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Summer vacations may have ended, but Detroit's primetime outdoor events season is just kicking off! Here are September's " Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit " that are coming down the pipeline this month. Ladies and gentlemen, start your recreational engines: the "Ber" months have finally arrived to the Detroit region . In full transparency, Team Expedition Detroit has had the month of September circled on our calendars since May. According to 3 years of our engagement data analytics, we can empirically state that the Detroit region's outdoors hit their full stride in September (and gets even stronger in October). That's right - summer months be damned, September is when our local outdoor community shines. And if you're scratching your head at that conclusion, here's a summary of our arguments as to why: Vacationers are home . Back to school means that intrepid adventurers have returned to their local parks and trails - or are in the hunt for local outdoor adventures to maintain August's momentum. Summer's miseries are behind us. Extreme heat, pervasive wild fire smoke, blood-thirsty deer flies - September constitutes a welcomed departure from such miseries. Summer's blessings are still in full effect. September provides the ideal window to fully enjoy warm weather recreation without fighting for reservations, parking spots, or trail space. Peak race season is waiting in the wings. After a full summer of training, September provides the perfect bridge month of "training races" before October's headlining events. The net result of the above factors? An action-packed September filled to the brim with world-class outdoor events for the whole family to enjoy. So, without further delay, here are the Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit going down this month! 1. Fly Over to the Festival of Hawks September 13th | Holiday Beach Conservation Area | 9:00 a.m. Did you know that the Detroit region is home to one of the greatest migrations in North America? That's right - and our friends over in Amherstburg, Ontario plan the perfect annual event to celebrate and catch a glimpse of this rare feat. This year, Holiday Beach Conversation Area will host the 2025 Festival of Hawks - aka HawkFest - during which bird watchers and nature aficionados will observe the migration of tens of thousands of hawks and raptors flying overhead on their annual journey to nesting grounds in the south. The festival will also feature a range of free educational activities and nature-themed programming, all included with the price of admission ($20 CAD per vehicle). 2. Light Up the Cut at Eastern Market After Dark September 18th   | Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, Detroit, Michigan | 6:00 p.m. Celebrate Eastern Market After Dark down on the Dequindre Cut! Accessible from Wilkins St. in Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard is the perfect place to extend your Eastern Market After Dark celebrations. Enjoy drinks, food trucks, and bonfires with free s'mores, plus free face painting, giant lawn games, and interactive art activities. All programming is family friendly and open to all ages - oh, and dogs on leashes are welcome! Special to this year's event, don't forget to bring your wheels to participate in the annual Motown Roller Club Dequindre Cut Glow Roll , with free glow items before you roll out for a loop along the Cut to music from DJ E.N.T. The Roll begins at 7:30pm. The Freight Yard is located along the Dequindre Cut , just south of the Wilkins Entrance to the Cut. Those attending Eastern Market After Dark can easily enter via the ramp at Wilkins + Orleans. Stop in for a second or stay all night! 3. Embrace Spooky Season by Dancing with the Devil (in the Dirt) September 20th | Hell, Michigan | 6:15 a.m. Fall officially kicks off in September, along with everyone's favorite autumnal microseason: Spooky Season . For Detroit's outdoor faithful, there's no better way to kick off a month+ of ghosts and ghouls than racing through the trails of Hell on a 30K ( *ONLY FOR THIS YEAR* ), 50K, 50 mile, or 55 mile team relay trail run. That's right - our friends at RF Events are hosting their 30TH ANNUAL " Dances with Dirt " race in Hell, Michigan this month. These ultra events are on Pure Michigan, runnable single track, gnarly trails. Expect to be scratched, muddied and bruised by the beauty of this unpolished gem. Take yourself to the edge where life is full color… and dirty . All entries include a post race bash with food and drink, marked course with aid, awards eligibility and finisher medal. Age group awards 3 deep in all 5 year male/female age groups for all events, overall awards to top 3 male and female in each distance. EXPLORE PINCKNEY RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 4. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve September 20th   | Point Pelee National Park | 8:00 p.m. The days are finally getting darker as we approach the Fall Solstice this month, so the stars at Point Pelee National Park  - the single best stargazing destination in the Detroit region  - will be shining the brightest that they have all summer!  Point Pelee's " Dark Sky Nights " are especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave variable conditions at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours ( open until midnight this month ), seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. Who knows. ..maybe we'll even be treated to another primetime showing of the Northern Lights  this month! BOOK A TOP-RATED NIGHT HIKING EXPERIENCE  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 5. Sharpen your Axe for the Fire & Flannel Festival September 26th - 27th | Wyandotte, Michigan | 3:00 p.m. Do you rejoice at the return of #FlannelSeason and the uniquely fall activities that accompany it?? I absolutely do - and it turns out that I'm far from alone. This September, head down to Wyandotte for Fire & Flannel Fest : an exciting Fall festival where everything is centered around Fire and Flannel! The festival has entertainment for everyone, including lumberjack shows, axe throwing, fire performers, glass blowing, and live chainsaw carvings. The action continues all weekend long with live music, fire pits to roast s’mores, and live entertainment. All revelers are strongly encouraged to wear flannel shirts for this festive occasion. Food trucks and vendor booths featuring harvest goods and unique craft items will be located throughout the festival's "Fall Crafters Market." BECOME YOUR OWN LUMBERJACK WITH AN EXPEDITION DETROIT "CAMP AXE" 6. Welcome Autumn at a State Harvest Festival September 26th - 28th | Proud Lake State Recreation Area and Seven Lakes State Park | 9:00 a.m. Is there a better way to kick off fall in Michigan with a weekend camping trip ? We can only think of one way: adding in a Harvest Festival to the trip! Just in time for the Harvest Moon, campers at both Proud Lake State Recreation Area and Seven Lakes State Park will enjoy a Michigan DNR-hosted " Harvest Festival ." The festival will include haunted hayrides, friendly hayrides, bonfires, crafts, scavenger hunts, archery, bounce houses, site decorating contest, costume parade, trick-or-treating, dancing, a popcorn bar, and other activities. This event is only open to registered campers , so be sure to visit MIDNRReservations.com ASAP to reserve your spot! EXPLORE THE BEST OF PROUD LAKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 7. Fuel Up on Caffeine at the Coffee Classic Run September 27th   | Indian Springs Metropark | 8:00 a.m. Coffee. Run. Repeat. That's the motto for our #ExpeditionPartners over at Running Venture for "National Coffee Day," and we can't think of a better way to celebrate than joining their "Coffee Classic Run" at Indian Springs Metropark ! The Coffee Classic Run starts at 8 a.m. at the Meadowlark Pavilion. Both the 5K and 8 mile races follow along the metropark's beautiful paved trail, while a special "Kid's Run" sprints off at 9:30 a.m. All runners will receive a custom shirt, finisher medal and mug, complimentary refreshments, and - you'll never guess - COFFEE . There will also be special awards for the top male and female finishers in each event, along with top 3 in each age group! 8. Celebrate National Public Lands Day with a FREE TOP-RATED HIKE NEAR DETROIT! September 27th | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Did you know that over 28% of Michigan comprises of publicly-owned land? That's right - well over a quarter of our beautiful state belongs to all of us, which is a fact worth remembering, protecting, and celebrating this month on National Public Lands Day ! In honor of National Public Lands Day, Expedition Detroit is offering YOU the opportunity to participate in one of our offered, TOP-RATED day hiking trips - FOR FREE - on September 27th ONLY! Use discount code " PUBLIC LANDS " to reserve your hike today!* *Limited spaces available 9. Send It at the Shelden Mountain Bike Fest September 27th | Stony Creek Metropark | 3:00 p.m. Peak summer riding may have past, but fall still represents prime time for riding on the Detroit region's best mountain biking trails! Riders of all skill levels can get into the action during this month's 4th annual Shelden Mountain Bike Fest , hosted jointly by the Huron-Clinton MetroParks and the Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association ! Riders will experience the thrill of the newly redeveloped Shelden Trails with fellow mountain bike enthusiasts, visit vendor and bike-related booths, enjoy some great food vendors, grab a beer to enjoy by the bonfire, and relax after hitting the trails with free s’mores from REI . Shelden Mountain Bike Fest jerseys will also be available for purchase on site during the event, and rounding out the evening will be a group twilight trail ride, so be sure bring your bike lights ! 10. EXPLORE YOUR STATE PARKS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Throughout September ( and beyond ) | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Fall colors are JUST AROUND THE CORNER, and there's no better way to experience them than at our regional 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. And in case you missed it ...our " Back to School" Deals are live ALL SEPTEMBER LONG! For our guided trips, we're offering not only 30% off any guided trip, but a " Book Two, Get One Free " special. So don't let those post-summer blues bring you down - there's an adventure or two ( alright, three ) waiting for you along the Detroit region's best trails. CHECK OUT OUR NEW " RICHARDSON TRAIL " DAY HIKE AT BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA The Expedition Detroit  team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider  of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coach across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience . P.S. Subscribers to our content get the inside scoop on discounts for our guided trips AND online store items..... Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

Buongiorno, Detroit! Team Expedition Detroit recently returned from hiking the famous "Alta Via 1" trail through the Italian Dolomites. Here's our summary of 4 key takeaways from hiking in the Italian Alps that could - and should - be applied to Detroit's outdoors. "Ah, now this I've seen before." I closed my eyes for a few moments as I entered a stretch of trail shaded by towering pine trees. My ears tuned in to the gentle crunch of freshly-fallen pine needles under my boots. The warming morning sun baked the branches above me, remitting an intoxicating aroma of cedar and sap. I reopened my eyes, and for a moment I home in the Detroit region. Our parks boast an abundance of forested trails adorned with towering pine trees, whose needles in turn blanket our rolling trails. That stretch of trail could've easily been Brighton's famous Penosha Trail , Pinckney's celebrated Crooked Lake Trail , or especially Proud Lake's Expedition Loop . Then, without warning, the forest cleared around me - giving way to stunning, dramatic alpine vistas for as far as the eye could see. " Okay. This is a little different. " The undeniable splendor of the Dolomites Here at Expedition Detroit , our core belief is that the Detroit region is a world-class outdoor destination worth exploring, celebrating, and protecting. We infuse that belief within every aspect of our business model, proclaim it within every media feature, and will continue to reverberate it across our platform until the outdoor community universally accepts it as objective truth. This strategy is working. Michigan's outdoor recreation destinations, and especially those within the Detroit region, have received notable media attention over the past few years. The forthcoming opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge - which will provide a ground-breaking international link for pedestrians and cyclists between the Detroit and Windsor trail systems - will further rev up Detroit's recreational motor. Detroit's outdoor economy is undoubtedly headed in the right direction. That being said, we'd be foolish not to continue learning and adopting best practices from well-established outdoor destinations. Exhibit A, the Italian Dolomites : a UNESCO World Heritage destination this is regarded as one of the most attractive mountain landscapes in the world. Rich in history, natural beauty, rigorous terrain, and world-class hospitality amenities, the Dolomites region represents a cornerstone component of Italy's $273 billion tourism industry . We inundated ourselves in the splendor of the Italian Alps while trekking the Alta Via 1 trail. Along the way, members of Team Expedition Detroit scribbled a few bite-size lessons from the Dolomites that Detroit's outdoor economy should implement as our industry grows. Without further delay, here are Expedition Detroit's 4 key takeaways gathered from hiking in the Italian Alps for the Detroit region. Photo courtesy of Zicasso, Inc. 1. AGE IS JUST A NUMBER Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds should feel at home on the trail The Alta Via 1 is most definitely not a walk in the park. Consisting of 75 miles from Dobbiaco in the North to Belluno in the South, the classic route through the Dolomites showcases 9 "segments" of varying difficulty and typically takes 6 - 10 days to complete. For our group, the most challenging segment was Stage 3: an ~8 mile trek with 3,533 feet of elevation gain from Rifugio Fanes to Rifugio Lagazuoi, the highest point of the entire Alta Via 1. It was a heart-pounding, " the way is through " type of segment. One that pushed several members of our very experienced crew to their limits, despite all of us having the immense fortunate of being in good physical health and in our 20s/30s. Once at the summit of Lagazuoi, we had a bird's eye, 9,301 ft. view of everyone else conquering the challenging stage of the trail. What we saw was remarkable - one by one, trekkers of all ages and backgrounds made their way, step by hard-fought step, towards the summit. From young children to the elderly, our crew was consistently impressed by the broad range of hikers that were not only completing the Alta Via 1, but doing so confidently in both physical ability and spirit. Detroit Region Application Michigan as a whole, and the Detroit region specifically, is enjoying a massive boost in outdoor recreation participation. In 2024, Michigan's outdoor participation demographics saw the following increases: Children (ages 6-12): +5.6% Seniors (65+): +7.4% Black Americans: +11.2% Hispanic Americans: +14.5% ( highest on record ) Across the United States, 66% of households with children participated in outdoor recreation (another record), and more than 23 million seniors opted to recreate outdoors - surpassing younger adults for the first time. The most popular recreational activities across all demographics were hiking (63 million), cycling (58 million), running (56 million), fishing (54 million) and camping (53 million). As witnessed firsthand in the Dolomites, all of these trends can - and should - continue as the Detroit region continues to develop its outdoor infrastructure. All that's required on our end is consistent dedication to developing resources and amenities for all ages and backgrounds of outdoor enthusiasts. Fortunately for all of us, leading organizations like Heart of the Lakes , Michigan Recreation & Park Association , and Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance have already identified the following key action items for doing so: (1) Prioritize accessible and inclusive programming, especially for families and underrepresented groups. (2) Highlight sustainable recreation and environmental stewardship, as eco-conscious values increasingly influence consumer behavior. (3) Design retail and outreach strategies that resonate with casual participants looking for balance, connection, and community - not just performance. Rifugio Biella along the Alta Via 1 2.  