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

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

THE WAIT IS OVER! We're ecstatic to launch new backpacking adventures across Metro Detroit's wildest destinations, starting with its FIRST backpacking trail: the Potawatomi Trail! This moderate-level guided and instructional backpacking expedition explores one of the Detroit region's most famous, beautiful, and historic trails: the "Potawatomi Trail" at Pinckney State Recreation Area. Starting from the idyllic Silver Lake Trailhead, the trail traverses the dense marshlands, mature forests, dramatic moraine hills, lush fields, and lakeside scenic overnight at stunning Blind Lake Campground - consistently held as the most beautiful campground in southeast Michigan! Perfect for backpackers training for their first overnight trip or looking to explore the more rustic side of Detroit's outdoors, this moderate-level overnight trip includes the following pre-trip virtual training session: -Meeting to connect and discuss trip logistics. -Overview of the trail and "hidden gems" to look for. -Instruction on how to properly plan - physically and mentally - for your backpacking trip. -Tips on packing your backpack and overview of required gear. -Opportunity to discuss FAQs and other questions. Don't forget to pack in your spirit for adventure! MORE ON THIS TRIP: Meeting/End Point: Silver Lake Trailhead parking lot Overnight Campground: Blind Lake Campground Trail Length: 17.7 miles (10.8 miles on Day 1, 6.9 miles on Day 2) Elevation Gain: 2,083 feet (1,207 feet on Day 1, 876 feet on Day 2) Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Michigan Recreation Passport required for overnight parking at the Silver Lake Trailhead parking lot OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: -Your guides will be Dan Cooke and Bria Sheffer -Flexible payment options available -Equipment rental options available upon request -Available for solo bookings and large groups (10 participants) CHECK OUT OUR FEATURE ON THIS TRAIL: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/the-potawatomi-trail-rediscovering-detroit-s-first-backpacking-loop