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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.

Two hundred and ten years ago today, the bloodiest battle ever fought on Michigan soil came to a close, resulting in the United States' worst defeat of the War of 1812. Here we dive into the battle that forever stained the fields of River Raisin National Battlefield Park. It's 7:30 in the morning, and you're laying in a freezing canvas tent. A far cry from milder Kentucky winters spent sleeping next to your hearth, and for a brief moment you doubt every decision that brought you to camping next to a frozen river, during the dead of winter, in the inhospitable frontier known as the Michigan territory. As you rub the sleep from your eyes, your wits follow suit and you start to remember why you volunteered for the Army of the Northwest. You recall your mother's stories of suffering under the British Crown, which supplement your father's tales of glory during the War of Revolution. Your serotonin levels rise further and you remember the brief thrill of battle that you experienced just four days earlier, when you charged across the frozen River Raisin and forced the British and Native American alliance to abandon their positions. You smile as you remember the sight of those red coats ducking into the woods, running for their lives. These thoughts and the slight sound of the gently flowing river bring you some comfort in the midst of this inhospitable environment. The mirage abruptly ends when you suffer a terrifying realization. Your eyes frantically search for your musket. Your sword. Anything. That sound isn't water. The river's frozen. That sound is approaching men. Seconds later and your worst fears materialize as British guns and Native American war cries shatter the calm of a mid-winter morning. Musket balls start to rip through your tent before you can even get your boots on. You fall to the ground as canon fire rains down on your position. The Battle of River Raisin - the worst American defeat of the War of 1812 and bloodiest battle ever to be fought in Michigan - has begun. And you're not even out of that freezing canvas tent. GROUND ZERO: MONROE, MICHIGAN Let's fast forward now to Monroe, Michigan, circa January 2023. Re-named in honor of President James Monroe in 1817, the city straddles the River Raisin as it makes its final approach towards Lake Erie. The past two hundred years shaped the city into a manufacturing hub, mecca of paper production, regional energy producer, and destination for small town recreation and community enjoyment. Monroe provided a peaceful home for several notable Americans like General George Armstrong Custer, as well as household name companies like La-Z-Boy. Monroe also become home to several parks and outdoor recreation destinations, including its litany of beautiful parks along the River Raisin, Munson Park, and William C. Sterling State Park. Monroe's "River Walk" trail, opened only during the warmer months, guides residents and visitors alike along the northern and southern banks of the Raisin, criss-crossing from Saint Mary's Park, through downtown, and finishing at Soldiers and Sailors Park. Intrepid small tourists should continue down E Front St. until reaching Hellenberg Park and its bridge to Sterling Island. Potentially stepping in geese poop will be your only concern as you explore this peaceful, scenic route down the Raisin River. As you get to the bridge to Sterling Island, however, we encourage you to stop. Resist the urge to keep hiking and turn north to look across the Raisin. Today's snowfall (finally) resembles exactly how the banks of the Raisin appeared on that fateful morning, save a thoroughly frozen river. Filled with people - no, let's make them soldiers. Screaming and running for their lives. That's what you would have seen 210 years ago today from that exact spot: a military disaster unfolding into the worst massacre in Michigan's history. That's what occurred in the overgrown field, trash-dotted creek, and woodland patches comprising of River Raisin National Battlefield Park. That's the story that we want to dive into now to better appreciate the experience that our fictional "sleeping solider" actually lived through on that fateful morning. THE BATTLE OF RIVER RAISIN January 22, 1813 Paradoxically, Southeast Michigan's sole national park site should have never existed. In the wake of the humiliating surrender of Fort Detroit to the British on August 16, 1812, President James Monroe charged Brigadier General (and future president) William Henry Harrison with the task of recapturing Detroit and securing the United States' control of the Great Lakes. Despite Detroit constituting the end goal, General Harrison explicitly forbade General James Winchester from advancing beyond the Maumee River Rapids in Northern Ohio. General Harrison envisioned the "Liberation of Michigan" as an incremental, calculated, and tactical recapturing of sovereign American territory from the British and Canadian occupiers. Then General Winchester received a hot tip: the British and their Native American allies from the Shawnee, Potawatomi, Ottawa, Chippewa, Delaware, Miami, Winnebago, Creek, Sauk, and Fox tribes were camping on the outskirts of a budding community called Frenchtown, just north of the River Raisin. Only a few days' march from the Maumee River. General Winchester couldn't resist; one order later and the Americans were marching north. The initial Battle of River Raisin on January 18th, 1813, consisted of little more than a skirmish. The British and Native American force of roughly 200 soldiers stood little chance to approximately 800 eager Americans, who charged across the frozen River Raisin just north of Sterling Island. Following a sporadic fight lasting just a few hours, the British and Native American force retreated north towards Detroit. Frenchtown - for the time being - was American once more. The following days produced several deadly miscalculations. General Winchester had neglected to pack in requisite ammunition and other necessary supplies from the Americans' main encampment at the Maumee River. No orders were given to strengthen the rudimentary barrier walls surrounding Frenchtown, which the U.S. infantry were largely encamped outside of. Last, and most dangerous of all, General Winchester assumed that it would be "some days" before the British "would be ready to do anything." In other words, the Americans had plenty of time for reinforcements to arrive, walls to be built, and positions on the northern bank of the River Raisin to be solidified. Spoiler alert: the Americans didn't have time for any of that. On January 19th, British Colonel Henry Procter mobilized a joint British, Canadian, and Native American force of roughly 1,400 soldiers to move against the Americans. Before dawn on January 22nd, Colonel Procter's men crept towards the American encampments and opened fire while the majority of the American infantry still remained in bed. General Winchester's soldiers could only withstand the onslaught for 20 minutes, which broke abruptly when British artillery devastated what remained of the American lines. The morning only got worse for the Americans as the lines broke in a chaotic sprint south towards the frozen River Raisin. The American retreat prompted an attack by the Native American warriors, which descended upon the U.S. Regulars and inflicted numerous casualties during hand-to-hand combat. While General Winchester shortly surrendered to the overwhelming force, a large segment of surviving Kentuckian volunteers retreated west towards Frenchtown and held out for several hours before surrendering. When the muskets finally fell silent, 24 British and 359 Americans lay dead. A further 575 Americans lay wounded, most of which writhing under the guard of a British musket or Native American tomahawk. One hundred of those wounded American soldiers would meet their demise at the hands of their Native American captors the following day during the "River Raisin Massacre," but for now they were lucky to be alive. The cries slowly faded. The odor of gun powder gradually relented in the freezing winter air. The bloodiest morning in Michigan's history had finally ended. STATE OF THE MODERN BATTLEFIELD While we were researching this article, two profound sentiments struck us: 1. The Battle of River Raisin overwhelmingly constituted one of the most historic days, if not the single most historic day, in Michigan's history; and 2. Hardly anyone knows about it. Don't worry, we're not here to point fingers. There are several rationales for why this battle and historical park lacks the fame of other famous National Battlefield or Military Parks like Yorktown, Gettysburg, or Horseshoe Bend. You could blame it on the lack of educational attention that's afforded to the War of 1812, especially when compared to the unfathomable hours of coursework dedicated to the Revolutionary War, Civil War, and World War II. Perhaps Michigan's allocation of historical relevancy is way too concentrated on the development of the automotive industry. Maybe the national narrative of significant North American military conflicts occurring on the east coast or out west doesn't lend well to highlighting a major historical engagement in Southeast Michigan - against Canada, of all potential foes. Or - most damning of all - maybe most people simply don't care about recognizing the significance of the Battle of River Raisin. That would be a hard pill to swallow, and unfortunately there's some evidence for it. Which is exactly why we wanted to write this article. Starting on a brighter note, the fact that the powers that be elevated River Raisin National Battlefield Park from a Michigan Historic Site to a National Park unit in 2010 was a very, very good development in the battlefield's history. With the legal protection afforded by the National Park Service, River Raisin NBP will forever benefit from the vast wealth of the federal government's conservation resources. In other words, the visitor experience to the battlefield will always have an opportunity for improvement to a world-class standard. The very recent improvements to the park's pristine Visitor Center evidence the power of conservation at work for public benefit. That's a great start. Truly. But friends, we believe that much more could be done to honor the blood spilled on the banks of the Raisin - especially given the vast resources at our disposal. My trail pup Lucy and I recently hiked the one mile historical trail at River Raisin NBP. The trail starts from the picnic area off of Elm Avenue, marking that location of the American encampment that our "sleeping solider" would have slept at. A paved historical trail - dotted with historical markers providing fascinating information regarding the battle - comprise of the first 0.2 miles of the trail. Take your time reading each and every historical marker to fully appreciate the grounds that you are hiking on. The vast majority of the trail circumnavigates the field where American and British-Canadian lines formed and engaged one another. For any non-Monroe visitors, the size of the battlefield may surprise you. It's very, very small, but that is actually exceptionally common for most historic battlefields (for example, the famous Battle of Lexington that ignited the Revolutionary War occurred within Lexington's minuscule central town park). The trail starts behind the rudimentary barricades that designate the American line of defenses before venturing 0.1 of a mile north to the British-Canadian and Native American line. Note the benches that accompany the trail - the backrest of each contains additional historical information regarding the battle. Part of both the beauty and terror of River Raisin NBP is that literally every natural feature surrounding the trail was used by predominantly the British alliance to decimate the Americans. The little trash-filled ditch running just north of the British line? That's actually Mason Run, and the British and Native Americans used its steep banks to conceal themselves as their forces finalized preparation for their rout. The 0.2 miles of rolling woods on the eastern side of the field? The Native Americans and Canadian frontiersmen militia utilized their backwoods hunting and stalking experience within the trees to get within yards of American tents unnoticed. A topography of horror. Lucy and I were the only visitors on the trail that Saturday afternoon. In fact, we were the only ones in the park, other than a couple utilizing the main battlefield as an ample training space for their bird dog. I couldn't believe that we had such a historical destination all to ourselves, but the apparent lack of care given the extensive litter surrounding the trail gave me cause for serious concern. Hence, this article. Friends and family, we as representatives of Detroit's outdoor community have to be the first to recognize the significance of our region's outdoors. Frankly, River Raisin NBP should be the easiest outdoor recreation space in our entire region to maintain in an immaculate, inviting, and respectful condition. It's