THE CHARM OF THE RIFUGIO Investing in welcoming - and aesthetic - accommodations will attract tourists In today's recreational world, everyone has their own definition of what constitutes "camping." For years, my definition consisted of packing all of your gear, food, and water into a 65L backpack , trekking out into the woods, and finding the most beautiful, isolated, and dry spot to set up shop. Others prefer driving to an established campground , followed by either pitching a tent or unloading the RV. On the far ends of the "camping spectrum" are "ultralight" backpacking and " glamping ," and even those extremes have a massive range of divergence. While on the Alta Via 1, your only option (camping is illegal) is "glamping" at the rifugios - alpine huts that periodically dot the Dolomites with warm beds, hot Italian meals, and plenty wine to last well into quiet hours. The rifugios are far from just mandatory accommodations. For our crew, staying at the rifugios was one of the main draws to hiking the Alta Via 1 in the first place. Beyond trading the tent and dried camp food for warm beds and home cooked meals, several of the rifugios featured hot showers, saunas, gelato, adjacent towns or breweries, free breakfasts, stunning views, and lively conversation from personnel and guests from all over the world. No matter how difficult a day's hike had been, the sight of a rifugio perched high up on a mountain or deep in a valley immediately raised our spirits. The Alta Via 1: Come for the Dolomites, stay for the rifugios . Detroit Region Application Michigan is in the process of reinventing itself as the " Great Trails State ," including the ongoing development of more than 12,500 miles of designated land trails and over 4,280 miles of water trails. Detroit's establishment as the capital of the Great Trails State is also in process, as evidenced by the city's heavy investment in trail infrastructure projects like the Detroit Riverwalk, Iron Belle Trail, Joe Louis Greenway, and Gordie Howe International Bridge. We at Expedition Detroit are ecstatic about each of these transformative trail projects. That being said, our region should also take a page from the Alta Via's playbook and invest in trail accommodations. No, not copy-and-paste roadside hotels - we're talking about rifugio -esque trailside destinations that leave a lasting impression on their recreationist guests. Practically speaking, there are several " Pure Michigan Trail Towns " in the Detroit region - like the Village of Milford and Lake Orion - that do not contain any hotel options for visiting trail users. There are also several stretches of the Iron Belle Trail in southeast Michigan that do not appear to have immediate, trailside access to camp grounds or thru-hiker friendly hotels. Put differently, the Detroit region has an unprecedented opportunity to further establish itself as a world-class outdoor destination by investing in unforgettable trailside accommodations for its recreational tourists. This is essential for developing our trail system beyond simple day-use capacity, as well as continuing to innovate within our region's outdoor tourism industry. Hiking through the trenches of the Lagazuoi Front of World War 1 3.  HISTORY INSPIRES RECREATION Regional history should coincide with recreational infrastructure " Hey Mike, what does that sign say? " I called out between heavy breaths as we neared the Lagazuoi summit of the Alta Via 1. " It says that these were the front line trenches of the Austrian alpine division ," came the response." This was remarkable for two reasons. First, we were standing at over 9,000 feet of elevation - an absolutely insane altitude for fighting a major armed conflict. Second, seeing as we started the Alta Via firmly in what was once historically Austrian territory, every step from here would, slowly but surely, become more Italian . We had trekked to the de facto border between nations, as defined in machine gun-lined trenches, following the routes that military supply lines had glazed just over a century prior. For history buffs like myself, getting the opportunity to hike along the Lagazuoi Front of World War I was a bucket list-worthy experience. From October 15, 1915 until November 1, 1917, the Austrian and Italian armies battled for the strategic importance of the surrounding peaks. Ultimately, the natural fortifications that the mountains provided led to both sides building encampments and tunnels directly into Mt. Lagazuoi. The Austrians ultimately outlasted the Italians, reclaiming the front for the remainder of the war following the Austrian/German victory in the nearby Battle of Caporetto . Italian Alpini troops resting along the Martini Ledge of Mt. Lagazuoi Fast forward 108 years after the last shot was fired, Lagazuoi has transformed itself not only into a world-class hiking and skiing destination, but also an open-air museum dedicated to preserving WWI history. Aside from placards and educational materials housed within Lagazuoi's gondola welcome center, the most engaging aspect of visiting the mountain is actually hiking through the tunnels that were utilized by both sides during the war. Hiking the "Tunnel Trail" out-and-back comprises of a heart-pumping and education-filled 3.3 mile trail with 2,391 feet of elevation gain. Talk about the perfect fusion of adventure, recreation, and history. Detroit Region Application Back on the homefront, the Detroit region's outdoors similarly host notable historical trails - including several utilized during war . Most notably, Southeast Michigan's sole National Park site is River Raisin National Battlefield Park , the site of the bloodiest battle ever fought on Michigan soil during the War of 1812. The modern site has a preserved battlefield (with a 1 mile easy hiking trail through it) and a pristine visitor center, as well as other historic markers in the general vicinity. In comparison to what we experienced at Lagazuoi, however, our region could do so much more to protect, promote, and harness the historic significance of the Battle of River Raisin. For example, the events surrounding the Battle of River Raisin comprised far more than its namesake conflict occurring on January 18th - 22nd, 1813. Beginning with the surrender of Fort Detroit roughly 6 months prior, troop movements along the western bank of Lake Erie saw the United Sates mobilize 666 Kentuckians and 100 French-speaking Michigan militiamen towards Frenchtown (modern day Monroe). The "First Battle" occurred on January 18th as little more than a skirmish, but resulting in a U.S. victory. The "Second Battle" - which was really a massacre - occurred the morning of January 22nd, resulting in heavy American losses. The Great Lakes Theater of the War of 1812 did not finish on that fateful January morning. In fact, the rallying cry " Remember the Raisin! " fueled an American military response. The United States swiftly recaptured the Fort of Detroit following the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10th, 1813, and thereafter liberated Frenchtown on September 27th. The campaign even pushed into Ontario, culminating in an American victory at the Battle of the Thames on October 5th that effectively ended the Great Lakes Theater. In our view, there are two main takeaways from Lagazuoi vis-a-vis River Raisin: The Detroit region also contains significant historical sites, including specifically battlefield destinations; and We as a region could do a much better job of integrating those sites into our recreational framework. Especially with the international recreational opportunities soon to be available to our region via the Gordie Howe International Bridge, we could envision a new "Great Lakes Theater" trail that connects each of the battleground sites mentioned above . Stretching from the banks of the Maumee River to Chatham-Kent, Ontario, this trail would provide not only a unique recreational opportunity for international visitors to our corner of the Great Lakes, but also an engaging means of promoting active learning of our region's often looked-over history. Cortina Alpine Rescue in action. 4.  SEARCH AND RESCUE REMAINS A RECREATIONAL NECESSITY Well-trained - and well-funded - search and rescue forces must remain a staple of recreational growth What started as a gentle hum - nothing more than the wind whistling through the jagged ravines - gradually grew to the industrial roar of a bright yellow helicopter. We had only arrived to our first rifugio, the gorgeous Rifiguio Biella, a few short hours before. We settled in to our bunk rooms, changed into our "Hut Clothes," and were wrapping up a warm evening of card games and welcome drinks. A home-cooked meal and locally-vinified wine should have provided an idyllic end to a fairytale day in the Dolomites. Then the whispers of a missing hiker started to permeate the rifugio, followed closely by the concerned glances of its staff. A group of stern Italians in brightly-colored clothing confirmed that the Cortina Alpine Rescue was on-site. The roar of the helicopter verified that a full-blown search and rescue operation had begun. I regret to write that this story ends in tragedy. The body of the missing hiker was eventually found utilizing thermal imaging from the helicopter's cameras. According to the official report , she had sadly lost her way on the Croda del Becco trail and fell ~300 feet - most likely before the first missing person call even had the chance to be placed. Our hearts and prayers still go out to the family and friends of the hiker. In full transparency, the rest of our trek along the Alta Via 1 was shaded by the reality that nature, although immaculately beautiful, will always remain unconquerable and worthy of the utmost respect. Any hike has the capacity to range from a life-changing, amazing experience to a life-threatening, search-and-rescue demanding emergency. And when the latter hits, you want the best coming to your rescue. That's what we witnessed in Italy. Even in spite of the difficulty of their mission, the Cortina Alpine Rescue displayed excellence in their composure, equipment, and execution of the mission. According the official report, a " search operation was immediately launched with personnel and equipment, including helicopters and drones with thermal imaging cameras, continuing through the night and resuming at first light with overflights and patrols, including with dog units ." On behalf of Team Expedition Detroit , we applaud the Cortina Alpine Rescue for their tireless efforts in searching for and locating the missing hiker. Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Conservation Officers at Belle Isle Park Detroit Region Application Michigan's outdoor recreation industry continues to expand at a rapid pace, both in terms of economic value and participation. Following national trends of outdoor participation metrics, Michigan in 2024 experienced hundreds of thousands of new participants - especially youth (ages 6-12) and seniors (ages 65+). As a whole this is fantastic news for our industry. On the other hand, it should raise a flag of caution for our search and rescue capacity. When we at Expedition Detroit were navigating the application process to lead our guided outdoor trips , we were pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm that the Michigan DNR exhibited towards our planned operations. "We're just excited to get extra eyes out there on the trails," I recall one Park Supervisor saying. "People get lost more often than you'd think, so having your guides out there - especially during your night hikes - will be a real value-add to the DNR." From a business perspective, that was fantastic to hear. We were ecstatic to have the early support of the DNR, and have continued to value our professional relationship with the department. From a general safety perspective, that was obviously alarming to hear back in 2023. Fast forward to 2025 - with Michigan's exploding participation rate of young and aging adventurers, plus economic restraints on the DNR's budget - this a foremost concern that needs to be addressed. Disasters don't only happen in alpine wildernesses like the Dolomites. The DNR and Michigan State Police have conducted several high-profile search and rescue missions so far in 2025, including saving hypothermic campers in Roscommon, stranded hikers near Higgins Lake, a hypothermic angler in the AuSable River, a woman with dementia that became stranded in a Waverly Township swamp , and a man (also with dementia) that got lost in Dodge Park in Sterling Heights (also utilizing thermal imaging). Fortunately, all of the aforementioned rescues resulted in successful recoveries. As an outdoor community, we should do everything in our power to make this the prevailing trend - which requires funding. The Department of Natural Resources currently receives just 0.5% of the state’s general fund budget , while much of the rest of its $534.5 million budget comes from user fees like the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. The financial situation, to put it bluntly, is dire. In the words of State Senator John Cherry, D-Flint, " We can shut down hatcheries. We can reduce the level of conservation work that we’re doing. We can stop providing the great access we have to public lands. Or we can work on addressing the revenue situation that exists for conservation. " This article does not contain the magic answer to the DNR's revenue problem, unfortunately. Budget proposals are currently considering raising the price of various fishing and hunting license fees and requiring Michigan drivers to purchase a parks pass when registering their vehicle, with no opportunity to opt out. Those may proposals may help, but regardless we must continue to prioritize public safety in our outdoor spaces as a top fiscal item. The literal and figurative livelihood of our outdoor economy depends on it. Coming soon to an outdoor destination near you...

