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Who says that winter camping has to be a suffer fest? Here we invite you take sit back, warm up, and explore the cozy side of camping with these 5 best glamping destinations near Detroit during Winter 2025 ! Eight degrees Fahrenheit. -13.3333º Celsius for our Canadian faithful. I could barely make out the temperature from my near-frozen watch while burrowed inside a tent perched high on the "Island in the Sky" in Canyonlands National Park. All that I knew was that I had never been so cold in my life. A type of cold where sleep becomes a foregone conclusion, leaving you huddled and shivering while endlessly waiting for the sun to make its grand arrival. You'd think that a bitter Michigan winter would provide enough conditioning for a backpacking trip to the deserts of Moab, Utah in early spring. You'd also be damn wrong for underestimating the temperature swings of the desert - especially when compounded by the critical error of leaving nearly all of their winter camping gear back home . Air mattress? Deflated. Sleeping bag? Not tundra-rated . Expedition Detroit's own Dr. Eric Reilly ? Snoring profoundly about two feet to my right. Sunrise couldn't come soon enough. Basecamp for the coldest night of my life in Canyonlands National Park, Utah Friends: winter camping does NOT have to be an all-night "Suffer Fest." While nights spent in a backcountry tent - in the dead of winter - will inevitably produce greater resiliency and legendary campfire stories, we'd be fools to suggest that such experiences are for everyone. Especially if you have friends and family that you hope will actually want to continue adventuring through the Detroit region's outdoors with you. This article wanders from the backcountry campsites of our typical content to the cozier side of camping: Glamping , or "glamorous camping." In the spirit of Scandinavian hygge traditions, we invite you to schedule a relaxing and rejuvenating wintertime retreat to these five idyllic destinations for glamping near Detroit. Photo courtesy of Michigan Blue Magazine 1. Green Lake Yurt | Waterloo State Recreation Area    |    Chelsea, Michigan Weekend Reservation Fee : $78 per night How to Reserve : Online via Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations If you're looking for the most adventurous destination for glamping near Detroit, then Waterloo Recreation Area's famous Green Lake Yurt will provide the perfect destination for your crew this winter! The Yurt sits on a scenic bluff overlooking its namesake Green Lake. The Yurt is located within the Green Lake Rustic Campground and is close to the reknown Waterloo-Pinckney Trail , the Detroit region's preeminent backpacking thru-trail. The Yurt is ADA accessible with a ramp leading up to the deck and a handicap parking area in front. The yurt will sleeps 5 people with its 2 futons that each convert to a double bed and a single bunk above one of the futons ( bedding is not provided ). The Yurt is heated by a propane stove, has solar powered lights inside (no electricity though), features a small inside table inside, a propane cooking stove ( bring a 1-pound canister ), and an outdoor grill are provided. Logistical Information: From December 1st to the first Friday in May, the gate to Green Lake Campground is closed. Depending on the weather, you may have to hike in to the Yurt (approximately 3/4 of a mile). If weather and snow permits, there is a combination lock on the gate to provide driving access to the Yurt. The Yurt door key is located in a lock box on the deck rail by the door. The combination to the lock box and the gate will be available 2 days prior to your arrival. Contact the park at (734) 475-8307 during business hours (8-12 & 1-4:30) to obtain the combination. Recommended Experience: Hike or bike the DTE Green Trail along the banks of Green Lake. Photo courtesy of Wandering Canadians 2.   