small. It's powerfully historic. It's the beneficiary of federal funding. How can such a destination be so under-recognized and under-appreciated by its surrounding community? And if River Raisin NBP of all places has suffered from such neglect, what about our other, less objectively significant yet beautiful outdoor destinations? Apologies for pontificating, but we at Expedition Detroit care deeply for the exploration, celebration, and protection of our outdoor recreation opportunities. If we don't recognize the value of our wild, historic, and fragile environment, then no one else will. We are immensely grateful for institutions like the National Park Service and Department of Natural Resources for their immensity of conservation work, but we as an outdoor community can and should do more to support their efforts. Here are a few quick ways to do so, relating specifically to River Raisin NBP: Read Up on the Battle. We've provided a brief overview here, but we strongly encourage you to dig a little deeper and conduct your own research. Especially if you are a Monroe resident, learning more about the overwhelming historical significance of your backyard could serve as an inspiring, humbling, and pride-inducing experience. Visit the Park. This is the fun part, especially since visiting the actual battle location is free. Go for a hike or run along the historical Battlefield Trail. Take your time reading the historical markers, imagining all along what an average American, British, Canadian, or Native American soldier must have experienced on that fateful day over a century ago. Be sure to visit the state-of-art Visitor Center as well. Pack In a Trash Bag. As you're hiking on the trail, don't be afraid to leave the trail better than you found it by picking up some trash along the way. This action goes beyond the "Leave No Trace" principles that all outdoor enthusiasts should aspire to; in fact, you will be "paying it forward" by actively creating a more welcoming, pristine, and respected environment for others to enjoy. Trust us, karma points add up. Share Your Experience. This final action item provides both the most critical and easy item to complete. If the apparent neglect of River Raisin NBP has resulted simply from lack of awareness of the park's significance or existence, then don't hesitate to speak openly about your time spent within the battlefield's hallowed confines. Historical facts, trail conditions, recommended activities, and ideas for future improvement are all fair game for discussion. On this 210th anniversary of the Battle of River Raisin, we would like to end this article by honoring the soldiers who fought and died in that pivotal battle. We would like to thank the National Park Service, the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Foundation, Friends of the River Raisin Battlefield, City of Monroe, and the Wyandotte Nation for the countless hours of service that such organizations and institutions have dedicated to the preservation of the battlefield. Last, we want to thank you for taking the time to read about this momentous battle, visit the park, and participate in the expansion and sustainability of Detroit's outdoor recreation community. We'll see you on the trail.

In light of the toxic fumes engulfing the Detroit area right now, here's a short guide on how to effectively and safely enjoy a campfire - without starting a wildfire that engulfs our entire corner of the Great Lakes region. In case you've been living under a rock this past week, you've probably realized that things have become a little smokey around Detroit. Scratch that, our environment has become dangerously smokey. Yesterday, Detroit's air quality at one point ranked second-worst in the world , topped out only by the horrid atmospheric conditions in New Delhi, India. The cumulative apocalyptic effect of two wildfires in northern Michigan, plus the 150 wildfires that are currently burning in Quebec, have prompted public health officials to encourage outdoor use of N95 masks again. Yeah. For the next few days, we're back to those kinds of messages again. Here's the uncomfortable truth about all of this: as experts continue to expect global temperatures to rise , the likelihood of widespread wildfires is predicted to rise in tandem. Dryer than normal conditions means that environment turns into natural tinder, ready to ignite from even the most minuscule of sources - cigarette butts, sparks from dangling trailer chains, overheated landscaping equipment, and certainly careless campfire starters. Beyond the hazy skies and Star Wars -esque orange sunsets, this wildfire smoke causes a litany of health issues . Shortness of breath, an elevated pulse, chest pain, inflammation in the eyes, nose, and throat, and even long-term health issues like cancer or lung disease. At this point, some astute readers may note that wildfires are, and always have been, a natural occurrence that provides undisputed value to most ecosystems. Fair point, but such natural fires are carefully monitored by forestry professionals in our modern, science-driven conservation operations. The goal for EVERY human-made fire, ESPECIALLY when inadvertently started, is to suppress the fire as quickly as possible - ideally before it even starts. The alternative looks something like this: Here in Michigan , our most recent 2,400-acre wildfire near Grayling started with a campfire . In fact, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports that 90% of our wildfires result from human negligence, largely due to the burning of yard debris. In other words, proper fire maintenance education is sorely needed across North America - and especially in the Great Lake region right now. Fortunately for all of us, sparking, enjoying, and extinguishing campfires really isn't too difficult of a skill to master. Simple enough to fit into a short article. Here's a quick #ExpeditionEssentials overview of the best practices for building a campfire that won't evolve into a region-wide wildfire: 1. BUILD OR FIND AN EXISTING FIRE RING This first step may come off as a no-brainer, but the jaw-dropping amount of charred logs that I've stumbled across just off trail - often times surrounded by combustible pine needles and NO ring - demonstrates that this knowledge is far from common. If your campground has an established fire ring, then you're all set - just remember to actually use the ring. If you find yourself in a backcountry situation for where starting a fire is necessary for survival (e.g., warmth, boiling water, or cooking food), then you should build your fire ring by initially finding a dozen or so first-sized rocks. The diameter of the fire ring shouldn't be larger than 2 feet. Remember, every campfire should serve a purpose, and this one's limited purpose should be to warm, boil, and/or cook - not to blaze unruly. Building a smaller fire ring forces you to build a more controllable fire, which is a critical initial step in preventing forest fires. 2. PREPARE BEFORE YOU SPARK There are two key elements to the preparation phase of any quality campfire . The first centers on the are around the fire ring that you just built or discovered. I like to walk around the fire ring - let's say a radius of at least 6 feet - and either gather clearly flammable, natural debris for my fire OR moving such debris away from my fire ring. Beyond utilizing this step to gather tinder (e.g., cottony fungi, dry leaves, dead grass, and leftover charred firewood) and kindling (small, dry, and dead sticks) for building the fire, the goal here is also prevent a stray spark from igniting a highly-combustible material laying just outside of your ring. You should also start to gather your fuel wood during this step. Fuel wood comprises of larger sticks and logs that measure up to roughly the size of your wrist or larger. Look for dry and dead sticks or branches - you should never break off live branches for your fire due to both Leave No Trace principles and the impracticality of burning live substances filled with moisture. A good trick for testing whether a larger branch is good for burning is to break it in half. If you can't break it and you don't have an axe or hatchet with you, then it's probably too large for your fire ring. If you can break it, then the sound of the break should crackle like a burning log. In other words, if it sounds like a burning log, then it will act like a burning log . 3. BUILD AN INCREMENTAL FIRE One of our favorite pieces of advice for arduous trekking is " Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. " The same advice applies for building an effective, sustainable campfire: start slow with igniting your tinder, smoothly and gradually feed the flame with your kindling, and then you will be able to quickly build the flame to your desired extent with your fuel wood . The key here is patience. I've watched far too many experienced outdoor enthusiasts fail to build a proper campfire due to their desire to build a roaring flame as quickly as possible. I've also seen aspirational fire builders give up far too early due to their impatience with the apparent ineffectiveness of their kindling or fuel wood. Assuming that you followed Step #2 to the letter, then proper wood placement technique, oxygen, and patience is all that you need to crush this critical component of building a campfire. When it comes to technique, the simplest way to build a fire consists of the time-tested "teepee" structure. Once your tinder has caught a flame, slowly and carefully place your kindling over the budding fire in a consistently conical shape, with the tips of the kindling pointing towards the flame. This is the most important step in building a sustainable fire. If done correctly, the flame will organically grow with each new addition to the teepee. If done poorly, you'll suffocate the fire and lose your precious tinder. Take your time, fan the flame with comically slow, steady breaths as needed, and gradually add increasingly larger sticks to the growing fire as it grows. You'll know that you've done this step correctly when the core of your fire maintains a blue and incomprehensibly hot central furnace. 4. ENJOY THE FIRE If you've reached this point in the process, then your fire is fully-ablaze and ready to serve its purpose. Your diligent preparation and execution has paid off tremendously. Your initial spark is now capable of warming your body, purifying your water, and cooking your food. Or simply entertaining you and your friends. Enjoy this moment . Allow the hypnotizing flames to put your mind at ease. Sit back and tell stories, build s'mores, crack another trail brew . Experience the primal sensation of accomplishment that successful fires have ignited since the dawn of man. Yes , if your goal is to keep your fire running for hours, then you will habitually need to gather more fuel wood. But don't be that person that never actually enjoys the fruits of their labor because they're frantically darting into the woods every ten seconds to gather more wood. Be present; enjoy the fire . 5. EXTINGUISH YOUR FIRE Alas, friends - all good things most come to an end, and it's time to say goodnight and goodbye to your precious fire. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT STEP FOR YOUR SAFETY AND THE WELL-BEING OF OUR NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. So, if you've tuned out at all during this article, then TUNE BACK IN . Extinguishing your fire should start long before you actually intend on leaving the fire ring - let's say at least 30 minutes before your desired departure. For example, if you plan on being back at your tent around 10 p.m., then your last piece of fuel wood should enter the fire ring no later than 9:30 p.m. Resist the human urge to keep that flame alive. It's time has come, and watching it whither naturally means less work for you in the near future. Once the flames have completely died out, your next task will be to extinguish the coals. Use a stick to break-up any still-hot coals into smaller pieces, spread them around the fire ring, and then pour water on the coals to make sure that they're completely out ( yes, peeing on the coals works here too ). Here are a few helpful reminders for this critical step in the campfire process: When in doubt, drown the coals out. Add as much water as you can to ensure that the coals are extinguished. Pour until the hissing sound stops. Mix It Up. While adding water, also feel free to add dirt or sand to the soupy mix. Stir with a shovel until all materials are cool. If you do not have water, stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to help cool the fire. Do not bury the fire. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave . The hot exterior of your fire ring can cause nearby dry grass to catch fire. Don't forget to also put water on your fire ring. Stay safe out there, friends - camping season is just kicking off, and we can't wait to see you out there soon! This article references information originally published in Surviving the Great Outdoors by Brendan Leonard (2017). Phenomenal book for recreationists of all experience levels!