Join us for a hike as we discover the Richardson Trail at Brighton Recreation Area! This lesser-known route travels through undisturbed forest and unique landscapes, providing a glimpse into Michigan's rich natural history. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for some peace and quiet, the Richardson Trail is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and inspired! The chirping of crickets and frogs echo through the woodland as I take my first few steps on the Richardson Trail one evening in August. The breeze rushes through the trees and I take a deep breath of fresh summer air, letting my worries fall behind me as I move further into the forest. It took some effort to get out of the house and drive to the trail after a long day, but as my shoes crunch in the dirt and leaves of the trail, I’m already feeling better . This freeing, light feeling is something I experience on almost every hike. The moment I get on the trail, my troubles are left at the trailhead and I begin to focus on the present moment.  As I continue through the forest, I take in a stunning variety of scenery. I first cross a small, bubbling creek, then make my way up a hill through towering pines, my footsteps turning near-silent on fallen needles lining the ground. At the top of the hill I enjoy the sight of Chenango Lake through the trees, its water rippling across the surface as the sun casts a golden glow.  I watch my footing as I move across rolling terrain, taking care to step around roots and rocks in the path. Soon I come across a breathtaking tamarack swamp and take a moment to stop and enjoy it. Purple flowers line the trail, bumblebees floating among them, while cattails extend into the distance.  About a mile into my hike, a realization hits me . I’m truly living in the here and now , and it only took a single mile to feel it. I’m noticing details around me and appreciating them, and my thoughts are allowed to wander where they wish. I’m giving myself the space and opportunity to think, feel, and explore the world around me.  There are so many beautiful trails that exist within the Detroit region, but the Richardson trail is a hidden treasure. Along the trail are pockets of undisturbed oak-hickory forest, low-lying wetlands, and the peaceful Chenango Lake, which is surrounded by a natural wooded shoreline. Chenango Lake Retreat rests quietly on the lake’s eastern edge, and blends right in with the forest surrounding it. A few points along Richardson Trail show signs of past human activity; the trail goes right across what appears to be an old stone foundation, easily missed by the passing hiker. One can’t help but wonder what that used to be, and who might’ve walked this same piece of ground in those long-gone years.   I’m still lost in thought when the call of a cardinal shakes me from my reverie, and my attention returns to the sounds around me. Red-winged blackbirds squabble in a wetland, while high in the canopy an eastern wood-pewee lets out a single tune as it settles down for the evening. Wind whispers through the leaves one more time while long shadows stretch across the forest floor, contrasted by streaks of glowing light.  Too soon, I’m nearing the end of my 3-mile hike. My mind begins to drift towards the evening ahead, but the feeling of lightness remains. As I say goodbye to the trail, I’m filled with a quiet sense of accomplishment, gratitude, and spark of anticipation for what tomorrow might bring.  Now let’s get to the trail: HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 2.9 miles Elevation Gain : 216 feet Trail Rating : Easy Route Orientation : Out-and-Back Parking Specifics : Parking consists of dirt roadside spots alongside Chambers Road. The Richardson Trail at Brighton Recreation Area is a quiet, peaceful trail that gets you far from the sound of rushing traffic. The trail begins from Chambers Road, and parking consists of pull-off spots on the side of the dirt road. There are two different trails that start from this location: Chambers trail to the west, and Richardson trail to the east. Richardson trail is marked by a few small boulders on either side of the trailhead, so walk along the east side of the road and keep an eye out for the rocks to find the start.  Once you find the trail and begin your journey, you’ll soon step across your first point of interest: a short boardwalk over a creek. There have been signs of beaver activity here, so keep an eye out! You’ll then trek up a gentle incline through the pines to catch a view of Chenango Lake. Think of this first incline as a warmup, in preparation for the adventure ahead. The Richardson trail is also used as an equestrian trail, so watch for exposed roots and horse droppings along the way. If you were to continue east from the farthest point of the Richardson Trail loop, you would eventually make it to the equestrian center near Chilson Road. At about a half mile, you’ll see a split in the trail. Stay to the left here - the trail to the right down into the lowlands will take you onto the Outlaw Trail. Stay left at the first split in the trail. Enjoy the view as you hike along the top of a ridge and take some photos at the boulder! To stay on your route, keep left as you pass the boulder. The main stretch of trail here follows the top of the ridge, featuring some rolling ups and downs for a challenge. At a high point the trail opens into a woodland clearing featuring a covered bench and sprawling oak tree. This is a great spot to take a break and have a snack !  You’ll continue straight with no other splits until the one mile mark - this is where the loop begins. I often stay left here, but one can go either direction to complete the loop. If you choose to go left, you’ll quickly come to a road crossing. This is Richardson Road, which is a quiet dirt road without much traffic. The trail is clearly marked on the opposite side, so watch for cars and walk right across. At the farthest point of the loop, reference the sign at the split to ensure you continue on the loop instead of heading towards the equestrian center. After one more road crossing, you’ll be back at the origin of the loop and can head back the way you came!  Head back towards the trailhead, and don’t forget to stop and enjoy the lake view through the trees. Take some time to treat yourself after your hike - you've earned it! If you want to get a closer view of Chenango Lake, drive north from the trailhead and take the first two rights - this will take you to the public boat launch, where you can take a kayak or paddleboard for a unique experience, or simply enjoy the view from the shore.  We'll see you on the trail! HIKE BRIGHTON'S RICHARDSON TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Hello! My name is Bria, and I'm honored and excited to be guiding with Expedition Detroit. I would love to be your trail guide! Whether you're new to hiking or have been at it for years, there's an opportunity for everyone. Expedition Detroit currently offers two guided hikes at Brighton Recreation Area: the beginner-friendly Richardson Trail and the 4.9-mile Penosha Trail. I hope to see you at both! All photos taken by Bria Sheffer. Find her on Instagram @bria.s_photos

JULY IS OFF WITH A BANG! With our area's recreational opportunities exploding with incredible events this month, we have zeroed in on these " Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit " for navigating your perfect July in our region's outdoors. Picture your perfect summer morning or evening in the Detroit region's idyllic outdoors . The sun is eagerly rising or lazily setting over your lakeside vista. The towering trees are reflecting a golden glow off of their uniform foliage. A fawn haphazardly chases after its mother. The consistent hum of the bullfrogs and song birds ease you into the day. CRACK! Without warning, an explosion rips through the tranquil scene. While you remain shell-shocked for a moment, idling for a few heartbeats in fight or flight mode, an ensuing applause assures you that said explosion was not only intentional, but anticipated by a larger crowd. " That's right ," you say to yourself as a calmer mind prevails. " It's July ." Indeed, friends - the most explosive month of the year has arrived, both for pyrotechnics and outdoor events near Detroit! Regardless of whether you'll experience the quick startle of a firework exploding or a race gun firing, the woods, trails, and parks throughout the Detroit region will come ALIVE over the next several weeks. Bike relays, paddle races, trail events... you name the activity, Detroit's got a recreational event fine-tuned for it. Without further delay, here are the Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit going down this month. We can't wait to see you out there! 1. Light Up the Trails at the Milford Firecracker Races July 4th | Milford, MI | 8:00 a.m. Kick off your Fourth of July celebrat ions with a BANG! As expected with any bona fide American holiday, our #ExpeditionPartners Running Venture invite you to the Trail Town of Milford, Michigan for an Independence Day racing event. Kicking off at 8AM sharp - just in time to also catch Milford's Parade - runners can choose between the Milford Firecracker Race's 5K, 10K, and 1 Mile "Fun Run" events. All races start at Milford Central Park and then run onto the Milford Trail before finishing back at Central Park. Each registered runner registered participant will receive a custom shirt, finisher award, and refreshments. 2. Crush some Gravel at the BIG Gravel Grind July 6th   | Thedford, ON | 8:00 a.m. Back for its SECOND year, we invite you to join Team Expedition Detroit in riding the BIG Gravel Grind in Thedford, Ontario this weekend! Last year we rode the 40K event and absolutely loved cycling the rolling terrain just south of Lake Huron. We even created what became the " Official Aftervideo " for the inaugural 2024 event. This year we're doubling down and riding the 80K event! Both routes kick off and wrap up at the Legacy Recreation Centre situated in Thedford. One of the best aspects of this event includes that it embraces a non-competitive spirit, encouraging riders to fully enjoy the experience. Participants are welcome to pause at designated fuel stations, regroup, and connect with friends and fellow cyclists. Each distance comes with an array of benefits. All participants will receive event jerseys, a swag bag, bike assistance throughout the ride, well-marked routes, complimentary food and drinks at the finish line, and the option to purchase beer. Couldn't be more stoked to head over the border for another lap! 3. Learn the Art of Adventure at Indian Springs July 6th   | Indian Springs Metropark | 10 a.m.   Come learn the art of adventuring with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks at their Adventuring 101 event! Perfect for all ages, this event at Indian Springs Metropark entails learning and practicing some of the most important skills every outdoorsperson should master. The program naturally ventures outside for trailside adventures after learning the best ways to pack a hike bag, practice good trail etiquette, read a map, and be stewards of our natural lands. The program wraps up wit h an open discussion of the best places to get outside this summer, so bring some of your favorite local suggestions. This program starts indoors, concludes outside, and includes a leisurely walk. Expect to walk about 1 mile along frequently rolling or slightly hilly terrain on grass, dirt, gravel, and pavement. No prior experience is necessary. In-program group discussion will be encouraged. Photo courtesy of Happy Planet Running 4. Race for Summer's Favorite Beer at the Oberun 5K July 18th   | Ypsilanti, MI | 6:30 p.m.   Each of us have a moment when summer finally arrives.  Obviously we mean on a metaphysical level, not a simple turn of the calendar. Maybe it's the taste of the first hot dog at Comerica Park, when the boat finally launches, or the crackle of a roaring campfire . For me, it's that first swig of a bottle of Bell's Oberon Ale - Michigan's official summer beer . And there's truly no better way to celebrate mid-summer than planning a 5K race themed solely around said beer. Bell's Brewery  invites its faithful yet again this year to participate in the summer racing rite known as the " Oberun 5K ." The  5K race concludes at a beer garden serving up none other than ice-cold Oberon beer. Participants will also earn a coveted bottle opener finisher's medal and a finisher's pint glass. Better yet, the race's after party taking place at Wiard's Orchard will feature bonfires, sand volleyball, corn hole, food trucks, and more beer. Proceeds from this event benefit the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative in support of the Border to Border (B2B) Trail .    5. Space Out at a Dark Sky Preserve July 19th   | Point Pelee National Park, ON | 7:30 p.m.   Enjoy mid-summer by spacing out into the cosmos over at Point Pelee National Park   - the best stargazing destination in the Detroit region  - for a celebratory " Dark Sky Nights " event! This outing is especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave cooler temperatures at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. 6. Paddle the Beautiful Isle in the Belle Isle Classic July 20th | Belle Isle Park | 9:00 a.m. Since our beginning, we have proudly proclaimed that Detroit is a world-class outdoor destination. Well, the fine folks at the USA SUP National Championships agree: this year's Belle Isle Classic will constitute THE NATIONAL STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT! That's right - at this year's event, the best SUPers in the country will be ripping around Belle Isle Park in sprint, technical, and 10K racing events. Held on the scenic waters of the Detroit River, the event features a range of races, showcasing both elite talent AND community participation. Competitors of all levels will gather to test their skills, enjoy the vibrant paddling community, and vie for national titles in an exciting, high-energy atmosphere! The very best part? In the words of the event hosts, " No salt, no sharks, no jellyfish, and no earthquakes or hurricanes !" This event will occur rain or shine, so participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the conditions and wear Coast Guard-approved PFDs (life vests). The total paddling reaches an estimated 6.7 miles, so aspiring paddlers should train to cover such lengths within a 2 hour cutoff time. There's also a 200 participant maximum for this event, so REGISTER TODAY if you are interested in participating! 7. Get Hooked on Fishing along the Detroit River July 20th and 27th   | Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit, MI | 9:30 a.m. “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.”  While we've all heard this famous Lao Tzu quote, the exceptional team at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center  invites you not only to feed your families for a lifetime, but instill a lifelong appreciation for nature along the Detroit River! Head over to the OA C with your loved ones for one of their " Get Hooked on Fishing! " events! Occurring both on July 20th and 27th, these events will introduce participants to fish identification during a catch-and-release fishing program. Equipment, bait and instruction will be provided; beginners are welcome! Participants must be age 8 or older. A fishing license is required for adults age 17 and older. All children under the age of 17 can fish for free with adult assistance. 8. Get Jurassic at the Pterodactyl Triathlon July 23rd   | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 6:00 p.m.   Completing an outdoor race of any kind typically represents one of the crowning achievements of a month well spent . With a triathlon  - especially  at a destination as idyllic and well-suited for swimming, biking, and running as Island Lake State Recreation Area - you get a 3-for-1 speci al that's a bucket list-worthy accomplishment. Anyone who's completed such a feat will back us up on this point. As the temperatures continue to rise well into July, treat yourself to an unforgettable experience by diving into the cool waters of Kent Lake during the RF Event's Pterodactyl Triathlon race !  The "Pterodactyl" represents the third installment of RF Event's summer-long " T-Rex Triathlon Series " - everyone's favorite mid-week triathlon race. We'll plan on seeing you at the beachhead! EXPLORE ISLAND LAKE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 9. Ride with Your Crew at the Tree Farm Relay July 26th | Lakeshore Park, Novi, MI | 8:45 a.m. Get ready to roll out the red carpet and hit the trails at the 20th annual Tree Farm Relay Event at Lakeshore Park in Novi - the MCMBA's biggest, boldest, most action-packed race yet! This year, the Detroit region's mountain biking community is celebrating 20 years of epic racing at Tree Farm with a theme inspired by the silver screen. Gather your team of four, channel your inner legends of the big screen, and p repare for a mountain bike relay filled with thrills, chills - and maybe even a few plot twists! 10. Run on Island Time at the Aloha Races July 27th   | Kensington Metropark | 8:00 a.m. Run, smile, aloha! Winding down an action-packed July, embrace the aloha life at the " Aloha Run " events! Hosted for the first time at Kensington Metropark, our friends at Kona Running invite you to join in on an unforgettable day of running, fun, and the "aloha spirit." This year, runners can choose from 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and 30K events. Runners should expect to be amazed by the natural beauty of Kensington Metropark, with its rolling hills, serene lakes, and lush greenery at eve ry turn. Bring the whole family and enjoy a day of outdoor fun, with activities, entertainment, and delicious food available for all ages! Introducing Expedition Detroit's newest guide: Bria! BONUS : EXPLORE NEW TRAILS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Throughout July (and beyond!) | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Looking to FINALLY capitalize on July's beautiful weather and explore your local Michigan State Parks?? Perfect - we are ECSTATIC to invite YOU to join us on our top-rated Guided Trips ! For two years now, the Expedition Detroit team has been proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hikes, backpacking expeditions, and trail running coaching session 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 . New for Summer 2025 , we're STOKED to not only introduce FOUR NEW TRAIL OFFERINGS, but also our newest guide, Bria! Bria will be leading the following new trips: Silver Lake Trail Loop at Pinckney State Recreation Area Richardson Trail at Brighton State Recreation Area Lakeview Trail Loop at Waterloo State Recreation Area Hickory Hill Loop at Waterloo State Recreation Area Bria will also be taking over some classic Expedition Detroit fan-favorite experiences, including Brighton's Penosha Trail hike and Pinckney's Crooked Lake Trail . We hope that you'll join Bria and the rest of the Expedition Detroit team on a guided outdoor adventure soon! P.S. Subscribers to our content get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store items..... Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

No tent, no problem! Here we provide our #ExpeditionEssentials on the best gear, health benefits, and opportunities in the Detroit region for hammock camping throughout this summer's outdoor season. Waking up on a camping trip: one of the most polarizing aspects of the outdoor experience. On one end of the spectrum, we've all suffered through a "worst case scenario" morning. Your air mattress deflated, leaving you with the hips of a chiropractor's fever dream, permanent imprints of rocks or sticks into your sides, and chilled to the bone. Or your tent flooded from a misplaced staking location amidst a dried runoff pool. Either way, you certainly did not obtain the coveted recovery sleep that you so desperately needed. On the other end, there's bliss - a perfect night's rest under the stars, where the gentle birdsong and warming sun beckons you to rise from your cocoon of rejuvenation. This my friends, is the holy grail of successful camping. A good - no, perfect - night's rest in the great outdoors. One that restores, energizes, and propels you forward towards accomplishing all of your wildest ambitions in the unwritten adventure ahead. The team at Expedition Detroit has experienced both ends of this unforgiving dichotomy. Through our decades of divine and damned nights on the trail, we have arrived at the following two conclusions: Tent camping , even when done properly , can easily result in both outcomes. Hammock camping , when done properly, almost always results in a blissful night's sleep. New to hammock camping? Spent one too many sleepless nights in the woods? Looking to upgrade your on and off-trail relaxation gear? Oh my friend, you have clicked on the right article. Here's everything you need to know for kicking off your adventure into hammock camping this summer! The official Expedition Detroit hammock camping setup! THE BENEFITS OF HAMMOCK CAMPING Why even bother with hammock camping? That's an honest question, which we at Expedition Detroit are big fans of receiving. Fortunately for our position, the pros of hammock camping far outweigh the main con of the shelter option, which is lack of enclosed storage space ( see our breakdown of hammock camping vs. tent camping below ). Here are the main operational, logistical, and health benefits of hammock camping: LIGHTWEIGHT : Most hammock systems - such as Eagle Nest Outfitter's ("ENO") full hammock, suspension, bug net, and rain fly system - collectively weigh less than most tents. Ultralight solo backpackers would especially benefit from eliminating a pound or two from their tent system by simply converting to hammock camping. TRANSPORTABLE : Especially with ENO hammock products, each component of the hammock compacts into backpacker-friendly, self-containing compartments. VERSATILE : Assuming that suitable trees exist at your campsite, then hammock camping eliminates tent camping's mandatory search for dry, level ground. PROTECTIVE : Hammock camping - especially with a bug nut and rain fly - removes several variables that commonly plague tent camping. Ground water leakage, air mattress failures, and ground insect or animal intrusions are inherently removed from your list of worries. DEEPER SLEEP : Studies have demonstrated that hammock camping actually promotes deeper sleep vs. ground camping. In summary, sleeping in a slightly swinging bed can increase the transition from wakefulness to sleep, lengthen stage 2 sleep, facilitate internal sleep rhythms, and curate a neurologically calming sensation. PRESSURE POINT RELIEF : Studies have further supported that hammock camping can result in pressure point relief on your shoulders, back, and butt ( fellow backpackers, rejoice! ). HAMMOCK CAMPING VS. TENT CAMPING Before diving into gear specs, we'd like to address the elephant in the article. We're willing to bet that if you're reading this article, then you probably also own a tent. A time-tested tent. A tent that has comfortably protected you and your loved ones for years against the harshest elements that our region's outdoors could unleash against it. Yeah. Us too. In fact, I own two tents - one of which I've relied on for last-ditch solo trips for the last twelve years. It's got a few patches on it now, but I have no intentions of tossing it anytime soon. Why? Because hammock camping is not a substitute for tent camping, but rather a better-suited alternative for certain conditions . Here's the breakdown: WHEN YOU SHOULD OPT FOR HAMMOCK CAMPING FAMILIARITY : You have visited this campsite before - or reviewed photos of your exact camping location - and know that there are ample trees for hanging your hammock. DURATION : Your trip will either only last for 2-3 nights in the backcountry, or you will be car camping for roughly a week. COMPANIONS : At most, you and one other person will be sharing the hammock. Ideally, you will be sleeping solo. CONDITIONS : If you anticipate moderate to heavy rain, then you should opt for hammock camping over tent camping. AIR MATTRESS RELIABILITY : Based on personal experience, if you anticipate an air mattress failure while out in the field, then opt for hammock camping. Your back will thank you when your mattress fails while suspended over air vs. over rocks and dirt. WHEN YOU SHOULD OPT FOR TENT CAMPING FAMILIARITY : You have no insights into the terrain or natural features of your desired campground. DURATION : Your trip will last for longer than 3 nights in the backcountry or you anticipate needing additional, sheltered space for gear storage over longer periods of time. COMPANIONS : You will need to accommodate an additional person or two, including their respective gear, within your shelter. CONDITIONS : Especially if you anticipate snow, then you should opt for tent camping over hammock camping. As we say in the legal profession, selecting whether to go tent or hammock camping ultimately comprises of a "totality-of-circumstances" analysis. One or more of these conditions may work for or against hammock camping, so ultimately weigh the pros and cons and rest assured knowing that you made the best decision given the variables of your trip! HAMMOCK CAMPING 101: GEAR ESSENTIALS Spoiler alert: you'll need a hammock . As we mentioned before, the Expedition Detroit team is all-in on ENO products due to the reliability, universality, and simplicity of their system. You can find ENO products at virtually all online retailers or at select trail town retailers, such as Blue Birch Outfitters in Milford, Michigan ( they are one of our #ExpeditionPartners , so please be sure to say hi for us when you stop in ). Our featured hammock is ENO's " DoubleNest Hammock , " which we purchased at Blue Birch Outfitters in Milford. Although perfect for one user, this hammock comfortably fits two and has an attached stuff sack for effortless packability. The 1lb 4oz hammock supports up to 400lbs of weight, has a 2 year warranty, and comes in multiple colors to match your style. Your hammock selection is undoubtedly the most important component of your hammock camping system, but is also just the tip of the iceberg. Here are the other key elements of a complete system: SUSPENSION : The industry-standard suspension system is ENO's proprietary Atlas Suspension System . Weighing just 11oz and featuring a total of 30 adjustment points, these straps can support up to 400lbs while facilitating 18ft.+ of hammock-hanging capacity. Better yet, these straps are designed to leave minimal to zero damage on trees while providing maximum safety to the hammocker. INSECTS : ENO's " Guardian Bug Net " provides the ultimate two-for-one combo. For starters, ENO's SkyWeave Mesh keeps out mosquitos, ticks, and any/all other creepy-crawlers while permitting airflow. The spacious interior not only keeps the claustrophobia away too, but also doubles as a suspended storage system for hats, extra layers, and any other items that you'd prefer to outside of your hammock's interior. ELEMENTS : Last for the ENO-specific products, we have the all-important " ProFly Rain Tarp ." As you should expect, this rainfly is ridiculously easy to set up and connects directly to the Atlas straps and tierra firma via a 6-point guy system. Correctly tightening the guy lines will keep you nice and dry even during the strongest torrential downpours. In full transparency, the only downside to ENO's rainfly includes some difficulty with repacking into its separate storage sack, but given the "ease of stuffability" with the hammock and bug net, this is a minor inconvenience worth bearing. SLEEP SYSTEM : In spite of the aforementioned benefits of hammock camping, each of these will be rendered useless without a proper sleep system. Fortunately, if you already have a solid backpacking sleep system figured out, then you just need to transfer those items to your hammock camping setup. These include an inflatable camp pillow , properly-rated sleeping bag , sleeping bag liner ( if expecting very cold temperatures ), and a sleeping pad . As my backpacking crew can attest, I have had horrific luck with sleep pads in the past. Klymit's inflatable sleeping pads are the best that I have ever used, including both their single and double options . Full Expedition Detroit endorsement. Looking for your next adventure? Check out our recent articles on the Detroit region's best weekend destinations, such as our best campgrounds , canoe camping locations , and other world-class destinations . We also now proudly offer the largest selection of guided outdoor adventures across 11 Michigan state parks. We can't wait to see you out there.

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores a trail hiked by investors, industrialists, royalty, and common outdoor enthusiasts alike: Highland Recreation Area's Haven Hill Loop. Join us as we rediscover this timeless trail! Two roads diverged in a green wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that led me to the ruins of the Ford family's wilderness homestead, and that has made all the difference. Robert Frost just turned in his grave at my adulteration of his classic poem "The Road Not Taken," but such words echoed around my head as I deviated from a well-trodded trail towards not much more than a game path leading up a steep, wooded hill. An ideal location for a refuge of sorts; some might even say a "haven." As I climbed over a few more logs that had obstructed this "less traveled" route, other signs of a past life began to appear, indicating that I was far from leading a first expedition to summit this hill. Time-rusted scraps of metal began to seamlessly appear next to freshly budding wildflowers. Cemented poles and other fixtures started protruding from the ground. But most surprising of all, right near the summit, an apparatus somewhat resembling a ski hill towrope pole from a bygone era stood silently in the midst of untamed wilderness. Truth be told, I knew exactly where I was heading. I had a vague understanding of the past life of this dramatic moraine that I was summiting. I had studied the titans of the 20th century that had similarly made the journey to the top of this hill, presumably within a Ford motor car. And, tragically, I knew that this destination - where volumes' worth of historical moments once occurred - had burned to the ground in an act of arson in January of 1999. I finally summited, but my eyes did not find a panoramic vista of blooming treetops, rolling hills, and glistening inland lakes. No; they found something even more rare. Alone in the pouring rain, I found myself standing amidst the ruins of Edsel Ford's "Haven Hill" homestead . The industrialist's wilderness sanctuary perched at 1,060 feet that had hosted foreign dignitaries, household name inventors, and celebrities of the mid-20th century. A refuge from which the Ford family could escape from the rigors of a booming automotive industry to the privacy of their 2,422 acres. Ample space for the family to hike, fish, ski, toboggan, swim, and ride their horses. The Fords have been absent from the history of Haven Hill for nearly 80 years , but their legacy remains in the boardwalks, wildlife, and trails that trace their roots back to the family's patronage. The trails surrounding Haven Hill Lake especially owe their carefully planned routes and striking character to this bygone era, with the Haven Hill Loop comprising the most sought-after trail through the region's stunning topography. A recreational tribute to living history, preserved in the timeless cast of nature. It is our honor to reintroduce the Haven Hill Loop and Highland State Recreation Area now. MEET HIGHLAND STATE RECREATION AREA The story of Highland State Recreation Area, as we recognize and recreate within it today, dates back to an unexpected union of lands once owned by fierce business rivals . In March of 1922, the Board of the Dodge Brothers Company authorized the spending of $350,000 to purchase lands across the northwestern perimeter of the Detroit region. These lands - now referred to as the "Dodge Parks" - were donated by Dodge to the State of Michigan for use as public parks in memory of the company's founders, John and Horace Dodge. One of these parks received the designation "Dodge Brothers State Park No. 10" in the northeast quarter of Highland Township. Just a few miles east, another prominent automotive family was contemporaneously closing on vast land purchases. Starting in 1923 , the Edsel and Eleanor Ford started to purchase thousands of acres in the same general region of western Oakland County, including a particular area consisting of a dramatic hill rising adjacent to a wooded lake. The Fords decided to construct their "nerve retreat" wilderness lodge on top of that hill, with construction lasting from 1924 through 1931. The world would come to know that lodge, and its foundational moraine, as "Haven Hill." Over the following 20 years, the Michigan Department of Conservation purchased several thousand additional acres of land to the east of Dodge Brothers State Park No. 10. The State of Michigan also acquired the area surrounding Haven Hill in 1943. The aggregation of the Dodge Brothers parcels with the Ford parcels would amount to the 5,900 acres now constituting Highland State Recreation Area, the Detroit region's fourth largest state park, which officially opened in 1945. The Highland Recreation Area of 2023 consists of one of the most ecologically and recreationally diverse landscapes in the entire Great Lakes region. The park's Haven Hill Natural Area contains all of southern Michigan's principal forest types within its 721 acres, including swamp forest of tamarack, cedar, beech-maple forest, oak-hickory forest, and mixed hardwood forest. Beyond world-class hiking and mountain biking, Highland has also evolved into a recreational melting pot for our region's best equestrians, backpackers, kayakers, cross-country skiers, bird-watchers, anglers, and hunters. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance : 3.5 miles Elevation Gain : 160 feet Trail Rating : Moderate Route Orientation : Loop Parking Specifics : Parking available at Haven Hill Lake trailhead (Michigan Recreation Passport required) The Haven Hill Lake Trailhead drops you right at the shores of stunning Haven Hill Lake. Alright , there may be a picnic shelter and a hundred-ish yards of sporting fields between the lake and the lot, but you'll be staring right at its green/blue waters through the limited tree cover along its eastern shoreline. The Haven Hill Loop trail starts just past the backstop and to the right of the small cluster of woods behind the picnic shelter, and you will follow the shoreline east for 0.3 miles until crossing over the Cedar Creek dam. Haven Hill Lake vista The Haven Hill Lake Trailhead drops you right at the shores of stunning Haven Hill Lake.   Alright , there may be a picnic shelter and a hundred-ish yards of sporting fields between the lake and the lot, but you'll be staring right at its green/blue waters through the limited tree cover along its eastern shoreline. The Haven Hill Loop trail starts just past the backstop and to the right of the small cluster of woods behind the picnic shelter, and you will follow the shoreline east for 0.3 miles until crossing over the Cedar Creek dam. Boardwalk Promenade This segment isn't really called the "Boardwalk Promenade," but we fervently argue that it should . For the next mile, you will traverse from one boardwalk to the next - including an initial 0.3 miles worth of uninterrupted boardwalk - among interstitial "islands" of forest. Bird watchers, this is your time to shine: the wetlands surrounding these boardwalks are ripe with avian life. Amphibians, reptiles, and maritime mammals are also frequently spotted ducking in and around the boardwalks, so animal lovers of all interests will enjoy slowing their pace to take in the sights and sounds of Boardwalk Promenade. Reaching Trail Marker #13 means that you have passed from the boardwalks back into the moraines. The first 0.6 miles of this section of the trail feature a feature mild climbs and descents, but the "micro-summits" largely serve to provide stunning views of the expansive wetlands that drain into Haven Hill Lake. After completing six of these micro-summits, the trail flattens briefly before finally introducing you to... pause for dramatic effect ... Haven Hill climb . Calm before the storm - initial approach towards Haven Hill climb Starting at the 2.7 mile marker, the trail abruptly ascends 40 feet before providing a brief 0.2 mile respite. According to AllTrails, the trail summits at the 2.9 mile marker, reaching a total elevation of 1,044 feet. Less experienced hikers should especially reaching this point - the Haven Hill climb certainly is no easy feat to complete, especially since it lays in wait until the last mile of the trail. A perfect opportunity for a water break before completing the gradual 0.6 mile descent down the forested hill, along the southern sore of Haven Hill Lake, and across the sporting fields to the trailhead parking lot. The former entrance to the Haven Hill estate But wait - there's more . Or at least there's more for experienced hikers and trail runners looking to pack more of an adventures and historical punch into the Haven Hill Loop. Do you remember the intro to this article? The firsthand account of my ascent towards the ruins of the Haven Hill estate ( yes, article skimmers - feel free to jump back up and read it now. You know who you are ). Well, you too can relive that experience starting at the 2.7 mile marker. Blink and you'll miss it, but there is a hardly-maintained trail that veers off to the right at this point. The trail is steep - truly, I would not recommend less experienced hikers to attempt this ascent, and even experienced hikers may want to think twice about it in less than ideal conditions. However, if the stars do align and you're willing to clamber over a few logs, this off-shoot trail leads you directly over the true Haven Hill summit at 1,050 feet - and then directly into the ruins of the Haven Hill estate via the "backyard." Fortunately this rugged trail does convert into a stairwell leading into the ruins, and once within the site you will be able to explore the maintained grounds at your leisure. We recommend taking your time to read the informational postings located throughout the grounds, which are fantastic prompts for jumpstarting your imagination regarding what Haven Hill must have been like in its full glory. The backcountry "summit trail" that you took to reach the ruins connects directly back to the main Haven Hill Loop trail, so you should head back the way that you came to complete the route. In the event of inclement weather, you can also follow Haven Rd. for a more civil, but less intrepid, return to the trailhead. EXPLORE THE HAVEN HILL LOOP TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! WEEKEND BONUS TIPS While Highland represents a destination ready for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels and interests, let's call a spade a spade : Highland is best suited for our region's most professional, badass, adventurous, and conditions-be-damned recreationists . Men and women who smile when the "summit" of one hill only reveals another, or laugh when the rocks and roots start competing to see which can trip you up first. Hikers, runners, and backpackers looking to train on Highland's prime real estate of rigorous terrain. Hunters unafraid of dragging their prized game out of wild, inhospitable terrain. And, especially, mountain bikers looking to conquer Highland's beloved yet infamous A-B-C-D Loops . For the uninitiated, the singular term "Highland" in midwest MTB circles specifically refers to this trail system - one of only three "Black Diamond"-rated trails in the entire Detroit region. In fact, these combined loops constitute the single most challenging trail in the entirety of our corner of the Great Lakes. The route consists of varying sections with roots, rocky stretches, steep climbs, and manageable technical areas. While these loops are primarily intended for mountain bikers, these trails are also very popular for hikers, trail runners , bird watchers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and hunters . TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE OF HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Looking for something a slighlt tamer? We don't blame you, and fortunately Highland's scenic " North Loop " trail is directly accessible from the same MTB Trailhead. The North Loop provides 2.2 miles of easy, flowing trail, complete with trekking or riding through the full spectrum of Highland's varied natural environment. The North Loop is also teeming with wildlife within its grasslands, pine forests, and marshlands, so stay on the lookout for wild turkeys, sandhill cranes, and deer. HIKE THE HIGHLAND NORTH LOOP TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Outside of Highland, we have one simple piece of advice for you: travel south, preferably with a kayak . The Huron River and its endless supply of adventures wait for you along its idyllic banks at Proud Lake State Recreation Area, ripe for wildlife viewing and catch-and-release fishing opportunities. The best launch points at Proud Lake can be found at the Proud Lake Campground, Moss Lake Dam, and the boat launch parking lot just east of N Wixom Road. Looking more for a "trail town" experience? May we interest you in Downtown Milford : our inaugural " Trail Town Spotlight " destination and a small town overflowing with outdoor recreation opportunities. From Highland, downtown is within walking distance from the recreation area's southern segments and easily reachable via bike from the main MTB Trailhead off of E Livingston Road. From Proud Lake, you can easily paddle the 2.6 miles downstream to Milford Central Park - or, as we like to do, pull off just before the Main Street Bridge for direct access to our friends at River's Edge Brewing Co . We can't wait to see you out there. 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!

June has FINALLY arrived and campers all across the Detroit region are packing up to find their resting spots under the stars. Just in time for peaking camping season, here's our breakdown of the Top Five Campgrounds near Detroit for Summer 2025! BREAKING NEWS : there are incredible campgrounds near Detroit. For most of our passionate following, this shouldn't be a surprise. In fact, almost all of the Detroit region's most beloved Michigan State Parks and Huron-Clinton Metroparks have at least one modern group camping location. The majority of the campgrounds may be best suited for "RV camping," but hey, at least you can still pitch a tent. That being said, a common message thread that we received while uploading our content from thru-hiking the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail read a little like this: " Woah, you can backcountry camp near Detroit? " " Yo! Since when do we have campgrounds? " " You can actually have these experiences in Metro Detroit?! " And, best of all: " Where else near Detroit can you camp like that? " Dear friends, that's where this article comes in. We've rolled our sleeves up to track down the five top-rated "rustic" campgrounds within the Detroit region . Destinations that not only preserve, but enhance the wilderness aesthetic that every outdoor enthusiast desires when looking to disconnect from modern society for a night or two. Especially when such pristine campgrounds are merely a short drive, moderate hike, decent ride, and - yes - expeditious paddle away. Here are the " Five Best Campgrounds near Detroit " for this year's camping season: 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 Rec 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, therefore ensuring as much privacy as a camper could ever hope for - especially when camping in the dead of winter ( Blind Lake is the only campground here that offers year-round camping ). 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. EXPLORE PINCKNEY STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. MURRAY LAKE CAMPGROUND | Brighton State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: May 23rd - August 30th ( only reservable for weekends ) Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Sorry to start this section with bad news, but unless you stop reading and book a site at Murray Lake Campground NOW , then you may have to wait until next season. Seriously. That's how in-demand this amazing campground is. Located deep in the northern woods of Brighton Recreation Area, Murray Lake provides its fortunate campers with immediate access to the full spectrum of Brighton's world-class outdoor recreation opportunities . The campground conveniently sits right off of Brighton Rec's famous Mountain Biking Loop trail system, one of the three prestigious "Black Diamond" trails in the entire Detroit region. The campground is also a short hike from the even more famous Penosha Trail , consistently ranked as one of the best trails in the entire state of Michigan. And, of course, the campground's immediate access to its namesake Murray Lake means that you will be treated to a lakeside sunset by your campfire. Each site at Murray Lake Campground features a picnic table and fire pit. Other amenities include potable water and vault toilets. Advanced reservation required to book a site. DISCOVER BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Li (仙人掌) 3. CROOKED LAKE CAMPGROUND | Pinckney State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 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. Although this attribute of Crooked Lake may detract from its "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 a 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. 4. ISLAND LAKE CANOE CAMPGROUND | Island Lake State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 2 Arrival Logistics: Paddle-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - October 31st Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees 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 "Top Five" 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 . In other words, Canoe Camping 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 the 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 STATE RECREATION AREA  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Campendium Inc. 5. GREEN LAKE CAMPGROUND | Waterloo State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25, not including the Green Lake Yurt Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - November 29th for rustic sites; year-round for Green Lake Yurt Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Last but certainly not least, we proudly present 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. 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!

