremities of the sport. The event will feature a small panel of individuals who have experienced ice climbing, as well as discussions regarding local climbing opportunities. Doors open at 7 pm and the film will start at 7:30 pm. Don't forget a blanket, pillow, and/or a camp chair to get comfortable on the climbing gym's floor. Oh, and BYOB is permitted at this event. Nice. 4. Earn some Good Luck at a DNR Volunteer Workday Throughout March | Brighton, Bald Mountain, Waterloo, Highland, Island Lake, and Pinckney State Recreation Areas and Belle Isle State Park | 9 a.m. Looking to earn karma's respect - and maybe a little good luck - throughout March? There's absolutely more than one way to tip the fates in your favor, but environmental stewardship takes the prize as our favorite means of releasing good vibes back into the universe. Fortunately for all of us, the DNR has taken the lead in sponsoring several official "Volunteer Stewardship Workday" events across the Detroit region at Brighton State Recreation Area (March 5th), Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (March 11th), Waterloo State Recreation Area (March 12th), Highland State Recreation Area (March 18th), Island Lake State Recreation Area (March 19th), Belle Isle State Park (March 25th), and Pinckney State Recreation Area (March 26th). Work crew activities will focus on piling brush, stacking firewood, cutting invasive shrubs, and restoring wetlands. Rainboots or other waterproof boots are recommended for these events, and preregistration is required. 5. Run for the Gold at a St. Patrick's Day 5K March 11th - 12th | Throughout Detroit Region There's only one time of year where waking up to any song by the Dropkick Murphys is not only acceptable, but culturally-respectable. As well as slamming a pre-race Guinness. Or kissing anyone with freckles or red hair, assuming that their green t-shirt of choice explicitly invites said kiss. That beautiful time of year, my friends, is St. Patrick's Day - a day of remembrance of the "Old Country" for us Irish, acceptable debauchery, bag-pipe filled music, crowded pubs, and a festive leprechaun-themed 5K races. Detroit's oldest and most Irish neighborhood, Corktown, will be hosting its 40th running of the "Corktown Races" on March 12th. Other St. Paddy's-themed races include the "Lucky Leprechaun Race" on March 11th in Utica, and RF Events' "Shamrocks & Shenanigans" on March 12th in Ann Arbor. 6. Earn your Slice of Pi(e) March 14th | Virtual For most of us, when you think of a "special day in March," you probably think of St. Patrick's Day. Obviously. But, if you time-travel back to your middle school years (apologies in advance), we all remember that one kid who came to school on March 14th, with a chocolate-chip pie under their arm, decorated in icing with one archaic symbol that you haven't thought of since your geometry exam: π. "Ah, that's right," you should be thinking right about now. "Pi day." Pi - the Greek trigonometric symbol that mathematically represents the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter - is shorthand calculated as "3.14." As such, March 14th is celebrated as "Pi Day" among mathletes and recreationists alike due to its correlation with the number. While Pi Day is internationally-recognized as a day to commemorate math, we at Expedition Detroit choose to celebrate by extending our typical mid-week 5K by 0.04 miles. There's even a virtual event sponsored by Epic Races to inspire runners to get outside on the 14th. Circular routes are strongly encouraged. 7. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve March 18th | Point Pelee National Park | 6 p.m. The days may finally be getting lighter, but the stars at Point Pelee National Park - the single best stargazing destination in the Detroit region - still shine 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. Close Out Flannel Season with a Lumberjack Pancake Run March 25th | Detroit, Michigan | 9:30 a.m. Flannel. Flapjacks. Finish lines. Can you think of a better trio for closing out "Flannel SZN" in the Detroit region? We sure can't, and we think that whoever thought of this race at the DNR's "Outdoor Adventure Center" deserves a raise. This themed "Lumberjack Pancake" 5K race will traverse the Dequindre Cut, starting in front of the Outdoor Adventure Center. The course is flat and fast, and the race's "swag" includes a custom medal, lumberjack buff, free entry to the Outdoor Adventure Center beginning at 10 a.m., and a big pancake breakfast. All participants are encouraged to wear their best flannel apparel and sport their best lumberjack beard. 9. Embrace the Chills at the No Frills, All Thrills Trail Run March 25th | Huron Meadows Metropark | 10:00 a.m. As any seasoned Detroiter will tell you, white-out snow conditions in the end of March are not only common - they're expected. Along with freezing rain or other shelter-beckoning precipitation. Not exactly ideal running conditions... ...unless you're a David Goggins-esque, "damn the weather," no frills kind of runner. And in the off-chance that you are, then we have the perfect event for you. The Brighton Area Road Striders are hosting their "No Frills, All Thrills Trail Run" event at Huron Meadows Metropark for runners that believe that all conditions are good race conditions. The event includes 4K and 8K race options. 10. Surrender to Nature on a Mud March March 25th | Lake Erie Metropark | 12 p.m. We've got good and bad news: the end of March is officially "Mud Season" throughout the Detroit region. Yes, this happens every single year. Yet outdoorsy folks stay get taken aback when their pristine trails, ski hills, and riverbanks turn to brown, mucky slush. Why not embrace it? That's the attitude that the team over at Lake Erie Metropark have adopted, and we advise following suit. Lace up a pair of waterproof boots and head over to the park for their "Mud March" event. This family-friendly guided hike will trek through the mud and puddles in search of marsh wildlife during this rainiest of seasons. Naturally, the hike will kick off rain or shine, so participants are advised to dress accordingly. Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Just like waking up to fresh snowfall, January provides a perfectly clean slate for pursuing your wildest outdoor goals for 2023. We're absolutely STOKED for all that this new year will bring for Detroit's outdoors, starting with these top 10 outdoor events for January. There's something beautiful about waking up on the morning of January 1st. The past year's successes and failures are logged into the annals of history. Everyone is provided with a perfectly clean slate - a blank canvas of a calendar year, ready for you to illustrate a portrait of adventures yet to be experienced. Even though January still falls squarely within Detroit's "off-season" for outdoor recreation, we strongly advise that you build on any momentum that you gained during the tail-end of 2022 and keep getting outside. In fact, we've argued repeatedly that now is the single best season for recreating in our natural environment. The colder, darker days act as an antithesis to crowds, fair-weather adventurers, and other human elements that detract from an outdoor experience. In other words, if you're training for spring races, looking for natural solitude, or simply hate sharing the trail with the masses, then January is your time to shine. These top 10 events are intended for recreationists wired just like you, and we can't wait to see you at one, two, or all of these events! 1. Kick Off the New Year with a First Day Hike January 1st | Maybury State Park | 10 a.m. If you're reading this article, then I'm willing to bet that one of your New Year's Resolutions involves getting outside more. Well, why not kick off the year on the right foot with a morning hike at one of the Detroit region's most accessible state parks? The Friends of Maybury State Park are hosting a family-friendly "First Day Hike" on New Year's Day, setting off from the main Trailhead Building off of the park's 8 Mile entrance. The guided hike will set off at 10 a.m., but you are also welcome to hike the trails on your own throughout the day (you may just see us on the trails late morning/pre-Lions game). All pets must be on a six-foot leash at all times, and light refreshments will be available after the guided hike. No preregistration is required for this event. 2. Complement your Adventures with a Virtual Challenge Throughout January | Anywhere A "Virtual Challenge" - we apologize in advance if that phrase triggers pandemic lockdown-era PTSD. We 1,000% agree that the return of in-person, live events were a welcomed sign of the end of COVID's reign of tyranny over our recreational livelihoods. However, one pandemic relic that we hope does not vanish entirely from the outdoor economy is virtual challenges that can - and should - inspire and complement your training schedules, races, and generally outdoor expeditions. There are near infinite virtual challenges that you could join, but we'd like to highlight the challenges sponsored by 52 Hike Challenge and the monthly running challenges sponsored by our friends at RF Events. The "52 Hike Challenge" comprises of an annual goal for participants to complete an average of one, 1-mile hike per week. There are also other, short "Series" that 52 Hikes sponsors, including a special "Winter Series," as well as series involving hikes with pets, kids, and a special "Adventure Series" that we're particularly interested in. RF Events' monthly challenges feature specific, running-focused goals over a given calendar month, with January's "Winter Wonderland Adventure" challenge 1,000+ minutes of activity - the number of minutes it would take to get from adventure to adventure from Detroit to Ironwood in the western U.P. 3. Capitalize on Extended Archery Season Throughout January | Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties in Michigan If you're still looking for your first deer of the season, let me start by offering my condolences - I've been in this position before, and it sucks. Plain and simple. But, let me offer some relief to your season-long frustration: especially if you live and hunt in Macomb, Oakland, or Wayne counties, there is an extended archery season in place through January 31st. A deer license, deer combo license, or antler-less deer license are valid during this extended season. Similar to last month's advisory, if you have an unfilled antler-less tag, please consider harvesting a doe and donating the venison to a local food bank. Conservation in action goes much farther than any decision made in the field - we thank you in advance for assisting both the DNR in whitetail population maintenance and our neighbors in need of a hearty meal. 4. Take on the Abominable Snowman Ride January 7th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 12 p.m. Forget the deniers: the Abominable Snowman exists, and it rips on a mountain bike. Don't just take our word for it, though - the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association is hosting its annual Abominable Snowman Ride at the Glenbrook Yurt in Pinckney State Recreation Area. Riders are welcome to join in on as much or little of the scheduled 5 hour ride as they would like, and a post-ride bonfire is on the agenda! 5. Earn your "New Year Good Karma" at a DNR Volunteer Workday Throughout January | Island Lake, Highland, and Bald Mountain State Recreation Areas and Belle Isle State Park | 9 a.m. Another common New Year's Resolution includes doing more to make this world a better place. Volunteering your time, donating your money, or contributing to charity in a variety of other ways. If this reflects one of your goals - especially if you want your efforts to directly benefit the Detroit region's outdoors - then we applaud you and have a perfect volunteer opportunity for you. Fortunately for all of us, the DNR has taken the lead in sponsoring four official "Volunteer Stewardship Workday" events across the Detroit region at Island Lake State Recreation Area (January 7th), Bald Mountain State Recreation Area (January 14th), Belle Isle State Park (January 21st), and Highland State Recreation Area (January 28th). Work crew activities will focus on piling brush, stacking firewood, cutting invasive shrubs, and restoring wetlands. Rainboots or other waterproof boots are recommended for these events, and preregistration is required. 6. Defrost your Cross-Country Skis for Frosty Fest! 2023 January 14th | Huron Meadows Metropark | 10 a.m. Full-disclosure, the Expedition Detroit team has had "cross-country skiing" on our recreational activity wishlist for some time now. In other words, we're complete rookies at this sport - despite decades of downhill skiing experience. We've been looking for an opportunity to dive head first into this sport, and this year's iteration of Frosty Fest! represents an ideal chance to start getting into the action! Located at Huron Meadows Metropark, Frosty Fest! will include a man-made snow course of multiple 2.4km loops. If natural snow permits, then the races will take place on the normal cross-country ski trails. The race offerings include 5K (MI Cup Junior points) and 15K (MI Cup Senior points) distances. Quick note on Huron Meadows Metropark: the metropark has been dubbed the "Southeast Michigan destination for skate-style and classic cross-country ski trails." Skiers can choose from 14.8 miles of trails for classic skiing or 9 miles of skate skiing. All trails are groomed daily and are lighted at night. The metropark's "Ski Center" (Golf Starter Building) features classic-style and skate-style ski rentals and a heated lounge, restrooms, and snacks. Groups of 10 or more can make arrangements to rent skis during the week. 7. Find Fresh Tracks on the Winter Wildlife Hike January 14th | Lake St. Clair Metropark | 10 a.m. Contrary to popular belief, not all species of wildlife either migrate or hibernate during Detroit's colder months. In fact, the rangers at Lake St. Clair Metropark have nearly-perfected the art of tracking down our region's wintry wildlife during these colder, darker days of the year. The metropark is hosting a guided Winter Wildlife Hike through the park's beautiful nature trails in search of the park's wildlife, adaptive seasonal behaviors, and other interesting attributes regarding each animal's ability to survive Michigan's harsh winters. Warm up afterwards in the Nature Center by a roaring fire. The hike will take participants through approximately .75 mile of trail on even terrain with possible snow coverage. 8. Embrace the Elements in an Ode to Snow Ultra Race January 15th | Holly State Recreation Area | 9:20 a.m. Let's call a spade a spade: winter trail running in Michigan is not for the faint of heart. The cold temps, unpredictable conditions, and fleeting daylight has a cumulative effect of weeding out any recreationists that prefer their trails, clean, dry, and warm. The Detroit region's winter trails are the playground of our most passionate, badass, "no pain no gain" genre of runners. If you fit in that camp, then oh boy - do we have the event for you. Crazy trail runners, meet "Ode in the Snow": an up to 8 hour "backyard style" ultra trail race along the (in)famous Ode to Laz Trail Loop in Holly State Recreation Area. The trail constitutes a 4.167 mile trail loop that has approximately 450 feet of climbing, is 2/3 technical single track, 1/3 moderate walking/hiking path, and a few hundred yards of pavement. For the event, runners are free to pick their favorite distance or run as much as they'd like, starting at 9:20 a.m. Runners looking for shorter distances should join Wave 2 at 2:20 p.m. 9. Cross-Country Ski Under Candlelight January 21st | Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area | 5:30 p.m. As we said - we're really excited about getting into cross-country skiing this season, and this illuminated trail event hosted by the DNR at Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area provides the perfect opportunity for skiers of all abilities to hit the trail. Skiers will traverse a well-groomed trail through the park illuminated by candles at night. The event also includes a post-ski warm up by a roaring fire with refreshments. Snow shoes are also welcome to walk along side the groomed ski track as well. If there is a lack of snow, this will be a walking event. Note that cross-country skis and snowshoes will not be available to borrow or rent. 10. Close Out the Month with a Guided Winter Hike January 28th | Indian Springs Metropark | 8 a.m. This January, we challenge you to close out this month exactly hope it began - on a trail, exploring our wild places, and building momentum towards earning your most active year yet. The ranger team at Indian Springs Metropark have made this easy for all of us by hosting an informative Winter Hike across the metropark's open prairie landscape and peaceful forest while searching for signs of wildlife. Participants will also learn about how native Michigan species survive the cold weather and long nights. The hike route may traverse level, composite wood boardwalks and hilly mixed gravel and grass pathways. Snow boots and ice grips are recommended as trails may be snow-covered and icy. Happy New Year to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2023. We can’t wait to see you out there! Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