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition digs into the sole "Top 50" trail within our namesake city - the Dequindre Cut Greenway. Join us as we explore this quintessential Detroit trail! What makes a world-class outdoor destination? Striking natural landscapes preserved for exploration? A culture that prioritizes equitable access to outdoor experiences? An economy that fosters opportunities for innovative recreational ventures? How about showcasing public art? A core focus on community engagement? A safe, accessible, and interconnected trail network in the heart of an urban metropolis? While there's no consensus on the answer to these questions, the Dequindre Cut Greenway - one of Detroit's "Essential Trails" - checks the box of each of these disparate elements. The stunningly bright and glistening waves of the Detroit River mark the southern trailhead. The trail literally resulted from an industrious coalition of community advocates. The pathway embodies the values of its supportive community through its cutting-edge artwork, entrepreneurial pop-ups, and moving feast of festivals and events. Here's the point: the Dequindre Cut represents Detroit's beautifully diverse outdoor community at its very best. An archetypal prototype and testament for the effectiveness of community empowerment through outdoor recreation and interconnection. A manifestation of the lasting impact of intentional regeneration of industrial byproducts. And, most importantly, a damn good trail. MEET THE DEQUINDRE CUT 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. In the Detroit of 2023, a walk, run, or bike down the Dequindre Cut provides a quintessential experience - a microcosm showcase of the past, present, and future of one of America's greatest cities. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 2.0 miles Elevation Gain: 49 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Point-to-Point Parking Specifics: Paid parking available along Atwater Street; other free and paid parking options available near William G. Milliken State Park If you are a runner or biker that infamously tends to wander off trail, then do we have the perfect trail for you! When it comes to the Dequindre Cut, you need only to keep moving forward in your direction of choice. No turns. No second guesses. Just maintained momentum over 2 miles of gradual incline or decline, depending on whether you choose to start from the Atwater Street (shown above) or Mack Avenue trailheads. From the Atwater Street trailhead, you will gradually ascend an imposing 49 feet as you walk, run, or bike along the paved trail. Please be sure to stay in your lane of choice as you explore the trail - the cycle traffic is two-way, while the trail also has a third lane for largely pedestrian travel. Also remember to exercise caution as you cross Franklin and Woodbridge Streets. Your sub-street level sanctuary of recreational solitude starts under E Jefferson. The Dequindre Cut, like most converted rail-trails, is a relatively flat, variable-controlled paved trail, so we will not be diving into any natural features of the trail like our typical #TrailTuesday articles. Instead, we will detail what makes the Dequindre Cut a highly-sought after destination for urban exploration: the public art, repurposed architecture, and trailside amenities that only accompany world-class urban recreational trails. One could easily argue that the Dequindre Cut is essentially a two-mile outdoor art museum. Fortunately for all of us, our friends at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy maintain a "Dequindre Cut Art Walk" map that pinpoints and details the entirety of breath-taking artwork along the trail. The public art decorates the entirety of the trail, but the single-largest concentration of art is located with the Larned Street to E Lafayette Blvd. segments. The Dequindre Cut also features a highlight reel of destinations along its humble 2 miles. Starting with the DNR's Outdoor Recreation Center off of Atwater Street, the trail also provides recreationists with direct access to Fit Park, Campbell Terrace, the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, and Eastern Market. Each of these destinations host community outreach gatherings, themed festivals, live music, and other crowd-drawing events throughout the year. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Let's not overcomplicate anything: when a trail connects directly to the #1 riverwalk in the country, you explore said riverwalk trail. The Detroit Riverwalk is currently in a state of constant change - we are barely able to keep up with the near-daily updates regarding the expansion or further improvement of our beloved riverwalk. As of March of 2023, the official 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 be sure to circle back to Expedition Detroit regularly as we continue to expand our coverage of this essential trail route at the heart of our region. 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, the trek rejoins the river just south of the former Joe Louis Arena site (RIP). Continue east as you venture 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. With the towers of downtown behind you, the Riverwalk Trail leads directly into William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, featuring the aforementioned direct link to the Dequindre Cut Greenway. To complete the trail, continue pressing east - past the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, through Harbortown Marina and Mt. Elliott Park, and finally reaching the finish line at Gabriel Richard Park. The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

Timeless. Powerful. Hand crafted in Detroit. It is our privilege to feature Motor City Axe as our first #ExpeditionPartner! We pity anyone who has never experienced the primal satisfaction of splitting a log in one clean strike. Or glanced back at their freshly-cut trail that will forever lead to your favorite campground, stand, or wilderness destination. Or even, God forbid, never sensed their own power simply by holding an axe. The first trails and settlements across the Detroit region were tamed through harnessing the power of these tools. The tomahawks of the First Nations of the Great Lakes - the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Shawnee, Huron, Iroquois, and Odawa - cut the initial trails that now form our roads and crafted the canoes that first explored our waterways. The hatchets and axes of 18th century Europeans built our first cities. The woodsmen of the 19th century formed the bedrock of Michigan and Ontario's behemoth lumber industry. And these same tools were largely wielded by our returned WWII heroes to establish Greater Detroit's first state parks. Fast-forward to our own century, many an outdoor enthusiast often feels lost in digital or corporate dementia. Truth be told, Expedition Detroit partially launched from an innate desire to reclaim a sense of adventure and resilience within our immediate outdoors. A local escape from the confines of the Covid-era's "work-from-home," and therefore almost always working, construct. We're far from being the only venture to answer this calling by aligning our business with our great outdoors. In fact, we're far from being the first in the Detroit region to do so. Our first "Expedition Partner" - Motor City Axe - has been outfitting our outdoor community with the tools to reclaim an intrepid lifestyle since 2018. It's our privilege to partner with this awesome brand now. RE-INTRODUCING MOTOR CITY AXE Our story with Motor City Axe dates way back to roughly a month ago. In case you missed our April Newsletter (not so subtle hint to subscribe), our store is a featured partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resource's "These Goods are Good for Michigan" campaign. The "These Goods" campaign features several fantastic vendors of goods and services that collectively support Michigan's state parks, trails, and waterways, but one good in particular jumped out at us when we first discovered the campaign. What can we say - handcrafted, sleek axes and hatchets are compelling products. Motor City Axe immediately caught our attention, and fortunately we were able to connect with them literally the morning that Expedition Detroit went live within the "These Goods" campaign. The story of Motor City Axe started far beyond this fruitful coincidence - and even before the company's initial launch. Four years before Motor City Axe first cut into Detroit's outdoor industry, its founder discovered his late grandfather's Kelly Axe and Tool hatchet in a garage. His experience with refurbishing that heirloom - plus the countless outdoor experiences begotten from the reinvigorated hatchet - forged the vision for Motor City Axe. A company was born out of a love for lasting craftsmanship, desire to work with their hands, and passion for the outdoors. MOTOR CITY MADE. WILDERNESS READY. Motor City Axe's online shop features a wide variety of new, custom, and vintage axes and hatchets. Each axe and hatchet is made in the U.S.A. and hand-painted in Detroit. The company also sells axe and outdoor-related accessories to complement their flagship products, such as knives, tools, sheaths, hats, and t-shirts. We'd like to close out this inaugural feature with some inspirational words from Motor City Axe themselves: The tools we sell have and will withstand the test of time. They tell a story. The city they are crafted in has, countless times, been ruled out, but both have risen from the ashes. What will your story tell? If that doesn't get you fired up to start chopping, then we don't know what will. Do you own or operate a local outfitter, small business, or organization involved in the outdoor industry? Would you like to partner with an innovative media company focused solely on outdoor recreational experiences and opportunities within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit? Awesome - we'd love to work with you! Contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com.