Detroit's outdoor floodgates are open! May's arrival signals the launch of "primetime" for our region's recreational ecosystem, and these " Top 10 Outdoor Events near Detroit " are perfect for exploring the wealth of outdoor experiences waiting for you this May. Guess what...it's gonna be May (in Detroit's outdoors). What does that mean exactly? In the Detroit region, that means the floodgates of outdoor recreation are flung wide open. An endless smorgasbord of races, family-friendly events, industry expos, and good ol' fashion camping and stargazing under the warmth of a mid-spring night. With our parks and trails now firing on all fronts, spring in Metro Detroit's outdoors can represent a chaotic, daunting challenge. Like a child walking into Disney World for the first time, the sudden inundation of recreational opportunities available to us can be paralyzing. As we all recalibrate to primetime in our outdoors, these Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit will ease the transition by providing fun, engaging, challenging, and rewarding experiences for the whole family to enjoy. Plus ...we've thrown in a few special discounts for you to enjoy. Happy May - we can't wait to see you outside! 1. Celebrate Resiliency at the Trauma Survivors 5K May 3rd   | Belle Isle Park | 8:40 a.m.   The month of May packs in a lot of festive flair . From the " It's Gonna be May " memes to Star Wars Day, Mother's Day to Memorial Day, the entire month seems to celebrate a resurgence of life that could only accommodate Spring's natural revival. May also has another important feature: National Mental Health Awareness Month . Thirty-one days' worth of recognition that even in the midst of the festivities, we all need to prioritize caring for our mental health alongside our physical health. As well as support those still healing from the physical and mental trauma of devastating injuries. This May, we encourage you to put your support into action by joining a scenic run/walk that celebrates the courage and strength of individuals who have faced and overcome traumatic injuries. The " Trauma Survivors 5K 5K Run/1 Mile Walk " will take place at stunning Belle Isle Park , and offer a unique opportunity for survivors, family members, and healthcare providers to reconnect through outdoor recreation. Participants will take in the gorgeous views of the Detroit River, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Belle Isle, and celebrate their amazing accomplishments along the way . 2. Jumpstart #TrailSeason at "Trail Fest Demo Day and $5 5K" Event May 3rd   | Brighton State Recreation Area   | 9:00 a.m. ICYMI, we have JUST entered peak #TrailSeason in the Detroit region . The lingering ice, snow, and torrential rains from early April have subsided. Our pristine campgrounds are open. And our envy-worthy trail system is primed for fueling your hiking, trail running, and backpacking adventures. Ready to jumpstart your 2025 Trail Season? Head over to Brighton Recreation Area THIS SATURDAY for " Trail Fest Demo Day and $5 5K ," a truly unique and immersive expo sponsored by Running Lab and several partners in the Detroit region's outdoor recreation industry - including a little company called Expedition Detroit . The event will take place in the Bishop Lake Road Trailhead, and everyone who attends Trail Fest will receive one raffle ticket. But wait, there's more - if you participate in the "$5 5K" (with all proceeds supporting Brighton Recreation Area's trail maintenance), you'll earn an additional five raffle tickets. That's right, a 5-5-5 special. We're stoked. We'll see you there. EXPLORE BRIGHTON RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. Celebrate Detroit's Fishing Heritage at Riverfront Fish Fest May 3rd   | Milliken State Park   | 10:00 a.m. Spring fishing in the Detroit region represents a time-honored tradition. Not only because generations of Detroiters have bonded while casting lines into the abundant Detroit River. Responsible fishing has also restored native fish populations to healthy, sustainable levels - including saving the prehistoric Lake Sturgeon from near extinction at the turn of the 21st century. Now that's worth celebrating - and for the FIRST TIME this year, the Detroit Riverfront is hosting the perfect event for doing so. THIS SATURDAY , head down to Milliken State Park along the riverfront to celebrate " Riverfront Fish Fest , " sponsored by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, Michigan DNR, and the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge! This inaugural Fish Fest will provide an exciting, fun-filled day on the Detroit Riverfront that brings together two beloved events: "Sturgeon Day" AND "Kids Fishing Fest." This family-friendly event is FREE to attend and the perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of wildlife and conservation while also experiencing the world of fishing. Expedition Detroit is a proud proponent of fishing, hunting, and other wildlife conservation activities occurring throughout the Detroit region. To learn more about the value of conservation throughout Michigan, please check out the Michigan Wildlife Council . 4. Protect Your Parks at a DNR Volunteer Workday May 10th and 20th | Bald Mountain Recreation Area | 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. As Mahatma Gandhi so eloquently stated, " Action expresses priorities ." As applied to our region's outdoors, the Expedition Detroit team interprets this statement as a call to care for the people and places that you value, and that your values should further manifest into action. We care immensely for our wildest, most pristine outdoor destinations, as well as for the team at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources that so diligently cares for them. Any opportunity to assist the DNR with their operations is an opportunity well-worth seizing. Fortunately for all of us, the DNR has taken the lead in sponsoring two official "Volunteer Stewardship Workday" events at Bald Mountain State Recreation Area this month: May 10th at 9 a.m. May 20th at 4 p.m. Volunteers will meet at the East Graham Boat Launch parking lot on the north side of Predmore Road in the park's North Unit. Work crew activities will focus on eliminating highly invasive garlic mustard that threatens to take over woodland environments. Long pants, long sleeve shirts, and closed-toe boots are recommended for these events. Register by emailing Emily Leslie at LeslieE1@Michigan.gov . 5. Meet the Game-Changers in Detroit's Recreation Industry at the "Partner Expo" May 17th | DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit, MI | 11 a.m. Michigan's outdoor recreation industry - and specifically Detroit's - is enjoying a stratospheric rise. In just a few short, exponential years, our region's investment in its outdoor destinations, experience providers, and retailers has caught the eye of the international media . Southeast Michigan is now regularly cited as a primetime destination to experience world-class outdoor recreation, from our award-winning riverfront, to plazas, to industry-redefining trail network . This month, we all have an opportunity to meet the regional partners that have facilitated such explosive growth in our outdoors at the " Partner Expo "! Come on down to the OAC to meet the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' Metro Detroit-based community partners in recreation, leisure and health services. The DNR's partners will be sharing news about their impactful work and the services they provide to families throughout the region. There are two other perks to attending the Partner Expo: Admission to the event is complimentary to your ticket to the incredible OAC; and We'll be there. Just saying. 6. Wear Teal & Start a New Holiday Tradition with Mom May 11th | Ann Arbor, MI | 8 a.m. My Mom always encouraged an active, outdoor lifestyle for my brothers and I. Long before I ever had aspirations towards long-distance running , my dear mother all but forced me to run a few miles each day in order for me to get a less-than-fit middle schooler in-shape for my upcoming sports tryouts. Mother truly knew best - even if my angsty younger self vehemently disagreed. A few decades later, I can properly thank and celebrate her by signing us both up for a special Mother's Day 5K race: the Mother's Day Time to Teal Run in Downtown Ann Arbor ! Beyond representing another holiday 5K tradition to add the list, this event both celebrates the incredible women in our lives AND raises awareness for ovarian cancer. A portion of registration fees also support the mission and operations of the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance , so you (and mom) will truly be running for a cause. Expedition Detroit is proud to partner with the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance in promoting this important event! We will also be raffling an " Expedition Bundle " guided hiking package in support of the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance's mission and operations. We hope to see you there - and don't forget to wear teal! 7. Celebrate the Aquatic Life at the Huron River Day Festival May 18th | Gallup Park, Ann Arbor, MI | 12 p.m. The Huron River - the central vein of the Detroit region's recreational ecosystem - is worth celebrating every day of every season . That's undeniable. However , the Huron truly comes alive in May, both in terms of returned wildlife, wildflower blooms - and the influx of paddlers and anglers eager to experience both! In honor of the Huron, the City of Ann Arbor's Parks and Recreation Department is hosting its annual " Huron River Day " festival at Gallup Park! The festival will include discounted boat rentals, children's activities, river exhibits, live music, and food trucks/carts. The festival also includes complementary bicycle tune-ups, half hour guided hikes, and a special performance from Ann Arbor’s own Laith Al-Saadi — finalist from Season 10 of NBC’s “The Voice.” 8. Start Memorial Day on the Right Foot with a Community Race May 26th   | Milford, MI | 8 a.m. Out of all the quintessential trail towns that host special Memorial Day events, Downtown Milford is without a doubt one of our favorites . Beyond the town's annual parade, epic flyovers, and impressive memorial to all of the United States' fallen heroes since the Revolutionary War, Milford's festivities also include a special pre-parade tradition to kick-off its wealth of community events: the annual Milford Memorial Day Run . Sponsored by our #ExpeditionPartner Running Venture , the Milford Memorial Day Run starts at 8 a.m. with its 5K and 10K races along the beautiful Milford-Kensington Trail! A special "Kid's Run" also starts at 9:30 a.m., leaving plenty of time to trek over from the race's finish line at the Carl's Family Y.M.C.A. to Main Street. All runner's will receive a custom shirt, finisher award, and complimentary refreshments. There will also be special awards for the top male and female finishers in each event, along with top 3 in each age group! USE CODE " EXPDET25 " TO SAVE 15% ON THIS RACE! 9. Go Jurassic at the T-Rex Triathlon Series May 28th | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 6 p.m. No sport celebrates the return of warm weather quite like a triathlon . Beyond the practical impossibility of swimming in a frozen Kent Lake during winter, a triathlon forces each participant to embrace the elements as they are . The crisp cool of flowing water. The radiant heat of the trail. The warming rays of the sun. And you, the tri-sport athlete, joined by hundreds of your new best friends navigating the variables of a race designed to challenge and reward you. In our opinion, every outdoor enthusiast should complete at least one triathlon in their life. Fortunately for all of us, our friends at RF Events are hosting four this year within their " T-Rex Spring Triathlon Series ." The first event of the series - the "Stegosaurus Triathlon and Duathlon" - will be held at Island Lake State Recreation Area and consist of both a sprint triathlon (0.5 mile swim, 12.4 mile cycle, and 5K run) and duathlon (1.5 mile run, 12.4 mile cycle, and 5K run) events. All finishers will receive a custom medal and finish-line food! 10. Space Out May at a Dark Sky Preserve May 31st   | Point Pelee National Park, ON | 7:30 p.m.   Finish off a jam-packed May by spacing out into the cosmos over at Point Pelee National Park   - the best stargazing destination in the Detroit region  - for a celebratory " Dark Sky Nights " event! This outing is especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave cooler temperatures at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. 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.

Gravel biking is taking the recreational world by storm - especially right here in the Great Lakes region. New to gravel biking? We've got you covered with our #ExpeditionEssentials ultimate guide to the best gear and trail destinations for gravel biking near Detroit! Photo courtesy of Coast to Coast – Gravel Grinder Go pound sand, pickleball : there's a new king on the recreational throne. I was actively jotting down notes at the Michigan Outdoor Summit last fall during a session on the future outlook of Michigan's adventure tourism economy. Lost in the influx of a gold mine of valuable industry insights, one of the panel's speakers uttered a quote that cut through the noise. "Gravel biking is the fastest growing sport in America." Or maybe he said Michigan. My frantic note-taking didn't capture every word. What my notes certainly captured - which has also reverberated throughout the outdoor industry over the last few years - is gravel biking's wave of popularity. And by "wave," we mean tsunami . As Expedition Detroit's mountain biking content soared over the past few years, we couldn't publish an article or post without a follower or subscriber responding along these lines: "You gotta publish some gravel biking content!" "Sweet - now let's see some gravel!" "Are you guys going to cover gravel biking anytime soon?" Fine ; twist our arm. We finally caved last spring and acquired a company-branded Canyon Grizl 7 gravel bike early last summer. You know, just to verify the hype. The hype is real. As real as it gets. I was hooked immediately on the sport, much to the chagrin ( or maybe relief? ) of my REI Co-op mountain bike . I found that my gravel bike unleashed the full potential of Detroit's blossoming trail system. Unlike the weight of my MTB and the fragility of most road bikes, my gravel bike provided the perfect balance of a lightweight frame and structural formidability to fuel 40+ mile rides. Going for a ride now meant having the ability to explore multiple trail systems in a single outing. To verify that Michigan is actually evolving into the "Great Trails State," with Detroit as its recreational capital. We even ventured "south of the border" to Thedford, Onatario to ride in the " Big Gravel Grind ," sponsored by the Bluewater International Granfondo . With a year of field work now complete, we confidently believe that our region's recreational future will prioritize gravel biking near Detroit. It's our pleasure to finally bring the fastest growing sport in America - or at least Metro Detroit - to our community. CRASH COURSE: What is Gravel Biking? You've definitely heard of road biking. Probably mountain biking too. So, let's start with the obvious question: What the heck even is "Gravel Biking?" In short, gravel biking is a version of cycling that involves riding a drop-bar bike on unpaved roads and trails, fitting somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking . In more technical terms, a " gravel bike " features a drop handlebar, longer wheelbase to ensure stable handling, more comfortable, relaxed geometry, wider (35 mm and up), often knobby tires to increase grip on rough surfaces; and disc brakes for powerful stopping in various weather conditions. Let's not overcomplicate the sport though. Gravel biking near Detroit has caught like a recreational wildfire due to several synergistic factors, chief of which being that the sport appeals to both endurance-heavy road cyclists and adventurous mountain bikers alike. Here's a summary of gravel biking's allurement: Multipurpose. From cruising on paved trails to expeditiously riding two-track backcountry routes, gravel biking bridges the gap between road cycling's speed and mountain biking's ruggedness - as well as perfectly facilitating multi-day bikepacking adventures. Variable Terrain. Beyond the crushed stones that literally define "gravel," gravel bikes confidently and efficiently ride over any variety of unpaved surfaces, with conditions ranging from smooth forest service roads to rutted out double track. Route Accessibility. Gravel biking has flourished in the United States - and especially Michigan - due to a third of our country's 4.1 million-mile road network remaining unpaved. Safety. Gravel biking provides an ideal alternative for cyclists that are tied to the pavement of main roads and beginner bikers looking to avoid the variables of mountain biking trails. Opportunities for Economic Growth. Beyond further product diversification for bike shops, small towns throughout the United States and Canada - especially in rural areas with largely unpaved roads - can now transform into idyllic destinations for gravel biking races. Here in the Detroit region, we are already experiencing an influx of recreational development geared towards gravel biking. Starting with our namesake city, Detroit's flourishing network of interconnected greenways - chief of which being the forthcoming Joe Louis Greenway - will supercharge the importance of biking throughout the city. Just over the border, the Windsor-Essex region is capitalizing on the global $135 billion cycling tourism market, including relaunching interactive biking maps, highlighting the trail connectivity of the Gordie Howe Bridge, and branding cycle tourism in the forefront of their campaigns. Gravel racing events like The Watermoo , De Ronde van Grampian , the Big Gravel Grind , and the Rode to Hell Gravel Race . Now that gravel biking near Detroit is here to stay, let's get you geared up for riding. GEAR UP: Gravel Biking Gear Essentials Recommending biking equipment of any kind is a dangerous game. Much like skiing or snowboarding, every rider is different, "gear heads" rule the trail, and any public opinion on the topic is subject to public scrutiny. If you're an experienced gravel rider with a tried-and-true kit, then this section is largely not for you. Feel free to skip ahead to recommended trails. If you're new to gravel biking or looking to upgrade your kit, then welcome - our research team has been expecting you. Let's get into it. GRAVEL BIKES 1. Grizl CF SLX 8 AXS Trail Brand : Canyon Cost : $4,699 Why Listed : Best in Show Technical Features : Superlight SLX frame and high-end Rudy Ultimate fork, this is one of the fastest, most