Point Pelee oTENTik Campsites |    Point Pelee National Park    |    Leamington, Ontario Weekend Reservation Fee :   $133.25 (CAD) per night How to Reserve : Reserve by calling 1-877-RESERVE (737-3783) or online by visiting Parks Canada Campground Reservation Service . Experience the prisitine lakeside wilderness of Point Pelee National Park like never before this winter by experiencing the glamping life in an oTENTik tent! Located at Point Pelee's Camp Henry campsite, the oTENTik tents provide a relaxing, comfortable, and easy camping experience for adventurers of all experience levels. The oTENTik tents are a cross between an A-frame cabin and a prospector tent, permanently fixed to a raised wooden floor, and maintained for visitors all year round. There are 24 oTENTik sites nestled in the heart of Point Pelee, making them a great base to explore all the park has to offer. Point Pelee is located at the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland and boasts world-class cycling, paddling, and hiking throughout Canada’s second smallest and most ecologically diverse national park. Better yet, your overnight stay will provide you with an unparalleled stargazing opportunity thanks to Point Pelee's status as a Dark Sky Preserve . Recommended Experience : Hike to " the Tip " - the southernmost point of mainland Canada! Photo courtesy of Hipcamp, Inc. 3.   Waymeet "Orchardside" Homestead |    Ann Arbor, Michigan Weekend Reservation Fee :  $50 per night How to Reserve : Online via Hipcamp Introducing the first Hipcamp destination to be featured in an Expedition Detroit article! Visitors to the stunning "Orchardside Homestead" will pair this gorgeous destination for glamping near Detroit with native Michigan woods, pastures grazed by North American Heritage Yak, an ancient orchard, a natural swimming pond, and free ranging chickens. Visitors are free to explore the site's pond, wander the woods, meet a chicken, pet a yak, and live the "small farm experience" by following the hosts through their morning farming chores. Orchardside features a 16 ft. diameter glamping tent, lavishly furnished with a king bed, furs and Persian carpets. The tent is heated by a wood burning stove capable of keeping the tent toasty down to 0ºF. Nestled in beside its namesake orchard and one of their yak pastures, the glamping tent is located just a short walk from the destination's hot outdoor shower and natural swimming pool. Recommended Experience: Hike or paddle through Ann Arbor's Barton and Bird Hills Nature Areas . Photo courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources 4.   Rustic Cabins at Island Lake |    Island Lake State Recreation Area    |    Brighton, Michigan Weekend Reservation Fee :  $100 per night How to Reserve : Online via Michigan State Park & Harbor Reservations Does a rustic cabin truly constitute "glamping"? Eh...we may be stretching the definition slightly, but we simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to live the cabin life at one of the Detroit region's most celebrated recreational destinations: Island Lake State Recreation Area. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources , Island Lake's "White Pine" and "Blue Spruce" cabins provide campers with an "Up North experience close to the city." Each cabin includes bunk beds ( 8 beds in each cabin ), a propane heater, a closet, and a grill. Vault toilets are located nearby, and both cabins share the same water supply. Recommended Experience : Hiking Island Lake's famous " Yellow Trail Loop ." Bonus points if you pair your rustic cabin stay with one of our top-rated guided hikes on the Yellow Trail! Photo courtesy of HipCamp, Inc. 5.   Territorial Acres |    Whitmore Lake, Michigan Weekend Reservation Fee :  $50 per night How to Reserve : Online via Hipcamp Couple a peaceful getaway with an idyllic glamping experience this winter at the top-rated " Territorial Acres " Hipcamp destination! You'll find yourself right at home in their large 4-season canvas tent, which is fully-outfitted on a wood platform with a wood burning stove, fire pit, grill, and private bathroom containing a hot shower and composting toilet. Located off-grid yet in the heart of Washtenaw County , Territorial Acres boasts 15 acres of pristine wetlands, open fields, and forests. In the winter, the site's wetlands freeze over for added adventure opportunities. Territorial Acres also features 12 chickens on site, 2 hoop houses, perennial berry bushes, grape vines, and seasonal veggies. Within 20 minutes of our property there are dozens of options for hiking and mountain bike trails, lakes, rivers, restaurants, museums, and more. Additional Amenities: Queen bed, pillows, blankets, linens, dining table, dishes/silverware, french press coffee maker, pots and pans, games, towels, dish cloths, potable water, hot shower, and composting toilet. Recommended Experience: Explore the hiking and cross-country skiing trails at Huron Meadows Metropark . Do you own or operate a unique destination for camping or glamping near Detroit? Amazing - we'd love to hear about it! Contact us to collaborate via info@expeditiondetroit.com . 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 destinations for camping or glamping near Detroit.