The ice has melted. The birds are returning. The sun - knock on wood - is actually shining again. Kayak season has returned to Detroit, along with endless opportunities to extend your aquatic expeditions via Canoe Camping. Imagine your perfect day on the water. The heat of the sun. The gentle breeze at your back. The serenity of nature's silence, broken only by the lapping waves, rustle of leaves, calling birds - and maybe that one guy playing music from a waterproof speaker around the bend. As perfect as perfect gets paddling down the Detroit region's waterways. There's only one downside to such bliss: it ends. Even the longest, most brilliant summer days eventually arrive at a sunset, thus signaling the end of that day's paddling expedition for most kayakers. A sad fate that we all must submit to...or do we? Spoiler alert: the terminus of your paddling voyage does not have to align with the setting sun. We at Expedition Detroit are proud to formally welcome Spring to our platform with an #ExpeditionEssentials crash course on "Canoe Camping" - the backpacking equivalent of overnight paddling adventures - covering the essential gear and destinations that you'll need for launching your next voyage. Photo courtesy of PaddlingSpace.com Canoe Camping Gear Congratulations, you nailed it: you are going to need a canoe for canoe camping - more likely a kayak. You probably also guessed that you will need a personal flotation device ("PFD"). And oars. Oars are very important. What may be less intuitive, however, are questions concerning the hair-splitting nuances between the variety of possible gear selections. What are the key differences between hard shell and inflatable kayaks? How about proper layering for shoulder season temperatures? Which water-proof bags are best for carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and other camping necessities? How about head lamps or gear that's required by law? That, our dear friends, is where this section comes in handy. We've dug into the tough questions to save you a few hours of research, possibly save a few bucks, and get you in the water in no time. Choice of Vessel If you've spent anytime around the Huron, Clinton, or Rouge Rivers over the last few years, chances are that you've witnessed a cold war between three primary camps of paddling enthusiasts: hard shell kayakers, inflatable kayakers, and old school canoeists. Each of these modes of maritime transportation have their pros and cons - especially when it comes to selection for canoe camping. Here's a quick breakdown of these three options: Old Town Sportsman Discovery Solo 119 Canoe Canoe If you are planning packing a lot of gear - we're talking multiple days hunting in the backcountry amount of gear - then your vessel search should end with purchasing with a canoe. Following in the footsteps of both our Native American and European predecessors, the open-air design of a canoe facilitates immense storage capacity, as well as a more stable frame than kayaks. The hulls of canoes also comprise of the durable materials, such as three layer polyethylene, that paddlers would expect to safely navigate through shallow terrain. The three principal cons of a canoe when compared to a kayak are maneuverability, weight, and cost. Even with sleeker canoes like the Sportsman Discovery Solo 119 shown above, the slimmer frame of a kayak permits paddlers to navigate through narrow or obstacle-ridden stretches that could delay canoes. The additional 10-20 pounds of weight that distinguish separate lightweight canoes from much lighter kayaks also inhibit the navigational prowess of a canoe. Last, canoes are undoubtedly more expensive than their kayak cousins. For example, the price difference between the featured canoe and inflatable kayak in this article is over $1,000. Old Town Dirigo 106 Kayak - 2022 Kayak (Hard Shell) Hard shell kayaks are hands-down the crowd favorite for maritime navigation throughout the Great Lakes region - for several good reasons. First, the lighter weight and slimmer frame when compared to canoes offer more advanced maneuverability in less hospitable waters. The coverage of the shell also better protects a paddler from undesired water exposure and cold temperatures. Last, the extra compartments typically featured on kayaks like the Old Town Dirigo 106 Kayak remedy some of the lost storage capacity inherent to the hard shell cover. While a hard shell kayak may appear to check almost every box for a paddler, there are some key drawbacks to note. Especially with regard to extended canoe camping, the lost storage capacity due to the encompassing shell may rule the vessel out entirely for longer, gear-intensive trips. Getting in and out of hard shell kayaks can prove to be more of a challenge when compared to open canoe or inflatable kayak models as well. Similar to canoes, hard shell kayaks also lack the transportability and significant price discount that inflatable kayaks offer to their owners. Intex Excursion Pro Kayak Kayak (Inflatable) The chief benefit of an inflatable kayak is and will always be its transportability. There was a period where I simply stored my inflatable kayak in the cab of my pickup truck, ready to be deployed whenever the paddling inspiration hit. Inflatable kayaks also tend to be less expensive and have higher weight thresholds than canoes and hardshell kayaks. The main drawbacks of inflatable kayaks are their less dependable durability and inflation requirement. With regard to durability, the quality of the synthetic rubber and plastic polymers that inflatable kayaks are made from has improved over recent years, although these qualities simply do not compare to the wood, plastic, fiberglass, and composite materials of canoes and hard shell kayaks (pro tip: always carry some form of adhesive to plug any minor punctures). I personally enjoy the inflation process of an inflatable kayak for the upper body workout, but for anyone who doesn't derive the same joy from "type 2 fun," you will learn to dread this aspect of inflatable kayak ownership. Layered Clothing Let's start with the basics: you should always dress in layers, especially for the cooler-to-freezing temperatures that fluctuate in the Detroit region during early spring. Especially when kayaking around sunrise or sunset, bring along extra layer to pull on/off when the temperature inevitably starts to heat up or cool off. Here's a refresher on layering: Base Layer ("underwear layer"): Arguably most important layer; goal is to wick sweat off your skin. Could be a swimsuit for warmer weather paddling. Middle Layer ("insulating layer"): Should retain body heat to protect you from the cold. Outer Layer ("shell layer"): Largely weather-dependent; shields you from wind and rain and provides extra insulation. Could include a raincoat and waterproof rain pants for inclement weather. You should always dress for the water temperature you'll be paddling in, NOT the air temperature. For cold paddling conditions, opt to wear a drysuit over your base and mid layers. No need for an outer layer - your windproof, waterproof, and breathable drysuit takes care of that. Recommended Add-Ons You've probably heard the old adage that "Too much of a good thing is a bad thing." Well, when it comes to searching "Recommended canoe camping gear" on Google, everyone appears to have an opinion, list, and strong arguments as to why certain gear should or shouldn't be included on your next expedition. We have waded through the never-ending rabbit holes of recommended lists to provide you with this synthesized punch list of gear (omitting specific items discussed elsewhere): Headlamp: Black Diamond's "Spot 400" and Petzl's "Actik Core" headlamps are the two market-leaders, although BioLite's 750 lumen headlamp has also recently been making waves into the headlamp market. Dry Bags: Waterproof storage bags your camping gear, cell phone, portable batteries, maps and charts, matches or other fire-starting equipment, and anything else that you truly cannot afford to get wet. Sun Protection Gear: Sunscreen, lip balm, sun glasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Bailer or Bilge Pump: Bilge pumps are especially effective for pumping unwanted water out of your kayak. Sponges. "Boat Shoes" or Sandals and Dry "Camp Shoes." Camping Necessities: Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, water treatment equipment and bottle, and portable stove and cookware. Energy Food. Knife or Multi-Tool. First Aid Supplies. Legal Requirements Let's settle the "lifejacket question" first: Michigan law requires paddlers to carry either a wearable PFD or a throwable PFD for each person on board a vessel. Ontario law is similar to Michigan law's requirement to carry a PFD per passenger, although only wearable PFDs are approved as lawful safety equipment. We strongly recommend wearing a PFD every time that you are on the water, which is required for all personal watercraft operators in Ohio. For nighttime paddling, the one universal requirement under Michigan law states that all unpowered vessels less than 26 feet long must have at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light at all times while in motion (such as a headlamp). The ideal illumination of this light would amount to visibility from at least three miles away, although that is not a legal requirement. While most of the Detroit region's inner waterways fall under Michigan state jurisdiction, the Great Lakes also represent international boundary waters and therefore fall under the U.S. Coast Guard's jurisdiction. As such, special regulations apply to nighttime paddling along any international waters like the St. Clair River, Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, and Lake Erie. These include carrying (1) a mounting a "kayak light" that is visible from 360-degrees and (2) visual/audio distress signals. Interactive map of the Huron River National Water Trail The Destinations In case you haven't noticed, the Detroit region has water. Lots of water. Thousands of miles of Great Lakes coastline and inland lakes, rivers, and streams to explore, including 5 of Michigan's state-designated water trails, 3 national water trails, and the Detroit Heritage River Trail that constitutes the first and only water trail that has been designated for protection by the Canadian and U.S. Governments. Especially with Michigan's moniker as "The Great Lakes State," you would assume that the Detroit region has an excess supply of canoe campgrounds, right...? Wrong. To our team's surprise, the Huron River National Water Trail represents the sole thru-paddling opportunity within our area's vast waterways. Yes, that includes the portions of Ohio and Ontario that fall within the purview of the Detroit region. We will breakdown the best canoe camping destinations in a moment, but here's the silver lining to our current situation: canoe camping undoubtedly represents the single greatest recreational infrastructure opportunity within the Detroit region, on both sides of the border. Especially in light of the phenomenal work of recent years on developing the Clinton River Water Trail, Rouge River Water Trail, and Monroe County Water Trails, our recreational bodies have the firepower to construct and maintain world-class canoe campgrounds along our pristine waterways. Here are the Detroit region's top canoe camping destinations: 1. Huron River National Water Trail | Michigan Simply put, the Huron River National Water Trail ("HRNWT") is one of the crown jewels of the Detroit's greater outdoor ecosystem. Its 104-mile trail, spanning from Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Oakland County to Lake Erie Metropark in Monroe County, circumnavigates the western rim of our region's premiere outdoor destinations. Most importantly for our article, the HRNWT provides direct access to four canoe campgrounds: Kensington Metropark, Island Lake State Recreation Area, Hudson Mills Metropark, and Lower Huron Metropark. A fifth - and very much needed - campground is slated for Oakwoods Metropark. Reservations are required for all sites. Photo