capable bikes around on rough gravel courses Available in 2XS-2XL sizes. Weight: 20.82 lbs Material: Carbon 2. Topstone 3 Brand :  Cannondale Cost :  $1,119.93 ( currently on sale ) Why Listed : Best Value Technical Features : Built for chasing horizons, exploring routes less traveled or accelerating your commute, the Cannondale Topstone 3 is a lightweight gravel bike crafted from SmartForm C2 alloy with a full carbon fork Available in XS-XL sizes. Weight: 22 lbs 15.5 oz Material: SmartForm C2 Alloy 3. Journeyer Sora 700c Bike Brand :  Salsa Cost :  $999.93 ( currently on sale ) Why Listed : Best for Beginners Technical Features : Built for comfort and confidence on any road surface and equipped with versatile cargo-carrying options, the Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c bike is your gateway to all-road adventures Available in 49 CM and 51 CM sizes. Weight: 23 lbs 13 oz Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum HELMET Journeyer Sora 700c Bike Brand :  Salsa Cost :  $999.93 ( currently on sale ) Why Listed : Best for Beginners Technical Features : Built for comfort and confidence on any road surface and equipped with versatile cargo-carrying options, the Salsa Journeyer Sora 700c bike is your gateway to all-road adventures Available in 49 CM and 51 CM sizes. Weight: 23 lbs 13 oz Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum HELMET Persist Mips Bike Helmet Brand :  Smith Cost :  $130.00 Technical Features : Fast-paced lunch spin or long weekend ride, the updated Smith Persist Mips bike helmet is down for whatever you have in mind. And with the easy-to-use dial adjuster, you can get that just-right fit Available in S-XL sizes Weight: 11 oz Material: Polycarbonate PEDALS X-Track Gravel Edition Pedals Brand :  Look Cost :  $59.00 Technical Features : Get off paved surfaces with the Look X-Track Gravel Edition pedals. They're built with an aluminum body and Chromoly+, double-sealed axles that ensure a fluid feel through every pedal stroke Clipless design Weight: 450 grams Material: Aluminum Cleat design: 2-hole GRAVEL BIKING SHOES Men's: RX 6 Gravel Bike Shoes Brand :  Shimano Cost :  $180.00 Technical Features : Optimally balanced for stiffness and walkability, the men's Shimano RX 6 gravel bike shoes have carbon-reinforced soles that offer race-level rigidity for pedaling performance on day-long rides Available in 40-50 EU sizes Weight: 1 lb 3.3 oz Material: Carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon/TPU Cleat design: 2-hole Women's: RX 6 Gravel Bike Shoes Brand :  Shimano Cost :  $180.00 Technical Features : Optimally balanced for stiffness and walkability, the women's Shimano RX 6 gravel bike shoes have carbon-reinforced soles that offer race-level rigidity for pedaling performance on day-long rides Available in 36-42 EU sizes Weight: 1 lb 2.1 oz Material: Carbon-fiber-reinforced nylon/TPU Cleat design: 2-hole ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS The gear listed above is your bare-essentials equipment list. Beyond those components, the list of gravel biking accessories and customization is near-endless. That being said, we strongly suggest investing in proper safety equipment. That includes biking shorts with adequate padding , safety lights ( especially a rear light ), gloves, and riding glasses. Acquiring a mounted cycling computer will also fuel both your riding and fitness capacity. Photo courtesy of Recreation Equipment, Inc. GET OUT THERE: 5 Best Trails for Gravel Biking Near Detroit The Detroit region is no stranger to world-class cross-country skiing trails. In fact, most - if not all - of our Michigan State, Huron-Clinton Metropark, and regional parks feature top-tier cross-country skiing trails near Detroit. Our state's long winters, scenic forests, rolling hills, and notable demographics with Scandinavian ancestry lend itself to our winters' favorite pastime. If you're ready to ramp up your riding adventures for Spring and Summer of 2025, then here are the Detroit region's top 5 trails for gravel biking near Detroit ( according to AllTrails ): 1. DETROIT RIVERFRONT TRAIL |    Detroit, MI Distance : 9.8 Miles Elevation Gain : 118 ft. Route Type : Out & Back How could we not start our list of the best trails for gravel biking near Detroit with the #1 riverfront in America : the Detroit Riverfront Trail ! This ever-evolving, scenic, and amenity-filled trail provides an excellent out-and-back paved trail, ranging from Gabriel Richard Park across the Detroit River from Belle Isle to the forthcoming Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park ( FINALLY opening later this year! ). Our absolute favorite aspect about this trail - and especially for gravel bikers - is that the Detroit Riverfront Trail connects directly to several other trails, including Belle Isle , the Dequindre Cut , the Southwest Greenway, and eventually the Joe Louis Greenway . EXPLORE DETROIT'S BELLE ISLE PARK YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Paint Creek Tail 2.    PAINT CREEK TRAIL    |    Lake Orion, Michigan Distance :  8.9 Miles Elevation Gain :  62 ft. Route Type : Point to Point Explore Michigan's first non-motorized rail-to-trail: the Paint Creek Trail ! Open to the public since 1983, the Paint Creek Trail receives over 100,000 visitors annually. The non-motorized Trail traverses through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township and the Village of Lake Orion. Approximately 8.9 miles long, the trail is built on the gentle grade of the former Penn Central railroad bed. The trail's 8-ft. wide, all-weather limestone surface makes it ideal for year-round activity. It's a place for non-motorized travel, a place to enjoy a quiet look at nature and scenic open space - and especially for gravel biking near Detroit. GEAR UP FOR GRAVEL BIKING NEAR DETROIT Photo courtesy of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island 3.   CHRYSLER CANADA GREENWAY TRAIL    |     Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada Distance :  28.6 Miles Elevation Gain :  288 ft. Route Type : Point to Point Oh, Canada! This cycling season, head south of the border to explore one of the top-rated destinations for gravel biking near Detroit: the Chrysler Canada Greenway Trail . The trail is not only idyllic for gravel biking, but also birding, and cross-country skiing in the winter . The 50 kilometer (~28.6 mile) Chrysler Canada Greenway travels through the heart of rolling Essex County and comprises the southernmost link of the continent-spanning Trans Canada Trail . STAY SAFE, DRY, AND SEEN WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT TRAIL GEAR Photo courtesy of the City of Auburn Hills, Michigan 4.   CLINTON RIVER TRAIL    |     West Bloomfield, Michigan Distance :  16 Miles Elevation Gain :  436 ft. Route Type : Point to Point The Clinton River Trail is a 16-mile long, multi-use, recreational trail extending through the communities of Sylvan Lake, Pontiac, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and Rochester. The trail provides connections to several other area trails and is a critical part of two cross-state trails: the Iron Belle Trail running from Belle Isle to Ironwood and the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails Route 1 from South Haven to Port Huron. The trail has contributed to the health, vitality, and quality of life in the Detroit region since 2004. EXPLORE PONTIAC LAKE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Rails to Trails Conservancy 5.   POLLY ANN TRAIL   |     Lake Orion, Michigan Distance :  36.7 Miles Elevation Gain :  698 ft. Route Type : Point to Point The Polly Ann Trail is a 36.7-mile long, non-motorized trail extending north from suburban Detroit on a former Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad corridor. The trail is managed separately by groups in Lapeer County and Oakland County, and the experience along the trail is vastly different in the two countie s. In Oakland County, the Polly Ann Trail has a crushed stone surface and runs for 14.2 miles between Orion Township and the Oakland–Lapeer County line. Along the way, trail users pass through the communities of Orion Township, Oxford Township, the Village of Oxford, Addison Township, and the Village of Leonard. Meanwhile, the Lapeer County section has largely more rugged, natural terrain - in other words, perfect for gravel biking near Detroit. EXPLORE ACTIVE WEAR PROVIDED BY EXPEDITION DETROIT This article contains affiliate links that align with Expedition Detroit's Disclosures Policy. This article does not constitute an endorsement by Expedition Detroit of any of the featured equipment or destinations for cross-country skiing near Detroit.

Summer in Detroit is BACK with open season for backpacking, gravel biking, hiking... and picking up a tick or two along the way . Have no fear - Expedition Detroit is here with an intro on our regional pest and steps you can take to stay safe from Lyme disease this summer! Summer is in full swing and Michiganders have taken to the outdoors to take advantage of guided hikes, lake-life, biking trails, and…… TICKS!?!   That’s right, folks. The beauty of Michigan summers is unmatched, but in accordance with the nature's balance of Yin and Yang, every positive unfortunately comes with some negative. For Detroit's outdoors, that means rising temperatures rise and active forest animals are accompanied by open season for ticks - and the diseases that they can carry . Now that more Detroiters than ever are flocking to our parks and trails, let's dive into a crash course on our resident micro arachnids and what steps we can take to enjoy a tick-free summer in our world-class outdoors. Where the Wild Things Are: Crash Course on Michigan's Ticks If you're keen on avoiding something ( or someone ), then step one is typically to learn where that something typically goes. Ticks often rest on leaves and grasses along well-travelled paths, where they hope an unsuspecting host will walk by and brush up against them. Once adhered, a tick may feed on host blood for minutes to days. As an anesthesiologist I must tip my cap to these little vampires. Their saliva can contain anesthetic properties which prevents the host from noticing any irritation from bites. As the tick feeds, it can transmit pathogens into the host bloodstream . Those pathogens are what we're most concerned about. During the transmission phase of a tick's feeding, ticks may transfer a litany of diseases like rocky mountain spotted fever , tularemia , anaplasmosis , babesiosis , Powassan virus disease , ehrlichiosis , and alpha-gal syndrome – a particularly terrifying disease where those affected become "allergic" to red meat. The most common vector-borne disease in Michigan, however, is Lyme disease . Backcountry Enemy No. 1: Lyme Disease  Lyme disease is spread by the infamous black-legged "deer" tick and caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.  The disease may cause symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and a bulls-eye appearing rash called erythema migrans . Left untreated, those affected may develop severe neurologic and cardiac complications. Lyme disease is most commonly treated with antibiotics, but proper treatment requires a thorough examination, diagnosis, and plan from a doctor.   If all of that wasn’t scary enough, I have more bad news – cases in the Detroit region are on the rise. There were 862 cases of confirmed Lyme disease in Michigan in 2021, which was over a 400% increase from 2016. Washtenaw County – home to several of our favorite parks – is particularly concerning in regard to its growing burden of Lyme disease cases. Here are a few startling figures: In 2023, Washtenaw County had 192 confirmed cases, compared to 17 confirmed cases in 2016. Of the 2023 cases, it affected individuals as young as 3 years old, and 22 people required hospitalization. There were disproportionately low Lyme disease case reports among ethnic minority demographics throughout Washtenaw County, although such findings cause concern for missed or under-reported diagnoses in residents of color.   Due to reporting bias and many individuals unable or unwilling to seek treatment, the real case numbers of Lyme disease in Michigan are likely much higher than reported .   Let's pause for a moment. The data concerning the growth of ticks, and severe tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, throughout the Detroit region is objectively alarming. That being said, there are numerous ways to help reduce the incidence of tick bites and their potential diseases. Since we have a vested interest in facilitating the growth and sustainability of our local outdoor community, we wanted to share our insights into how you can continue to explore deeper into our wildest places while mitigating exposure to ticks. Here are a few recommended means of doing so: Avoid Direct Contact Since ticks cannot jump or fly, they most likely won’t sneak up on you. Instead, ticks heavily rely on their hosts making direct contact as they trek through tall grass, leaves, and other foliage. As you explore Michigan’s wilderness, make an effort to avoid trekking directly through such flora. Safe practice involves staying near the center of paths and avoiding off-trail adventures. But let’s face it – sometimes adventure calls and we end up off-trail. In such scenarios, wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, pants, high socks, and closed-toed shoes. These items will serve as a protective barrier should a tick find its way onto your body, and allow you a chance to identify and remove the tick before it contacts your skin. Utilize DEET or Permethrin Skin repellents containing at least 20% DEET will help repel ticks. Clothing treated with permethrin with also repel ticks, and often remains effective after numerous wash cycles. The EPA has an excellent insect repellent search tool  to help you find a solution which works for you. Find and Remove Ticks If a tick finds a way on to your skin, do not panic. For starters, the tick may not carry any diseases. Additionally, it can take several hours to days before an infected tick is able to transmit pathogens to their host. So as long as you immediately and diligently check yourself after spending extensive time outdoors, then your chances of removing a tick before any harm is transmitted will greatly increase. Best practice for this "search and destroy mission" involves bathing or showering shortly after outdoor activities. Before or after bathing, use a mirror to check yourself for ticks and ask a partner for assistance if able. Parents should check their children, especially within hidden spots such as the arm pits, ears, behind the knees, near the groin, around the waste, in hair, and in the belly-button. If you find a tick, grasp it with tweezers  and pull straight up without twisting or jerking . Wash the skin site with soap and water. Then dispose of the live tick by submerging in alcohol or sealing in a bag. Resist the urge to crush a tick in your fingers. It is also safe practice to double check your gear and pets. Tumbling gear or clothes in the dryer on high heat for an hour will typically kill any attached ticks. Follow-Up with your Doctor If you develop a rash, fever, joint pain, muscle pain, or other concerning symptoms in the days to weeks following a tick bite, then you should immediately follow-up with your doctor. Make sure your doctor is aware of the timing and setting of your tick exposure. Here at Expedition Detroit , we love nothing more than seeing our community enjoy and respect our region's great outdoors in a safe manner. A key component of that mission is to boost your ability to hike, camp, bike, ski, hunt, and paddle for as long as you so desire. This article - really, all of our lifestyle articles - has been curated for that exact purpose. While our growing tick population is absolutely a cause for concern, informed recreation is your best first step towards enjoying the best outdoor summer of your life. So stay safe and healthy, Detroit - we’ll see you on the trail. HIT THE TRAILS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Additional resources specific to Lyme Disease and Ticks in Washtenaw County can be found at the Washtenaw County Health Department , which served as a reliable resource as we prepared this article.   This article serves to educate but should not be used as direct medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional(s) before attempting to diagnose or treat any medical concerns.

