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Welcome to Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Commerce, Michigan! This moderate-level guided and instructional backpacking expedition provides a "Grand Tour" of Proud Lakes principal hiking trails: a figure-eight pattern traversing the park's popular Marsh, River, Red, and Blue Trails. This route truly provides a highlight reel of southeast Michigan's best natural features. Marshland boardwalks, hardwood forest natural trails, Huron River vistas, towering pines, rolling hills, and the best variety of wildlife viewing opportunities that a naturalist could ever hope for. Perfect for backpackers training for their first overnight trip, this moderate-level day trip includes 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 Proud Lake's most cherished trail system. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Wixom Rd. Trailhead parking lot Trail length: 5.6 miles Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy-Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Wixom Rd. Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-proud-lake-state-recreation-area-s-figure-8-loops

NEW TRAIL FOR SUMMER 2025! Welcome to Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan! Starting near McClure Road along the iconic Waterloo–Pinckney Trail, the Waterloo Lakeview Trail is a captivating 3‑mile forested hike weaving through ridge-top oaks, scenic lakeshores, and springtime wildflower meadows. A footbridge leads you into a tranquil deciduous canopy, past a rustic cabin on Spring Lake, and onto gentle wetlands before emerging onto the peaceful western shore of Mill Lake. With benches and boardwalk spots to pause, this easy to moderate loop trail finishes with a ridge-top perch perfect for a snack break. It’s a relaxed yet rewarding outing for hikers, runners, birders, and families within a wilderness sanctuary! Family-friendly adventure - children under 9 ALWAYS HIKE FREE! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main trailhead parking lot at Eddy Discovery Center Trail length: 3.0 miles Trip duration: 1 hour 30 minutes Elevation Gain: 154 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Lollipop Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Discovery Center trailhead parking lot

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! This moderate-level guided and instructional backpacking expedition 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. Perfect for backpackers training for their first overnight trip, this moderate-level day trip includes 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 Highland's most beloved trail. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Haven Hill Lake parking lot trailhead 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

Welcome to Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Milford, Michigan! Less crowds, less problems! This moderate-level guided trail run explores the lesser-known - but still stunningly beautiful - western segments of Proud Lake. Utilized by hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike, Proud Lake's Loops 2 and 3 provide exploration opportunities across the rolling hills, spacious grasslands, dense marshes, and forested trails south of the Huron River and west of Norton Creek. Moderate-level trail runs are perfect for any runner training for a 10K, half-marathon, and even marathon distance race. With a guided and coached trail run, you will not only benefit from the experience of a knowledgeable guide, but also reap the physical benefits of running within one of the Detroit region's premiere trails. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Equestrian staging parking lot at end of Garden Road (trailhead for Loops 2 and 3). Trail length: 4.5 miles Elevation Gain: 255 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Garden Road Equestrian Staging parking lot.

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! This moderate-level guided trail run 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. Moderate-level trail runs are perfect for any runner training for a 10K, half-marathon, and even marathon distance race. With a guided and coached trail run, you will not only benefit from the experience of a knowledgeable guide, but also reap the physical benefits of running within one of the Detroit region's premiere trails. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Haven Hill Lake parking lot trailhead 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

Welcome to Brighton Recreation Area in Brighton, Michigan! This moderate-level guided and instructional backpacking expedition traverses 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 backpackers training for their first overnight trip, this moderate-level day trip includes 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 southeast Michigan's premiere trail. Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! 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

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

Welcome to Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Waterford Township, Michigan! Congratulations - by conquering Pontiac Lake's famous MTB Loop, you will have successfully ran 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 trail runners that are preparing for a half marathon, marathon, or ultra marathon. With a guided and coached trail run, you will not only benefit from the experience of a knowledgeable guide, but also reap the metaphysical benefits of running on 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 TRIP: 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 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 Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan! Maybury's rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic wetland vistas provide an ideal locale to start your journey into the world of backpacking. Perfect for first-time or new-ish backpackers, this introductory-level day trip includes 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 Detroit region's most beloved trails, the Maybury State Park "Hiking Trail Loop." Don't forget to bring all of your gear, including - as always - your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop

Welcome to Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Commerce, Michigan! Perfect for beginner trail runners looking to leave the pavement behind with a dedicated guide AND coach, this introductory-level trail run will circle Proud Lake's enchanting central marsh along the aptly-named "Marsh Trail." Setting off from Proud Lake's principal trailhead parking lot just east of Wixom Road, this brisk 1.1 mile hike will circle the park's idyllic inland marsh. Your guided trail run will cross boardwalks and natural pathways, all the while providing optimal opportunities for wildlife viewing and scenic vistas of one of southeast Michigan's most cherished wetland habitats. All introductory level trail runs include not only the helpful insights of a local guide, but also coaching on stride, pacing, and potential route hazards. Additional facts regarding this trail: Meeting Point: Wixom Rd. Trailhead parking lot Trail Length: 1.1 miles (perfect for very new trail runners!) Elevation Gain: 19 feet Trail Rating: Very Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the Wixom Rd. Trailhead

Welcome to Maybury State Park in Northville, Michigan! TGIM! Studies show that morning exercise is key for prolonged energy, creativity, and metabolic benefits during the day. So why not kick-off your week bv reaping the benefits of an A.M. workout in one of the Detroit region's most beautiful AND accessible state parks?? Perfect for beginner trail runners looking to leave the pavement behind with a dedicated guide AND coach, this introductory-level trail run will traverse Maybury State Park's beloved main "Hiking Trail Loop." Setting off from the 8 Mile Road trailhead, this 3.1 mile run will cross the park's "wooded highlands," wildlife-dense marshlands, the picturesque Maybury Pond, and uncover the ruins of the Maybury Sanatorium. Your trip will include coaching on form, pacing, and cautionary instructions on trail hazards from your experienced guide. MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop