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Bowhunting season for whitetail deer is in full swing throughout the Detroit region! Here are the five essential bowhunting gear items that you will need to get you off of the couch and into the woods. #ExpeditionEssentials In case you missed it, Michigan and Ontario’s bowhunting seasons for whitetail deer kicked off on October 1st, while Ohio has been in-season since September 24th. For us Michigan hunters, the start of bow season is the de facto gateway to fall. Despite any lingering warm weather or mosquitos still reflecting summer, the changing leaves, crisp breezes, and diminishing crowds signal that the best time of the year to get in the woods has finally arrived. You just can’t beat spending a morning in a tree stand followed by watching the Spartans, Wolverines, or Lions in the afternoon ( alright , maybe not the Lions…). If you are considering joining the bowhunting action this season - which we highly recommend, even if it’s just for the exercise, excuse to spend time in nature, or financially support the DNR - there are certain items that you will need to acquire before you step out into the woods. We have prepared the following list of essential bowhunting gear items, although you will also need to purchase the requisite hunting licenses from the DNR, research which public lands are open to hunting, and (most importantly) practice with your bow. Here are Expedition Detroit’s five essentials for bowhunting gear: 1. Fully-Outfitted Bow with Broadhead Arrows Regardless of whether you would prefer a compound bow or crossbow , you will need a bow with a draw weight of at least 30 lbs for harvesting a deer. Your bow should include certain technical features that are intended to assist accuracy, stealth, and arrow transport, such as a stabilizer, sight, peep hole, string silencers, D Loop , arrow rest, and detachable quiver . For hunting, your fletched arrows will require broadheads for the infliction of lethal wounds (do not use field points for hunting large game - field points should be used predominantly for target practice). Bonus Item : Archery Release Most hunters would consider a trusted arch ery release m echanism to be a near-essential item, and we whole-heartedly agree. Most hunters carry an “ index finger release ” into the woods with them, seeing as such releases have a similar feel to pulling the trigger of a firearm, although “ thumb releases ” and “ back tension releases ” are also widely used. 2. Camouflaged Clothing . While it may seem simple enough to drop in to your local sporting goods store and purchase the first set of camouflaged clothing on the rack, there are several nuances that you should consider before pulling out your credit card. One of the most important considerations is purchasing the correct camo clothing items for the temperatures that you will be hunting in. Any experienced hunter can attest to October 1st and January 31st - the beginning and end of the bowhunting season in several Metro Detroit counties - having wildly different temperature ranges. As such, your camo repertoire should consist of items like lightweight shirts, pants, and baseball cap for early season conditions and base layers, a heavier shirt, thicker pants, gloves, beanie, and a warm, insulated jacket for late season. You should also consider the surrounding foliage or terrain of where you will be hunting when deciding on a specific pattern. Note : Bowhunters are only required to wear blaze orange outerwear during the regular firearm season (November 15th-30th in Michigan). Bonus Item : Camouflaged Stand Similar to your clothing, your hunting success will absolutely benefit from any additional actions taken to camouflage your stand. Fortunately, most ladder stands , climbing stands , and other ground blinds are already manufactured with camo patterns. However, using elements from the surrounding environment to further camouflage your stand will greatly enhance the concealment or any movement and likelihood that a deer will notice your stand. Camo netting and other manufactured tree stand camo accessories can also have a similar concealment effect. Note : Always wear a safety harness in any elevated stand. 3. Hunting Boots Nothing ends a hunt faster than cold, wet feet, other than perhaps a rolled ankle. A sturdy, waterproof, and well-insulated pair of hunting boots resolves both of these problems before stepping into the field. Comfort is obviously the most important factor when considering which hunting boot to purchase, but you should also review a boot’s ankle support, tread, weight, and weather-specific features like insulation and waterproofing. In other words, a solid pair of hunting boots should make you feel indestructible while in the field. Bonus Item : Foot and Hand Warmers Regardless of how warm my hunting clothing and boots are, nothing beats a stash of strategically-placed hand and foot warmers on those bone-chilling mornings. I like to place hand warmers in my gloves (certain gloves have compartments specifically for hand warmers), torso pockets of my jacket, and mid-thigh pockets in my pants. Foot warmers for your boots are also essential on those days when winter decides to crash the fall hunting party. Your toes will thank you as you’re following a bright-red blood trail through the snow. 4. Hunting Knife Other than your bow and arrows, a dependable hunting knife may be the most useful and versatile item of your bowhunting gear. While almost any knife will get the job done for field dressing, we strongly recommend acquiring a fixed-blade knife with a 3½ to 5-inch sturdy blade and gut-hook . We also recommend a simple knife sharpener to ensure that your blades are always sharp when you need them the most. Bonus Item : Field Dressing Kit You have successfully placed a lethal shot , tracked the blood trail, and have finally laid eyes upon the harvested animal. Congrats - but don’t celebrate too early. The closing phase of a glorious hunt is now before you, and you must field dress your harvested deer. We recommend carrying a small kit specifically intended for field dressing a deer into the woods with you (or at least in your car or ATV if nearby). Beyond your hunting knife, this kit should include latex gloves, a bone saw (may be included as a feature of your knife), plastic bags for preserving the heart and liver, paracord or rope for dragging the deer out of the woods (at least 25 ft.), and a gut hook (not necessary but helpful). Note : Always be sure to hold your knife so its blade faces up to avoid puncturing organs. There are few more disconcerting sounds in the field than the sound of a punctured stomach releasing its methane and other lovely smells directly into your nostrils… Click here with a helpful instructional video from MeatEater regarding how to field dress a deer. 5. Headlamp Headlamps are an essential item for most camping or backcountry expeditions, but I’d argue that a fully-charged headlamp is especially necessary for hunting. Regardless of what stage of the season you will be primarily hunting within, a full day’s hunt starts long before sunrise and often ends hours after the sun sets. Using a headlamp while loading and unloading your gear, getting in and out of your stand, and tracking wounded game is vital for not only efficient backwoods navigation, but freeing up your hands for the myriad of other tasks associated with a successful hunt. Bonus Item : Reflective Trail Markers Once you find your ideal stand locations, be sure to mark a trail in and out from your stand with reflective pins or similar markers . The goal here is that a first-time hunter should be able to find your stand with ease, so feel free to liberally mark your trail as needed to “idiot proof” the trail. Trust me, you do not want to be the guy who can’t find their stand on opening morning… yes, that’s a specific reference to a very specific lesson learned on my first opening day. In addition to these items, you must always carry identifying documents into the field (e.g., your driver’s license and hunting license), along with a fully-charged cell phone. Backpacks or similar carrying equipment can assist with carrying these essential items - as well as any other accessories that you may acquire in between your hunts - easily and efficiently into the woods. Best of luck this season!

Don't let the heat fool you - October's cooler temperatures are coming, along with the vibrant foliage that will decorate our parks, trails, and waterways! Updated for Fall 2025, here are Expedition Detroit's 5 best fall hikes for experiencing peak colors this season. Happy hiking! Fellow trail enthusiasts and fall foliage aficionados, we have incredible news for you . In the words of the great Rafiki: "It is time." Well...it is almost time. While the original predictions for the arrival of peak fall colors in the Detroit area slated October 5th as the kick-off date, that ETA has since been pushed back to tomorrow, October 7th . We can all blame summer's sudden resurgence over the past week for the color delay. But hey, if that means that we'll get to enjoy peak fall conditions for an extra few days on the tail end of the season, then we'll take it. With fall's brightest and most vibrant days just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan your local outdoor getaways. Last year we zeroed in on the best paddling destinations along the Huron River for discovering the season's reflective colors. This year - and as requested by popular demand among our guided trip guests - we have trekked through mountains of research to curate a list of the best fall hikes for foliage hunters near Detroit. From generational favorites to hiding-in-plain-sight gems, we attempted the impossible ( and possibly sacrilegious ) by whittling down the wealth of our region's forested destinations into an exclusive "Top 5" list. Not exactly an easy feat. Fortunately for all of us, however, each of these five trails contain the variety of trees, landscapes, and contrasting elements that you would expect from any instagram-worthy fall outing. Better yet, each of these trails also entail a damn good hike - outdoor experiences worthy of your exploration any time of the year, but especially during fall's most vivid days. So...lace up your hiking boots and get your camera ready . Mother Nature's peak colors are ready to pop off, and you'll capture all of the season's most unforgettable moments on these five best fall hikes near Detroit . 1. Pinckney State Recreation Area | Crooked Lake Trail Distance : 4.4 miles Elevation Gain : 324 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Route Orientation : Loop In a world as divided as ours, isn't it a breath of fresh air when we can all agree on something? In Detroit's outdoor world, one of those "somethings" includes unanimous love for the Crooked Lake Trail at Pinckney State Recreation Area - especially during the fall . Consistently praised as one of the best trails in the entire state , the Crooked Lake Trail specializes in picturesque views of fall colors around Crooked and Pickerel Lakes. In the words of Pure Michigan , " Pinckney’s untouched terrain is perfect for a stroll amid spectacular fall foliage. " Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit , the Crooked Lake Trail is my single favorite trail in the entire Detroit area. This beloved loop has played host to several of my past trail races , brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear out the noise of modern life . I absolutely love this trail - and I have no doubt that you will too after exploring it under peak fall colors . EXPLORE PINCKNEY RECREATION AREA WITH US THIS FALL! Photo courtesy of @jamie_eliz (Instagram) 2. Belle Isle Park | Belle Isle Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail Distance : 2.2 miles Elevation Gain : 22 feet Trail Rating : Easy Route Orientation : Loop Detroit's Belle Isle Park represents Southeast Michigan's premiere destination for pairing urban views with miles of greenery and animated fall colors. Setting off from the Ralph Wilson Gateway, Belle Isle's easternmost Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail traverses the parks treelined southern shore, including stunning views of the Ontario coast, vibrant Detroit River, and industrial freighters passing by. The trail also passes by the stunning Belle Isle Lighthouse, Blue Heron Lagoon, and locally-named "Hipster Beach" - all of which become even more memorable when decorated with stunning fall foliage. EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK WITH US THIS FALL! 3. Maybury State Park | Maybury Hiking Loop Trail Distance : 3.1 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy Route Orientation : Loop Golden leaves gently fall from all directions as you glance around you. Towering trees overhead and shimmering glimpses of a bright pond through the foliage may trick you into believe that you've miraculously transported to another world. Perhaps a realm in Middle Earth or Narnia, complete with frequent wildlife sightings right off of the trail. No, friends, you have ventured into a film location for the Lord of the Rings. You're actually in the very heart of the Detroit region at Maybury State Park . A destination which features idyllically gentle and rolling terrain for one of Metro Detroit's best fall hikes amidst peak fall foliage. A generational hometown getaway for Northville residents and out-of-town explorers alike. EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH US THIS FALL! 4. Kensington Metropark | Fox Trail and Chicadee Loop to Wildwing Trail Loop Distance : 4.4 miles Elevation Gain : 203 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Route Orientation : Loop Exploring the nature trails at Kensington Metropark under peak colors represents a favorite fall pastime for Detroit's outdoor enthusiasts . Readily accessible from I-96 and a stone's throw away from Downtown Milford , even a quick trip to Kensington Metropark truly entails a unique adventure for each visitor to the park's expansive Kent Lake shores, dense forests, Huron River banks , and rolling hills. Kensington also provides a home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl, which are very active especially along the Wildwing Nature Trail . 5. Seven Lakes State Park | Seven Lakes Loop Distance : 4.1 miles Elevation Gain : 177 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Route Orientation : Loop Last but certainly not least , Seven Lakes State Park's namesake Seven Lakes Loop Trail closes out our list as the northernmost destination for this year's best fall hikes! Located in Holly, Michigan, Seven Lakes' northern location means that not only will you escape most of the foliage-frenzied crowds that flock to the Detroit region's more central parks, but also that the leaves should start changing earlier than the other destinations included here. Enjoy the lighter crowds and vibrant colors as you trek through the trail's panoramic lakeside views, rolling ridge lines, and vividly-colorful forests. What are your outdoor recreation plans for this fall? Are there any destinations that we should highlight for the Expedition Detroit community? Let us know in the comments!