Spring's arrival includes a symphony of bird songs - including the coveted turkey gobble for Detroit's conservationists. Here is Expedition Detroit's breakdown of the locations, dates, equipment, and special regulations - updated for the 2025 spring Michigan turkey hunting season ! Imagine a perfect spring morning on your favorite trail. A pleasant 60º temperature with a bluebird sky backdrop, contrasted only by the budding greens, whites, pinks, and purples of the flowering trees. Wildflowers may already be sprouting through the freshly de-frosted ground, and the songs of migrant songbirds complete the background ambiance. One song breaks through the chorus - a distinct " GOBBLE, GOBBLE " that you had not thought about since November. Then you see them - a flock of wild turkeys steadily trekking through the woods, with a peacocking, puffed-out tom surely chasing down the hens. Maybe this is your first time ever seeing wild turkeys on this trail. Maybe it's the hundredth time. Regardless, the fact that you're actually witnessing that particular flock resulted from nothing short of a conservation miracle . A research-based, near-perfectly executed plan to preserve and manage North America's wild turkey population that was on the brink of extinction. And no, this near-catastrophic event did not occur in the 1800s or early 1900s like so many other mass-extinction events. We almost lost our wild turkeys in the 1970s . Here at Expedition Detroit , we firmly support the necessity of ethical, recreational hunting as a cornerstone component of the Michigan DNR's conservation mission . Beyond the revenue from hunting licenses providing a key funding source for the DNR's operations, the active management of wild species like wild turkey has led to a nearly 8x increase in their population and material preservation of their habitat. For this and many other reasons, outdoor ethics organizations like Leave No Trace have endorsed ethical hunting as a fundamental aspect of a healthy recreational ecosystem. April 19th is the opening day for Spring Wild Turkey Season throughout southern Michigan. With a few weeks to go, here's a "cheatsheet" for what you should know before heading into the field. 2025 Spring Turkey Digest Highlights Every spring, the Michigan DNR produces its Michigan Spring Turkey Digest that constitutes essentially the Bible on all matters Michigan turkey hunting. Here's a consolidated version of the Digest for turkey hunting within the Detroit region. When to Apply : Leftover licenses are available for purchase now via the Michigan DNR's website . Purchased licenses will be mailed within 7 to 10 business days after purchase. The Hunt 0234 license (see below) has no quota and can be purchased anytime. Season Dates : April 19th - May 31st for private land hunting within Unit ZZ. The public Units have a possible extended season through June 7th depending on each license's specific hunt numbers. Required Equipment : Hunters may use a bow and arrow, a crossbow, a firearm that fires a fixed shotgun shell, or a muzzleloading shotgun. It is illegal to use or carry afield any other firearm . With regard to camouflage, we recommended repurposing your bow hunting equipment for early Whitetail Deer season for Michigan's early spring conditions. Other recommended equipment includes turkey calls ( don't forget to practice before heading into the field ) and decoys . Licenses Required : Base License and a Spring Turkey License. The DNR has created a new "Hunt 0234" license available for use between May 3rd - 31st. This is a statewide, guaranteed spring turkey license that does not require an application in the conventional spring turkey drawing. With the Hunt 0234, you can hunt on both public and private lands in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula, as well as private land in Unit ZZ. Limitations : 1 bearded turkey per tag. Hunters are also allotted only one tag per season. Turkeys may not be harvested while roosting or sitting in a tree. Mechanical, electronic or live decoys are prohibited. Recommended Public Hunting Locations As displayed within the Digest , the entirety of the Detroit region is within the "ZZ" Unit - a multi-county, private-land only unit. Within the ZZ Unit "private" area, there are also three "public" area units that feature some of the best hunting destinations throughout the entire state. For the Detroit region, these public areas include Unit ZD and the southeastern portions of Units ZC and ZE. While licensed hunters can pursue Michigan's turkeys in most state-managed areas, there are a select handful of state lands that the DNR has specifically anointed as suggested locations for prime spring Michigan turkey hunting opportunities . Several of these are in the Detroit region, but two are uniquely located within the same township : Seven Lakes State Park and Holly Recreation Area in Holly Township. Of these two destinations, Holly Recreation Area is especially well-suited for Michigan turkey hunting due to its 8,000+ acres, rolling woodlands, and open fields. Both natural areas are located in Unit ZC and are prime destinations for conventional birdwatching activities as well. ***NEW FOR 2025*** The Michigan DNR maintains a statewide " Turkey Tracts " program designed to highlight public hunting areas where intensive habitat management for turkeys has been conducted. These areas are designed to promote and highlight public access to quality turkey hunting, educate the public of ongoing habitat management and the impacts on wildlife and people, and build a connection with the users of the Turkey Tracts and local community businesses. Holly Recreation Area is the Detroit region's sole keeper of a Turkey Tracts designation site. EXPLORE HOLLY RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT TIPS FOR SCOUTING WILD TURKEYS If you're new to spring turkey hunting in Metro Detroit, don't worry - you're far from being alone. The resurgence of wild turkeys throughout southeast Michigan has lured legions of deer hunters and new hunters into the woods over the past few years (ourselves included). So if you're wondering where to begin when it comes to scouting wild turkeys, here's a short reference guide for your benefit: IDEAL HABITAT Scout for a variety of landscapes that provide for successful nesting, food, water, roosts, and areas for toms to display for hens within a close proximity. Look for fields, cutovers, open timber, creek/river bottoms, ridges, agriculture, cattle pastures, and grown up patches. WHEN TO SCOUT A few weeks before opening day - late March to early April. The goal is to get the lay of the land and learn the terrain as much prior to opening day, including searching for turkey tracks. KEEP YOUR EARS SHARP Identify a few “listening knobs” located at high points and drop pins. Find the highest point on the property that you're scouting - a place where you'll hopefully be able to hear hundreds of acres at a time. Get to that location well before daylight during the scouting weeks, and around daylight you'll hopefully start hearing gobbles, yelps, or "cawks." If you do, drop digital pins in the general area of those gobbles to create an inventory of turkeys to target. SIGNS OF TURKEY ACTIVITY In the early season, start by creek bottoms or other shallow bodies of water. Those locations are where the newest plants will green up first, which hens will find first while foraging. Look for tracks, droppings, and scratching areas ( resemble deer scrapes ) in the leaves. The bare dirt from turkey scratching will be exposed about the size of a dinner plate, and the leaves will be bunched up to one side. A roost tree should have a lot of droppings and feathers around its base. Wild turkey tracks Please note that this cheatsheet is only a high-level and supplemental reference to the Digest . The Digest also includes a broad range of very helpful and instructive information, such as legal shooting hours, information on lawful stands and baiting practices, and penalties for violations. Any further inquiries regarding applicable rules and regulations should be directed to the Hunting Digest or DNR at 517-284-WILD . You can CLICK HERE t o purchase any of the requisite licenses listed above. New to Michigan turkey hunting and would like additional resources? You're in luck. The DNR, Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, and other groups offer wild turkey hunter orientation courses. A fee may be charged, and space may be limited. For details about events, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey . Expedition Detroit  is proud to partner with the Michigan Wildlife Council 's mission of encouraging Michigan residents to support ethical conservation by purchasing fishing and hunting licenses . We hope that join us in conserving Michigan's cherished wildlife this spring! Learn More about the Michigan Wildlife Council Best of luck this season!

April means spring, and spring means the return of prime time in Detroit's outdoors! As our trails, campgrounds, and waterways reopen for the masses, these " Top Ten Outdoor Events " will serve as your guide for navigating this month's super-bloom of recreation opportunities. Congratulations! If you're reading this, then you've successfully survived March , the purgatory of outdoor recreation in the Detroit region. Not quite winter. Not quite spring. Just... March . A turn of the calendar may not feel like much, but for the majority of outdoor enthusiasts in the Great Lakes, April 1st marks "Opening Day" for the great migration back to our trails. Hiking, trail running, backpacking, cycling, mountain biking, paddling, canoe camping ...even hunting is back on the agenda for April. Yes, you should probably acquire some rain gear and waterproof boots. But our wild places will be fully-open for business again this month, which is absolutely worth celebrating . In anticipation of the new world of outdoor opportunities opening up tomorrow, we sifted through the deluge of experiences to curate this list of the "Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit" for April. We can't wait to see you all again on the trails this spring! 1. Experience the Best of "April in the D" at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center Throughout April | Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit, Michigan This is NOT an April Fool's joke : spring has FINALLY arrived in the Detroit region, and there's no better way to experience the very best of "April in the D" than at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center! In honor of the OAC's 10th anniversary, the Detroit Riverfront staple is hosting a litany of outdoor recreation-related events this month. Here's a breakdown of our favorites: April 4th: " Explore Archery " program that will give participants the opportunity to learn to safely handle a bow, learn proper stance and shoot several arrows. April 10th: " Pheasant Day " exhibit and guided walk along Milliken State Park in search of "the unofficial city bird of Detroit." April 12th: " Walleye Clinic " where participants will learn about selecting equipment, setting up poles, techniques for shore fishing, walleye fishing regulations, and time fishing along the Detroit River. April 26th: " Trails Expo " featuring local experts in hiking, biking, paddling and more. Learn tips and tricks for hitting the trails, then test out your skills in hands-on workshops. Photo courtesy of Fleet Feet 2. Seize the Day - and Night - at the Carpe Diem/Noctem Trail Race April 5th | Proud Lake State Recreation Area | 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The ice has thawed . The trails are (eventually) drying. The birds, blooms, and beauty of spring in Michigan's state parks and recreation areas are starting to return to full strength. Now is the PERFECT time to run Proud Lake's famous trails that you've missed all winter long! So perfect that you should run them twice... in the same day ...as your first trail race of the season. That's the hypothesis of the " Carpe Diem - Noctem " 10K and half-marathon trail race events, and we absolutely dig it. This dual time/multiple event extravaganza offers a variety of racing options for runners looking to burn up Proud Lake's loops for both their morning and evening runs. Plus, finishers will get to add one of the most unique medals that we've ever seen to their collection. Yeah, we're sold. EXPLORE PROUD LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Michigan Vernal Pools Partnership 3. Discover a Seasonal Wonder at Stony Creek April 6th   | Proud Lake State Recreation Area | 8:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Blink and they're gone. That's how we feel about the Detroit region's " Vernal Pools " - seasonal bodies of water that remain flooded for ~two months that provide a unique habitat for select non-fish species. These pools are found throughout our regional parks along the glacial Jackson Interlobate Range , including Stony Creek Metropark which is hosting a special "Vernal Pool Discovery" experience! Head over to Stony Creek to explore the full wonder of springtime in the park's vernal pools. You will experience frogs calling, salamanders migrating, and "fairy shrimp" swimming. The experiences includes a guided 1-2 mile rustic hike to explore the sights and sounds of the vernal pools up close. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one day before the program. 4. Run Out of this World at the Martian Invasion of Races April 12th | Dearborn, Michigan | 7:15 a.m. Once a year, Dearborn literally becomes the center of the universe : the destination for an intergalactic coalition of Earthlings and Martians. Each jumping to hyperspeed for cosmic journeys of 5K to full marathon-length expeditions. Regardless of whether you will be embarking on that all-important "one small step" for your fitness journey, or a "giant leap" towards conquering your distance running goals, the Martian Invasion of Races has an event for every outdoor - and outer space - enthusiast. 5. Fight Back Against Invasive Species at a DNR Volunteer Workday April 12th | Bald Mountain State Recreation Area | 9:00 a.m. Winter provides a double-edged sword when it comes to the beautification of our favorite outdoor spaces. On one hand, the clean slate of a fresh blanket of snow provides postcard-worthy images of untainted beauty. On the other hand, that deep powder covers a vast ecosystem of invasive plant species, which wait patiently until spring's revival to renew their assault on our wild spaces. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we're entering the latter of those two circumstances now. Fortunately for all outdoor enthusiasts, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has organized an official " Volunteer Stewardship Workday " to remove garlic mustard that threatens to take over Bald Mountain State Recreation Area's valuable woodland. Long-sleeve shirts, long pants and closed-toed shoes are recommended. Register by emailing Emily Leslie at LeslieE1@Michigan.gov . 6. Get in the Woods for Opening Day of Turkey Season April 19th | Throughout Michigan Turkeys in April...? For non-hunters, this inclusion likely strikes you as an out-of-place callback to fall foliage, unavoidable family arguments, and the Lions' push towards a playoff berth ( this season for sure ). For hunters, April is primetime to get back into the woods for spring turkey season . In the Detroit region, opening day officially kicks off at 6:10 a.m. on the 19th. Beyond the recreational enjoyment and plentiful harvest that turkey season entails, we also wanted to highlight the immense conservation value of regulated turkey hunting - often dubbed the " Greatest Conservation Success Story. " When the National Wild Turkey Federation was founded in 1973, only 1.3 million wild turkeys remained in the continent. Now, after 50+ years of careful conservation and management, there are approximately 7 million wild turkeys throughout North America . Science-backed conservation works, and we at Expedition Detroit are proud to support it. Both by getting in the woods and through our direct involvement with the Michigan Wildlife Council . We hope that join us in conserving Michigan's cherished wildlife this spring! Learn More about the Michigan Wildlife Council 7. Celebrate Spring in the Mitten at the Michigan Made Half Marathon April 26th | Milford, Michigan | 8 a.m. Michigan - the " Great Trails State " - is built for runners. From paved routes to backcountry trails, our state has been reimagined as a logistical paradise for runners of all genres. Especially right here in the Detroit region, where our network of interconnected trails continues to flourish like wildflowers in spring . Sounds like something worth celebrating, right? Our #ExpeditionPartner Running Venture  agrees - and has designed the perfect racing event for celebrating the art of running Michigan's trails. This month don't miss Running Venture's "Michigan Made" Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K event! Celebrating "all things Michigan," the races start at Central Park in Milford and run the paved Milford/Kensington Trail, as well as the dirt back roads in Milford before finishing back at Central Park. All participants will receive a custom race shirt, finisher medal, and complimentary refreshments. SAVE 25% ON YOUR RACE REGISTRATION WITH CODE " EXPDET25 "! 8. Kick Off Trail Racing Season at THE Trail Race Event April 26th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 8:00 a.m. In full transparency, this may be the single event that we're most looking forward to this month for a few very subjective reasons . First, the " Road End 5-Mile " event was the first trail race that I ever completed and fundamentally changed my love, appreciation, and understanding of trail running. Second, " Trail " formally kicks off RF Events' " GOAT Trail Series ," a season-long trail running series where runners collect points to compete for a prestigious "GOAT" (Greatest Of All Time) title. Our trail running team has a ton of fun - and found some extra running motivation - while participating in the past three series. We'll see you all at the official starting line of the 2025 trail season! EXPLORE PINCKNEY STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 9. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve April 26th   | Point Pelee National Park | 7:30 p.m.   The days may finally be getting lighter, but the stars at Point Pelee National Park  - the single best stargazing destination in the Detroit region  - are still shining as bright as ever!  Point Pelee's " Dark Sky Nights " are especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave near-freezing temperatures at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos. 10. Close Out April at a Backwater Bonfire April 26th | Oakwoods Metropark | 7 p.m. Most of the Detroit region's critters come out at night . We're talking mammals, amphibians, insects, birds - and, if adventurous enough, even humans. For such intrepid outdoor enthusiasts, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks invite you to hang out around a bonfire, make some s’mores, and learn about some of our regional nocturnal animals ! The "Backwater Bonfire" program will be entirely outdoors, lasting approximately 90 minutes around a massive bonfire pit at Oakwoods Metropark . The planned path surface to the bonfire area is sloped and asphalt. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. JOIN EXPEDITION DETROIT ON A TOP-RATED NIGHT HIKING ADVENTURE 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.