courtesy of Canadian Geographic 2. Point Pelee National Park and Pelee Island | Ontario As long-time readers of our content are now well-aware, if any "top destinations" list appears on our content, then Point Pelee National Park will surely make an appearance. Generations of recreationists have flocked to the park for its world-class hiking, cycling, bird watching, and star-gazing opportunities. Kayaking is another favorite past time of Point Pelee's patrons, especially when paired with an overnight stay at Camp Henry within the park. The Camp's "oTENTik" lodgings - a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent - are conveniently located directly across an access point to West Beach. Talk about a bucket list camping experience within our region's sole national park! Photo courtesy of Issue Media Group 3. Algonac State Park | Michigan On the northeastern periphery of the Detroit region - just north of Lake St. Clair - lies Algonac State Park and its unprecedented Great Lakes kayaking opportunities. While the park is largely celebrated for its views of freighters from around the world (watch them right from your tent!), the park's 1,550-acres boasts a half-mile of riverfront, campgrounds, trails and a 1,200-plus-acre dedicated natural area. Algonac's "Riverfront Campground" is conveniently located just a short walk away from multiple launching points into the St. Clair River and its multiple routes within the Blueways of St. Clair water trail network. Photo courtesy of The Dyrt, Inc 4. Seven Lakes State Park | Michigan The "Seven Lakes" of Seven Lakes State Park may have morphed into one massive "Seven Lake" after its dam construction, but the park's legacy of pristine kayaking and camping opportunities has both endured and thrived. While the namesake "Seven Lake" provides an obvious draw for top-notch paddling experiences, the park's 230 acres of water also provide ample opportunities to explore Dickinson Lake, Spring Lake, and and Sand Lake. The park's campground at Sand Lake is especially popular with kayakers - hard to argue with direct beach access from the campground to the lake. Quick Safety Add-Ons Before signing off on this article, we wanted to close by sharing the following water safety best practices as prepared by the Clinton River Watershed Council. Regardless of whether your voyage consists of a few hours on the lake or a multi-day thru paddle of the Huron, paddling recreationists should always adhere to the following safety guidelines: ALWAYS PADDLE WITH PROPER EQUIPMENT. Life vests, helmets, a whistle, a first aid kit, and a phone are examples of standard equipment depending on the routes or conditions that you may paddle. BE AWARE OF THE STREAM FLOW. Check streamflow at the USGS gauge nearest to your intended trip. Visually check stream flow before you embark, and if the river is too fast for your comfort level, wait until it recedes. BE AWARE OF THE WATER TEMPERATURE. Cold water is extremely dangerous. Learn about protecting yourself from hypothermia before embarking on your trip. BE AWARE OF THE WEATHER. Conditions can change rapidly. Be aware of forecasts, and do not go out during thunderstorms or other adverse weather events. Stay alert to changing weather conditions. BE AWARE OF THE DAYLIGHT. Make sure you leave enough daylight to comfortably finish your trip. BRING A SPARE CHANGE OF CLOTHES IN A DRY BAG. You will likely get wet. Bring a spare change of clothes in a dry bag to avoid hypothermia. WEAR RIVER FOOTWEAR. Protect your feet from sharp river rocks—always wear footwear. KNOW HOW TO SWIM. Make sure you know how to swim before embarking on a river trip. KNOW HOW TO GET HELP. To get help, dial 911. Make sure you are aware of your surroundings and can communicate your position to emergency responders. FOLLOW SAFETY SIGNS. Know how to recognize the safety signs throughout the Clinton River. The return of warmer weather means open season on several genres of outdoor exploration in the Detroit region: backpacking, mountain biking, and especially canoe camping. Overnight expeditions on our world-famous waterways provides not only a phenomenal means of exploring our region's greatest asset - our fresh water - for extended periods of recreational bliss, but also represents a relatively untapped avenue for experiencing our natural environmental. As shoulder season ends and Spring proper takes over, we can't wait to get back in the water. We can't wait to paddle up to new campgrounds, dock our vessels, and settle in by the campfire, swapping stores from the full day spent paddling and exploring our rivers and lakes. Most importantly, we can't to see you out there.

In a region that's undeniably spoiled by world-class mountain biking trails, here are the Detroit area's top 5 trail systems that climb higher and ride faster than the rest. Michigan’s official state motto translates to “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” Well, Southeast Michigan’s wilderness motto should be “If you seek a pleasant hiking trail, look about you - because there’s probably a mountain biker ripping down it.” Our suggested motto should honestly be codified since most of the Detroit region’s most scenic hiking trails were either originally designed or overwhelmingly adopted as mountain biking trails. A quick glance at our “Destinations” map and you’ll see that the data holds up. Our great outdoors are disproportionately blessed with world-class mountain biking trails - only rivaled in-state by the Upper Peninsula’s most scenic and rugged trails - thanks largely to the trail construction and preservation efforts spearheaded by organizations like the Motor City Mountain Bike Association, Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association, and Potawatomi Mountain Bike Association. Curating this list of Detroit’s best mountain biking trails was one tough hill to climb (a great problem to have). So, just in time for October’s colors to fully set in, here are the Detroit region’s five best MTB trails to send it down: 1. POTAWATOMI TRAIL Trail Length: 17 miles Climb: 876 ft. Trail Rating: Intermediate-Advanced Trail Sponsor: Potawatomi Mountain Bike Association We don’t like saving the best for last here at Expedition Detroit. Credit’s owed where credit’s due, so the Potawatomi Trail - “Poto” - is presented right where it should be: first in line on our list as Detroit’s most sought-after, kick-ass, bucket list-worthy mountain biking trail. Found in Pinckney State Recreation Area, Poto provides riders with a grand tour of the park. The trail is also shared with hikers and trail runners, although it is an unspoken agreement that mountain bikers are at the top of the food chain for trail courtesy. From the trailhead at Silver Lake (parking lot trailhead for all of Pinckney’s chart-topping trails), Poto’s deviates from the Silver Lakes Trail at 0.42 miles in and continues clockwise for 16.6 miles. The trail is a scenic roller coaster, trademarked with heart-thumping climbs and rewarding declines as you navigate around Pinckney’s series of lakes and the Portage River. Naturally, the trail’s most imposing challenge strikes right at the end - a nearly 100-foot climb with an 8% incline at mile 15.73. Survive the climb and you’ll be rewarded with a mile-long decline back towards the trailhead. Bonus Tip: Looking to turn your ride into a de facto expedition? Poto offers riders with the ability to turn an MTB afternoon into a bike-camping weekend adventure. Pinckney’s two rustic campgrounds, located at Blind Lake and Crooked Lake, are directly accessible from the trail. New to bike-camping? REI has some epic gear to get you started. 2. LAKESHORE PARK (TREE FARM) Trail Length: 8.9 miles Climb: 423 ft. Trail Rating: Intermediate Trail Sponsor: Motor City Mountain Bike Association Single-track lovers, rejoice! Novi’s Lakeshore Park - formerly known as “Tree Farm” - has roughly 9 miles of fast, technical, and flowy trails for every level of rider. Starting at the main trailhead just south of Walled Lake, Lakeshore Park’s network of interconnected loops and segments with relatively little elevation gain provide for a seamless ride across variable terrain. The majority of Lakeshore Park’s loops are rated as “Easy,” although the “Expert Loop” accessible at the 0.7 mile mark, “the Crater” segment at the 3.7 mile mark, and the “Flack Attack” segment at the 5.1 mile mark entail more challenging terrain that’s fit for lapping. Be sure to spend some extra time at the pump track to test your balance and technical skills. Bonus Tip: If you and your crew regularly ride Lakeshore Park, why not up the ante a bit with some harmless competition? Every summer the MCMBA hosts its famous tiki party + bike race, the “Tree Farm Relay,” for some 4-person team relay action over its trail network. Extra points are awarded for best costumes too, so riders have every reason to go all-out for this highlight event of the summer! 3. PONTIAC LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA TRAIL SYSTEM Trail Length: 9 miles Climb: 713 ft. Trail Rating: Intermediate-Advanced Trail Sponsor: Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association One Loop to Rule Them All - that should be the official slogan of Pontiac Lake’s legendary MTB trail, although the Tolkien Estate’s legal team may beg to differ. Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area contains 9 miles of fast, elevation-oscillating, single track trail, with the main challenge of a 22% incline grade striking just 1.5 miles into the adventure. Each gueling climb is typically rewarded with a refreshing decline, although Pontiac Lake is also infamous for the tactical maneuvering demanded by some of its downhills (especially right after the 2 mile mark). The majority of the ride leads bikers over a series of rolling climbs and declines through the park’s northern string of lakes, with the final segment consisting of one long decline back to the trailhead. Just as a fair warning, the immense popularity of this trail comes at a price. Pontiac Lake is not the trail for any riders seeking two-wheeled solitude in nature - its proximity to Downtown Detroit and the northern suburbs makes Pontiac Lake’s trail one of the most frequented in the Detroit region. Expect to share the trail with hikers, trail runners, and even equestrians in some segments. Always be courteous to others on the trail, and note that the trail right-of-way food chain goes like this: hikers < bikers < equestrians. Bonus Tip: If you look at a map of Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, its main campground is located directly in the center of its famous mountain biking trail. This pristine example of exemplary park planning has made Pontiac Lake’s campground a favorite for mountain bikers looking to make a weekend out of their rides (Highland Recreation Area is also just down M-59, so it’s not too far of a stretch to imagine tackling both trail systems in a weekend). Party responsibly and aim to find the elusive balance between evening campfire drinks and morning tight turns. 4. HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA A-B-C-D LOOPS Trail Length: 14.7 miles Climb: 1,584 ft. Trail Rating: Advanced Trail Sponsor: Motor City Mountain Bike Association Built by mountain bikers for mountain bikers, Southeast Michigan’s most difficult MTB trail system may very well be its best kept secret. Highland’s alphabet loops cover almost 15 miles of technical and tight single-track trails, filled with sharp descents, steep climbs, rock gardens, and lots of tight, off camber turns. The loops slightly vary in difficulty, with the A (3.5 miles) and C (2.2 miles) Loops being slightly easier than the challenging B Loop (5.4 miles) and dreaded D Loop (3.6 miles). Most riders take on just the A and B Loops for a heart-pumping 9.7 miles through the core of the course, although plenty of adrenaline junkies and admirable psychopaths will knock out the full system in 2 or 3 hours. The D Loop’s climb of 130 feet over roughly half a mile - including a 20% incline grade at certain points - is the crown jewel achievement of this punishing yet rewarding course. Please note that even relatively experienced bikers should not take conquering all four alphabet loops lightly. Beginner and freshly-minted riders are advised to ride with more experienced riders and tackle just a loop or two during your first visit to Highland. Bring plenty of water, take your time navigating these black diamond-rated trails, and wholly embrace the ass-kicking that Highland’s loops indiscriminately unleash on us all. Bonus Tip: The Highland trail system is the northernmost segment of a larger 100-mile trail system that connects several parks and independent mountain biking trails. While you can conquer this daunting trail system any time during the year, we recommend tackling this feat alongside hundreds of your new best friends amidst the festivities of the annual Milford Bike Fest and Trail Challenge. Beyond Highland’s alphabet loops, your ride will take you on a grand tour of the Milford Trail, Hickory Glen Park, Proud Lake Recreation Area, Kensington Metropark, and Island Lake Recreation Area. Yes, don’t worry - beer tents in Downtown Milford will be eagerly waiting for your return from this MTB odyssey. 5. BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA TRAIL SYSTEM Trail Length: 16.9 miles Climb: 916 ft. Trail Rating: Intermediate-Advanced Trail Sponsor: Potawatomi Mountain Bike Association Last but certainly not least, Brighton State Recreation Area provides riders with a “choose your own adventure” approach to its two-loop trail system. More advanced riders typically tackle the black diamond-rated “Torn Shirt Trail” first, a 7.9 mile loop that contains steeper climbs and more technical features (NOTE: the Torn Shirt Trail has recently been extended to include 3 additional miles, so published trail guides may be outdated). The foremost challenge of the Torn Shirt Trail strikes 1.82 miles into the loop with a 10% incline grade climb to an elevation of 954 ft., the highest point on the entire trail system. The more moderate Murray Lake Loops cover a total of 9 miles of riding if you take on the Purple, Orange, and Green Loops. Enjoy your flowy, single-track grand tour of the northeast segments of the park, complete of course with technical challenges throughout to keep the ride engaging for bikers of any skill level. Bonus Tip: Why not combine your ride with a paddle? The MTB trailhead parking lot also services access to Bishop Lake, one of the crown jewels of Brighton Recreation Area. Trust us, there are far worse places in the world for that mandatory post-ride beer (alcohol prohibited at Bishop Lake Day Use Area April 1st - September 30th). We cannot overstate that this list is just the tip of the iceberg. There are several trail systems that we ride regularly and love dearly - such as Maybury State Park, Island Lake State Recreation Area, Hines Park, and the Milford Trail - that are spectacular in despite of being omitted from this article. However, if you are a top-tier mountain biker that regularly rides in the U.P. or out west, this list is your guide to the Detroit region’s crème de la crème of MTB trails. Send it responsibly. We’ll see you out there. Photos courtesy of Trailforks Mapping Inc. and Adventure Projects, Inc.

In honor of Black History Month, we are exploring the complexity, bravery, and utmost historical significance of the Underground Railroad - especially within the scope of the Detroit region's unique role within its operation. Part II follows the final phase of the great journey - and the railroad's lasting legacy on our outdoors. "Wake up. It's time." You wipe the sleep away from your eyes just in time to see a vaguely familiar face looking back at you through candlelight. A dark face that you only recognize since you met the man just hours prior, and his confident stare provides you with a sense of ease despite the total absence of familiarity surrounding you. As the shapeless beings around you in the dusty, crowded, and freezing basement start to come alive, you manage to get your exhausted legs under you. The temptation to collapse back onto the floor nearly overtakes you, but a final push of adrenaline keeps you concentrated on the task at hand. Many months, countless miles, and one singular goal have all led to this pitch-black early morning. "The boat is waiting. We need to hurry." Once the signal from the nearby docks is received, the man guides you from the sanctuary of a church basement and through a rudimentary tunnel. A cool, chilling breeze - with a growing hint of fish and freshwater - beckons you towards the shrubbery-hidden mouth of the tunnel and a steamship laden with lumber and other goods. A white man stands of the helm of this ship, but - to your pleasant surprise - the black man leading you appears to be running the entire operation. This black man positions you and others securely within the ship's hull, bolts the hatch down, and gives one final instruction within earshot: "To the Fort first, then Sandusky. Black wool is secured." The steamship's engines spurt to life. Hours pass, and your stomach turns in and over itself. A combination of anxiety, anticipation, malnourishment, and the natural bob of open water. Your mind drifts back over the past several months - the oppressive heat of the deep south, the beatings, the escape, the close encounters, the freezing starlight nights, claustrophobic basements, barn latches, famished steps. All those moments led to this...one final journey. The engines calm to a whisper. Strange voices are heard above you, steadily dropping from maritime calls to rushed, hushed utterances. The latch above you opens and a combination of excited white and black faces peer down into the hull of the T. Whitney. "Welcome to Fort Malden. Welcome to Upper Canada. Rise up, brothers and sisters - you are free at last." Welcome to Part II of our limited series on the Detroit region's pivotal role in the Underground Railroad! After field-testing a few ideas, we decided to launch this article at the climax of the railroad's most critical moment: the most historic "summit push" or "final mile" that humanity's greatest journeys have ever accounted for. The final hours separating fugitive from free, hunted from protected, life from near-certain death. The meat of this article will surround both sides of this crucial final passage between "Midnight," the City of Detroit, and "Dawn," the Canadian shoreline. Picking up where we left off in Part I, we will first retrace and remember the routes, locations, and key conductors that safely guided fugitive "passengers" through the dangerous streets of heavily-patrolled Detroit. Next, we will follow the paths of the tens of thousands of freed slaves that formed new lives on the free shores of Upper Canada. Our series will conclude with a dive into the living legacy of the Underground Railroad within our region, especially focusing on the opportunities available to us today for further honoring and expanding its impact on Detroit's outdoors. Underground Railroad Self-Guided Tour Map, provided by the Detroit Greenways Coalition SURVIVING THE MIDNIGHT MASQUERADE Fugitive slaves arrived within the City of Detroit predominantly following the Rouge River, just north of today's City of River Rouge. As discussed in Part I, the requisite secrecy for safely operating the Underground Railroad means that modern historians must settle for incomplete or unverifiable information regarding its exact operation, although historical evidence suggests that most Detroit-based conductors made contact with fugitive passengers near the location of today's Zug Island. Once contact was safely established, all roads led north to the city's center. A quick glance at the map shared above demonstrates that the Detroit of the 19th century was utilized by railroad conductors almost in its entirety for safely housing and transporting passengers. The route depicted above provides a comprehensive guide for visiting any and all of Detroit's railroad-related sites, including the gravestones of several prominent abolitionists and fugitives that established Detroit as the "Great Refuge of the North." For this article, we will condense this list to Detroit railroad's key historical stations - and their operators - that you can still visit and honor today. Second Baptist Church. When it comes to Detroit’s role in the Underground Railroad, Second Baptist Church is largely considered the single most historically-significant location within the city. The safe house in the church’s basement, known as the “Croghan Street Station,” represents one of the only remaining documented Detroit stations on the Underground Railroad. Thirteen freed slaves founded the church in 1836, thereby establishing Michigan’s first black congregation. Although first located on Fort Street, the congregation moved in 1857 to its current location in Greektown. The church evolved into a critical station on the Underground Railroad, housing an estimated 5,000 freedom seekers at both of its locations over a 30 year period. Abolitionist leaders including Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and John Brown worked with Second Baptist in its railroad-related operations. First Congregational Church. First established in 1844, the First Congregational Church of Detroit supported antislavery activism in numerous ways. The church's second location's proximity to the Detroit River made its basement an ideal location for concealing fugitives while they awaited safe passage to Canada. Rev. Harvey Kitchel, who pastored the church from 1848 to 1864, staunchly advocated for the abolitionist cause during his tenure. Following Kitchel's example, church members like Horace Hallock sheltered freedom seekers in their homes and served within antislavery political organizations. First Congregational Church moved into its current building in 1891 and opened an Underground Railroad Living Museum in 2001. Mariner's Church. The connection of Mariner's Church to the Underground Railroad was forgotten for nearly a century - until construction workers in 1955 discovered a tunnel that traversed Jefferson Avenue, under Hart Plaza, and opened via a clandestine gateway to the Detroit River. The tunnel was discovered when the city decided to move the church from its historic location on Woodward Avenue to its current location, and it is believed that a hidden door in the original church's sub-basement opened to the tunnel that led to the Detroit River and waiting boats. You may have picked up on this, but we utilized Mariner's Church within our opening dramatization of the final journey from Midnight to Dawn. Tommy’s Detroit Bar and Grill. Built in 1840, and just steps away from the Detroit River, Tommy’s also has a tunnel beneath the bar that is believed to have been used during both the Prohibition era to funnel alcohol and as an outlet for the Underground Railroad. Site of Finney Barn. Located roughly half a mile from the Detroit River, Seymour Finney’s barn provided a common last stop for freedom seekers on their way to Canada. In the early 1850s, Finney built the barn to serve the guests at his hotel, "the Finney House." In an almost Tarantino-style scenario, runaway bounty hunters often stayed at the Finney House while fugitives simultaneously took cover in the barn’s hayloft until nightfall, when abolitionists coordinated secret trips across the Detroit River. A FINAL JOURNEY TO DAWN There is one final character that we need to introduce into Midnight's story - the final "ferryman" that's largely credited with transporting most of Detroit's passengers from bondage to freedom. That man is George DeBaptiste, a black man born free in Virginia in 1815 that brought his abolitionist talents to Detroit in 1846, the shadow-owner of the steamship T. Whitney, and the final conductor described in this article's opening passage. Publicly, DeBaptiste worked in a variety of positions including caterer and clerk. In private and under moonlight, however, the ardent abolitionist secretly transported men, women, and children out of the United States