The grand, festive finale of our #EmbraceTheDark Series, we invite you to join us in celebrating the shortest solar day of the year through one, two, or all of these top 5 experiences for making the most of the 2024 Winter Solstice in Detroit's outdoors . Let's start this article with good news: TOMORROW, December 21st , is one of the best days of the year to get outside . In all respects, it will be a weird day. A very, very short and cold day. The perfect day to carpe diem , because if you blink, well, you just might miss it. Tomorrow is December 21st, 2024, a.k.a. the " Winter Solstice . " It marks not only the official first day of winter in the northern hemisphere, but also the shortest solar day of the year. The sun will rise at 8:04 a.m. and set at 5:04 p.m., providing us with exactly 9 hours, 4 minutes, and 6 seconds of daylight. The perfect timeframe to make every moment count in Detroit's outdoors. Before diving into our "Top Five Experiences," let's acknowledge one glaring contradiction: this #EmbraceTheDark article is not about the dark. If anything, it's about the fear of the dark - five ways to maximize the fleeting amount of daylight that greatly expands our ability to recreate uninhibited in the outdoors. So yes, we're breaking from the status quo a bit here - but given the natural human aversion to setting out for nocturnal expeditions, we figured most readers would appreciate ending this series on a brighter, sunnier note. Here are the top five experiences for experiencing the Winter Solstice in Detroit's Outdoors . 1. Watch the Sunrise from "The Tip" at Point Pelee National Park The single best way to kick off the shortest solar day of the year is by venturing to the single location where you are most likely to witness its genesis . We tested this theory back in 2022 and can confirm its veracity. A quick glance at our Destinations map will further prove our point: "The Tip" at Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, Canada wins out as the most dramatic location to experience a sunrise in the entire Detroit region. Hiking out to Point Pelee is just the tip of the ice burg (pun intended) for experiencing the national park. We've referenced Point Pelee numerous times throughout our articles - including a full #TrailTuesday feature - but Canada's second-smallest national park packs a massive recreational punch for outdoor enthusiasts of all genres. We're talking extensive marsh kayaking, beach hiking, pristine cycling, and world-class bird watching. Absolutely worth a full-day visit over the holidays if you're unable to make it out tomorrow morning for sunrise. 2. Support Michigan Wildlife Conservation from the Stand Did you know that we're only just past the halfway point of Southeast Michigan's deer season...? That's right - deer season in the Detroit region continues all the way until the very end of January. In fact, Detroit region hunters have the most expansive and inclusive hunting opportunities  in the entire state . This Winter Solstice, Southeast Michigan hunters can add purpose to their recreation by participating in this year's " anterless deer season ." Between now and January 12th, 2025, Michigan hunters may hunt antlerless deer on both private and public lands open to regular firearm hunting. Be sure to continue wearing hunter orange in the field for this time period! Why is this season so important? As we've highlighted several times this season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources  has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe . Increased doe harvests provide several long-term ecological and economic benefits , including reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, deer population balancing, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR HUNTING SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 3. Hike a New Trail for your Mid-Day Exercise Unable to get that morning run in? Eh, hike it off - but figuratively and physically. Tomorrow's "mid-day" point will hit at exactly 12:30 p.m., right in the dead center of a typical lunch hour. We strongly encourage you to seize this rapidly diminishing moment of daylight to zip up your jacket, lace up y https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/hiking-and-backpacking our boots, and ground yourself in at least 30 minutes of hiking on a "new-to-you" trail . Similar to a morning run, scientific studies have proven that recreating in the outdoors during both the weekends and the workday - even if such recreation comprises solely of a walk around a park near your office - immensely boosts productivity cognitive functions while decreasing hormones inducing stress, anxiety, and depression. These mental health benefits are further amplified when exploring new environments vs. familiar routes that you could probably sleepwalk. For your own sake, we challenge you to find a new trail in your immediate vicinity that you can spend a "mental health hike" exploring today. Who knows, it may become your next go-to park for a mid-day walk... until next year's Winter Solstice prompts the discovery of another. 