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Welcome to Brighton Recreation Area! NEW FOR SUMMER 2025! This introductory-level guided hike explores one of the lesser-known gems of Brighton Recreation Area: the Richardson Trail! This forested route provides an idyllic opportunity to enjoy wildlife viewing, wetlands vistas, rolling elevation, and towering oak and hickory trees. CHILDREN UNDER 10 HIKE FOR FREE! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Chambers Road roadside parking lot Trail length: 3.0 miles Trip duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes Elevation Gain: 216 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Out-n-Back Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at trailhead

Welcome to Pinckney State Recreation Area in Pinckney, Michigan! NEW FOR SUMMER 2025! This introductory-level guided hike explores one of Pinckney Recreation Area's most beloved and beginner-friendly trails: the Silver Lake Trail! This forested loop through the heart of the park winds through a beautiful forest filled with abundant wildlife. The route offers views of three lakes and passes some tranquil ponds. Several climbs along the way make for a great workout. Remember to bring bug spray if you're visiting in spring or summer! PERFECT TRAIL FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Children under the age of 10 ALWAYS hike for free. VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot at Silver Lake Day Use Area (northernmost trailhead) Trail length: 2.6 miles Trip duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Elevation Gain: 190 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Silver Lake trailhead parking lot NOTE: Fall colors are most prominent in Mid-October. Foliage conditions are never guaranteed and may be affected by natural conditions outside of Expedition Detroit's control.

Welcome to Holly State Recreation Area in Holly, Michigan! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Holly's stunning "Wildwood and Valley Lake" Trail. Setting off from the Wildwood and Valley Lake Trail trailhead (directly north of Wildwood Lake before the bridge), this 2.5 mile hike encircles the gentle waters, mature oak forests, and glistening vistas of Holly's southernmost lakes. This lakeside loop provides non-stop views of the wildlife, foliage, and paddlers enjoying one of the crown jewels of Holly Recreation Area's wild places. Come explore one of Holly's most beloved trails and kick-off your adventure into the world of hiking! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: "Wildwood and Valley Lakes Trail" parking lot south of McGinnis Road (follow signs for "Lakeshore Trail") Elevation Gain: 95 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Wildwood and Valley Lake Trail trailhead parking lot. DIRECTIONS: Enter Holly Recreation Area from McGinnis Road by driving south into entrance marked "HOLLY RECREATION AREA HERON, VALLEY, WILDWOOD LAKES." Follow signage towards Wildwood Lake. Drive past "Overlook Picnic Area" to reach trailhead parking lot directly north of Wildwood Lake bridge (parking lot entrance will be on your right). The tour starts in front of the "LAKESHORE TRAIL" sign.

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! This moderate-level guided hike explores one of the Detroit region's most famous, beautiful, and historic trails: the "Haven Hill Loop" at Highland Recreation Area. Starting from the idyllic Haven Hill Lake, the trail traverses the dense marshlands, mature forests, dramatic moraine hills, and remaining ruins of Edsel Ford's historic "nerve retreat." Yes - this trail includes a foray to the structural ruins of Haven Hill, the Ford Family's wilderness lodge that once hosted the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and even the Prince of Wales. If you're looking to enhance your hiking strength, experience, and historical knowledge in the Detroit region's sole National Natural Landmark, then this is the perfect trail for you! VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Haven Hill Lake parking lot trailhead (first turn on your right after entering Highland Recreation Area) Trail Length: 3.7 miles Elevation Gain: 260 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Haven Hill Lake parking lot CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-the-haven-hill-loop

NEW TRAIL FOR SUMMER 2025! Welcome to Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan! The Waterloo–Pinckney to Hickory Hill & Crooked Lake Loop offers a serene 4.2‑mile woodland escape! Starting from the Eddy Discovery Center, this adventurous hike explores ridge-top, singletrack trail before winding down into a lush ravine hugging Crooked Lake’s northern shore. The trail blends gentle hills with peaceful lakeside sections and tucked-away benches for quiet reflection. This moderate loop takes about 1½ hours and is ideal for hikers of all skillsets. In winter, it’s also a lovely route for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Eddy Discover Center trailhead Trail length: 4.2 miles Trip Duration: 2 hours Elevation Gain: 305 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Lollipop Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Discovery Center trailhead parking lot

Start the new season with an epic winter adventure on a GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOUR! This moderate-level snowshoe tour offers an engaging 3.1-mile loop along the southern bank of the Huron River, through towering pines, and around Proud Lake's stunning central marsh. Your highlight-reel adventure will provide plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, capture breathtaking photos, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of one of southeast Michigan's most beloved wetland habitats. With an easy trail rating and minimal elevation gain, it's perfect for all skill levels! Family-friendly adventure - children under 9 HIKE FREE! VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Proud Lake Huron River Fishing Site parking lot Trail length: 3.12 miles Elevation Gain: 59 feet Trail Rating: Easy-Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Huron River Fishing Site parking lot CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-proud-lake-state-recreation-area-s-new-expedition-loop

Welcome to Brighton Recreation Area in Brighton, Michigan! This moderate-level guided hike explores the most consistently top ranked trail in the entire Detroit region: the bucket-list worthy Penosha Trail! This famous loop, described as a "quintessential Michigan hike," has earned its acclaim through the trail's dramatic ridges, mature forests, wildlife-teeming wetlands, and seasonal wildflowers. Perfect for hikers looking for an accessible and perfectly-challenging day hike, the Penosha Trail certainly will become one of your go-to destinations for years to come! VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Bishop Lake trailhead parking lot Trail length: 4.9 miles Elevation Gain: 393 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at Bishop Lake trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-the-penosha-trail