The Detroit Metro Airport - a world-class hub for domestic and international travel alike - provides weary travelers with an amazing opportunity to explore our region during long layovers. Here's our list of 5 recommended day trips for visiting outdoor enthusiasts. Welcome to Detroit! Well, kind of - really, welcome to your layover at Detroit Metro Airport, an award-winning destination in its own right for its high quality of passenger experience. Detroit Metro Airport, and specifically its McNamara Terminal, is also a Delta and SkyTeam hub that services regular direct flights from Amsterdam and Buenos Aires to Tokyo and Riyadh. More specifically, the Detroit Metro Airport directly connects our region via 13 airlines to hundreds of global destinations. Practically, this means that thousands of travelers pass through the pristine corridors of the Detroit Metro Airport on a daily basis. Of those airline passengers, a sizable proportion will find themselves with a few hours to burn - maybe even a day or more - before their next flight whisks them away. Sure, such travelers could spend their layover à la Tom Hanks in "The Terminal" and never leave the confines of DTW. However, if you have 5+ hours between flights and have stiff legs craving a little exercise, we strongly encourage you to stray from the herd and cave in to a little wanderlust. The legendary Anthony Bourdain, whose passing I'm still mourning, once headlined a show called "The Layover." The premise of the show involved Bourdain spending anywhere from 24 to 48 hours in a city, maximizing his exploration time within micro-adventure confines. Bourdain's narration during the show's trailer includes this final synoptic tagline: "This is what I would do in one action-packed adventure." Locals and travelers alike, if you're looking to turn your stop at Detroit Metro Airport into an action-packed adventure, here are the five activities that we at Expedition Detroit would do to maximize your limited time around the Motor City. REDISCOVER DOWNTOWN DETROIT | Detroit Riverwalk ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: 35 minutes Experience Highlights: Downtown Detroit; Detroit Riverwalk; Dequindre Cut; William G. Milliken State Park; Hart Plaza; Southwest Greenway; and panoramic Detroit River views Equipment Needed: Comfortable walking and/or running shoes Cost: Free If this is your first time ever to the Detroit region, then your best bet for a highlight reel experience is exploring the world-famous Detroit Riverwalk. The reigning three-peat champion of USA Today's "Best Riverwalk in America" designation, the 3.5 mile trail guides its nearly 4 million annual visitors on a "best of the best" tour of the City of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem. Expect energetic plazas with family-friendly events and vendors, historical monuments, live music, street performances, all while enjoying striking views of the vibrant Detroit River and Windsor, Ontario. The Detroit Riverwalk also provides intrepid hikers and runners with direct access to Belle Isle Park, the Dequindre Cut, and the freshly-minted Southwest Greenway. PADDLE THE HURON | Oakwoods Metropark ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: 15 minutes Experience Highlights: Paddling along the Huron River National Water Trail Equipment Needed: Swimsuit, sunglasses, and sun protection Cost: $20 -30 USD for kayak or canoe rental; Metroparks pass also may be required for entry if parking on site Situated surprisingly close to Detroit Metro Airport, the scenic woodlands and picturesque views of the Huron River are waiting for you at Oakwoods Metropark. While each of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks offer unique outdoor experiences for their visitors, Oakwoods provides layover passengers with the opportunity not only to visit the famous wetlands of Southeast Michigan, but to explore one of our region's greatest assets: the Huron. Motor City Canoe Rental offers canoe and kayak rental options for paddling enthusiasts looking for a hands-on experience on the river. HIKE THROUGH HISTORY | River Raisin National Battlefield Park ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: 25 minutes Experience Highlights: Downtown Monroe, Michigan; River Raisin National Battlefield Park Equipment Needed: Comfortable walking and/or running shoes Cost: Free Beyond serving as the closest national park site to Detroit Metro Airport, River Raisin National Battlefield Park provides a living memorial to the single bloodiest battle ever fought on Michigan soil. The park and its immaculate visitor center memorializes the 483 American, British, Canadian, and Native American lives that were lost during the park's namesake War of 1812 battle. Any visit to River Raisin will provide visitors with an immensely impactful historical experience and an opportunity to hike or run along the well-maintained and educational River Raisin National Battlefield Park trail. EXPLORE NEW SHORES | Windsor Riverfront Trail ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: 40 minutes Experience Highlights: Downtown Windsor, Ontario; Windsor Riverfront Trail; public art exhibits; panoramic plazas; and the Trans-Canada Trail Equipment Needed: Comfortable walking and/or running shoes Cost: Border crossing fees ($16 - 20 USD) Did you know that the Detroit region is slated to represent the new "Trails Capital of North America?" That's right - thanks to our city's southern neighbor of Windsor, Ontario, outdoor enthusiasts can readily turn an American layover into an international adventure. After crossing the border via either the Ambassador Bridge or Windsor Tunnel, the quintessential Windsor Riverfront Trail eagerly waits to greet you with its public art displays, beautiful gardens, expansive plazas, and can't-beat views of the skyscrapers of Downtown Detroit. The completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge will make the Detroit-Windsor connection even more efficient - and expeditious - with pedestrian-only lanes that will link the Trans Canada Trail with the Iron Belle Trail. EXPERIENCE A GUIDED ADVENTURE | 11 Michigan State Parks ETA from Detroit Metro Airport: Destination-dependent; 1 hour 35 minutes at most Experience Highlights: Hiking or trail running adventure; expertise of local guide; exploring natural beauty of Southeast Michigan Equipment Needed: Comfortable hiking or running shoes Cost: $25 - $70 We may be a little biased, but if we had to recommend only one experience around the Detroit Metro Airport, we would be honored to host you on one of our guided adventure trips! Expedition Detroit is proud to offer the largest variety of guided trips within 11 pristine Michigan state parks in the Detroit region. From first time hikers to world-class trekkers and trail runners, our guides can't wait to lead you on your perfect adventure in Detroit's great outdoors. From Detroit Metro Airport, the closest Michigan State Park where Expedition Detroit offers guided hikes is also one of Michigan's most beautiful, unique, and historic: Belle Isle Park. Setting off from the Ralph Wilson Gateway, this guided hike traverses Belle Isle's southern shore, providing hikers with stunning views of the Windsor shoreline, the vibrant Detroit River, and the industrial freighters passing by. You will also pass by the Belle Isle Lighthouse, Blue Heron Lagoon, and locally-named "Hipster Beach" on the route. GETTING AROUND TOWN Detroit is the Motor City: if you want to get around this corner of the world, you're going to largely need four wheels to do so. From Detroit Metro Airport, the ground transportation options include rental car, taxis, rideshare applications, and public transportation. Rental cars will obviously provide you with the most freedom, but are also the most expensive means of transportation and require an off-campus shuttle. Taxis and rideshare applications like Uber and Lyft provide destination-specific transportation and are readily available from Detroit Metro Airport, although we also strongly recommend pre-arranging your return rides before leaving the airport. While the most cost effective, public transportation has represented one of the logistical thorns in the Detroit region's side for generations. We only recommend that you consider utilizing the Detroit Metro Airport's public bus services if you plan on visiting the Detroit or Windsor Riverwalks, both of which are accessible via bus lines that pass through the Rosa Parks Transit Center.