November brings cooler temperatures, remaining colors, and rapidly diminishing crowds on the trails - perfect conditions for exploring the best hiking trails near Detroit! Here are the top five ranked trails to kick off your next hiking expedition. Outdoor enthusiasts all come in different shapes and sizes - interests, ethnicities, identities, and range of experience in the great outdoors. That being said, our demographic research has zeroed in on one great common love among all lovers of our natural environment: hiking . Regardless of whether your trail of choice is your neighborhood-sponsored natural trail or the topographic rollercoaster of a "black diamond" trek, the Detroit region has a perfect hike waiting for you. We guarantee it. Just in time for National Hiking Day , the Expedition Detroit team has painstakingly evaluated and curated the following list of the Detroit area's top five hiking trails for your exploring pleasure. Happy hiking, my friends - we'll see you at the trailhead. Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 1. The Penosha Trail | Brighton State Recreation Area Distance : 4.9 miles Elevation Gain : 393 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Keeping with our custom, we like to start our articles highlighting the "best of the best" - none of us have time for any guessing-game BS. For the Detroit region's hiking trails, that highest of honors goes to none other than the Penosha Trail: Brighton State Recreation Area's most celebrated experience and winner of Expedition Detroit's best hike within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. Cheers to you, Penosha ! Described as a "quintessential Michigan hike," the 4.9 mile trail features the dense mature forests, rolling hills, and surprising vistas that are found only on the most sought-after trails within our region. Penosha , translated roughly as "long" in the Chippewa language, is the longest single trail in Brighton State Recreation Area, although it's the ideal length for a picturesque day hike. The Penosha loop starts at the Bishop Lake trailhead - the same trailhead used for Brighton's famous mountain biking trails - although you should immediately break south (right) to head towards Penosha. The first 2.5 miles of the trail comprise of rollercoaster hills characteristic of Brighton's other great trails . However, the 2.5 mile halfway point marks a sudden change in the hike's intensity; what follows next is a gradual 0.6 mile climb towards the route's "summit," right at the 3.1 mile marker. Your endurance will be rewarded with a 1.3 mile decline, only slightly diminished by a brief exit from the park's boundary along Teahen Road. You will conquer one more brief, 0.2 mile climb at the 4.3 mile marker. A post-hike beer should be waiting for you at the bottom of a relaxing decline back to the trailhead. EXPLORE THE PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 2. The Crooked Lake Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area Distance : 4.2 miles Elevation Gain : 311 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit's top-secret "Trail Ranking" methodology, the Crooked Lake Trail is my single favorite trail in the Detroit area. This beloved 4.2 mile trail has played host to several of my most successful trail races , brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear the noise out of my head. I love this trail - I'm not surprised that countless other outdoor enthusiasts do as well. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area, the Crooked Lake loop starts at the Silver Lake trailhead - Pinckney's primary trailhead for all hiking, backpacking, running, mountain biking, and paddling adventures. As you gradually ascend towards the ridge-top vistas of Crooked Lake, there are three main hills that you should take into consideration as you pace out your hike. The first strikes right out of the gate: a 0.4 mile climb that gains 115 feet in elevation. The second is the most mellow: a 0.1 mile climb of 44 feet in elevation. Please learn from my previous trail running mistake: do NOT push the pace over the next 1.6 miles of leisurely, unbelievably scenic hiking. The final hill - which will feel like two hills due to a false summit - will have you climb 117 feet over another 0.4 mile distance to the trail's true "summit" of 1,009 feet. The remaining 1.2 miles of the trail is a rewarding, partially-forested and partially-marshland decline back to Silver Lake. DISCOVER THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 3. The River and Blue Trails | Proud Lake State Recreation Area Distance : 5.75 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy When I was a full-time practicing attorney, the River and Blue Trails of Proud Lake State Recreation Area became a fundamental component of my "deal-closing" routine. After staring at my computer screen for countless hours, I would leave my phone at my home office, grab my puppy Lucy, and head a few miles down the road to the trailhead. These trails evolved into an essential weapon in my arsenal against clinical burnout; it's my pleasure to highlight them now for you all. Although not prominently marked as a hiking trailhead , we recommend starting your hike at the fishing access site parking lot just east of Wixom Road (north of the main park office). From the parking lot, follow the River Trail along the southern shoreline of the Huron River towards the idyllic Proud Lake Dam. Once over the dam, you will start following the Blue Trail at the 1.3 mile marker. Please note that the remaining segments of this route - the Blue and Red Trails - traverse through sections of Proud Lake that are open to hunting. As such, please wear "hunter orange" outer clothing if hiking during Michigan's main firearm season (November 15th - 30th) . As you follow the Blue and Red Trails into the eastern reaches of the park, the Blue Trail branches away from the Red Trail at the 2.0 mil marker and towards a DNR two-track road leading to Proud Lake. While you can follow the DNR road south towards Proud Lake, the Blue Trail actually continues northeast until it banks west (left) back into the park at the 2.9 mile marker. Starting at the 3.5 mile marker, the final segments of the trail will traverse the isolated northern stretches of the park until you reconnect with the Proud Lake Dam roughly 4.5 miles into the journey. From the dam, all trails head west as you retrace your steps and relocate your parked vehicle. EXPLORE THE BEST OF PROUD LAKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 4. The Haven Hill Natural Area Trail | Highland State Recreation Area Distance : 3.5 miles Elevation Gain : 160 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Do you prefer your trails with a slice of history? Say no more: reintroducing the Haven Hill Natural Area Trail, Highland State Recreation Area's premiere hiking and trail running loop located on Edsel Ford's former estate. While the ruins of the Ford Family's former hilltop retreat are an obvious highlight of this natural area, the jaw-dropping beauty of the rolling hills, wetlands, creeks, and expansive Haven Hill Lake is the true treasury of Highland's 5,903 acres. Fortunately for all of us, the Haven Hill Natural Area Trail takes hikers through the heart of the park's most stunning scenery. Starting at the Goose Meadow Picnic Area parking lot trailhead, follow the trail marker signs northwest towards the shore of Haven Hill Lake and Ford Dam. This initial segment of the hike will be a favorite for bird watchers - you will be hugging the eastern shoreline of the lake for the first half mile of the trek, complete with phenomenal wildlife viewing opportunities. Continue towards trail sign #18 to merge onto the "Blue Trail," which you will be following for the majority of the trail. The Blue Trail will bring you into the heart of the northern woods of Highland - boardwalks through tall reeds and winding, climbing trails under mature oaks are trademark features of this segment of the hike. The only potentially tricky section hits at the 0.6 mile mark; while several trails will diverge from this segment, be sure to follow the trail towards mark #s 15, 16, and 14 - in that exact, non-sequential order. From trail sign # 14, continue on the northwest (left) trail segment for 1.5 miles of unbroken, beautiful forested hiking. The only challenging climb of this hike comes at - you guessed it - Haven Hill. Starting at the 2.7 mile mark, you will climb at a 7% grade over 0.2 miles to reach the "summit" of the route just east of the historical ruins. There is an offshoot trail at the mid-point of this climb to visit the Haven Hill summit and historical site , although the remaining 0.6 miles comprise of a much-deserved decline back towards the trailhead. CONQUER HAVEN HILL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 5. The Potawatomi Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area Distance : 17.6 miles Elevation Gain : 1,253 feet Trail Rating : Moderate-Difficult If you decide to knock out each of these trails over this month, we highly recommend hiking the famous Potawatomi Trail early on in the journey. Not only is this trail one of the Detroit region's most famous, it's also indisputably the most difficult on this list - especially if you're aiming to tackle the trail in a day. Definitely doable, but oh baby... you would absolutely have our undying respect for doing so. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area ( yes, we're experiencing déjà vu as well from how many times Pinckney appears in our articles ), "Poto" takes an average of 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete. The trail snakes through a series of lakes during its rollercoaster of elevation changes, with its steepest climb of 117 feet of elevation gain striking at the 11.7 mile marker ( the same final climb described in the Crooked Lake Trail description above ). Note that this wooded, hilly trail is extremely popular with mountain bikers ( note : Poto is the #1 ranked MTB trail in the Detroit region ), other hikers, backpackers, trail runners, cross-country skiers, and hunters during the fall months. P lease remember to wear "hunter orange" outer clothing if hiking during Michigan's main firearm season . Not feeling the climb at the end of an 11+ mile day? Fortunately, the bottom of this climb provides you with direct access to Crooked Lake Rustic Campground via a southward-bound offshoot at the 11.8 mile marker. The remaining 6 miles provide gentle, rolling terrain back to the trailhead at Pickerel Lake. As always, we must include the disclaimer that this list only scratches the surface on amazing hiking opportunities throughout the Detroit Region. Our other favorite trail systems include Maybury State Park , Bald Mountain State Recreation Area , Independence Oaks County Park , and Point Pelee National Park . We promise that each of these trail systems - plus many, many more - will receive their proper recognition in due course. Until then, we'll be out in the field - can't wait to see you out there! This article includes information originally published in 50 Hikes in Michigan , Jim DuFresne (2019). Which of the above is your favorite trail? Is there a specific trail, park, activity, or destination that you would like to see featured in a future article? Perfect - we want to hear about it! Please feel free to post about it in the comments below or contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

Fall has FINALLY arrived in Southeast Michigan, and there's no better way to enjoy its vibrant colors and teeming wildlife than spending a night (or two) immersed in the season's glory. Don't miss the fleeting opportunity to experience these 5 best destinations for fall camping near Detroit - updated for FALL 2025 . "Blink and you'll miss it." While I'd be lying if I said that phrase doesn't trigger at least some degree of "FOMO" anxiety, I can't think of an instance where those words didn't describe something fantastic. Or miraculous. Bucket list-worthy types of experiences. And for me, whenever I'm blessed with the foreknowledge that a "blink experience" is coming down the pipeline, I aim to do everything I physically can to make sure that I don't miss it. Action steps like making reservations, buying tickets, saying yes to novel opportunities - even physical conditioning . Anything to better your odds of capitalizing on a once in a lifetime moment. Peak fall conditions in the Detroit region qualifies, without a doubt, as "blink experience." One day little bits of orange, red, or yellow color start peeking through a sea of green. Then, over the span of a week, BOOM - an explosion of the most vibrant autumnal color palate that the human eye has ever witnessed. Art in its most natural, unadulterated form. And then, typically after a violent windstorm or two, it;s all gone. A few stray leaves remaining as lasting testaments to the brilliance that was. Another "Pure Michigan" fall in the books. Here's the point: fall's magic is fleeting, so we strongly recommend that you set yourself up for not "missing it" but immersing yourself in its natural beauty. Literally sleeping under the foliage after hiking, biking, or paddling to a rustic, forested campground. You know where this is heading . Here are the 5 best campgrounds for fall camping near Detroit! 1. BLIND LAKE CAMPGROUND | Pinckney State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 10 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In or Bike-In Reservable Dates: All Year Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Located along the western rim of the quintessential Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area, the main allure of Blind Lake stems from its isolation from any main trailhead within Pinckney or its surrounding parks . Any arrival at Blind Lake is earned either by boot or pedal ( 7 miles from the Silver Lake trailhead ), so your night spent under the brilliant stars and by the lapping waves will be free of headlights and slamming car doors. Blind Lake's solitude is further enhanced by the gracious amount of space allocated between the sites. The campground ensures as much privacy as a camper could ever hope for - especially when camping in the later fall months or dead of winter . The Blind Lake Rustic Campground is located about halfway along the 17-mile Potawatomi Trail . The campground is outfitted with a vault toilet, hand-pump water access, and fire rings. Only dead and downed timber are to be used for firewood. Advanced reservation required to book a site. 2. CROOKED LAKE CAMPGROUND | Pinckney State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 22 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - November 29th Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees If you're looking for a slightly more accessible - but still rustic - stay at Pinckney Recreation Area, then Crooked Lake Campground has the ideal setup for what you're looking for. Intrepid recreationists can still readily hike or bike into camp from the main Silver Lake Trailhead along the Potawatomi Trail, although Crooked Lake's 25 sites also accommodate car-camping enthusiasts. While this attribute of Crooked Lake may detract from its "fall wilderness solitude" aesthetic a-la-Blind Lake, Crooked Lake has one key feature that makes it a massive draw for especially paddlers and anglers: The Fishing Pier . That's right - Crooked Lake features a fishing pier/boat launch that provides an ideal location for kicking back and casting a line or setting off towards an autumnal sunset over the waves. As fantastic as secluded, forested campsites are, there's just something ethereal about kicking your boots off after a long hike and dipping your feet into crisp, fresh water. Each site at Crooked Lake Campground features a picnic table and fire pit. Other amenities include potable water and vault toilets. Advanced reservation required to book a site. HIKE THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. ISLAND LAKE CANOE CAMPGROUND | Island Lake State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 2 Arrival Logistics: Paddle-In Reservable Dates: March 22nd - November 29th Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees New for 2025 : Closing date extended for an extra month Spending a night at Island Lake Recreation Area's Canoe Campground should be on every local outdoor enthusiast's "Bucket List." Why? Well, for starters, the sites are the most limited to book out of this "Best Destinations" list. As noted above, there are only 2 sites available for reservation at the campground. The scarcity of the sites is fortunately diluted by a one night-maximum stay per reservation, but still...book while you can. The second reason - and far more adventurous one - involves how you arrive at your site. As you probably guessed, there's only one way in or out of the Canoe Campground: via canoe (or kayak/paddleboard). One would think that " Canoe Camping " would be an immensely common way to camp in the Detroit region given our plethora of water, but amazingly Island Lake is only one of four legitimate canoe campgrounds throughout the entire Detroit region . Canoe Camping still remains a relatively niche method of camping throughout our region. All the more reason to book a site, pack up your kayak with some dry bags, and paddle down a fully-foliaged Huron River to an unforgettable experience. Island Lake's Canoe Campground is located 0.5 miles downstream of the Riverbend Picnic Shelter launching point. Amenities include a vault toilet, fire ring, picnic table and grill. There is no potable water available, so please bring your own water or water filter. Advanced reservation required to book a site. EXPLORE ISLAND LAKE RECREATION AREA  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 4. GREEN LAKE CAMPGROUND | Waterloo State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - November 29th for rustic sites Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Another lakeside and ideal fall camping destination includes Waterloo Recreation Area's premiere camping destination, the Green Lake Campground . Located on the northeastern edge of Waterloo's expansive 20,000 acres, Green Lake marks roughly the mid-way point of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail and as such is frequented by backpackers, bike-packers, and car campers alike. The 25 sites in the campground overlook the idyllic Green Lake, including its golden sunsets and ample bird-watching opportunities. For our niche "glamping" readers, Green Lake also offers something special just for you: its regionally-famous, heated, open year-round Green Lake Yurt . The Yurt sleeps 5 people and comes outfitted with 2 futons, solar powered lights inside ( lantern or flashlight also recommended ), small table, propane cooking stove, and an outdoor grill. The Green Lake Rustic Campground is located near the DTE Energy Foundation Trail , Waterloo Pinckney Trail , and the Border-to-Border Trail . The campground includes vault toilets and a hand pump available for water. Advanced reservation required to book a site. NEW FOR FALL 2025! EXPLORE WATERLOO RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Explore Brighton Howell Area 5. APPLETON LAKE RUSTIC CAMPGROUND   | Brighton State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - October 14th Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Brighton State Recreation Area has something for everyone - especially in the fall when camping at Appleton Lake Rustic Campground under its towering, vibrant oak trees. Love hiking? Then trek over to the Penosha Trail , repeatedly ranked as one of Michigan's best hiking trails . How about mountain biking? Perfect, you'll be camping with immediate access to Brighton's full MTB loop trail system . And yes, the campground also provides boat launch access to both Appleton Lake and Little Appleton Lake via a connecting stream. Each site at Appleton Lake Rustic Campground  features a picnic table and fire pit. Other amenities include potable water, vault toilets, and a dumpster. Advanced reservation  required to book a site. EXPLORE BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT This article includes Michigan camping insights published within Matt Forster's fantastic guide book Best Tent Camping: Michigan (3rd Edition) . We couldn't recommend this book any more for our regional outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Detroit region and beyond. What are your favorite campgrounds? Is there a particular "hidden gem" near Detroit that you have been camping at for years that deserves a special spotlight? Let us know in the comments!

