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 Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area in Waterford Township, Michigan! Congratulations - by conquering Pontiac Lake's famous MTB Loop, you will have successfully hiked 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. Perfect for anyone training for advanced hiking around the world, Pontiac Lake's massive MTB loop provides ample technical terrain, steep climbs, and stunning views to satisfy the appetite of any world-class hiker. 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

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 Maybury State Park throughout the fall and winter to explore and enjoy the best of the Detroit area's outdoors - under the stars! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Maybury State Park's beloved main "Hiking Trail Loop." Setting off from the 8 Mile Road trailhead, this 3.1 mile hike will cross the park's "wooded highlands," wildlife-dense marshlands, the picturesque Maybury Pond, and uncover the ruins of the Maybury Sanatorium. 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. MORE ON THIS TRAIL: Meeting Point: Trailhead at the eastern parking lot of Maybury's 8 Mile Rd. entrance (turn LEFT at the crossroads after entering the park). The tour starts at the "MAYBURY SANATORIUM" sign at the trailhead. Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the 8 Mile Trailhead VETERANS ALWAYS HIKE FREE! Use code "VETERAN" to redeem. CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY SPOTLIGHT ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-maybury-state-park-hiking-trail-loop

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! This introductory-level guided hike will traverse Highland's intrepid "North Loop" trail. Setting off from the E Livingston Road trailhead, this 2.2 mile hike traverses the rolling pines, mature pine forests, and stunning prairie grasslands of Highland's northern sections. The North Loop provides the perfect terrain for hikers of all experience levels to break in their boots, explore one of Highland's "hidden gem" trails, and kick-off their adventure into the world of hiking! Family-friendly adventure - children under 9 HIKE FREE! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main "MTB Trailhead" parking lot off of E Livingston Road. Elevation Gain: 111 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the MTB Trailhead

Welcome to Highland State Recreation Area in Highland, Michigan! Congratulations - by conquering Highland's A-B-C-D Loops, you will have successfully hiked one of the Detroit region's 3 "Black Diamond"-rated hiking trails! Circling around Mount Omich, the four distinct "Alphabet Loops" constitute Highland's most rigorous terrain for our region's most experienced hikers. This trail system 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. Perfect for anyone training for advanced hiking around the world, these loops provide enough technical terrain, steep climbs, and stunning views to satisfy the appetite of any world-class hiker. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Main "MTB Trailhead" parking lot off of E Livingston Road. Elevation Gain: 1,309 feet Trail Rating: Difficult Route Orientation: Loop (counter-clockwise to mountain biking traffic) Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for parking at the MTB Trailhead CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-highland-recreation-area-s-a-b-c-d-loops

Introducing "TRAILS & ALES" - a special community-based hiking experience brought to you by Expedition Detroit, River's Edge Brewing Company, and Blue Birch Outfitters of Milford! This guided hike along Proud Lake's "Expedition Loop" 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 experience levels! BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! All Trails & Ales participants will receive the following perks: +$1 OFF of ALL BEVERAGES (alcohol and non-alcohol) at River's Edge Brewing Company in Milford, Michigan! Located just 3.4 miles from the trail head, the Expedition Detroit Team invites YOU to join us at River's Edge for a post-hike, AWARD WINNING beer, seltzer, or any drink of your choice. We couldn't imagine a better way to kick off your weekend. +20% OFF of 1 IN-STORE ITEM at Blue Birch Outfitters! Located within walking distance of River's Edge, all "Trails & Ales" participants will automatically receive 20% off of 1 in-store item when they display their booking receipt from a hiking event! Participants will have 30 days to redeem their discount. Trails & Ales is a family-friendly adventure - KIDS 9 AND UNDER ALWAYS HIKE FOR 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 River's Edge Brewing Company Address: 125 S Main St Suite 400, Milford, MI 48381 Phone: (248) 685-1625 Blue Birch Outfitters Address: 432 N Main St, Milford, MI 48381 Phone: (947) 570-1632 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 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

Set off on a winter wonderland adventure on a GUIDED SNOWSHOE TOUR! This moderate-level guided snowshoe tour leads intrepid adventurers to the highest of Highland's three towering moraines: Mount Kanzer, standing tall at an elevation of 1,160 feet. Starting at the southernmost trailhead of Highland - just north of Downtown Milford off of Weaver Road - the trail takes a southern approach to Mount Kanzer following the rolling "Milford Connector Trail." Once across Cooley Lake Road, the trail loops around Highland's southern marshlands until summiting Mount Kanzer just past the mid-way mark. Don't forget to stay on the lookout for abundant wildlife as you complete your summit push! Snowshoes and poles are available for rent and will be fitted at the trailhead. Depending on departure time, we also strongly advise that snowshoe participants bring their own headlamp or rent one from Expedition Detroit for $5. Headlamps are reservable via our online checkout and payable at the trailhead. IN THE EVENT OF CANCELLATION BASED ON CONDITIONS, participants will have the option to (1) use booked session for a guided hike + receive credit towards another guided trip or (2) postpone reservation to another date. We will send you the form to make your selection. MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting Point: Milford Connector parking lot trailhead Trail Length: 3.8 miles Elevation Gain: 233 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Very limited parking at trailhead; free parking pull-off locations also located along Weaver Rd. CHECK OUT OUR #TRAILTUESDAY ARTICLE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/trailtuesday-highland-s-mt-kanzer-trail

Let's go foraging at Waterloo State Recreation Area in Chelsea, Michigan! As requested - no, demanded - by our hiking community, Expedition Detroit is proud to unveil new guided foraging hikes at Waterloo Recreation Area this spring along the Lakeview Trail! Starting near McClure Road along the iconic Waterloo–Pinckney Trail, this introductory-level guided foraging hike will loosely follow Waterloo's "Lakeview Trail," diverging in step with "Leave No Trace" best practices to forage for morels, pheasant’s back, golden oysters, chicken of the woods, Salisbury steak of the woods, chanterelles, as well as a few more interesting non-edibles that are fun to learn about. It’s a relaxed yet rewarding outing for foragers, 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 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

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