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition traverses the lakeside bluffs, forested ravines, and panoramic views of the Newburgh Lakeview Trail in Livonia, Michigan. We're excited to provide this "hidden secret" trail with much overdue recognition. Have you ever made a split-second decision that fundamentally changed the course of your life? A "gut instinct" that originated without explanation and manifested into immediate action? Maybe it was "I should call them back" or "screw it, I'm applying for that job" or "I'm going to book this flight right here and now." Well, nearly five years ago, I inexplicably decided to deviate from my normal road running route along Hines Drive, just east of the I-275 underpass. Hines Drive is one of the best running and biking routes in the Detroit Region, so I wasn't dissatisfied in any sense with my typical ~5 mile out-and-back route. I just looked to my right, saw a sign for the I-275 Metro Trail, and traded one paved path for another. And then I saw it. A dirt trail verging off of the I-275 Metro Trail to my left. There was no formal gateway sign to the Lakeview Trail back then - just a hunch that a real adventure awaited me just off of the pavement. I had no idea if this "dirt trail" was really a trail after all, let alone how many extra miles it would add to my run that evening. I simply had an inclination to follow it. Thank God that I did, because over the next five years - and especially during the depths of the Covid-19 Pandemic - the Lakeview Trail solidified its place as my favorite local trail. My old house was exactly 1.01 miles away via the I-275 Trail, so Lakeview became my de facto pre or post-work trail destination, alternating between running, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and kayaking in Newburgh Lake on "off days." I couldn't believe that such a stunning destination, with its golden trees in the fall, crisp snowfall in the winter, and wooded panoramic lake views in the warmer months, had remained off of my radar for over a decade of living in the Detroit area. Turns out that I was far from being the only person who had never heard of this immaculate, "hiding in plain sight" trail. My running and biking buddies couldn't believe that such a beautiful and decently challenging trail existed in the heart of Metro Detroit, especially given its U.P.-reminiscent cliffs. On a personal level, Newburgh Lakeview Trail sparked a curiosity in me regarding what other world-class might be obscured in the midst of our metropolitan area, waiting to be re-discovered during an era where the masses increasingly search for natural escapes from life's encroaching monotony. Yes, this trail may have single-handedly planted the seed that grew into Expedition Detroit. MEET HINES PARK The Lakeview Trail is conveniently nestled within one of the most beautiful northwest segments of Hines Park: a string of independent parks within Wayne County that insulate the 17 mile long Edward N. Hines Drive. Stretching from Northville to Dearborn, Hines Drive runs parallel to the historic Middle Rouge River - once an aquatic transportation highway for local Native American tribes, European fur trappers, and later a pathway to Canada for escaped slaves traversing the Underground Railroad. The Hines Park of the 21st century - complete with natural and paved trails, athletic fields, picnic shelters, historic mills, fishing docks, and annual Wayne County Lightfest - originated as a simple means of combining outdoor recreation ambitions with strategic flood management. Hines Drive is (in)conveniently located within the naturally-occurring flood plain of the Middle Rouge River, subjecting the road to consistent flooding during periods of heavy rain. Fortunately, rather than sealing the natural area's fate as a mosquito-infested, industrial backwater flood plain, transportation and community recreation innovators like Henry Ford devised a plan in 1949 to convert the area into a multi collective of public parks. Such innovators within the Wayne County Road Commission decided to name both the road and park system after Edward N. Hines, a lifelong cyclist, transportation safety advocate, and land conservationist along the Huron and Rouge Rivers. One of the lands acquired under Hines' directive included the area now known as Newburgh Pointe - the 152 acres surrounding Newburgh Lake, and the location of the Lakeview Trail. Although originally constructed as a millpond around 1819, Newburgh Lake expanded to its current size in 1935 when Henry Ford demolished the old mill and replaced it with a new "Village Industry Plant." The Rouge River National Wet Weather Demonstration Project cleaned the lake in 1998, as well as stocked its waters with bluegill, bass and other pan fish. The lake's ongoing popularity with kayakers, stand-up paddlers, and angles represents the continuing legacy of such environmental actions. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 3.6 miles Elevation Gain: 147 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Out & Back Parking Specifics: Free parking lot located at trailhead parking just south of Hines Drive The Lakeview Trail starts just southeast of the trailhead parking lot located south of Hines Drive - just east of the I-275 overpass. You should be able to see the formal trailhead sign from the parking lot, but in case you're there on a busier day and have to park closer to Hines Drive, walk uphill towards the boulders that mark the end of the parking lot. You'll see the trailhead directly in front of you, on the eastern side of the paved I-275 Metro Trail. Hike past the sign and take your first left to follow your first blue "Lake View" trail marker. Although Lakeview is technically an out-and-back trail, our friends at the Motor City Mountain Biking Association have clocked in countless hours in creating singletrack segments throughout the trail. The first of these "singletrack deviations" occurs just 0.1 miles into the trail. Remember that this trail is heavily used by mountain bikers, including fat tire mountain bikers in the winter, so hikers should travel in the opposite direction of the blue trail markers. As such, hikers will stay left at this first deviation. The Lakeview Trail as mapped on AllTrails guides hikers and snowshoers along the segments of the trail that run parallel to the Middle Rouge River and Newburgh Lake. While there are other segments of the trail that take hikers, runners, and bikers into the flatter and more wooded segments of the trail, this lakeside route will consistently provide you with the most dramatic landscapes and views of the trail's bluffs and deep ravines. Your steepest climbs will occur at the 0.3 and 2.4 mile markers, but otherwise the trail provides a rollercoaster of ascents and descents along forested ravines and lakeside landings. The turnaround point is just west of the Lakepointe Yacht Club at Ann Arbor Road. One point on caution: we strongly believe that this trail is marked as moderate only because of notable danger resulting from the combination of the trail's traffic and natural features. At this point of the article, you may have laughed once or twice at the thought of "cliffs" actually existing in Livonia. Friends, I can tell you first hand that the mix of 30 foot drops, narrow trails, and two-way traffic, can add up to some very dicy conditions - especially during the winter. Don't get me wrong, the natural features of the trail add an undeniable element of adventure to the experience - like a taste of Pictured Rocks in the heart of Metro Detroit. But PLEASE exercise caution on the trail. I've had a few MTB rides abruptly interrupted by ambulances navigating down the parallel dirt trail that was once Old Lakeview Drive... WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Did we mention that the Lakeview Trail is immensely popular with mountain bikers? Well, especially if you are fortunate enough to own a fat tire bike, we strongly encourage you to trade in your snowshoes for the big tires during these pristine powder days - and then continue to ride post-thaw into spring. The Lakeview Trail is actually the northernmost segment of a string of world-class MTB and hiking trails within Hines Park and running parallel to the Middle Rouge River. We highly recommend exploring each of them as a full day or weekend-long adventure, starting with Lakeview and continuing on to the recently-renovated Riverview Trail just across Newburgh Road. The tight turns and drops of the 1.7 mile Riverview Trail end at Levan Road - turn left at Levan to cross over the Middle Rouge River and pick up the River Ridge MTB Trail just east of a quick stint on the main Hines Park Paved Trail. The brief 0.3 miles on the River Ridge MTB Trail will land you back on the paved Hines Park Trail. Keep riding due east until you reach the Oak Grove Trailhead Parking lot. Turn south to cross the scenic Stark Road Bridge and embark on the Oak Grove Trail to your left, including its 1.3 miles of natural contours and challenging features. Continuing across Ann Arbor Trail, you will turn left to continue along the trail system within the Holiday Nature Preserve towards the trailhead of the Three Fires Confluence Trail. The final trail - the creatively named Trail 47 - starts after another brief traverse back on the Hines Park Paved Trail north of the Middle Rouge River. You will see trail sign markers for Trail 47 on your right, thus initiating a final 1.4 mile scenic segment that's aptly designed to test your climbing skills. Once you have conquered Trail 47, the world of Hines Park's paved and natural trails are yours to enjoy at your leisure - just remember to add in the 5.5 point-to-point mileage back from Trail 47's eastern terminus to the Lakeview Trail parking lot. The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