This Halloween season, lace up your boots - and pack in some extra courage - for exploring these six notoriously haunted hikes in the Detroit region's most eery outdoor destinations - updated for October 2025! October in Michigan engages all of the senses. The warming smell of damp leaves in the morning sun. The vibrant sight of a maple in full regalia. The tangible crunch of a fallen leaf along your favorite trail. A fleeting glimpse of something moving through the evening fog, just past the tree line. Another hiker or biker? A deer? Way too big for another squirrel. Wait, did I even see anything at all? I swear that it looked... human . These questions and more cloud your mind as you continue your trek, but amazingly you're not frightened. To the contrary, you're exhilarated. October also has a perennial habit of igniting our perceived "supernatural sense" - our affinity for the macabre, obscure, and paranormal . Right in step with the changing leaves and football tailgates, October's progression entails downtown skeletons , jack-o-lanterns, horror movie marathons, haunted hayrides, and Halloween's takeover of the social events calendar (#SpookySZN). We in the outdoor community are equally - if not especially - susceptible to this autumnal phenomena. Beyond Halloween themed-5Ks and haunted festivals , our naturally curious, intrepid, and active spirits seem to find camaraderie with similar spirits from this world - and beyond . Think about it: the best campfires feature ghost stories and the most memorable hiking tales include an inexplicable encounter in the backwoods. Even hit podcasts like " Park Predators " attract seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to tune due to our integral curiosity about "worst case scenarios" in North America's most idyllic destinations . To our most fearless and adventurous readers: we've curated this article on Detroit's most obscure outdoor destinations specifically for you. Each of these destinations provide an opportunity for "haunted hiking," where you may very well find your hiking companion to be a transcendental traveller or restless sentient. From battlefields to barriers, homesteads to deserted islands, the paranormal history of the Detroit region's outdoors provides a wealth of other-worldly discovery opportunities this Halloween season... if you dare . Photo courtesy of MichiganTrailMaps.com 1. HAVEN HILL ESTATE | Highland State Recreation Area | Highland, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Destruction of the Ford Family's Wilderness Estate Haunted Hike : Haven Hill Loop Trail As you stand in the midst of the ruins of the Haven Hill Estate , you almost get the sensation that you're intruding. Yes, you fully know that you're in the great outdoors as you glance at the ruinous stonework and brilliant foliage surrounding you. The informational signs further evidence that you are well within your recreational rights to explore this famous area of Highland State Recreation Area . And yet...there you are. A modern guest standing in the ruins of the Ford Family's wilderness refuge . A destination of utmost privacy utilized brilliantly by the Fords to escape from an intrusive 20th century America. A lodge in the woods that hosted inventors, foreign dignitaries, and celebrities of a bygone era. A monument to luxury and extravagance, lost in a matter of moments to an all-consuming fire in 1999. One can only imagine what world-changing conversations must have occurred next to the skeleton of the still-standing hearth, or the grand business ideas that originated throughout Haven Hill's trail system . Who knows - maybe the spirits of those great men and women still continue those hikes and conversations, all the while perplexed by our blatant intrusion. Regardless, we wouldn't mind being joined by a ghost or two on our haunted hikes around the beautiful Haven Hill Estate this fall. EXPLORE HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of greatlakes.guide 2. PECHE ISLAND CITY PARK | Windsor, Ontario Rationale for Infamy : The Curse of Peche Island Haunted Hike : Peche Island Natural Trail Our sole Canadian inclusion on this haunted hikes list certainly claims the top spot as the most cursed destination. Now owned by the City of Windsor, Peche Island consists of 86 acres that largely serves as a protected wetlands habitat for native and rare migratory birds. Expeditious visitors to the island can paddle to its beaches and spend the day swimming, fishing, or walking its sole trail. There are no permanent residents on the island - and for good reason, per adherents to the Curse of Peche Island . According to local legend, the curse dates back to 1883. Shortly after September 26, 1882, the family of Hiram Walker were in the process of purchasing the entirety of Peche Island from the Laforet family. Utilizing hostile and allegedly coercive bargaining tactics, representatives of the Walker family "convinced" Rosalie Laforet, a widow at this point, to deed her third of the island to the Walkers. Legend states that when it was time to leave, Rosalie got down on her knees and cursed both the Walkers and Peche Island, stating the " No one will ever do anything with the island! " Despite the Walkers' grand plans to convert Peche Island into a resort rivaling nearby Belle Isle Park , "The Curse" apparently took hold shortly after Rosalie's arrival to the Canadian mainland. Willis Walker, the lawyer who had handled the purchase of the island, died soon afterwards at the age of 28. Hiram Walker, Sr. also suffered poor health while on the island, leading to his transfer of the property to his daughter Elizabeth in 1895. Elizabeth was unable to maintain her father's grand plans, leading to her sale of the island to the Detroit and Windsor Ferry Company in 1907. Even the removal of the Walkers from Peche Island could not lift The Curse. Walter E. Campbell, the president of the company, died in the island's mansion built by Hiram Walker within months of purchasing the island. The mansion itself burnt to the ground in 1929 after reportedly suffering a lighting strike. Peche Island gradually was abandoned throughout the 1930s, and by 1955 it was utilized largely as a hunting and fishing destination by Bob-Lo Company security guards (Bob-Lo purchased the island in 1939). The last attempted development failed in 1969, resulting in Peche Island remaining as parkland since the early 1970s. Is The Curse real? History sure seems to verify its existence, but fortunately it only seems to apply to developmental schemes - not recreational. So enjoy your haunted hikes on the island, fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Just remember to leave your vacation home aspirations on the mainland. Photo courtesy of Nora Mandray / DetroitJeTaime.com 3. EIGHT MILE WALL | Alfonso Wells Memorial Playground | Detroit, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Terror of Segregation Haunted Hike : Eight Mile Wall Mural Walk Certain sectors of Detroit's Wyoming neighborhood are verifiably haunted. No - not by curses, ghouls, werewolves, vampires, or any other apparitions that tend to parade around the Detroit region this time of year. These particular haunts are tangible, visible, and long-standing for the whole world to witness. This neighborhood remains permanently haunted by the most visible scar of Detroit's segregationist past: The Eight Mile Wall . Dating back to 1940s, developers erected the half-mile long wall in order to preserve the value of a planned "white neighborhood." The Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") deemed the prospective development as being too close to an existing "black neighborhood," which under the FHA's redlining policy meant that the developers would forfeit an opportunity to obtain federal funding for the project. Thus began the idea for the Eight Mile Wall, and the barrier remained the de facto racial divider for residential development between Mendota Street and Birdwood Avenue until 1968. While the Fair Housing Act abolished redlining for good, the Eight Mile Wall remains a living relic of Detroit's tragic history that continues to haunt its present . Urban explorers can visit the wall and embark on haunted hikes around its community murals at the Alfonso Wells Memorial Playground , just north of Van Artwerp Park, in Detroit. Photo courtesy of A Medium Corporation 4. ELMWOOD CEMETERY   | Detroit, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Veiled Lady and Battle of Bloody Run Haunted Hike : Self-Guided Tour alongside Bloody Run Creek If you’re keen on hiking for ghosts this Halloween season, then there’s no better location than Detroit’s preeminent final destination for the departed: Elmwood Cemetery.  Alright, we agree that including Michigan’s oldest continuously operating, non-denominational cemetery within a “haunted hikes” article shouldn’t come as a surprise. Any location that has been consistently housing the dead since 1846 is bound to have a ghost or two hanging about, such as the ghost of scorned Eliza Waterman who is rumored to haunt the area around Elmwood’s Veiled Lady monument. With its 82 acres of winding, tombstone and mausoleum-lined trails, intrepid hikers are bound to cross paths with an apparition or two. However, Elmwood’s paranormal particulars actually predate the establishment of the renown cemetery - as well as the United States. On July 31st, 1763 , the docile creek that runs through the western glades of the cemetery earned its name: Bloody Run Creek. On that fateful day during what became known as Pontiac, 250 British regulars surrounded Chief Pontiac’s encampment near the besieged Fort Detroit. The British hoped for an efficient, stealth-induced victory. Instead, they found an Odawa force of roughly 300 warriors waiting for them. French settlers remaining in the area had tipped off their former ally about the ensuing attack, thus providing Chief Pontiac with ample time to orchestrate a perfect ambush for the British as they attempted to cross the creek. Pontiac’s plan was executed (pun intended) to perfection. By sunset, the creek’s clear waters were running red from the fallen British. Two hundred and sixty-two years later, visitors to the cemetery still claim to see spirits of young men in red coats  along the creek bed. Trail map of Elmwood Cemetery Photo courtesy of RiverNorthPhotography / E+ Collection via Getty Images 5. BELLE ISLE PARK | Detroit, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Legend of the Lady in White Haunted Hike : Belle Isle Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail It's no secret that Detroit's most famous park has long captured the world's attention as a must-visit destination in the Motor City . With its wealth of natural beauty, historical structures, and cultural resources, Belle Isle Park has hosted nearly two centuries of recreationsists. Beyond Belle Isle's stunning views of Detroit to the North and Canada to the South, most casual visitors also enjoy frequenting the James Scott Memorial Fountain, the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and the Ralph Wilson Gateway (which serves as the official southern trailhead for the Iron Belle Trail ). Belle Isle has also evolved into a popular destination for " obscure tourism ," which appeals to travelers searching for the world's most unique, unusual, and often bizarre destinations. Popular sights on the Isle within this genre include the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon (dedicated to the memory of an anonymous peace advocate) and the Belle Isle Aquarium (the oldest continually operating aquarium in America). An even rarer bread of tourist, however, frequents Belle Isle this time of year for another obscure rationale: ghost sightings . With a park as old and storied as Belle Isle, it's only natural that the island would be rumored to be haunted. More specifically, Belle Isle's bridges are allegedly haunted by an apparition known commonly as the " Lady in White. " Legend states that Ottawa Chief Sleeping Bear had a daughter so beautiful that the chief did not allow her to see any of the suitors incessantly pursuing her. Just like any rational father, Chief Sleeping Bear decided to permanently banish her to Belle Isle under the watchful protection - for all of time - of the Great Spirits . And so she remains - a wandering spirit clothed in white, still longing for the life that was unjustly taken from her. Apparently you can summon her by parking on one of Belle Isle's many bridges , honking three times, and waiting for her to appear. Who knows, maybe she'll make for a perfect companion on one of your haunted hikes this fall... EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 6. BATTLE OF BROWNSTOWN | Lake Erie Metropark | Rockwood, Michigan Rationale for Infamy : The Forgotten Rout of U.S. Soldiers Haunted Hike : Downriver Linked Greenways Trail (East West) While researching this article, we stumbled across a wide breadth of fascinating - and largely entertaining - scholarship on hauntings, ghosts, and paranormal activity. One article involved an analysis on "ghosts" vs. "spirits," with "ghosts" being apparitions that are" tied to the location of their death, usually a sudden or tragic one, and they often don’t realize that they are dead. . . in most cases, they have 'unfinished business' as the deceased person does not accept the way in which they died. " Now there's a fun fact to whip out at your next Halloween party. In the spirit of this analysis ( pun intended ), the Detroit region has only a handful of locations where mass, confusing deaths occurred within a finite window of time . Most involved young men, fighting for the continued existence of their fledgling country in the wilderness of one of its newest territories. Those instances occurred during the War of 1812 - one of America's least taught and fundamentally perplexing conflicts - in unfamiliar terrain and at the hands of an unconventional enemy. And of the battles that contained those deaths, there's one that the history books have all but forgotten: the Battle of Brownstown . On August 5, 1812, within what is now Lake Erie Metropark , 200 U.S. soldiers were ambushed by Shawnee Chief Tecumseh and roughly 25 of his warriors. Despite the notable superiority of the U.S. force, Chief Tecumseh routed the soldiers and pursued them for several miles as the U.S. retreated north to Fort Detroit. By the time the Americans had reached Detroit, their regiment had lost 18 men, sustained 12 wounded, and were missing 70. Only 1 Native American warrior died. Now place yourself in the boots of one of those fallen American soldiers. Despite being in the prime of your life, your final moments were spent engulfed in panic , trudging through marshland, and evading an unseen enemy that rained bullets and arrows upon your position. During a battle that historians have classified as an "early skirmish" within the context of a poorly understood conflict. I don't know about you, but given those abhorrent circumstances, I would certainly have "unfinished business" with the location of such a death. We can't confirm if there are any ghosts conducting their own haunted hikes along the East-West Downriver Linked Greenways Trail of Lake Erie Metropark, but if there are, we wish them the best in processing what occurred over two centuries ago. Looking to experience the wonders of Detroit's outdoors firsthand? Check out our upcoming guided trips to rediscover our region's hidden natural gems along our most beautiful trails!