Welcome to Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Waterford Township, Michigan! Congratulations - by conquering Pontiac Lake's famous MTB Loop, you will have successfully backpacked one of the most technical trails in southeast Michigan. Circling around the forested wilderness area north of the namesake Pontiac Lake, the MTB loop features rocky, hilly terrain with sharp turns. As the name suggests, this trail is primarily utilized for mountain biking, but the Michigan DNR has provided Expedition Detroit with limited access to conduct guided trips due to the beauty, challenge, and world-class prestige of the MTB Trail. As an advanced trail, this trip is perfect for experienced hikers that are preparing for a prolonged backpacking expedition. This adventurous day trip includes limited instruction on how to properly plan for a backpacking trip, tips on packing your backpack, and practical field training on proper form and pacing - all while exploring one of the "Top 100 Trails" in the U.S. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot off of Williams Lake Road. Elevation Gain: 649 feet Trail Rating: Difficult Route Orientation: Loop (counter-clockwise to mountain biking traffic) Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Williams Lake Road trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-pontiac-lake-mtb-loop

Welcome to Island Lake State Recreation Area in Brighton, Michigan! This moderate-level guided hike explores the crown jewel of one of the Detroit region's most popular parks: Island Lake's Yellow Trail Loop. This trail provides every natural feature that a hiker, trail runner, or mountain biker could wish for - mature pine forests, riverside vistas, panoramic hillsides, idyllic bridges, wildlife viewing, and steep climbs/declines to keep your heart pumping. Come discover why the Yellow Trail has evolved into a generational favorite for Detroit's outdoor community! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main mountain biking trailhead parking lot Trail length: 5.5 miles Elevation Gain: 278 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the main mountain biking trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-island-lake-yellow-trail-loop

Calling all night owls, adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and intrepid hikers! We're heading into the darker months of the year, which means that the BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES are just around the corner. Join Expedition Detroit on a special "Night Hike Safari" at Highland Recreation Area's famous & historic "Haven Hill Natural Area" throughout the fall and winter to explore and enjoy the best of the Detroit area's outdoors - under the stars! This moderate-level guided hike explores one of the Detroit region's most famous, beautiful, and historic trails: the "Haven Hill Loop" at Highland Recreation Area. Starting from the idyllic Haven Hill Lake, the trail traverses the dense marshlands, mature forests, dramatic moraine hills, and remaining ruins of Edsel Ford's historic "nerve retreat." Yes - this trail includes a foray to the structural ruins of Haven Hill, the Ford Family's wilderness lodge that once hosted the likes of Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Charles Lindbergh, and even the Prince of Wales. If you're looking to enhance your hiking strength, experience, and historical knowledge in the Detroit region's sole National Natural Landmark, then this is the perfect trail for you! EACH HIKER MUST WEAR A HEADLAMP OR CARRY A FLASHLIGHT! Participants can either bring their own or rent one from Expedition Detroit for $5. Headlamps are reservable via the online checkout and payable at the trailhead. VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Haven Hill Lake parking lot trailhead (first turn on your right after entering Highland Recreation Area) Trail Length: 3.7 miles Elevation Gain: 260 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Haven Hill Lake parking lot CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-the-haven-hill-loop

Calling all night owls, adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and intrepid hikers! We're heading into the darker months of the year, which means that the BEST WILDLIFE VIEWING OPPORTUNITIES are just around the corner. Join Expedition Detroit on a special "Night Hike Safari" at Proud Lake State Recreation throughout the fall and winter to explore and enjoy the best of the Detroit area's outdoors - under the stars! This guided hike offers an engaging 3.1-mile loop along the southern bank of the Huron River, through towering pines, and around Proud Lake's stunning central marsh. Your highlight-reel adventure will provide plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, capture breathtaking photos, and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of one of southeast Michigan's most beloved wetland habitats. With an easy trail rating and minimal elevation gain, it's perfect for all skill levels! EACH HIKER MUST WEAR A HEADLAMP OR CARRY A FLASHLIGHT! Participants can either bring their own or rent one from Expedition Detroit for $5. Headlamps are reservable via the online checkout and payable at the trailhead. VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Proud Lake Huron River Fishing Site parking lot Trail length: 3.12 miles Elevation Gain: 59 feet Trail Rating: Easy-Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Huron River Fishing Site parking lot CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-proud-lake-state-recreation-area-s-new-expedition-loop

Welcome to Pinckney State Recreation Area in Pinckney, Michigan! EXPERIENCE PINCKNEY LIKE NEVER BEFORE! This moderate-level guided hike explores one of the most famous and beloved trails throughout the entire State of Michigan: the Crooked Lake Trail. Starting from the beautiful Silver Lake trailhead, this quintessential loop encircles the heart of Pinckney State Recreation Area, complete with panoramic views of Crooked Lake and Pickerel Lake. The Crooked Lake Trail provides the complete package of a thrilling Southeast Michigan hiking experience, including vibrant fall colors, dense marshlands, mature forests, spacious grassland prairies, dramatic moraine hills, and plenty of wildlife sightings. VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot at Silver Lake Day Use Area (northernmost trailhead) Trail length: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 324 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Silver Lake trailhead parking lot NOTE: Fall colors are most prominent in Mid-October. Foliage conditions are never guaranteed and may be affected by natural conditions outside of Expedition Detroit's control.