Welcome to August - the pinnacle of Detroit's peak recreational season! With our area's outdoor opportunities exploding with incredible events this month, we have zeroed in on these "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" for navigating your perfect August in our region's outdoors. August is my favorite month of the year. Alright, that conclusion may come from a place of bias - it is my birthday month. Personal celebrations aside, this final month of pure summer has always struck me as a 31-day period of opportunity. With summer's bliss starting to fade, August provides a reality check that our recreational time spent frolicking in the Detroit area's warm weather bliss is a fleeting sensation. We at Expedition Detroit absolutely love the new genres of adventure that the colder months bring, but for a significant proportion of our recreational community, the end of summer means the start of the southward migration. Stated differently, August is the perfect month to capitalize on every summertime recreational goal. Have a particular mountain bike trail that you have been eyeing to ride? Awesome - now is the time to rip it. Still have yet to dust off the paddle board and explore the Huron or Clinton Rivers? Grab your paddle and hit the river, the weather is perfect. Looking for one last great adventure to close out your summer? Fill up your pack and hit the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail or Chief Pontiac Trail, August is prime time for Detroit region backpacking. The outdoor recreational magnitude of a month like August can often appear overwhelming - especially when the Detroit area's parks, waterways, trails, and campgrounds are dialed in for peak season traffic. That's where we come in with our curated list of "Top Ten Outdoor Events" to help navigate the flurry of outdoor activity occurring over this month. Without further delay, here are the Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit going down in August. We can't wait to see you out there! 1. Float your Zen at a Paddleboard Yoga Class Throughout August | Island Lake and Pinckney State Recreation Areas | 6:00 p.m. Do you identify as a yogi? How about a SUPer? Let's raise the stakes a bit - how about BOTH? If you answered "yes" to any of those questions - or aspire to - then the Michigan DNR has the perfect event series lined up for you this month! Head over to Island Lake and/or Pinckney State Recreation Areas throughout August to find your zen during an Eclipse Yoga "Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) Yoga" session. These SUP Yoga sessions will involve paddling out, anchoring down, completing an hour of yoga on the boards, and then paddling back in to shore with your new best yoga friends. Eclipse Yoga provides participants with paddleboards and life jackets. Come connect with your breath, on the water, unplugged in nature. Island Lake sessions meet at the Spring Mill Pond, while Pinckney sessions meet at Silver Lake Beach. The price per session is $35 and you can register HERE. 2. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve August 11th | 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 (the park is open ALL NIGHT on August 11th-12!), seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. 3. Conquer the Elements at the Watermoo Ultra Gravel Cycling Race August 11th | Waterloo State Recreation Area | 7:00 a.m. The Watermoo is not your typical gravel race. The Watermoo is a 111-mile gravel cycling adventure - or dare we say expedition. The race occurs mostly on gravel, some tarmac, and a road "that is no longer a road" with a river crossing in the farmlands of southeastern Michigan. It will be an honest challenge for most, an unforgettable experience that riders will surely be proud of completing, and is part of the Ultra Michigan Gravel Race Series. 4. Marvel (and Paddle) under the Perseid Meteor Shower August 12th | Huron Meadows Metropark and Leamington, ON | 8:00 p.m. Dark skies mean amazing stargazing opportunities - and when it comes to stargazing, absolutely nothing beats an unforgettable meteor shower! This month, the Detroit region's skies will be treated to the annual Perseid Meteor Shower, including a special viewing event hosted by Huron Meadows Metropark. Our friends across the border at the Pelee Wings Nature Store - just outside of Point Pelee National Park - will also host a special BBQ, paddling, AND meteor shower viewing event. Hard to imagine a better trio! 5. Celebrate Trail Town Life at Milford Memories August 13th | Milford, MI | 8:30 a.m. Trail Towns truly are what make the Detroit region a world-class outdoor destination. From Amherstburg to Brighton and beyond, these communities provide the recreational foundation that supports our trails, parks, waterways, forests, wetlands, and so much more. And of these Trail Towns, the small town of Milford, Michigan - and its annual primetime event, "Milford Memories" - constitutes a key fixture in the Detroit region's rapidly growing outdoor ecosystem. While Milford Memories at its core consists of a summer arts, music, and food festival, the festival also properly caters to the town's outdoor enthusiasts. On Sunday, August 13th, the festival sponsors its annual 5K Run, including an "Adventure Run" option with additional fitness challenges like jumping rope and push-ups, starting at 8:30 a.m. Milford Memories then hosts a "Blind Canoe Race" event at 12:30 p.m. where teams of three paddle through an obstacle course, while one team member calls out directions to the two blindfolded paddlers. 6. Retrace History at a War of 1812 Battlefield August 13th | Lake Erie Metropark | Ann Arbor, MI Did you know that the Detroit region constituted a pivotal theater during the War of 1812? In fact, one battlefield of the war is literally feet from the boundaries of Lake Erie Metropark! The park invites you to join an interpreter for a special program highlighting the historical significance of the War of 1812, including the key roles that Detroit area combatants and civilians alike played in the conflict. For more information on the War of 1812, you should absolutely consider combining this experience with a visit to River Raisin National Battlefield - the closest National Park site to Downtown Detroit! 7. Bark in the Park with your Trail Pup August 19th | Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit, MI | 12:00 p.m. Calling all Trail Pups and their proud owners! The DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center invites you to bring your four-legged best friend to their "Dog Days of Summer" event. Dog Days will consist of a fun-filled day of games, agility runs, frisbee toss, hikes, and water games. A Trail Pup photo station and swimming pools will also be available for large and small dogs. All dogs should be friendly with people and other dogs, and current vaccines, licenses and leashes are required. 8. Get Jurassic at the T-Rex Triathlon August 23rd | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 6:00 p.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 Island Lake State Recreation Area - you get a 3-for-1 special that's a bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Anyone who's completed such a feat will back us up on this point. As August's heat continues to bake the Detroit region this summer, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by diving into the cool waters of Kent Lake during the RF Event's T-RexTriathlon race! The "T-Rex" represents the fourth and FINAL installment of RF Event's summer-long "T-Rex Triathlon Series" - everyone's favorite mid-week triathlon race! 9. Gain Life-Saving Skills at a Summer Survival Event August 26th | Oakwoods Metropark | 10:00 a.m. August constitutes the tail end of peak camping and backpacking season. The single month where the most outdoor enthusiasts hit the trails for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, a notable portion of such enthusiasts may find themselves ill-equipped physically, mentally, or materially for the grand adventure they had planned. Thanks to the Metroparks, there's no reason why you should ever find yourself in that demographic! Head over to Oakwoods Metropark for their Summer Survival event. This two hour interactive experience will provide a crash-course on survival basics specifically purposed for warm weather wilderness situations. Aspects covered will include fire starting, shelter building, and water collection. 10. COME EXPLORE WITH US! Throughout August (and beyond!) | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Looking to FINALLY capitalize on August's beautiful weather and explore your local Michigan State Parks?? Perfect - we are ECSTATIC to invite YOU to join us on our brand new Guided Trips platform! The Expedition Detroit team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coach across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience. We will be gradually adding new guided 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.