October means that FALL IS BACK IN DETROIT , along with your favorite autumnal traditions, seasonal treats, and the BEST opportunity to experience your favorite parks, trails, and waterways . With all of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem waiting for your arrival, here's our short list of the Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit during the best month of the year! We’ve said it once, twice, and possibly a million times: nothing beats October in the Detroit region. Crisp mornings, warm days, postcard-worthy foliage , less crowded trails and campgrounds , open season for hunting , premiere racing… one does not simply top the prime recreational opportunities that October entails. With an adventure-packed month like October, the sheer scope of the wealth of outdoor experiences may come off as overwhelming at first. Trust us, you're not alone in the sentiment - every October morning starts with a catharsis of which recreational aspirations to pursue that day . Start the morning in the tree stand for the morning hunt or with a trail run ? Paddle out into the Huron River for reflective fall colors or pump up the tires for a mountain bike ride ? Head out for a stroll along Detroit's most scenic urban trails or book a guided hike for a backcountry adventure ? Don't worry though - when it comes to October in Metro Detroit, as long as you're outside on bluebird sky and color-filled day, then you're doing it right . That being said...if you're searching for a shortlist of the best outdoor events to provide some structure to this month of months, then you've clicked on the right article . Here are Expedition Detroit's " Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit " occurring throughout this action-packed October ! 1. Attend a Michigan DNR Fall Festival Throughout October | Several Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Looking for a festive autumnal getaway? Well, there’s a good chance that if you camp at one of Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas during the month of October, you will find yourself conveniently camping in the midst of a DNR-sponsored Fall Harvest Festival ! The tradition that started at Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area over 30 years ago has spread throughout the Detroit region, with most festival events only open to weekend campers. The festivities include hay rides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted trails, nature programs, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Brace yourself ...here's a list of the official Michigan Fall Festivals occurring this October: Proud Lake Recreation Area | October 3rd - 5th | Featured Activities include a haunted walking trail, hayrides, bonfires, crafts, scavenger hunts, archery, a petting zoo, site decorating contest, trick-or-treating, a Monster Mash (dance), and popcorn bar. Seven Lakes State Park |  October 3rd - 6th   |   Featured Activities include decorating your site, partaking in Halloween themed games, and more to be provided prior to the Harvest Fest dates.  Outdoor Adventure Center   |   October 4th   |   Featured Activities include an investigation of the skeletal parts of some of our favorite "Halloween" wildlife, harvest-themed games, and archery on paper zombie targets.  Holly Recreation Area   |   October 10th - 11th & 17th - 18th   |   Featured Activities include a site decorating competition, costume contest, trick-or-treating, a cornhole tournament, plant-a-seed pumpkin patch, pumpkin bowling, a scavenger hunt, a haunted trail, photos with Smoky and more.  Waterloo Recreation Area   |   October 10th - 12th   |   Featured Activities include site decorating, trick-or-treating, a costume parade and more .   DISCOVER WATERLOO RECREATION AREA  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. Get in the Woods for Archery Season Throughout October | Statewide in Michigan Fall technically started on September 23rd, but the overwhelming consensus among Michigan outdoorsmen is that the season kicks off the moment that you get into your stand for whitetail deer season  TOMORROW, October 1st! Months of gear preparation , scouting, land maintenance, target practice, and stand assembly have led to this moment. The temperature may be slightly warmer than preferred, but there’s no better place to sit back, watch the changing leaves wave in the wind, and wait for that buck of a lifetime to wander your way. This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources  has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy . More specifically, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe  during October's opening weeks to alleviate overpopulation woes. While that may seem counterintuitive to the longstanding - i.e., way  outdated - approach to "bucks only" hunting, the DNR's action call also notes that taking an early-season doe will most likely entail increased rut activity, decreased young buck harvests, and improvement of overall herd ratios. Most importantly, increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits  of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. Cycle your Community at Le Tour de Livingston October 5th   | Mt. Brighton Ski Resort   | 7:30 a.m. Did you know that the Detroit region is one of the TOP DESTINATIONS for gravel biking in the U.S.? Beyond our ever-growing trail network, the long, winding, and gorgeously scenic roads along Metro Detroit outer rim provide optimal conditions for long rides in the saddle - especially during peak fall colors. This October, Go Liv Go (the Horal Family Foundation) invites you to join the 17th annual Tour De Livingston community ride! Starting out from Mt. Brighton Ski Resort , this fantastic cycling event is designed to showcase both the accomplishments and non-motorized infrastructure needs of Livingston County. The event has curated several routes for the event, including 40 and 60 mile paved routes, 40 and 60 mile gravel routes, a "chill city" loop, and a special mountain biking loop to Brighton Recreation Area and back. In other words, bikers of every genre can join in on this community-wide event. Grab your bike, enjoy a beautiful Sunday outdoors, and be a part of making non-motorized infrastructure, amenities, and recreation a priority in Livingston County by your participation in TdL! CONQUER BRIGHTON'S FAMOUS PENOSHA TRAIL  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 4. Discover the Departed at Cemetery Tales October 11th   | Willow Metropark   | 7 p.m. With the month of October dissipating like a ghost, why not take “Spooky Season” to another level by hiking in a cemetery?  The fearless folks at Willow Metropark  have you covered - join their annual “ Cemetery Tales: Stories from the Passed ” hike through Huron Township Cemetery, which is located within the metropark. Your guided trek will also include history and folklore insights regarding the dear departed that you will be hiking amongst. The web advertisement for this event states, in all caps, “ THIS IS NOT A HAUNTED ATTRACTION ,” but come on…  if that doesn’t make you superstitious, it must make you at least a little stitious… 5. Hike under Peak Fall Colors with Expedition Detroit! Throughout October | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Peak fall colors are JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and there's no better way to experience them than on the trails of the Michigan State Parks! Not sure where to explore? No problem - we've curated dozens of guided trips  intended to showcase the best of the best of the Detroit region's outdoors. EXPERIENCE PEAK FALL COLORS  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT The Expedition Detroit  team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider  of guided hikes, night hiking safaris , and other guided outdoor trips across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas . Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience . We will be gradually adding new guided trips over the coming weeks, as well as special trips like our " Trails & Ales " featured hike and snowshoe treks. So, stay tuned friends. We can't wait to host you on one of our guided trips this October! EXPLORE PROUD LAKE  WITH EXTRA PERKS THIS OCTOBER! 6. Run in the Detroit Free Press Marathon - the Best Marathon in America October 19th | Detroit, MI | 7 a.m. We are certainly not alone in declaring that the Detroit Free Press Marathon  is the crown jewel of the Detroit region’s fall outdoor season . The internationally-celebrated course - named this year as the " Best Marathon in the United States "by USA Today - guides runners not only along the crowd-favorite Windsor Riverfront, but also through several featured neighborhoods and destinations . The recently-updated course includes routes within the District Detroit, Midtown, New Center, Eastern Market, and the world-famous Dequindre Cut Greenway ! On a personal note, my all-time favorite racing moment is watching the sunrise while running across the Ambassador Bridge . I don’t know how the race planners perfectly time that year after year, but it’s the icing on the cake for an already bucket list-worthy outdoor event . We hope that you'll join us at the starting line this year! Photo courtesy of Glenlore Immersive Entertainment 7. Experience the Enchantment of Glenlore Trails Throughout October  | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan   | 7 p.m. Have you experienced the Detroit region's newest Halloween outdoor tradition..?  For the fifth year in a row, Glenlore Trails  will once again be delighting guests with their immersive and illuminated Enchanted Forest ! From Thursday to Sunday evenings, guests will be captivated and enchanted as they venture into a spellbound forest where "the line between mortals and magic recedes." This magical Halloween experience was transformed by wistful wraiths, frolicking fairies, and the weird wayward witch of the woods. Guests of all ages are immersed in this one-mile outdoor hike complete with sensory installations designed to amaze and entertain. During the walk, which begins at dusk, guests are encouraged take part in a variety of interactive games and installations that can be found throughout the trail. But wait, there's more!  Glenlore Trails are also sponsoring a special 21+ night event  on October 10th featuring live music. So if you're hunting for a unique date night this month, the ghouls and gobblins lurking around Glenlore have you covered. Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Jose Juarez 8. Earn Ultimate Bragging Rights at the Bunyan Battle 5K October 25th   | Island Lake State Recreation Area   | 11 a.m. Every year, Michigan's "Cold War" flares up into a full-blown "Civil War." One that since 1898 has turned brother against brother, sister against sister, and tears our state into die-hard green and blue factions. Then, of course, we settle down again. But for one week out of every October, it's WAR in the Mitten State! This year, embrace the Michigan State vs. Michigan competitive spirit by running in the inaugural " Bunyan Battle 5K " at Island Lake ! The race requires you to align with one university over the other right at registration , which in turn will ensure that your racing efforts are rewarded with a Spartan or Wolverine finisher's medal. Whether you bleed maize and blue or green and white, this race is your chance to show your colors and show off for your team before the big game! The scenic course at Island Lake State Recreation Area on the Island Lake Trail showcases fall colors at their peak on a completely paved 5K course. It's the perfect setting for runners, walkers, and football fans alike. This race is for all fitness levels, and don't forget to wear your favorite fan gear to race in! One more thing... Go Green ! DISCOVER ISLAND LAKE  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT THIS FALL! 9. Attend the Detroit Harvest Fest AND Grand Opening of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park October 25th - 26th | Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, Detroit, MI | 11:00 a.m. The City of Detroit is no stranger to massive, ground-breaking events.  We made that abundantly clear to the rest of the world during the record-setting 2024 NFL Draft . Well, guess what, Detroit: we're running up the score when it comes to the Riverwalk.  This October, the long-awaited Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park  is FINALLY opening to the public! The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy  invites you to experience the historic opening of the park during a two-day FREE " Grand Opening " celebration. The festivities will include live entertainment, fall activities, food trucks, and endless fun for all ages throughout the brand-new park. Visit the Detroit Harvest Fest  website for continuing updates on the grand opening celebration. Photo courtesy of Kona Running Company 10. Run a Halloween-Themed Race Throughout October | Various Locations We’re admittedly suckers for hometown 5Ks and 10Ks, and themed races that are enjoyable for runners and spectators alike absolutely top our lists. Running in one of the MANY “Halloween races” occurring across Metro Detroit will undoubtedly get you in the holiday spiri t, especially if you forgo your typical race attire for the most sweat-resistant costume in your basement. Here's a shortlist of our recommended Halloween races: Run Scream Run  | October 11th | Wiard's Orchard, Ypsilanti, MI Spooky Sprint  | October 11th | Kensington Metropark, Milford, MI 13 Ghosts Half Marathon  | October 12th | Kensington Metropark, Rochester, MI Michigan Monster Dash  | October 25th | Kensington Metropark, Milford, MI Halloween Hustle  | October 26th | Lake St Clair Metropark, Harrison Township, MI Wicked Halloween Run  | October 26th | Maybury State Park, Northville, MI 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.