4. Watch the Sunset from a Chairlift Elevation be damned, there is one undeniable aspect of Detroit's "Big Four" ski resorts that our local hills absolutely crush: night skiing . I don't care how many times you've skied or snowboarded at the Big Four, there's a childlike instinct that comes out when the giant lamps start to glow around sunset. Your legs could be shaking a bit after carving up the slopes all day, but when those lights start to illuminate the hill, a surge of new life springs from the illuminated snow. As we mentioned earlier, tomorrow's sunset is scheduled for 5:04 p.m. Fortunately for our resident night riders, each of the Big Four have special, discounted tickets that run from 3 p.m. until the resorts close. In other words, you should be on the slopes with plenty of time to maximize the Solstice's remaining daylight, caught a multi-colored #PureMichigan sunset, and burn the late-night oil churning turns under the lamps. Name a better way to catch the final rays of the shortest day of the year - we'll wait. 5. Explore Your State Parks AT NIGHT with Expedition Detroit Contrary to popular belief, your adventure in Detroit's outdoors doesn't have to end once the sun goes down. Especially now that we're in the heart of the "dark days," treat yourself to a nocturnal expedition by saving your spot on one of our fan-favorite "Night Hiking Safaris" this winter! While our classic " Maybury Night Hiking Safari " remains Expedition Detroit's top-rated experience, we've decided to expand our night hiking adventures to Proud Lake State Recreation Area's " Expedition Loop " and Highland State Recreation Area's " Haven Hill Loop " for this winter season! On the Winter Solstice, we will be leading a special celebratory night hike to explore the rolling landscapes, wetlands, heights, and ruins of Haven Hill. The hike will take place from 6PM to 8PM, so don't forget your headlamp! EXPLORE HIGHLAND'S HAVEN HILL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT We're celebrating the Winter Solstice spent in the outdoors because this day encapsulates the values of Detroit's growing outdoor community. Making the most of every opportunity accessible to us. Not allowing any obstacles, whether those are man-made, environment-induced, or literally celestial like sunlight quantity, to affect your capacity for embracing and thriving in an outdoor lifestyle. Forcing us to face the reality that not all days are created equal, but that fact should motivate rather than discourage us from lacing up the running shoes, strapping on the helmet, or adding an extra layer before getting after it. There's definitely a formal definition for the word "Expedition," but we're not going to Google it for this article. This Winter Solstice, let's each invent our own definition, starting with " the maximization of every outdoor experience presented to you today. " That's our expedition for this Winter Solstice - and we can't wait to see you on the trail.

Welcome to peak foraging season, Detroit! Here's the Expedition Detroit guide on adding some flavor to your hikes by highlighting seven edible plants for easy foraging in Southeast Michigan (and beyond). "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it." Each of us can probably think of an item or two that pops into our mind after reading that statement. For an outdoor enthusiast, that statement typically enters our vernacular when planning for an extended outing, such as a multi-day backpacking trip , long trail run , or thru-paddle . "Do I really need that extra pair of socks?" "How much water is too much for this ride?" "Should I pack the snowshoes for these conditions?" Fortunately, taking the time to learn a few critical survival skills represents an "I'd rather have it and not need it" time investment that can immensely benefit your outdoor experience - with life-saving returns - without adding any weight to your pack. One basic survival lesson includes the " Rule of 3s ": You can generally survive 3 minutes without breathable air while unconscious or in icy water. You can generally survive 3 hours in a harsh environment (extreme heat or cold) without adequate shelter. You can generally survive 3 days without drinkable water. You can generally survive 3 weeks without edible food. This article, as you've probably guessed by now, focuses on the last bullet: foraging for edible food in the Detroit region's wildest places. Did you know you might be stepping on something you can eat? There are dozens of edible plants native to Southeast Michigan.  And guess what? A lot of them aren’t hard to find. 🤫 You just need to know where to look!  In this article, you’ll learn about seven easy-to-spot plants you can forage on your next hike.   This article covers: An introduction to foraging; and Edible plants that are native to Southeast Michigan  This article is your guide to discovering edible plants throughout the Detroit region's wildest parks and trails - as well as in your own backyard. What is Foraging? Foraging is like a treasure hunt  in nature. You search for wild, edible plants and mushrooms to harvest and enjoy. It’s an age-old practice that connects us to the land  and the natural food sources around us.  