Based on a recent personal tale of woe, here are five key takeaways from one particular couple's masterclass on how to turn hundreds of happy campers into your sworn campground enemies. Enjoy. Every outdoor enthusiast dreams of arriving at the perfect campsite. A solitary, stunningly beautiful, and civilization-free destination with a panoramic wilderness view below and a glistening starry night above. If you've ever owned an Instagram account, then you can picture exactly what we're talking about. We have good news and bad news about such wilderness camping ambitions. The good news is that such immaculate camping destinations exist in the Detroit region. The bad news - which we at Expedition Detroit still view as good news - is that you typically have to work for such elusive camping sites. Several of our region's top campgrounds require pre-booking, have strict spatial limitations, and are only reached via backpacking or canoe camping. The summation of these variables means that the vast majority of camping experiences in the Detroit region will occur at large, modern group campgrounds. Campgrounds shared by experienced backpackers and family RVers alike. Ultralight outdoor enthusiasts just looking for a night in the woods and family reunions packing the majority of their material possessions into the trailer. The full spectrum of the outdoor universe, converging on a nightly basis with popular campgrounds across North America. A beautiful, claustrophobia-inducing kaleidoscope of modern American life. A week ago today, I joined the cadre of Detroit region campers that descended upon Proud Lake Recreation Area's "Modern Campground." Unlike my car camping compatriots, I strolled in at 11:30 p.m. after 12.39 miles of backpacking on the Chief Pontiac Trail. My tiny patch of green grass was sandwiched in between several RVs, picnic-style shelters, and one other solitary patch of grass fit for a tent directly next to me. A potential ally amidst RV nation. No, dear reader. The couple that would occupy that space proved to be anything but allies in my mission for a rejuvenating night sleep. A weary backpacker's worst nightmare of constant noise, arguments, fights, and unattended flames. A one-way ticket to a sleepless night in the tent. A masterclass on improper campground etiquette. I emerged from my tent the next morning very much not a happy camper. More of a groggy, and achy shell of a man. But credit's owed where credit's due, and this terrible couple did gift me with an idea for an article. Specifically this article. Enjoy. 1. ROLL IN WITH YOUR HIGH BEAMS ON - AND KEEP THEM ON WHILE YOU UNLOAD We've all heard the old maxim that "Nothing good happens after midnight." Well, right as I finally closed my eyes after settling into my sleeping bag around 12:05 a.m., my tent suddenly lit up as bright as a disco ball. I opened my eyes to see silhouettes crossing in front of my tent - two particular silhouettes, a man and a woman, that had somehow managed to arrive to their campground after yours truly. Their high beams remained fixated on their campsite - and my tent by the transitive property - throughout the entirety of their setup process. As Master Yoda would say, happy camper I was not. Now, we at Expedition Detroit fully understand that an absence of light can cause disruption to typical recreational activities. In fact, we wrote an entire series on recreating at night. However, the game-changing invention of headlamps provides an efficient means of securing an illumination source without blinding half of the campground. Especially if you require said illumination source long after most of the campground has turned in for the night. 2. BLAST MUSIC ALL NIGHT Let's make one point abundantly clear: everyone loves a good campfire. Especially one with roaring flames, post-trail beers, good stories, even better company, and great background tunes. Shoot, we're indifferent to whether the music is live or playing through a JBL bluetooth speaker. If the music is on-point, then it belongs around a fire ring. Alas, all incredible nights must eventually come to an end - especially in public accommodations. Conversations tied up, food secured, flames extinguished, and certainly music hushed. All proper prerequisites to a peaceful night's rest in nature. Unless, of course, you want to ruin that aspect of the camping experience for everyone around you by blasting music until 3 a.m. in the middle of a packed campground. Just to demonstrate that we're not curmudgeons over here, our general rule of thumb on weekend nights is to kill the music by 1 a.m. at the latest. Admittedly that's a purely subjective time, but we think 1 a.m. hits the nexus between recognizing the existence of the "party camping" and "early bird" crowds. Regardless, we should all be able to agree that at a certain point in the night - especially in public spaces - noise pollution needs to reach zero. Which leads me to my next point... 3. START A FIGHT As tedious as late night loud music can be, I recently discovered that absolutely nothing dismantles a good night's rest like a full-blown argument. During the middle of the night. In the dead center of an otherwise perfectly still campground. In fact, I actually wished these very unhappy campers would've turned their speaker back on. Here's our simple advice: public campgrounds at 3 a.m. should not constitute your venue of choice for airing out couple's grievances. Believe it or not, nobody wants to hear about your domestic shortcomings, explicit bedroom preferences, and colorful language to describe one another. Even more so, no one wants to provide witness testimony for a future domestic abuse case. We acknowledge and celebrate the outdoors' ability to provide a healing environment for the wear and tear of living in a modern society. Science has consistently supported that time spent in the outdoors materially decreases levels and feelings of stress, depression, burn-out, hopelessness, and lack of creativity. However, reaping the full bounty of nature's psychological benefits largely depends on you and the mindset that you've opted to bring with you to the woods. If you are looking for peace, relaxation, inspiration, and rejuvenation, then the Detroit region's immaculate trails and waterways will surely deliver on this pursuit. If you are unwilling to leave your anger, frustrations, prejudice, and selfish ambitions at the trailhead, then such traits will arrive with you at the campground. Please don't turn our outdoor spaces into an episode of the Jerry Springer Show (r.i.p.). Especially one that airs in the middle of the night. Be a happy camper. 4. MAKE UP (AND OUT) - OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD Around 5:30 a.m., tranquility finally returned to Proud Lake's Modern Campground. My neighbors' high beams and speakers had remained off for several hours now. The yelling had receded to spiteful-yet-hushed utterances. And finally, by the grace of God, serene silence prevailed just as the dawn sky started to glow around my tent. "Okay, finally," I thought to myself as I rolled over on my air mattress. "A few hours of sleep is better than nothing." Literally the moment that I was about to fall asleep, however, my ears picked up on a very particular set of sounds. Originating from my neighbors' tent. That were very much the opposite of the fighting words that had plagued the night just hours before. Yup. They were doing exactly what you're thinking of, but with every intention of alerting the entire campground. Look, we're not prudes here at Expedition Detroit. The beauty of nature can invoke passion within all of us. We're simply advocating for discretion - especially if camping amidst a family environment with, again, zero noise insulation. 