From grassroots activism to establishing conservation benchmarks in the Great Lakes area, we welcome you to explore the recreational wonder of the Humbug Marsh Unit within the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge! " Just one more meeting to go, then it's all ours. " Those words presumably echoed around a commercial real estate developer's head as they exited their vehicle on a cold, rain-drenched September morning in 1998. That same developer had spent months - no, potentially years - developing plans and attracting investors to a tantalizing prospect: converting the last remaining mile of undeveloped, natural coastline along the Detroit River into luxury condominiums, business offices, a golf course, and a marina. Demolition crews were already on standby, waiting impatiently to rid the riverfront of 400 acres of virgin coastal wetlands, oak-hickory forest, and vernal pools. As soon as the developer stepped out of their car, however, another sound drowned out the rain drops hitting the windshield. And by drowned out, we mean a Ford Field-esque deafening roar. " SAVE HUMBUG MARSH! SAVE HUMBUG MARSH! " Tragically for the developer - and miraculously for the Detroit River - over 1,000 citizens from the area surrounding Gibraltar, Michigan, had decided to crash the meeting . The opposition crowd was so large at Gibraltar Carlson High School that there were traffic jams and the fire marshal had to lock the doors. These citizens vehemently opposed the issuance of the requisite permits for destroying Humbug Marsh, citing the irreparable environmental and ecological damage that the unwanted development would cause. The developer's heart sank to their stomach. American democracy, despite all of its messiness and potency for divisiveness, still represents our society's primary tool for effectuating profound change. For the developer, that meant that the permits would never be issued for their luxury project. For Humbug Marsh - and the entire Detroit region - that meant that societal values had shifted away from corrosive overdevelopment and towards lasting conservation. "Every day I supply oxygen for up to 4 people. Don't you think I am worth saving?" Fast forward to a bluebird day 27 years later. Humbug Marsh is not only golf course-free; it now represents the cornerstone of the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, North America's sole international wildlife refuge that protects 6,200 acres of habitat across several plots adjacent to the Detroit River. The community members that crashed that fateful meeting haven't had to raise their voices in over 20 years, following Congress' designation of the marsh and its fellow parcels as a National Wildlife Refuge in 2001 (Humbug Marsh Unit obtained its specific designation in 2004). Better yet, Humbug Marsh received further adoration in 2010 when it received a "RAMSAR" site designation as a " Wetland of Distinction. " The citation for such distinction included that Humbug Marsh " provides habitat for a number of species, is considered essential for the preservation of migrating raptor species and other migrating waterfowl and passerines, and serves as a spawning and nursery habitat for many fish species. " This designation further establishes Humbug Marsh as a " wetland of international importance ," leading to increased funding opportunities, expansion of protected lands, publicity, and ecological investment in the surrounding region. Somewhere, that developer is likely still cursing that damp September morning when a community chose conservation over construction. While I hope they went on to launch other successful ventures, I also openly celebrate that defeat. As I'm walking the trails almost 3 decades later, admiring the stunning views of Humbug Island and towering trees that predate European settlement in the region, I find myself saying " Thank you " again, and again, and again. Those protesters accomplished far more than just saving Humbug Marsh. Their actions provided the ripple that gradually evolved into a renaissance of conservation that has now fully-engulfed our corner of the Great Lakes. Michigan - and especially the Detroit region - are now seen as top-destinations for outdoor recreation and conservation-related tourism. Decades' worth of ecological activism, corporate investment, and meaningful government action have fostered a transformative prioritization of preserving and expanding our outdoor amenities. And it all started right here - along this peaceful shoreline of the Detroit River. MEET THE DETROIT RIVER INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Since its establishment in 2001, the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge has grown immensely in ecological significance, recreational amenities, and, well, size. The Refuge's 6,200 acres consist of more than 30 separate parcels, with the largest located within Humbug Marsh's 405.16 acres. The concept of the Refuge was born out of a catastrophic need to revitalize the Detroit River . Since the dawn of the 20th century, the Detroit River had served the United States and Canada as a critical transportation corridor and industrial hub that helped shape the economies of the shared metropolitan region. By 1950, the river helped Detroit emerge as the nation’s auto-manufacturing leader, primary shipping channel, and industrial epicenter. However, the ecosystems of the Detroit River and western Lake Erie suffered tremendously from the extensive human modifications, pollution, and development. By the end of the 1960s, the Detroit River was considered one of the most polluted rivers in North America. In 2000, a group of U.S. and Canadian conservationists and scientists developed a conservation vision for the lower Detroit River ecosystems, promoting the establishment of an international wildlife refuge. Soon after, on December 21st, 2001, the Refuge was established on the U.S. side by Public Law 107-91, with primary management and oversight by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. President Bush's official statement noted that the Refuge constituted " a prime waterfowl migration corridor and is considered a special place for sportsmen, birders, and boaters. . . an estimated 300,000 diving ducks stop in the River to rest and feed during their fall migration from Canada, and at least 65 species of fish live in the Detroit River, including millions of walleye. " Focusing specifically on the Humbug Marsh Unit , the parcel represents the last mile of undeveloped shoreline along the U.S. mainland of the Detroit River and contains important habitat for many rare fish and wildlife species. The Unit's old growth forest contains shagbark hickory, oak, ash and elm trees that dominate the landscape in a mosaicked fashion, while the coastal wetland is dominated by bulrushes, native and naturalized grasses, cattail, and invasive phragmites. The Unit provides a world-class destination for several activities, including unmatched birding, wild edible foraging , fishing off of its massive pier, hunting , kayaking, cross-country skiing , and hiking its "Orange and Green Trails." We recently led a joint guided hike with our partners at Visit Detroit along the Orange and Green Trails. Both our guides and participants feel in love with these trails all over again, and we have no doubt that your experience would lead to same result. Here's our recommended route for hiking the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge's Orange and Green Trails. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 3.4 miles Elevation Gain : 39 feet Trail Rating : Easy Route Orientation : Loop from John D. Dingell, Jr. Visitor Center trailhead Parking Specifics : Free parking available at Visitor Center Your hike at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge should technically begin with a stop within the state-of-the-art John D. Dingell, Jr. Visitor Center. Much like the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, the Visitor Center contains a spectacle of engaging exhibits, nature store, rentable equipment, and interactive programs for the whole family to enjoy. The Visitor Center also features fire rings with stunning views of the Detroit River, so anyone disinterested in the hike could easily enjoy a full afternoon exploring and relaxing around the Visitor Center. Note that while the trails are open sunrise to sunset year-round, the Visitor Center is only open Thursday - Sunday, from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Please plan in advance if your visit to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge will include a noteworthy visit to the Visitor Center, especially if you plan on renting binoculars, fishing poles with tackle boxes, or an "explorer pack" during your visit. John D. Dingell, Jr. Visitor Center From the Visitor Center, your hike truly begins by crossing the bridge located directly south of the Visitor Center. The informational pergola constitutes the official "trailhead," and we recommend spending a minute or two reading the treasure trove of informational golden nuggets contain within its placards. One of the placards also contains a trail map of the Humbug Marsh Unit in case you opt to deviate from the route described here. The Refuge's "Orange Trail," covering a scenic 0.5 miles, starts on the other side of the bridge. Keep right as you start on the hike heading towards your first destination of the hike, a wildlife observation deck that contains panoramic views of Humbug Island and the larger marsh. The observation deck features fixed viewing lenses, but we still recommend that you bring your own binoculars for spotting rare migrating wildlife on Humbug Island (including bald eagles). First observation deck From this first viewing deck, continue along the shoreline for another scenic 0.2 miles until you reach your first turnaround point. Although only a short distance, this stretch of the trail is objectively one of the most interesting - especially for younger hikers. The route includes a "human-sized bald eagle nest," informational shelter ( ideal for inclement weather ), and wildflower-lined boardwalks. Look for great blue herons, egrets, geese, ducks, and other aquatic wildlife from the scenic turnaround point. The "Bald Eagle's Nest" deck Follow the Orange Trail inland as you circumnavigate the Refuge's inland marsh en route to the Green Trail. This next segment starts at a confluence of the Orange, Green, and paved "General Trail" ( which is actually a part of the Downriver Linked Greenways/Iron Belle Trail - more on that later ). Keep this intersection in mind for later, but at this juncture of the hike, just be sure to turn left onto the Green Trail. The next 0.4 miles of hiking weave through the "new growth" segment of the hike. In the warmer months, you will be hiking through a tunnel of smaller trees with little visibility. Note that this segment does experience notable mud during the spring thaw and after notable rain showers. Put differently, we recommend wearing proper hiking boots for this segment alone. Tunnel of "New Growth" Trees A wide-open clearing dotted by black walnut trees signals that you are out of the thick brush and nearing my favorite section of the hike: the old growth forest . I had the pleasure of hiking this segment of the Green Trail during golden hour a few weeks ago, and stating that it was "magical" would be criminally underselling the experience. The gentle waving trees, idyllic pastures, and wandering wildlife transport you for a few miles to scenery native to Tolkien's Middle Earth vs. Metro Detroit. The towering oak, hickory, beech, and maple trees that you're hiking under have witnessed every era of the Detroit region's societal progression. As saplings, they grew alongside the Wyandot tribes that first settled, fished, and hunted the shorelines of the river. They later shaded the first French explorers that colonized the Great Lakes region, followed closely by the British. T he War of 1812 , Underground Railroad , Prohibition, and industrialization all left historical marks on the Refuge's surroundings - yet these trees remained. Now, 27 years after they were slated for imminent destruction, you too get to witness their beauty. A lasting natural monument to a bygone era. A gorgeous 0.7 total miles of hiking through a living arboretum of history. How unbelievably cool is that?! The stunning Old Growth Forest On the far-end of the trail you will reach your final "turnaround point" at trail marker #14. Despite what the trail map may imply, we strongly advise not venturing beyond the trail marker sign. Unlike Point Pelee , this "tip" is entirely off-trail and very overgrown ( as well as blanketed in spider webs ). Instead, look forward to another jaunt through the Old Growth Forest's riverbank-adjacent trail ( turn right at trail marker #13 ) as you retrace your steps towards trail marker #8 ( the earlier-described intersection ). Final boardwalk view towards the Visitor Center Your hike concludes with a brief stint along the Downriver Linked Greenways paved trail before turning right at the 3.2 mile mark towards the Visitor Center . This final act of the Refuge's trail system features one of its most beautiful segments: a tenth of a mile of "boardwalk hiking," lined by dual ponds teeming with wildlife. Keep a sharp eye for egrets that frequent these ponds, as well as a plethora of duck species. The hike reaches its terminus exactly where you started at the Visitor Center. The late summer beauty of Lake Erie Metropark WEEKEND BONUS TIPS In full transparency, labeling these additional excursions as "Weekend Bonus Tips" is absolutely unnecessary. Why? Because the greater Monroe area is so jam-packed with world-class outdoor recreation destinations that you practically stumble upon a new one just by picking a direction of travel. For example, on a recent visit to the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, I complemented my hike of the Refuge's trail system with a greater exploratory gravel ride. Immediately upon riding outside of the Refuge's main gate, I turned left onto the Downriver Linked Greenways Trail - a segment of the industry-redefining Iron Belle Trail - and rode south to Lake Erie Metropark . On the way I passed by the location of the Battle of Brownstown, an important confrontation of the Great Lakes theater of the War of 1812. The Battle of Brownstown historical site merely scratches the surface of historical recreation along the banks of the Detroit River and Lake Erie. During the War of 1812, the southeastern shoreline of Michigan provided the primary corridor for American, British, Canadian, and Native American troop movements throughout the conflict. River Raisin National Battlefield Park - the location of both the single bloodiest battle ever fought on Michigan soil and the United States' worst defeat of the entire war - is situated just 18.4 miles south of the Refuge. The #TrailTuesday Series idea highlighting specific outdoor destinations throughout the Detroit region 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!

Fall mountain biking is FINALLY back in Detroit, and there's no better way to celebrate than at the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest at Stony Creek Metropark! Here's our breakdown of everything that's going down at this can't-miss fall festival - plus insider tips on riding the Shelden Trails. While the world of outdoor recreation provides a lifetime's worth of beautiful moments, there are a select few that rise above the rest. We're referring to those stunning, serendipitous moments that keep you coming back for more . Exhibit A: Riding your mountain bike through crisp fall air on trails that are decorated with fall's brilliant colors. If you have yet to experience the bliss of fall mountain biking in the Detroit region , then we have a can't miss update for especially you. This Saturday, September 27th, Stony Creek Metropark will be hosting its 4th annual Shelden Mountain Bike Fest . This family-friendly, all-riders-welcome festival has quickly grown into a Detroit region staple for celebrating the best of fall mountain bike riding. Keep on riding - err, reading - to discover why. THE SHELDEN MOUNTAIN BIKE FEST: What To Expect and Pro Tips Date: September 27th, 2025 Time: 3 P.M. to 9 P.M. Location: Stony Creek Metropark, Shelden Trails West Branch parking lot area ( GROM Trailhead ) Cost: The festival is FREE , although you will need a Metroparks Pass to enter Stony Creek Metropark The forecast for this Saturday is 79º, partly sunny, with a gentle breeze. Those conditions - especially after the recent rainfall that the Detroit region FINALLY received - are the exact recipe for what mountain bikers refer to as " Hero Dirt ." Put differently, riders at the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest will be treated to PERFECT RIDING CONDITIONS for the trails. That alone should be enough of a reason to attend the FREE Shelden Mountain Bike Fest this Saturday. Fortunately for all of us, the idyllic trail conditions are just the icing on top of a mouth-watering cake: Vendors and various bike-related booths will be on-site. Food trucks, ice cream, a beer garden atmosphere, and lively music. Professional photography along the Shelden Trails' jump line. Clinics for new riders, young enthusiasts, and adaptive bike users. Demos for handcycling and group rides for all levels. Other amenities at the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest will include a limited edition festival jersey ( men’s & women’s sizes; $55 ) and an evening twilight group ride ( don’t forget your lights! ) to round out an unforgettable day on the trails! FESTIVAL PRO TIPS: Key Details Before Your Arrival As we've hopefully made abundantly clear, the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest is JAM PACKED with events for riders and non-riders alike. From the opening act at 3 P.M. to the end of the "Howling at the Moon" twilight ride at 9, chances are you will be enjoying non-stop rides, music, demos, and entertainment. If you're looking to experience the full breadth of the festival's environment, then please be sure to read over these "Pro Tips" before loading up your bike and heading to Stony Creek: Arrive Early. Parking, vendor booths, and demos will most likely be very busy. Pre-Register for Special Events. Especially if you plan on participating in the demos or beginner instructional sessions. Bring Your Own Gear. Bike and helmet are the obvious essentials, but we also recommend wearing padded biking shorts , gloves , and shoes . Light it Up. Don't forget a bike light for the twilight ride! Last "Pro Tip" is to stay flexible - both in the saddle and in your plans. The Metroparks may have to close the Shelden Trails if conditions are wet, so check updates to avoid any potential disappointment. WHAT IF I'M NEW TO MOUNTAIN BIKING ? For any new or growing riders, know that the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest is especially geared towards hosting you. Why? Well, aside from hoping that you will become a successful convert into MTB Nation, the festival's primary aim is to host an event that caters to anyone who loves recreation, getting outdoors, simply looking for a fantastic way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Beyond the food trucks and festive environment mentioned earlier, the festival is geared towards specifically towards accessibility and riding mentorship. New and growing riders will love the clinics and gentle loops, where anyone can learn new skills in a welcoming environment. The festival will also provide adaptive riders with handcycle-accessible loops, demos, and clinics. Don't worry, veterans and pros - ALL of Shelden's celebrated intermediate and advanced trails will be OPEN and in PRIME CONDITION for you to enjoy . THE SHELDEN TRAIL SYSTEM:   Everything You Need to Know Before you Ride Completed in 2021, the pristine Shelden Trail System at Stony Creek Metropark was built in the wake of the massive influx of mountain biking interest towards the end of the Covid-19 Pandemic. The full system features a professionally designed and built system of five stacked loops of one-way single track and an expansive network of bidirectional two-track trails. Here's a general breakdown of the variety of trails that will be accessible during the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest: Green (Easy) : 2.5 miles Blue (More Difficult) : 6.8 miles Black (Most Difficult) : 2.8 miles Two Track (Easy) : 9.2 miles We've included a recommended route above that includes a sampling of the full spectrum of trails available for riding at Shelden. Ultimately, you will be decision-maker for which adventure to embark on during the Shelden Moutain Bike Fest. We'll see you at the trailhead! This is a sponsored article paid for by the Huron-Clinton Metroparks authority. This article also contains sponsored links embedded within it. Do you host an outdoor event in Metro Detroit that you would like for Expedition Detroit to feature across our multimedia platform? Awesome - we'd love to learn more about it! Please contact us via info@expeditiondetroit.com to learn more about our adventure marketing services and regional partnerships.