aboard the T. Whitney and to freedom, putting his own safety at risk for the sake of others. And what was the T. Whitney's principal port-of-call? No, not Windsor - which I had erroneously believed until conducting research for this series. The answer is actually the small yet gargantuanly-historic town of Amherstburg, Ontario - Upper Canada's equivalent of "Ellis Island" for fugitive slaves during the 19th century. Thanks be to Heaven that I have got here at last: on yonderside of Detroit River, I was recognized as property; but on this side I am on free soil. Hail, Brittania! Shame, America! This is an actual quote from a freedom-seeker's documented account of their passage on the Underground Railroad, as published in Ann Arbor's Signal newspaper in 1846. Better than any words that I could attempt to type here, this quote succinctly captures the jubilance, relief, pain, and bitterness that refugees from the American south felt upon touching tierra firma in Canada. Cargo ships like the T. Whitney would typically south down the Detroit River towards Fort Malden, the principal port of entry into Upper Canada. Upon arrival at the docks near Fort Malden, international commerce involving mostly lumber would coincide with an importation of "black wool" - the fugitives that would, for the first time in their entire lives, breathe in fresh air as free men. Starting in 1850, an estimated 30 passengers per day obtained freedom via this method of morally illicit human trafficking. Despite their arrival in Canada, the free men, women, and children still found themselves largely at the mercy of their new community. These newly-minted African-Canadians often arrived without money, food, or clothing suited to the rigors of a Canadian winter. Fortunately, fugitive-established churches like the Amherstburg First Baptist Church (founded in 1836) and the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church (founded in 1848) were ready and willing to shelter the arrivals in desperate need of community support. Both of these community organizations - and the multigenerational congregations that support them - are still vibrant and active today. THE RAILROAD'S LIVING LEGACY So... what's the point in retracing the journey of the Underground Railroad through the Detroit region? Why spend the time and effort in researching, visiting, and hiking these routes? Yes, history is interesting, but why take an active audience through this academic exercise? The simple answer is that this exercise matters because we as a society disregard what we do not value - and our region's historical significance is often indefensibly undervalued. Beyond a general interest in writing about an outdoor recreation theme that has relevancy to black historical events, our desire to reach and write about the Underground Railroad stemmed from childlike curiosity in its specifics. Which routes did fugitive slaves travel on? Where did they shelter? Who guided them? Who hunted them? What organizations still honor and preserve their legacy? Ladies and gentlemen, our conclusion is that the Detroit region has an immense opportunity to honor the living legacy of the Underground Railroad in two profound ways: 1. Rediscover, Rebuild, and Maintain the Underground Railroad's Routes. Not to sound like a broken record, but we spun our wheels fairly excessively trying to track down common routes of the Underground Railroad. Yes, historical records to date appear unpromising for pinning down the exact routes traveled. However, other regions have uncovered - and maintained - other well-known or alleged routes of the Underground Railroad for historical preservation and modern recreation. The Detroit region should embark on similar trail building and preservation initiatives for our Underground Railroad routes. As we noted in Part I of this series, there are at least three virtually-certain routes of the Underground Railroad that are already being incorporated by various organizations into larger trail networks. Why not expand the operations of the State of Michigan's Freedom Trail Commission towards formally reestablishing the historical routes used within the railroad? Especially with the future connection of the Gordie Howe International Bridge to Canada's established trail systems and Michigan's campaign to be universally recognized as the "Trails State," this initiative should be a no-brainer action towards protecting the legacy of the Underground Railroad. 2. Strengthen our Support of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion ("DEI") Initiatives Despite the thousands upon thousands of miles that black Americans traversed along the Underground Railroad, de facto and de jure policies, laws, and norms implemented throughout the 19th, 20th, and even early 21st centuries have largely kept our outdoor spaces fragmented and inhospitable along racial lines. Across the country - and specifically within the Detroit region - private companies, community organizations, and governmental institutions alike have adopted DEI initiatives to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities for recreationists of every race, religion, and walk of life. These initiatives include actions like ensuring that cost is not a barrier to accessing parks and outdoor recreation, implementing more culturally-competent programming, and working to better include people of marginalized identities in planning, programming, and staffing. Organizations like Detroit Outdoors, which is centered on fostering more meaningful connections between Detroit's urban youth and the outdoors, provides opportunities for engagement with the outdoors through offering learning opportunities and activities such as overnight camping. As Black History Month comes to a close today, we would like to sign off on this series by acknowledging and honoring the estimated 15 million men, women, and children of African descent that tragically died during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. We also want to recognize and further honor the hundreds of thousands of Black Americans that dared to stand against that grave injustice by reclaiming their God-given freedom via the Underground Railroad. We vow to continue to honor their legacy and sacrifice through promoting an outdoor ecosystem that benefits the livelihood every recreationist in an equitable, sustainable, and supportive manner.

In honor of Black History Month, we are exploring the complexity, bravery, and utmost historical significance of the Underground Railroad - especially within the scope of the Detroit region's unique role within its operation. Join us as we examine this great and tragic trail that forever redefined our region's history. In the America of the 21st century, outdoor recreation - especially for expansive, extended periods of time - is largely regarded as a luxury. Don't believe me? Take a quick look at your Instagram feed. If yours resembles anything like ours, then every couple of scrolls features a young-ish outdoor enthusiast living out their #VanLife, thru-hiking, or related outdoor-influencer lifestyle. Complete with pristine gear, jaw-dropping views, all smiles, and - inexplicably - zero sweat or dirt. Such public personas reflect the new "American Dream" for the "millennial" and "zoomer" generations: unending joy derived from carrying hardly any possessions, exploring beautifully planned and scenic trails, and freely hiking without any external pressures bearing down on you. I wonder how glamorous this lifestyle would appear if we switched up a few variables. How many thru-hikers would complete the Appalachian Trail if they could only hike at night - without any headlamps or trail signs? What would the completion percentage of the Continental Divide Trail reflect if hikers were unable to rest for 20 miles at a time? Would the Pacific Crest Trail retain its popularity if you could only begin the trail if carrying solely the clothes on your back? Would anyone even attempt the North Country Trail - America's longest National Scenic Trail - if they knew, with absolute certainty, that they would be hunted for even attempting the feat? These questions are obviously rhetorical. No one in their right mind would attempt to complete a journey under such harrowing conditions unless their life truly depended on it. America's outdoor culture would erode rapidly. Your TikTok feed would evaporate overnight. Unless... unless such hikers had no other option than to set out on this apparent suicide mission. Unless the alternative of remaining in their current living conditions constituted a far, far worse existence. Two centuries ago, hundreds of thousands of enslaved black men, women, and their families faced such a decision. They chose to potentially - no, likely - die in the pursuit of freedom vs. certainly die in the bondage of slavery. They chose to venture out into the darkness of the unknown, carrying nothing but a day's worth of food, their sweat-stained clothes, and an inextinguishable belief in their dignity as human beings. These black Americans journeyed along the disparate and illicit trail system called the "Underground Railroad," traveling treacherously towards one final and almost mythical destination: Midnight. REINTRODUCING AMERICA'S MOST DANGEROUS TRAIL Let's start by knocking out one common misconception: the Underground Railroad was neither underground nor an actual railroad. Instead, the Underground Railroad grew organically from 1780 through 1861 as a series of interconnected trail networks united by one singular purpose: to guide escaped slaves from the southern United States towards obtaining freedom. This "railroad" consisted of several secret routes and safe houses scattered throughout the northernmost slaveholding states and extending all the way to the Canadian border. Alternative, shorter routes led south to Cuba or west to Mexico, although the vast majority of these routes led north. The Underground Railroad derived its name from the terminology that "conductors" (the abolitionist network) and "passengers" (the escaped slaves) utilized to describe its network of "stations" (the safe houses). Passengers would travel from station to station following the "railway" - an indirect, inefficient, hazardous, and decentralized route intentionally maintained as such to avoid Federal bounty hunters. Even prominent conductors were unaware of the extent of the railroad in order to further protect both the fugitive slaves and the integrity of the routes, which often extended over 1,000 miles. The clandestine nature of the Underground Railroad was brilliantly crafted and absolutely warranted. The success of the railroad in the early 19th century, with new routes opening regularly in tandem with northern states and territories electing to abolish slavery, prompted southern outrage and demand for Federal action. In 1850, Congress appeased the southern states by enacting a second Fugitive Slave Act, which included the following provisions related to convictions for harboring fugitive slaves anywhere within the United States: Imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000 (roughly $38,355 in today's USD) per fugitive. Bonus compensation to judicial magistrates for successful convictions. Bonus compensation to police officers that apprehended alleged runaway slaves. Forced return of alleged fugitive slave to southern state of origin. The passing of the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 not only heightened the necessity of secrecy along the Underground Railroad, but also fundamentally changed its routing and composition. Most notably, the Act made Upper Canada (modern Ontario) - which had granted freedom to former American slaves since 1793 - the destination of choice for assured freedom. The conductors wasted no time drawing up new routes to Ontario, including new stations that avoided well-traveled routes alone Lake Erie. New stations were established. And, due to relatively recent historical events, one state in particular became the most sought-after destination for the masses yearning for freedom. MICHIGAN'S STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE TO THE RAILROAD Even in the 21st century, much of the Underground Railroad's history is simply unrecoverable. The requisite secrecy surrounding its entire operation means accepting the reality that we will never fully grasp the depth, nuance, and complexity that defined the long trail to freedom. That being said, we in the Detroit region benefit from indisputable historical evidence that southeastern Michigan constituted a prominent route along the Underground Railroad towards southwestern Ontario. Beyond the geographic proximity of the two areas, abolitionist veterans of the War of 1812 recalled how easily the British-Canadian, American, and Native American armies crossed the Great Lakes during the northwest theater of the war. In fact, American prisoners of war were led on foot by their British captors across the frozen Detroit River to Amherstburg following the rout at the Battles of Frenchtown. . There was just one catch, however: the Feds had just as sharp of a memory as the abolitionists. Bounty hunters during the antebellum era increasingly patrolled the port cities along Lake Erie, especially well-known gateway port cities like Cleveland. Crossing prolonged open water on the Great Lakes evolved into one of the riskiest segments of the entire Underground Railroad. Daring ships that carried fugitives, such as the Arrow, United States, Mayflower and Bay City, are known to us now only because they were caught in their daring mission. With these Great Lakes risks steadily rising, the railroad rerouted its course northwest and over land, with most trails northbound converging upon Toledo, Ohio before diverting away from the lakeshore. The trail continued northwest in a seemingly counter-intuitive route, through Monroe County's sanctuary cities like Adrian and Tecumseh, until aligning with other eastbound routes in the capital of Michigan's anti-slavery movement: Ann Arbor. THE FORGOTTEN TRAILS TO MIDNIGHT While we were researching this article, we stumbled upon two absolute truths. First, that the Detroit region provided an essential and pivotal final destination for the Underground Railroad. Second - and most frustratingly for an outdoorsman that loves retracing history - no one knows exactly where the main routes existed. Similar to most historic Native American trails, the most prominent routes utilized by the Underground Railroad's conductors and passengers are still used today - but in a very, very different capacity. I-94 is the most prominent example of an Underground Railroad route that modern commuters traverse on a daily basis without thinking twice about the historical significance of their surroundings. Despite the tragic paving-over of these historically and culturally-significant routes, our research efforts uncovered a variety of historical information pointing towards modern trails that were almost certainly used within the Underground Railroad. As mentioned, Ann Arbor's preeminent position as the abolitionist mecca of Michigan meant that virtually all Detroit-bound routes passed through the city. In modern times, Ann Arbor continues to lead the Detroit region as an innovator in creating outdoor recreation opportunities for its greater community, including the restoration, preservation, and creation of extensive trail routes. Furthermore, we know that rivers and other natural features were utilized as navigational directives, especially since most fugitive slaves were illiterate. Armed with these data points, here are three modern trails that were most likely - if not certainly - a part of the Underground Railroad's vast network. The Western Road: Dexter to Ann Arbor via the Border-to-Border Trail Distance: 2.5 miles Elevation Gain: 75 feet Trail Orientation: Point-to-Point Recommended Recreation Method: Running (trail and pavement), Cycling, or Kayaking Aside from Midnight, Ann Arbor represented the principal destination of choice for freedom seekers passing through Michigan. Regardless of whether journeying north from Ohio or northeast from Indiana, all Detroit-bound railroad routes eventually converged in Ann Arbor. The efforts of prominent Ann Arbor residents like Guy Buckley, the editor of the anti-slavery newspaper The Signal of Liberty, nationally propagated the worst-kept secret about Ann Arbor providing a refuge for runaway slaves. Just west of Ann Arbor, however, stood another recent settlement that provided a vital station for weary travelers along the desolate western Michigan segments of the railroad: Mill Creek Settlement, now known as the City of Dexter. Thanks to historical, firsthand resources like an 1885 interview with Erastus Hussey of Battle Creek, Michigan, a conductor on the Underground Railroad, we know that Samuel Dexter - Dexter's namesake founder - was also an instrumental conductor along this "northern route" to Detroit. Dexter's prominent home called "Gordon Hall," located just northwest of the Village of Dexter, is also widely believed to have been a key Underground Railroad safe house within the settlement. Despite the inherent lack of certainty that surrounds most Underground Railroad research, available records definitely prove that Samuel Dexter assisted with the railroad's operation in and around Dexter, that a prominent railroad route led from Dexter to Ann Arbor, and that fugitive slaves often utilized rudimentary navigational directives like the Huron River for guidance. As a net result of aggregating these historical data points, we can confidently state that the modern Border-to-Border ("B2B") Trail across Washtenaw County most likely traces the exact routes utilized for the railroad's Ann Arbor-centric segments. Of the B2B's established trails (several segments are still under construction), the Dexter-Huron Metropark segment leading from Downtown Dexter towards Ann Arbor follows the historical route that fugitives almost certainly traversed under moonlit and hushed conditions. The paved trail is best traversed on foot or by bike peddle, but paddling this route also comes with an added element of adventure - especially since voyagers along the Underground Railroad may also have completed this segment utilizing maritime transportation methods. The Eastern Road: Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti via the Ann Arbor Ramble Trail Distance: 5.9 miles Elevation Gain: 42 feet Trail Orientation: Loop Recommended Recreation Method: Running (pavement), Cycling, or Kayaking From the abolitionist stronghold of Ann Arbor, there were two primary routes to Midnight that passengers could follow. The more prominent - and therefore more dangerous - route continued down the banks of the Huron River towards another well-regarded Underground Railroad station: Ypsilanti, Michigan. Similar to Ann Arbor and Dexter, some of Yspilanti's leading public citizens also held instrumental roles in the operation of the Underground Railroad. Ypsilanti resident George McCoy transported fugitives in wagons with false bottoms and gave them shelter in his barn, while Helen McAndrew hid passengers in either her octagon house or barn. Leonard Chase, “who resided on Cross Street at the summit of the hill,” ran a regular station there, and carried food to the hiding places of the near-starving men, women and children. These are just a handful of several brave Ypsilanti founding citizens - both white and black alike - that risked their lives and livelihoods to facilitate this immensely important station on the trail to Midnight. The Ann Arbor Ramble trail displayed above also constitutes a segment of the B2B Trail, although this portion hugs the Huron River within a more urban setting. As such, while trail cyclists and walkers will lose somewhat of the isolation founder within Dexter-Huron Metropark, the constant presence of a large, surrounding community will hopefully instill an appreciation for the risk that fugitives bore while traversing the same route 200 years ago. Yes, abolitionist safe houses fortunately dotted the banks of the Huron along this route, but the homes and developments that you will jog, cycle, or hike past were likely standing in some earlier iteration during the antebellum era - and not all of those homesteads were friends of the abolitionist cause. Nonetheless, thousands of indescribably brave conductors and passengers completed this nearly 6 mile passage from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti in the most rudimentary and secretive of conditions. Today, you can retrace their steps along the immaculate B2B Trail's Ann Arbor Ramble section as a convenient loop, including multiple scenic crossings of the Huron River at Gallop Park. We also could not more strongly recommend paddling this pristine segment of the Huron River National Water Trail. The Great River: Plymouth to Dearborn via the Hines Drive Ramble Trail Distance: 15.1 miles Elevation Gain: 229 feet Trail Orientation Method: Point-to-Point Recommended Recreation: Cycling to cover whole trail point-to-point; Running (pavement) also feasible for conditioned distance runners The northeastern route of the Underground Railroad roughly followed the course of today's M-14 - a direct shot across the rolling hills of eastern Washtenaw County towards western Wayne County. After Ann Arbor, Plymouth provided the next abolitionist stronghold for fugitive passengers journeying slightly north towards the Detroit River. Beyond the litany of Plymouth homes and businesses that operated as safe houses, Plymouth's rise in prominence as a railroad station also resulted from another natural attribute: its location at the source of the Middle Rouge River, the meandering central vein of the entire Detroit region. Nowadays, the route utilized by the Underground Railroad has largely been preserved within the Hines Drive Ramble trail. Just like the natural navigational directions received by the fugitive slaves, this trail follows the course of the Middle Rouge River from its official start in Plymouth Township to its embedment within the primary Rouge River in Dearborn Heights. Several locations along the Hines Drive Ramble were known or rumored to be Underground Railroad safe houses, including several homes, Mead's Mill, and most famously Nankin Mills. The Hines Drive of 2023 provides a community staple for accessible recreation: paved trails, cleared brush, frequent outdoor events, sports fields, and engaging activity centers dotting the trailhead. Perfect for cycling and road running. However, for our more intrepid readers, we recommend that you lace up your hiking boots (or snow shoes) and follow the labyrinth of natural trails that intersect the main paved trail. These natural trails tend to more truly follow the route of the Middle Rouge, thereby increasing the likelihood of their use by freedom seekers two centuries ago. The light amount of maintenance allocated to these trails also preserves their inherent and somewhat unforgiving natural qualities - the perfect conditions for transporting back in time despite hiking through the heart of the developed Detroit region. If you're still reading, thank you - this first part of our two-part series on the Underground Railroad covered a lot of ground (please forgive the pun) concerning the railroad's immense historical background, the Detroit region's significant role in the railroad's development, and the modern routes that sustain the legacy of the brave souls that traversed our familiar trails centuries earlier in the name of freedom. This is a heavy topic, and we sincerely hope that this lengthy article has provided some value to your understanding of the wealth of history and sacrifice that defines our beloved outdoors. Part II of this series will zero in on the last stop on the Underground Railroad: station Midnight, aka the City of Detroit, and the conductors that facilitated the railroad's final passage across the Detroit River. We'll see you at Midnight.

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. Map of the Hines Park MTB and Paved Trail Systems 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!