5. LEAVE YOUR UNATTENDED FIRE BURNING ALL NIGHT This is the ultimate proverbial middle finger to your fellow campers, park service personnel, and the environment. As we're all painfully aware, the Detroit region has suffered from dystopian air quality over the past several months due largely to wildfires. Yes, wildfires do have an important place in certain natural ecosystems, but wildfire maintenance corps typically monitor and control such naturally-occurring phenomena. Man-made wildfires - regardless of whether started inadvertently or negligently - often cause the widespread destruction that we've grown accustomed to as of late. With regard to campfires, the U.S. Forest Service has spoken ad nauseam about the best practices for starting AND extinguishing campfires. These include drowning the coals out with enough water to ensure that the coals are extinguished (i.e., no more hissing sound), stirring the water with a shovel or stick into a soupy mix, and not leaving until the exterior of the fire ring is cool enough to touch. WHATEVER YOU DO, please do NOT head to your tent with open flames still burning bright. Nobody wants to wake up to a still-smoldering fire coupled with a DNR citation at your campsite. As well as surrounded by several very, very unhappy campers. Although we at Expedition Detroit largely gear this platform towards topics that are inspiring, positive, and opportunistic within our region's outdoors, we felt it necessary to deviate off course for this article. Other than its hopeful entertainment value - who doesn't enjoy a good misadventure story? - we wanted to remind our outdoor community that its future depends on its current members. Us. The recreational enthusiasts that flock to the Detroit region's trails, waterways, parks, and campgrounds. Did this particular couple arrive at Proud Lake looking to ruin their campsite neighbors' experience? I sincerely hope not, but their complete lack of self-awareness and obnoxious behavior turned several happy campers into sleep-deprived adversaries. Worse yet, their behavior may have left a materially-detrimental impression on other aspiring recreationists that had the misfortune of camping within their vicinity that night. Every time that we venture into Detroit's outdoors, let's aim to "Leave No Trace" - both in terms of our impact on the environment and on each other. If we are to succeed in our mission of supporting Detroit as a world-class outdoor destination, then the first step involves holding ourselves to a standard of world-class outdoor enthusiasts. Thanks for reading. We can't wait to see you on the trail.

The Detroit Marathon annually broadcasts to the world that the city is a premiere racing destination, but the marathon is just the tip of the iceberg for Detroit’s running opportunities. Here are the five essential running trails for year-round exploration of Detroit - a true runner’s city. It’s been roughly a week since the Detroit Free Press Marathon - the crown jewel of our region’s annual outdoor events - electrified the streets of Detroit and Windsor. Now that the medals have been distributed and the crowds have resided, some runners may be tempted to hibernate through the winter or forgo running through the city until next year’s race. That, my dear friends, would be a tremendous mistake. In fact, we at Expedition Detroit respectfully argue that now is the single best time of the year to #RUNDET. Why, you may ask? Well, with the crowds gone, Detroit’s streets will be largely available for unhindered exploration. Any runners that flew in for the marathon will obviously be running their far-flung routes again, but a significant portion of local runners are also still resting their legs from the effort exerted during the race. Add in peak fall colors and cooler temperatures, the end result is truly a runner’s paradise. Now that you’re convinced and ready to lace up your shoes, are you unsure about recommended routes? Congratulations - you’ve landed on the right article. Here are the five essential, iconic, can’t-miss running trails within the City of Detroit: 1. Belle Isle Park Loop Distance: 5.6 miles Completion Time: 1 hour 15 minutes Running Trail Highlights: James Scott Memorial Fountain, Sunset Point, Nancy Brown Peace Carillon Tower, Belle Isle Nature Center, and Belle Isle Boat House If Detroit represents a treasure chest filled with spectacular running opportunities, then Belle Isle Park undoubtedly shines as its crown jewel. Located amidst of the vibrant blue waves of the Detroit River, Belle Isle's 982 acres capture not only the best aspects of the City of Detroit, but the entirety of the southeast region of the Great Lakes. Art deco architecture? Check. Pristine inland lakes and streams? Check. Wetlands? Woodlands? Zoos and Museums? Check, check, and check. Stated differently, you don't need to conduct much research to discover why Belle Isle has been a recreational paradise since its inauguration in 1879. While Belle Isle contains several natural trails that are fantastic for hiking, the predominant running trail on the island sticks to the main paved roads that intersect throughout the park. The counterclockwise route starts at the main entrance to the park, right at the end of the MacArthur Bridge. The initial mile will lead you directly towards Sunset Point - possibly the best view of Downtown Detroit from within the city limits - and towards the beautiful James Scott Memorial Fountain along the southern coast of the island. Continuing east, you will run past the inland Lake Tacoma, Great Lakes Museum, and several scenic picnic grounds as you venture towards inland Lake Okonoka. While the Blue Heron Lagoon nature trail will certainly be tempting, this running trail requires you to stay on Lakeside Drive as you jog past the Belle Isle Nature Center, inland Lake Muskoday, the Detroit Yacht Club, and Belle Isle Beach. The route ends right where you began - at the entrance point to the MacArthur Bridge - although now you will finish right alongside the historic Belle Isle Boat House on Riverbank Drive. Bonus Tip: Remember all of those scenic picnic spots that you just jogged past, especially those that have postcard-worthy views of Detroit's skyline or the Windsor shoreline? Well, we recommend circling back to one of those, laying out a picnic blanket, camp chairs, or hammock if you're near trees, and enjoying a well-deserved relaxation session after completing your grand tour of Belle Isle. Extra points if your friends meet you there with yard games, a speaker, and post-run snacks. 2. Detroit Riverwalk Trail Distance: 5.3 miles Completion Time: 1 hour 10 minutes Running Trail Highlights: Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, Hart Plaza, William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, Mt. Elliot Park, and Gabriel Richard Park Writing a review of the stunningly beautiful Detroit Riverwalk Trail is a bit of a moving target. For starters, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy constantly has their sleeves rolled up while breaking ground on new segments, featured destinations, and community events along the Riverwalk Trail. As of the moment that I'm writing this article, the Riverwalk Trail stretches roughly 5.3 miles from Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park to Gabriel Richard Park. Ongoing projects will further expand the Riverwalk Trail both east and west along the Detroit River, so there's a decent chance - no, an absolute certainty - that I will need to circle back on this article. The current iteration of the Riverwalk Trail starts at western edge of Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, right where W. Jefferson Avenue and Rosa Parks Boulevard meet. While the trail briefly connects to W. Jefferson Avenue around the Riverfront Towers, runners rejoin the river just south of the former Joe Louis Arena site (RIP). Continue east as you jog past the skyscrapers of downtown, including memorable highlights like Huntington Place, the Detroit Princess Riverboat, Hart Plaza, the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad, and