The wait is over - Detroit's peak fall colors have FINALLY ARRIVED throughout the region, and there's no better trail to experience this season's beauty than along Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail . As rapper E-40 so eloquently stated, "Everybody got choices." For Detroit's outdoor community, that simple sentence couldn't be more true for the month of October . Scratch that, the last two weeks of October. When our trails are brilliantly decorated in reds, yellows, and oranges. A fleeting, stunningly-gorgeous period where one can reasonably become recreationally paralyzed by the choice of whether to go for a run , paddle , bike, or hunt. Especially on a bluebird day. I found myself with such choices this past Monday. As I finished up my morning office work (yes, we in the outdoor industry do still have indoor offices), I recognized the recreational conundrum that lay before me. Every prediction software at my disposable gave the green light for every activity. My "Plan A" was to head to the deer stand , but man...a quick glance out the window showed that peak fall colors, at long last, had arrived. And, as any long-time Michigander knows, those colors could be gone in a matter of weeks - sometimes days if the winds pick up. Armed with recently-obtained knowledge regarding the Detroit area's 5 best trails for experiencing fall colors , I made a calculated choice to bail on the stand for Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail . The #1 destination within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit for inundating your hike with autumn's stunning ambience. A baptism of seasonal color. The type of click-bait destination that outdoor influencers dream of. With the afternoon's trail selected, my GoPro fully-charged, and a weighted rucking vest loaded up, all that was left to do was hit the road and pray that my gamble would pay off. Despite my excitement, this recreational choice represented a gamble - a zero-sum situation where choosing to hike meant foregoing the hunt. With October's bounty of outdoor opportunity, there was a decent likelihood that I could end up regretting this choice. Fast forward an hour or so, I'm a few miles into the Crooked Lake Trail - mesmerized by my surroundings. The entire scene is bathed in golden light, both from the vibrant yellow leaves of the park's hickory trees and the late afternoon sun. My camera is pleading for mercy after its overuse while trying to capture the scene. Eventually I give up on it, surrendering to the realization that moments like this, in places like this, can only be fully-experienced in the moment. "This...this was the right choice." It is our privilege to reintroduce Pinckney State Recreation Area and its Crooked Lake Trail now. MEET PINCKNEY STATE RECREATION AREA The modern history of Pinckney State Recreation Area dates back to our last ice age. Truly - the park's dramatic moraines and kettle lakes that our regional recreationists love to hike, bike, hunt, and fish were formed within the Jackson Interlobate Range as the glaciers receded across the Great Lakes region ~10,000 years ago. Pinckney's recorded history, however, starts in the 1830s when George Reeves spearheaded the development of nearby ( and obscure tourism favorite ) Hell, Michigan. The land under the Reeves family's gradually grew until 1924, when the Reeves decided to sell it to a Detroit-based investment group which established a summer resort in the area. The State of Michigan finally acquired rights to the land in 1943 before formally establishing Pinckney State Recreation Area in 1944. The Pinckney of 2023 constitutes a paradise for the Detroit region's most rugged, comprehensive, and sought-after destinations for outdoor recreation. Outfitted with two of Metro Detroit's pristine backpacking trails - the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail and the Potawatomi Trail - on top of hundreds of miles of hiking, running, biking, and equestrian trails, Pinckney may take the prize as our region's top trail destination. Just within the Expedition Detroit content universe, Pinckney has claimed coveted places on lists including best stargazing opportunities , top-rated campgrounds , and crowd-favorite mountain biking and hiking trails . Oh, and we haven't even touched on the park's paddling, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing , opportunities yet. Now let's get to one of Pinckney's crown jewels: the Crooked Lake Trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 4.4 miles Elevation Gain : 324 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Parking available at Silver Lake Trailhead (northernmost parking lot; Michigan Recreation Pass required for parking) Any trip out to Pinckney State Recreation Area - and especially the Crooked Lake Trail - should never be attempted on a time-budget. For starters, just arriving at the Silver Lake Trailhead will invite you to linger along the beachfront as you take in the panoramic views of Silver Lake. They're truly stunning, and on a warm summer's day you could understandably spend all day just there. But you're not here for the beach - you're here to experience the best fall colors in southeast Michigan along the Crooked Lake Trail . To minimize the siren call of Silver Lake, we recommend parking as close to the Crooked Lake Trail's origination point as possible. Head to the northernmost section of the massive Silver Lake parking lot, locate the ornate, hand-crafted trail map sign depicted below, and hit the trail without looking back. Silver Lake Trailhead The trail marker signs are fairly weathered throughout the hike, but fortunately the well-worn Crooked Lake Trail is very easy to follow due to its year-round popularity. From the trailhead, start by heading 0.2 miles across an expansive boardwalk and parallel to the southern shore of Silver Lake. There are a few pristine photo-op turnouts along this stretch - feel free to turn off on one and snap away to your heart's content ( the cover photo for this article was captured at one of those side trails ). At the 0.2 mile marker, turn right at the dead-end to continue along the "hiking route." If you're biking the Crooked Lake Trail, then turn left at this juncture. From this point, you will hike exactly 1 mile to the Crooked Lake Trail's highest point. The steepest grade comprises of an 11% incline at the 0.6 mile marker, but otherwise you will thoroughly enjoy the brilliance of fall colors that radiate stronger as you trek steadily closer to the trail's peak at 1,008 feet. You'll know that you're near the top when the terrain becomes slightly more arid and sandy. A bench waits to reward you for your 0.8 miles of consistent climbing. The Crooked Lake Trail's "Peak Bench" While your initial descent from "The Peak" only lasts 0.1 miles before another short climb, the relatively steep descent that follows provides a portal to one of the most beautiful and segments of the Crooked Lake Trail. You may be able to catch glimpses of the namesake Crooked Lake to the south, but don't miss the wildlife viewing opportunity as you cross over two of the lake's tributary streams. These 0.8 miles of "marshland hiking" will also make you glad that you're visiting in the fall vs. mid-summer - the mosquitos are non-existent at this time of year . That's a HUGE perk to fall hiking. Once you've crossed Glenbrook Road, you'll hike a 0.3 mile stretch that we've nicknamed "The Straightaway." While most of the Crooked Lake Trail's foliage comprises of the bright gold from Pinckney's bountiful hickory trees, The Straightaway features a mix of trees that diversify the color palate of your fall hiking experience. The Straightaway's plateau of elevation next to some of Pinckney's best maintained segments of forest also provide fantastic photo opportunities and general visibility around the trail. Foliage along the Crooked Lake Trail's "Straightaway" My personal favorite segment of the Crooked Lake Trail - especially during "golden hour" - undoubtedly is the 0.4 miles of hiking along the northern shore of Pickerel Lake. Kicking off at the 2.7 mile marker, this stunning specimen of fall hiking will absolutely kill whatever record pace you had going for you. Every time that you think you captured the perfect fall vista of the lake through the leaves, just wait until you take a few more steps down the trail - your jaw will drop yet again. To top this portion of the trail off, you will cross over another expansive boardwalk that provides the best bird watching opportunity along the trail. Rest along this boardwalk if you need to, because what follows next is a gorgeous - yet continuous - 0.8 mile ascent to the Crooked Lake Trail's second-highest point at the 3.9 mile marker. Autumnal views of Pickerel Lake Beyond this "second peak," the good news is that the trail is all downhill until you reach the Silver Lake Parking Lot. The bad news is that this descent is steep - a 12% decline - so any hikers that are experiencing fatigue by this point should exercise immense caution along this somewhat treacherous final portion of the hike. Yes, you will undoubtedly be excited to complete your autumnal adventure by reaching your car, but please take your time, be safe, and enjoy the lingering 0.5 miles of the Crooked Lake Trail. EXPLORE THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH US THIS FALL! TIPS FOR RECREATION DURING HUNTING SEASON Fall in the Detroit region is primetime for outdoor recreation - yes , across the full spectrum of recreational genres. Hikers enjoying the brilliant canopy above them. Bikers ripping down leaf-covered trails. Paddlers navigating crisp streams. And hunters heading into the woods for to engage in one of Michigan's most revered recreational past times. Hunting and fishing - especially hunting - are undoubtedly the "black sheep" of the outdoor recreational universe. Here at Expedition Detroit , we have made it part of our core mission to familiarize our community with the immensity of conservational benefits derived from the activity. Beyond the lucrative value that the sale of hunting and fishing licenses provides to our state, the Michigan DNR heavily relies on the hunter engagement as a core component of their environmental management policy. That being said, we understand the jarring effect that hunting can elicit from non-hunters. Hunting inherently involves taking a life, which unsurprisingly does not sit well with a notable cohort of outdoor enthusiasts. Even just the sight of a firearm in today's political climate can cause an unnerving effect. Stated differently, fall in the Detroit region presents a potentially contentious timeframe when our region's favorite trails - like the Crooked Lake Trail - are shared by hunters and non-hunters alike. In light of the arrival of peak trail season, here are seven Expedition Detroit tips for avoiding hiker-hunter conflicts across our region's most beloved outdoor destinations: 1. REVIEW LOCAL REGULATIONS. Regardless of whether you're hiking or hunting, do your homework before hitting the trail on whether hunting is permitted along your route. As a general guideline, Michigan's "State Recreation Areas" permit hunting unless stated otherwise; conversely, Michigan's "State Parks" prohibit hunting unless stated otherwise. 2. WEAR BRIGHT ORANGE. While " hunter orange " is required for hunters during certain firearm seasons, we strongly advise both hunters and hikers to wear at least one article of orange clothing on public land trails between September 15th and January 31st ("Hunting Season"). Aside from regulatory requirements, wearing orange promotes both safety and awareness along our shared trails. 3. MIND YOUR PETS. This one goes out directly to hikers along hunting-permitted trails that enjoy trekking with your four-legged best friend. Hikers should keep their dogs on-leash throughout Hunting Season. Dogs should also be outfitted with hunting orange attire (leashes or vests). 4. LEAVE ANY AGENDA AT THE TRAILHEAD. While we all have our own particular ethics, morals, politics, or other heartfelt leanings, the only mindset that each of us should be packing into the woods is a spirit of enjoyment, rejuvenation, exploration, and lawful recreation. Hunters, this means recognizing the responsibility that accommodates the joy of ethical hunting . Hikers, this means recognizing that hunters have the right to lawfully pursue their chosen recreational activity. Both groups should remember that both poaching and hunter harassment are actionable offenses under Michigan state law. If you suspect that the actions of either a hiker or hunter have violated Michigan state law, DO NOT ESCALATE the situation by attempting to confront the suspected person. Instead, contact the DNR's law enforcement's communications center via 800-292-7800 . 5. MIND THE TRAIL. Trail awareness for both hikers and hunters is very, very important during Hunting Season. For hikers, the ask is quite direct: STAY ON TRAIL . Other than aligning with " Leave No Trace " best practices, keeping to the trail will minimize your likelihood of interacting with hunters in the field. For hunters, we advise that you setup at least 100-150 yards from any maintained trails . Beyond minimizing the likelihood of interacting with other hunters and trail users during your hunt, this is also a best practice for safety during especially firearm season. 6. MAXIMIZE YOUR RECREATION WINDOWS. Popular hiking and hunting windows do not inherently need to overlap during Hunting Season. Although hunters can technically head into the woods at any time with daylight, the " peak hunting hours " are typically 3 hours after sunrise and 3 hours before sunset (i.e., complete darkness). The hunting windows do fluctuate with changes in daylight, although planning to recreate as close to mid-day as possible would be a non-hunter's best bet for diminishing the likelihood of seeing a hunter along the trail. Also, don't forget about headlamp hiking and the perks of nighttime recreation , which by law are 100% void of any hunters. 7. SMILE. This might be the single most important - and simplest - item on this list. In fact, this point was brought up during the 2023 Michigan Outdoor Summit as a key action step towards making Michigan's outdoors a more welcoming, sustainable, and economically viable space. If you see someone on the trail that looks different than you, is engaging in a different recreational activity than you, or appears either intimidated or disgruntled by you - just smile at them . Let's go even further and say "Hi!" to them. Beyond humanizing your shared experience and introducing a second or two of kindness into their day, this simple act is the best way to prevent any sort of contentious situation from arising. Plus, smiling requires less effort than frowning. Want to experience a guided hike on Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail? Look no further! Book your next guided outdoor adventure with us today! The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

Happy Fall, Detroit! These warmer days coupled with crisper nights mean that the BEST RECREATIONAL SEASON for experiencing Detroit has returned in its full glory. As you start to plan your perfect fall in southeast Michigan's outdoors, here are our " Elite 8 Outdoor Experiences near Detroit" for you to enjoy this season! The "Great Debate" is settled: Fall is the best season for outdoor recreation near Detroit. If you're skeptical at our hot take there, well, please hear us out. Fall kicks off by carrying all of summer's "peak season" momentum into September . We're talking open campgrounds, backpacking and canoe camping trips, dry mountain biking and trail running trails, and warm days for amazing kayaking. However, we'd argue that September actually improves on summer recreation by delivering smaller crowds, less bugs, more stars, and crisp "campfire-ready nights." So basically extended summer, but better. October's arrival is where fall truly runs off with Detroit's "best season" title. Beyond hunting's return, October means world-class running competitions, halloween-themed recreational events, harvest festivals, and enjoying generations' worth of fall outdoor traditions. Our stunning parks, trails, and waterways show off their brilliance in autumn's full foliage. While October tends to attract most of the season's outdoor attention, November closes out Fall's recreational calendar with a literal and figurative "Bang!" November 15th is an official-unofficial holiday in Michigan, marking the start of whitetail deer firearm season. Trail running season wraps up with its closing acts, followed closely by a plethora of "Turkey Trot" races. And - if we're lucky - our " Big Four Ski Resorts " may open for business before the winter months kick in. Yeah ...we happily - no, excitedly - rest our case. From kayaking to potentially skiing, the next three months will bless us with the full spectrum of Detroit's outdoor ecosystem. While that may seem overwhelming at first, we've taken the initiative to curate the most anticipated experiences that we are most looking forward to enjoying this Fall. So let's get into it! Here are Expedition Detroit's " Elite 8 Outdoor Experiences near Detroit " for inspiring your Fall 2025 adventures. 1. CYCLE FOR CIDER MILLS Destination: Paint Creek Trail | Orion Township, MI When to Experience: All Fall Recommended Adventure: Cycling the Paint Creek Trail to Several Cider Mills Grab your flannel and pump up your tires, we're going cycling for cider mills! The Detroit region is uniquely blessed with two fall recreational staples: a vast trail network lined with spectacular fall colors and postcard-ready apple orchards featuring quintessential cider mills . Hear us out - why not combine a perfect fall bike ride with a stop ( or three ) at a cider mill? If this sounds like your perfect fall weekend, then get ready to gear up and head over to Oakland County's "Paint Creek Trail"! Heading out from the Pure Michigan Trail Town of Orion Township , the 10-mile Paint Creek Trail will guide you past Bald Mountain State Recreation Area and several nature preserves to the Goodison Cider Mill and aptly-named Paint Creek Cider Mill . But wait, there's more cycling and cider ahead of you. Once you're fueled up with ample cider and donuts, keep the fall adventures moving by continuing east on the Clinton River Trail towards Bloomer Park. Once in Bloomer Park, follow the marked biking path towards trail marker #24 , leading towards Yates Park. As you may have guessed, t he famous Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills awaits your arrival . 2. HIKE FOR ULTIMATE FALL COLORS Destination: Pinckney State Recreation Area    |    Pinckney, MI When to Experience: Early-Mid October Recommended Adventure: Hiking the Crooked Lake Trail Last year, the Expedition Detroit team set out on a nearly impossible mission. We challenged ourselves to identify the best trail in the Detroit region for experiencing peak colors . A wonderfully brutal task. Countless hours of research and field testing later, we finally decided on a winner: the " Crooked Lake Trail " at Pinckney State Recreation Area! This 4.4 mile loop trail is a year-round favorite for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers , although it abruptly bursts with colors once October gets going. Beyond the trail's celebrated foliage, its surrounding wildlife actively sharply increases as the temperatures begin to dip. To enjoy the full experience, be sure to book a campsite at the Crooked Lake Rustic Campground . In honor of fall's glorious return, we're excited to launch a MASSIVE increase in our guided day hikes along the Crooked Lake Trail ! Expedition Detroit day hiking trips are perfect for hikers of all experience levels. We only ask that you arrive with a wide-eyed sense of adventure and excitement to discover Metro Detroit's world-class trails - especially the Crooked Lake Trail. RESERVE YOUR ULTIMATE FALL COLORS HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ! Photo courtesy of the Detroit Free Press Marathon (via Facebook) 3. FINISH RACING SEASON STRONG Destination: Detroit Riverfront |   Detroit, MI When to Experience: October 19, 2025 Recommended Adventure: Running the Detroit Free Press Marathon Ladies and gentlemen, lace up those sneakers: primetime racing season in Detroit is BACK! Regardless of whether you're a road or trail runner, fall's return means that our region's preeminent running events are back in the recreational spotlight. The Ann Arbor Marathon kick's off the season on October 12th, followed a week later by the crown jewel of southeast Michigan's outdoor events calendar: the Detroit Free Press Marathon . While either of these marathons will inevitably represent the seasonal finish line after months of grueling training, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention a few other key fall races: Crooked Lakes Trail Run | October 4th | Independence Oaks Park, Clarkston, MI Wicked Halloween Run | October 27th | Maybury State Park, Northville, MI Bonfyre Trail Fest  | November 8th | Waterloo State Recreation Area, Chelsea, MI Detroit Turkey Trot  | November 27th | Downtown Detroit, MI Milford Gobbler Gallop  | November 29th | Downtown Milford, MI TRAIN FOR RACING SEASON YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ! 4. EMBRACE SPOOKY SEASON ON A HAUNTED HIKE Destination: Belle lsle Park | Detroit, MI When to Experience: All October Recommended Adventure: Hiking Belle Isle's Lighthouse and Blue Heron Loops Detroit remains undefeated as one of America's top destinations for Halloween-themed activities. From haunted hayrides to paranormal tours, the annual Monster's Ball, and a season's worth of Halloween 5Ks, experiencing "Spooky Season" in and around Detroit is a bucket list-worthy adventure. Last year, team Expedition Detroit embraced Halloween in our outdoors by researching the best " Haunted Hiking " destinations throughout our region. Lo and behold, one of our most popular guided day trips - Belle Isle's " Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Loops " - prominently features two such macabre destinations! In honor of Spooky Season's return, we will also be increasing our guided day trip offerings not only to Belle Isle Park, but also Highland Recreation Area's "Haven Hill Loop." The Haven Hill Loop features a special, Expedition Detroit -exclusive encounter with the ruins of the Ford Family's hilltop "wilderness estate." Do paranormal spirits still haunt the islands of the Detroit River or forest surrounding Haven Hill? There's only one way to find out... if you dare! EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK THIS SPOOKY SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 5. GO ON THE HUNT FOR CONSERVATION Destination: Highland State Recreation Area | Highland, Michigan When to Experience: October through November Recommended Adventure: Whitetail Deer Hunting in Michigan State Recreation Areas If you're looking forward to the full menu of incredible outdoor experiences coming down the recreational pipeline this fall, then we have one small ask of you: please buy a Base License from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Why? The sale of hunting and fishing licenses remains a core fiscal component of several interwoven business models. From supercharging the Michigan DNR's financial capacity to supporting thousands of small businesses, the long-term viability of hunting remains a vital economic interest. If you are already planning on getting out in the woods and enjoying one of several hunting seasons that kick off this fall, then you are obviously planning on purchasing at least a Base License and actively supporting the Michigan DNR's conservation efforts. But even if hunting is not your main cup of tea for getting outside this autumn, we still encourage you to passively support conservation by purchasing a Base License. Best $11.00 you'll ever spend. Ethical hunting is essential for the longevity of Detroit's recreational ecosystem. There's no way to sugar coat it, and we at Expedition Detroit are proud to support the Michigan DNR and Michigan Wildlife Council in their ambitions to expand hunter and angler education and engagement. For more information on the upcoming the Fall 2025 Hunting Season, check out Expedition Detroit's 2025 Fall Hunting Cheatsheet . GEAR UP FOR HUNTING SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ! 6. ATTEND THE GRAND OPENING OF THE RALPH C. WILSON, JR. CENTENNIAL PARK Destination:    Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park   | Detroit, Michigan When to Experience:    October 25th - 26th Recommended Adventure:   Attending the Grand Opening Ceremony and Detroit Harvest Fest The City of Detroit is no stranger to massive, ground-breaking events. We made that abundantly clear to the rest of the world during the record-setting 2024 NFL Draft . Better yet, our city especially shines whenever we're blessed with the opening of a new, or refurbished outdoor space. Look no further than the award-winning Campus Martius (" Best Public Square in America "), Iron Belle Trail (" Longest State Trail in America "), and of course, the Detroit Riverwalk (" Best Riverwalk in America "). Well, guess what, Detroit: we're running up the score when it comes to the Riverwalk. This October, the long-awaited Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park is FINALLY opening to the public! The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy invites you to experience the historic opening of the park during a two-day FREE " Grand Opening " celebration. The festivities will include live entertainment, fall activities, food trucks, and endless fun for all ages throughout the brand-new park. Visit the Detroit Harvest Fest website for continuing updates on the grand opening celebration. 7. CONQUER THE "FIVE SUMMITS" WITH PEAK VISIBILITY Destination:    Five Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas When to Experience:    Throughout November Recommended Adventure:   Hike to the top of each of the "5 Summits" after the final leaves drop - but before snowfall - for peak visibility conditions In his 2022 hit song "Stick Season," Noah Kahan coined a name for winter's shoulder seasons in the northwoods. If you're unfamiliar with the term or song, "Stick Season" refers to the periods on both the forefront and backend of winter where the trees neither have leaves nor snow. They're just...sticks. Stick Season in the early spring means mud , i.e. less than ideal hiking or mountain biking conditions. In the late fall, however, Stick Season means great hiking conditions paired with UNMATCHED visibility in the woods. Put differently, the gradual loss of fall colors means the incremental gain in wildlife spotting, land scouting, and unmatched views from the Detroit region's highest points. For Team Expedition Detroit , we will be taking our late-fall hiking talents to each of the " Five Summits " across the Detroit region. We wrote an article earlier this year popularizing those high points - and have a new "Trail Challenge" surrounding them in the works for 2026 (stay tuned). For the TL;DR, here are each of the Five Summits for reference: Wayne Hill: elevation 990 feet | Maybury State Park, Northville, Michigan Prospect Hill: elevation 1,150 feet     | Waterloo State Recreation Area, Chelsea, Michigan Pontiac Lake Peak:  elevation 1,154 feet  |   Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, White Lake, Michigan Mount Kanzer:  elevation 1,160 feet  |   Highland State Recreation Area, Highland, Michigan Kerr Hill:  elevation 1,229 feet  |   Ortonville State Recreation Area, Metamora, Michigan 8. GRAND OPENING OF THE GORDIE HOWE BRIDGE ( MAYBE? ) Destination:    Gordie Howe International Bridge   | Detroit, Michigan When to Experience:    Hopefully this Fall Recommended Adventure:   Cross the bridge from the Iron Belle Trail to the Trans Canada Trail (and back) The inclusion of this last item is a gamble. On one hand, if the Gordie Howe International Bridge FINALLY opens at some point this fall, it will constitute - and this is putting it lightly - the single most important development in the history of Detroit's outdoor economy . A direct link between between the Iron Belle Trail and Trans Canada Trail. A fluid, pedestrian and cyclist-friendly connection between both nationalities of the Detroit region. When we first covered the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, that industry-redefining event was slated for sometime in 2024. Roughly a year ago, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority announced that the bridge would open sometime during "fall of 2025." While that timeline still hasn't officially changed, a recent report from the ratings agency S&P Global stated that opening could be delayed into 2026 due to delays completing the ports of entry on either side of the border. We're not in the gambling business, but if we had to place a bet on the bridge's opening, we'd unfortunately take the over into a 2026 ceremony. BUT, assuming in a perfect world that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will be opening this season, here's what binational explorers of the Detroit region can look forward to: A prominent multi-use path that will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists across the Windsor-Detroit border. Toll-free access to the bridge for foot and pedal traffic. Direct integration into the Trans Canada Trail in Windsor and the Iron Belle Trail and Great Lakes Way in Detroit. Safety features including concrete barriers separating the multi-use path from vehicular traffic, emergency call stations, security cameras, and lighting. Rendering of the pedestrian path on the Gordie Howe International Bridge Expedition Detroit 's " BACK-TO-SCHOOL DEALS " are still LIVE through the end of September! The deals include 30% OFF of ALL GUIDED HIKING TRIPS, 20% OFF of all EXPEDITION DETROIT STORE PRODUCTS, and 10% OFF of all HIKING BUNDLES booked before September 30th! What are your recreation plans for this fall? Are there any destinations or top outdoor experiences near Detroit that we should highlight for the Expedition Detroit community? Let us know in the comments!