the Renaissance Center. This unbroken stretch of the Riverwalk Trail leads you directly into William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, including a direct link to the Dequindre Cut Greenway Trail (spoiler alert). For this run, however, you're going to continue pressing east - past the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, through the Harbortown Marina and Mt. Elliott Park, and finally reaching your finish line at Gabriel Richard Park. Bonus Tip: If you choose to run this trail from point-to-point, we only ask for one favor in return: promise us that you will return to the Riverwalk Trail simply to walk and explore all of the amenities that "America's Best Riverwalk" has to offer. Truly, it felt like a sin to skip over the overwhelming amount of incredible attractions, facilities, landmarks, and exploration opportunities that are featured within or directly accessible from the Riverwalk Trail. We'll write up a feature just on the Riverwalk, but until then, please - go forth and explore it. 3. The Dequindre Cut Greenway Distance: 2 miles Completion Time: 24 minutes Running Trail Highlights: “Art Walk” murals, Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, Eastern Market, Campbell Terrace, and Outdoor Adventure Center Possibly the most famous "Rail Trail" in Michigan, the Dequindre Cut Greenway trail was part of the Grand Trunk Railroad line in a former life, running parallel to St. Aubin Street. Since 2009, however, a coalition formed by the U.S. Government, City of Detroit, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation has provided new life to this formerly abandoned and blighted outdoor space. In its current glory, the Dequindre Cut is a 2 mile trail that serves as a lightening rod for invigorating community recreation, social events, and urban art inspiration. A run down the Dequindre Cut is a quintessential Detroit experience - a microcosm showcase of the past, present, and future of one of America's greatest cities. The most common running trail begins on the north end of the Dequindre Cut at Mack Avenue. Heading south, the Wilkins Street Plaza will be the first landmark, followed closely by the lively Dequindre Cut Freight Yard and its outdoor bar during the warmer months. Continuing south, enjoy an uninterrupted display of Detroit's finest street artwork - known as the "Art Walk" - until you come across the Campbell Terrace's outdoor stage and surrounding facilities. Fit Park and the DNR's Outdoor Adventure Center ("OAC") mark the final highlights before reaching the southern terminus of the Dequindre Cut at Atwater Street. Bonus Tip: The Dequindre Cut ends not only at the OAC, but also directly across Atwater Street from William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor. If you have the time, we strongly encourage you to take your time exploring both of these DNR destinations found conveniently in the core of Detroit, especially the exhibits at the OAC and the Detroit Riverwalk segments within the park. One of the best cool-down walks that you'll ever have, we guarantee it. 4. Rouge Park Distance: 5.1 miles Completion Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Running Trail Highlights: Joe Prance Recreation Area, Sorensen Recreation Area, Alex Jefferson Airfield, Cost Corner Recreation Area, and Scout Hollow Campground Trivia question: what is the name of the largest park within the City of Detroit? Most residents of our region would probably guess Belle Isle Park, the massive idyllic island floating within the Detroit River. Reasonable guess, but nonetheless incorrect: Rouge Park, consisting of 1,181 acres on the far western rim of the city, holds the title for largest recreation area within Detroit’s city limits. Better yet, the park maintains several of the best paved and natural running trails in the city. The running trail highlighted here is a paved route, although there are several nature trails that are immediately accessible from the main road running trail. Starting at crossroads of Rouge Park Drive and Spinoza Drive, head directly south towards Joe Prance Recreation Area - the site of the first of four nature trails that you will be able to access for additional mileage. Continuing in a counterclockwise direction, you will pass by the Butterfly Garden entrance to the Prairie Pathway, run along Warren Avenue on the southern boundary of the park, and turn north on the paved trail towards Sorenson Recreation Area before hitting Pierson Street. The northward route continues on Sorensen Promenade past Alex Jefferson Airfield, Cozy Corner Recreation Area, and Scout Hollow Campground, the only maintained campground within the City of Detroit (for now). Your run finishes right where it began, although not before crossing the namesake Rouge River. Bonus Tip: Looking for more adventure? Bring the mountain bike along for your Rouge Park expedition! Our friends at the Motor City Mountain Biking Association (“MCMBA”) maintain the City of Detroit’s only MTB-specific trail within Rouge Park, a 3 mile singletrack loop with its trailhead located at W. Outer Drive and Tireman Avenue. The MCMBA held one its “Trail Days” at Rouge Park back in April, during which volunteers significantly improved the trail’s features and general conditions. Expect to see us running AND biking Rouge Park soon! 5. City Center Circuits Distance: 3 - 10 miles (depending on route) Completion Time: 36 minutes (3 miles) or 2 hours (10 miles) Running Trail Highlights: Campus Martius Park, Wayne State University, Eastern Market, Cultural Center, and Hart Plaza Credit's owed where credit's due, so we must start by giving a shoutout to our friends at RUNdetroit for mapping the following running trails through Detroit's city center - the Downtown, Midtown, Corktown, Mexicantown, Eastern Market, Lafayette Park, Rivertown, New Center, and North End neighborhoods. The recommended routes are categorized as either red, blue, green, or gold loops, and each colored loop has a mileage variation of 3, 6, or 10 miles. While all of the colored loops begin at RUNdetroit's main storefront, that is quite literally the only trait that each run has in common. Depending on which route you decide to take, you could run through the heart of Downtown's skyscrapers pas Campus Martius, along the scenic Riverwalk Trail, down the cobbled streets of Corktown, among the museums in Midtown, past stadiums, markets, or any combination of the above. Each route contains a highlight reel of the best of Detroit's city core, providing runner's with exposure to a lifetime of exploration opportunities within each neighborhood that they will jog through. We absolutely love our wilderness runs, but there's an undeniable beauty to the history, architecture, and multiculturalism that have flourished within our great city for centuries. We're certain that you will agree as you take on any of these recommended routes. Bonus Tip: While any of these loops are free game to run independently, it would be a disservice to our readership to omit that the RUNdetroit Team leads guided runs along these routes every Saturday at 8AM. Each week, RUNdetroit will select a different colored loop for their guided run, although runners can select which distance they would like to run before the groups take off. Oh, and did we mention that these guided runs are free? Walking tours be damned - this is our favorite, cost-effective way to explore the city's core. Now that you've run Detroit's essential trails, are you still looking to explore our region's best outdoor experiences? Yet again, we've got you covered - be sure to check back here regularly for straight from the field, no B.S., original Expedition Detroit content. We also maintain our destinations page as new, off the beaten path exploration opportunities cross our radar. With so much to explore, there's no time to waste - we can't wait to see you out there.