Welcome home, Detroit's outdoor community! Looking for new "Back-to-School Trails" to experience with the whole family? We've got you covered - here are the 5 most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit, FALL 2025 EDITION! Time flies when you're busy exploring the very best of the Detroit region's outdoors. Truly - the last two years (!!) since we launched our guided outdoor experiences platform have brought a lifetime of new experiences, memories, and lasting friendships to the 11 Michigan State Parks that we have the pleasure of operating within. I have personally loved watching beginner hikers evolve into seasoned veterans, all while simultaneously forming new bonds with hiking buddies and experiencing the enchantment of our outdoor destinations. As a guide, there's no better feeling then witnessing the spark of a newfound love for the Detroit region's parks and trails. My attention over the past two years has been solely fixated on curating the best guided experiences that we can provide for our trip participants. However, while my focus has been on the trail, our internal analytics have been tracking another important metric: the most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit. Regardless of Team Expedition Detroit's personal favorites, objective data always provides the most reliable source of outdoor intel. In other words, the people have spoken through their bookings. Here are the 5 most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit for Fall 2025 : 5. Belle Isle Blue Heron Lagoon & Lighthouse Trail   |    Belle Isle State Park    |   Detroit, MI  Distance : 2.2 miles Elevation Gain : 22 feet Trail Rating : Easy Why Popular: Best guided experience for hikers of all ages/experience levels and large groups that want to learn more about the City of Detroit's natural ecosystem. I was once asked on the " Ramble & Mosey " Michigan outdoors podcast a deceptively challenging question: " If someone only had one hour to spend outside in Detroit's outdoors, where would you send them to? " My answer came instinctively: " For me, it's Belle Isle . " Why? Because unlike any other Michigan State Park, Belle Isle constitutes a microcosm of the entire binational Detroit region's outdoor ecosystem . While the 2.2 mile " Blue Heron Lagoon & Lighthouse Trail " is both the shortest and easiest on this list, the trail packs a recreational punch well above its metrics. Here are the highlights: Stunning views of Downtown Detroit, freighters, the Detroit River, Peche Island, and Windsor, Canada. World-class wildlife viewing along the Blue Heron Lagoon. Engaging history surrounding Belle Isle's development, past utilization, and haunted legend . Modern trailhead that marks the beginning of the Iron Belle Trail . Stunning architecture like the historic Livingstone Lighthouse and modern "One World Under Michigan Stars" sculpture. Perfect for new hikers, young children, or seniors interested in exploring local outdoor destinations. Ideal for corporate, intern, or other large groups looking to showcase the natural ecosystem of the Detroit region while building stronger connections. In other words, we're not surprised that the Blue Heron Lagoon & Lighthouse Trail has risen to one of Expedition Detroit’s most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit. If nothing else, the trail proves just how exhilarating "urban hiking" can be for hikers of every age and background. EXPLORE THE BLUE HERON LAGOON & LIGHTHOUSE TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 4.   Mt. Kanzer Trail   |    Highland State Recreation Area    |   Milford Township, MI  Distance : 4.2 miles Elevation Gain : 425 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Why Popular:   Perfect guided experience for adventurous hikers looking to explore a new trail leading to an obscure peak.   Out of all of the famous trails listed within this article, the adventurous Mt. Kanzer Trail is - by far - the least known by the greater outdoor community. That may be due to Highland Recreation Area's low annual visitor count , but we're willing to bet that it has more to do with the fact that much of this trail didn't even exist just a few years ago ( thanks again, Motor City Mountain Biking Association trail crew ). Those factors also explain why Mt. Kanzer represents the ideal destination for a guided hike near Detroit: The trail is relatively unknown, thus amplifying the "adventure" factor of an unforgettable outdoor experience. The rugged (yet very manageable) terrain leading up to Highland's highest point instills a lasting feeling of accomplishment. The largely undisturbed natural settings of the trail allow hikers to experience Highland's wild, untamed beauty. The decrease in foot traffic equates to an increase in harnessing the mental health benefits of the hiking experience. The trailhead's close proximity to the Village of Milford - a "Pure Michigan Trail Town" - means that a successful wilderness experience can be paired with a celebratory beer. We at Expedition Detroit have thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of exploring, documenting, and popularizing this off-the-beaten-path trail experience. We're proud to see that our love for the trail has caught on to the point where it's a popular trail for guided hiking near Detroit, and we hope that you will experience its magic this fall! SUMMIT THE MT. KANZER TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3.   Haven Hill Loop Trail   |    Highland State Recreation Area    |   White Lake Township, MI  Distance : 3.7 miles Elevation Gain : 311 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Why Popular:   Highlight reel of the full spectrum of the Detroit region's natural environment, including a historic climb to the former Ford Family wilderness estate.   If you're looking to enhance your hiking strength, experience, and historical knowledge in the Detroit region's sole " National Natural Landmark ," then Highland State Recreation Area's Haven Hill Loop Trail is the perfect hiking experience for you! With the trail's perfect blend of history, topography, and natural beauty, no one at Team Expedition Detroit is surprised that Haven Hill represents one of the most popular trails for guided hiking near Detroit. The hike effortlessly leads its guests through a kaleidoscope of varying landscapes, starting with lakeside vistas and progressing through expansive board walks, wildlife-rich wetlands, rugged moraine ridge lines, and dense old growth forest. The trail's final act truly saves the best for last: a step ascent to the ruins of Edsel Ford's famous "Haven Hill" estate. Perched high at 1,060 feet of elevation, Haven Hill was referred to as the Ford Family's wilderness "nerve retreat" away from the hustle and bustle of early 20th century Detroit. You will hike through the ruined corridors that once hosted the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and even the Prince of Wales. CONQUER HAVEN HILL  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2.   Crooked Lake Trail   |    Pinckney State Recreation Area    |   Pinckney, MI  Distance : 4.2 miles Elevation Gain : 393 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Why Popular:   Commonly ranked as one of the best hiking experiences throughout the entire State of Michigan, including the Detroit region's best trail for experiencing fall colors.   Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit's top-secret " Trail Ranking " methodology, the Crooked Lake Trail  is my single favorite trail in the Detroit area. This beloved 4.2 mile trail has played host to several of my most successful trail races , brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear out the noise of modern life. I love this trail - and I'm not surprised that it r anks as the #2 most popular trail for guided hiking near Detroit. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area , the Crooked Lake Trail sets out from the stunning Silver Lake trailhead and encircles the heart of Pinckney State Recreation Area, complete with panoramic views of Crooked Lake and Pickerel Lake. The trail provides a complete package expected from any thrilling Southeast Michigan hiking experience: vibrant fall colors, dense marshlands, mature forests, spacious grassland prairies, dramatic moraine hills, and plenty of wildlife sightings. Wait...did we mention fall colors? Especially with peak foliage coming down the pipeline shortly, we wanted to leave the Crooked Lake Trail's feature with this excerpt from our #TrailTuesday spotlight on its natural beauty: Fast forward an hour or so, I'm a few miles into the Crooked Lake Trail - mesmerized by my surroundings.  The entire scene is bathed in golden light, both from the vibrant yellow leaves of the park's hickory trees and the late afternoon sun. My camera is pleading for mercy after its overuse while trying to capture the scene. Eventually I give up on it, surrendering to the realization that moments like this, in places like this, can only be fully-experienced in the moment. Seize the moment, Detroit - we'll see you at the Crooked Lake Trail this fall! DISCOVER THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 1. Maybury Hiking Trail | Maybury State Park |   Northville, MI  Distance : 3.1 miles Elevation Gain : 127 feet Trail Rating : Easy-Moderate Why Popular:   Best overall guided trail experience in terms of accessibility, offerings, wildlife viewing opportunities, and engagement for all hiking experience levels. The data is clear: Maybury State Park is the undisputed most popular destination for guided hiking near Detroit . Located on the northwestern edge of Wayne County in Northville Township , Maybury's popularity may come as a surprise to our region's more intrepid explorers - especially those that regularly frequent the " Black Diamond Trails ." We'd also be willing to bet that any doubters have yet to experience the magic of Maybury's Main Hiking Trail . For the uninitiated, hiking Maybury's Main Hiking Trail provides a quintessential Detroit region outdoor experience . The trail showcases the history of the Maybury Sanatorium (including its remaining ruins), 360º views of the scenery and wildlife surrounding its main pond, topographic staples of Southeast Michigan's glacial history , and postcard views of the brilliant foliage of its wooded highlands. Better yet, its gently rolling 3 miles provide the perfect trail experience for hikers of all ages and experience levels. EXPLORE TOP-RATED MAYBURY STATE PARK  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT But wait, there's more! Due to Maybury's abundant fauna, the park's popularity also stems from its unbelievable wildlife viewing opportunities - especially at night. Team Expedition Detroit has pioneered the " Night Hiking Safari " experience throughout a select number of Southeast Michigan's State Parks, with Maybury representing our most-selected option for nocturnal exploration. With daylight hours waning and animal movement increasing, we invite you to #EmbraceTheDark and join us on a top-rated night hiking safari this fall! EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE OF A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Looking for more family-friendly hiking experiences? Check out our latest trail experience offering - Trails & Ales - in collaboration with River's Edge Brewing Company and Blue Birch Outfitters! This weekly hiking event comes not only with a world-class hiking adventure at Proud Lake State Recreation Area , but also comes complete with community-driven perks at River's Edge and Blue Birch Outfitters. Which of the above is your favorite trail? Is there a specific trail, park, activity, or destination that you would like to see featured in a future article? Perfect - we want to hear about it! Please feel free to post about it in the comments below or contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

Fall means primetime in Detroit's outdoors - especially for the Michigan hunting community ready for crisp mornings and cool evenings in the woods! Here is Expedition Detroit's breakdown of the game, dates, equipment, and special regulations for the 2025 Michigan hunting season . Michigan hunters, start your engines : September is officially BACK and the woods are ready for your arrival! Before trekking out into the woods, we always encourage both seasoned and fresh hunters to pause for a moment and review the Michigan Department of Natural Resources ' annual fishing guide and hunting summaries. These summaries are truly invaluable resources for reviewing recent changes to DNR regulations, restrictions, and procedures, such as last year's mandatory deer harvest reporting requirements . Regardless if you’re a veteran woodsman or as green as hunters come, reading through the 2025 Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary is a worthwhile investment prior to heading out to your stand. The only downside to wading through the DNR's comprehensive summaries is that they tend to be almost too informational. We don't blame the DNR - creating a Michigan hunting regulations bible each year that covers the whole state certainly isn't a small feat. However, too much of a good thing can become a bad thing, and summaries of this magnitude often cause readers' eyes to glaze over and miss the most important information. That's where we step in. Ladies and gentlemen, meet our third annual Michigan Hunting Cheatsheet: Expedition Detroit's curated summary of the most important information for hunters within the Detroit region - UPDATED FOR THE 2025 FALL SEASON. Whitetail Deer When : October 1st - November 14th and December 1st - January 31st for archery (in the Detroit region), November 15th - 30th for regular firearm , and December 5th - 14th for muzzleloader . Early antlerless firearm season occurs on September 20th - 21st on public and private lands. There is a late antlerless firearm season open on private lands only from December 16th, 2024 - January 1st, 2025. NEW: There is an extended late antlerless season within Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties until January 11th, 2026 on public and private land. Hunting Equipment : Compound or crossbow all season; limited firearms and muzzleloaders during various phases of season. “Limited firearms” include a shotgun, a handgun that is .35-caliber or larger with straight-walled cartridges, a .35-caliber or larger rifle with straight-walled cartridges with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.80 inches, and a .35-caliber or larger air rifle or pistol charged only from an external, high compression power source. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Limit : 1 per tag. Licenses Required : Base License and either Deer License or Deer Combo License. Waterfowl (Ducks, Coots, Mergansers, and Geese) When : September 1st - 30th, October 18th - December 14th, December 27th - January 4th, and January 31st - February 9th (geese); October 18th - December 14th and December 27th - 28th (ducks, coots, and mergansers). Hunting Equipment : Shotgun. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Limits : Ducks : Daily limit is 6, season-long possession is 18. Coots : Daily limit is 15, season-long possession is 45. Mergansers : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 15. Dark Geese (Canada, brant and white-fronted) : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 15. Light Geese (snow, blue and Ross’s) : Daily limit is 20, season-long possession is 60. Licenses Required : Base License and Waterfowl Hunting License. More information : 2025 Waterfowl Hunting Regulations Summary . Wild Turkey When : September 15th - November 14th. Hunting Equipment : Shotgun, crossbow, or compound bow. Where : Private or public lands within within Southeastern Michigan; however, Monroe County is closed to fall turkey hunting. Limit : One bearded or beardless turkey, any sex, per tag. Licenses Required : Base License and Fall Turkey License. More information : 2025 Fall Turkey Hunting Summary Pheasant When : October 20th - November 14th and December 1st - January 1st ( male only ). Hunting Equipment : Shotgun. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 2, season-long possession is 4. Licenses Required : Base License and Pheasant License (required only for hunters 18 years of age and older hunting on public lands). More Information : 2025 Small Game Hunting Guide. Quail When : October 20th - November 14th. Hunting Equipment : Shotgun. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. At Highland Recreation Area , quail may be harvested only by field trial participants in the field trial areas on days with authorized field trials. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10. Licenses Required : Base License. Ruffed Grouse When : September 15th - November 14th and December 1st - January 1st. Hunting Equipment : Shotgun. Where : Private or public lands within Southeastern Michigan. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 3, season-long possession is 6. Licenses Required : Base License. Fox and Gray Squirrel When : September 15th - March 31st. Hunting Equipment : Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where : Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10. Licenses Required : Base License. Furbearer (Coyote, Fox, Weasel, Raccoon, Skunk, and Opossum) When : July 15th, 2025 - April 15th, 2026 (coyote), October 1st - March 31st (raccoon); October 15th - March 1st (fox); year-round (opossum, skunk, and weasel). Hunting Equipment : Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where : Statewide on public and private lands - Unit C regulations apply to the Detroit region. Bag Limits : No limit. Licenses Required : Base License and Furbearer License. Opossum, skunk, and weasel may be harvested year-round, statewide with a valid Michigan fur harvesting license. Coyote, opossum, raccoon, skunk and weasel can be harvested year-round, using all legal hunting and trapping methods for those species, on private property and without a license when doing or physically present where they could imminently cause damage. Coyote, fox, opossum, and raccoon can be hunted at night. More Information : 2025 Furbearer Harvest Summary Small Game (Rabbit, Red Squirrel, and Woodchuck) When : September 15th - March 31st (rabbit); year-round (red squirrel and woodchuck). Hunting Equipment : Rifle (.22-caliber), limited firearm, compound bow, crossbow, or air gun. Where : Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits : Daily limit is 5, season-long possession is 10 for rabbit; no limit for red squirrel and woodchuck. Licenses Required : Base License. Cottontail rabbit, red squirrel, and woodchuck may be taken year-round on private property without a license when about to cause damage. Small Birds (Crow, Starling, and House Sparrows) When : August 1st - September 30th and February 1st - March 31st for crow; year-round for other birds. Hunting Equipment : Shotgun or air gun. Where : Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits : No limit. Licenses Required : Base License. Crows, Starlings, and House Sparrows may be taken by a property owner or designee without a license if doing or about to do damage on private property. Pest Species: Russian Boar (INVASIVE), Porcupine, and Feral Pigeon When : Year-round Hunting Equipment : Any lawful firearm, compound bow, or crossbow. Where : Statewide on private or public land. Bag Limits : No limit; Russian Boar but must be reported to Michigan.gov/FeralSwine or by calling 517-284-4725. Licenses Required : Base License. Why Hunting Matters for Michigan For some readers, this inclusion of a Michigan hunting article on our platform may have come as a surprise. The truth is, ethical hunting has represented a cornerstone aspect of Expedition Detroit since its inception almost one year ago. Fall's return to the northern hemisphere means the inclusion of more hunting-specific content, which we understand may be jarring to some readers who subscribed after reading one of our popular backpacking or camping articles. If you find yourself in that camp - i.e., someone who is neutral or somewhat against hunting - then allow us a moment to explain why we view ethical hunting as a critical component of Michigan's outdoor recreation ecosystem . Actually, its most important component. To summarize, Southeast Michigan has a serious ecological problem stemming largely from its overpopulation of deer . Car accidents involving deer have risen 6.6% since 2012, making Michigan the second leading state in the U.S. for deer-car accidents. Crop damage on Michigan farms attributable to deer has risen 59.6% since 2014. M ilder winters across the Great Lakes region have allowed more deer to survive and reproduce in the spring and early summer. Bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease are spreading throughout herds within the Lower Peninsula. What exacerbates these problems most for the DNR, however, is that fewer and fewer Michiganders are heading into the woods each year. In the 1990s , led by baby boomers, Michigan had 900,000 deer hunters in the woods. By 2030, the DNR expects about half as many. Beyond the physical detrimental effects of less hunters, the DNR and Michigan's tourism industry has relied on the roughly $2.3 billion in economic impact derived from hunting - a valuable revenue stream that state officials fear will diminish rapidly in the coming years. Yes, unethical and irresponsible hunters absolutely deserve the scorn of today's mainstream outdoor community. That being said, hunting has a valuable ecological, economic, and cultural position in our state's outdoor heritage . Michigan needs hunters more now than ever in its history, and we at Expedition Detroit are proud to advocate for the development and proliferation of ethical, lawful, and science-backed hunting. We hope that you'll join us in the woods this season! GEAR UP FOR THE FALL 2024 HUNTING SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! This cheatsheet is intended only as a high-level and supplemental reference to the Michigan Hunting Summaries . The summaries linked to above include a broad range of very helpful and instructive information, such as legal shooting hours, species-specific limitations (e.g., ducks and other waterfowl), information on lawful stands and baiting practices, and penalties for violations. Any further inquiries regarding applicable rules and regulations should be directed to the Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary or DNR at 517-284-WILD. You can CLICK HERE to purchase any of the requisite licenses listed above. Best of luck this season!