In Southeast Michigan, you can forage in:  Forests Fields Meadows  Along trails and roadsides Lawns ( aka your own backyard ) When you forage, you're not just collecting food - you're learning to identify plants and understand their growing environments . Foraging provides a fantastic way to spend time outdoors, get some exercise, and bring home fresh AND free ingredients  for your kitchen. Plus, it can turn any hike into an adventure. Edible Plants Native to Southeast Michigan Let’s dive into seven edible plants that you can easily forage  in Southeast Michigan.  For each plant, you’ll discover: What the species looks like Where to find them Best uses for each plant    As an extra bonus, we've provided a "Cheatsheet" for each plant that you'll be able to readily reference while out in the field or in the kitchen. 1. Wild Strawberries ( fragaria virginiana )  Wild strawberries are tiny and SUPER cute! 🍓 They’re much smaller than the ones you would find at your local grocery store.  They have small white flowers in the spring that turn into little red berries in the summer. The leaves are trifoliate — which is a fancy way of saying each leaf has three “leaflets” that make up a single leaf.  You can find these little babies low to the ground. Wild strawberries grow in open woods, meadows, hillsides, and along trails. So you may not even have to venture very far to get some.  You can use strawberries in a variety of recipes, or they can be eaten on their own!  WILD STRAWBERRY FORAGING CHEATSHEET fragaria virginiana  (wild strawberry)   Identification:  Small white flowers, tiny red berries, trifoliate leaves with serrated edges Location: Open woods, meadows, hillsides, along trails Season: Summer Best for:  Eating fresh, preserves, desserts, salads 2. Dandelions ( taraxacum officinale ) We can say with almost 100% confidence that you’ve seen dandelions before. They stand out with their distinctive bright yellow flowers and jagged, tooth-like leaves.   They can grow pretty much anywhere. You can find dandelions in lawns, gardens, fields, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. Early spring to fall is the best time to harvest.  The entire plant can be eaten too. Nothing goes to waste.  You can use the leaves for salads and pestos. And you can make dandelion tea with the flowers. 🍵 DANDELION FORAGING CHEATSHEET Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) Identification: Bright yellow flowers, jagged leaves with tooth-like edges growing at the base of the plant, hollow leafless stems hold the flowers Location: Lawns, gardens, fields, roadsides, disturbed areas Season: Early spring to fall Best for: Teas, salads, pesto Photo courtesy of Tim Gainey 3. Wild Garlic ( allium vineale ) Wild garlic looks a lot like other plants — but you can smell the difference. Because ( duh ) it smells like garlic! Wild garlic has long, narrow leaves that grow from the base of the plant. And small, greenish-white flowers that grow in clusters at the top. Look for wild garlic in fields, meadows, lawns, roadsides, and other disturbed areas. The best time to forage for them is from late winter to late-spring.  You can cook with wild garlic the same way you would cook with chives or green onions.  WILD GARLIC FORAGING CHEATSHEET allium vineale  (wild garlic) Identification: Long and narrow leaves/stems growing from base of plant, strong garlic odor, and small greenish-white flowers Location:  Fields, meadows, lawns, roadsides, and disturbed areas Season: Late winter to late spring Best for:  Culinary uses similar to chives or green onions 4. Wild Blackberries ( rubus allegheniensis ) Wild berries just hit different, right? Let's take Exhibit A, wild blackberries. What starts as a reddish colored, bitter fruit perfectly ripens into black, savory, and delicious berries.  You can find wild blackberries in thickets, at the edge of the forest, roadsides, and open fields. The leaves are made up of three to five leaflets with serrated edges. The best time to look for ripe berries is from mid to late-summer.  You can pop these straight into your mouth after you pick them ( our go-to method ). Or, like strawberries, they can be used in a variety of dishes.    BLACKBERRY FORAGING CHEATSHEET rubus alleghenienis (wild blackberry) Identification : 3-5 leaflets with serrated edges, white to pinkish flowers with five petals, berries turn black when ripe Location :  Thickets, forest edges, roadsides, open fields Season :  Mid to late-summer Best for :  Eating fresh, salads, desserts, preserves, beverages, sauces/syrups 5. Lowbush Blueberries (vaccinium angustifolium) Wild blueberries are a true end-of-summer treat ! These low-growing shrubs are a forager's dream. 🫐 You can easily identify them by their oval-shaped leaves and clusters of white, bell-shaped flowers in the spring. Come mid to late-summer, these blossoms grow into small, round berries that turn a vibrant blue. You'll typically find these tasty gems thriving in open woods, forest edges, meadows, and even in rocky or sandy areas. Whether you enjoy them fresh off the bush, incorporate them into your baking, whip up some homemade preserves, or create delectable sauces, lowbush blueberries are versatile and delicious! BLUEBERRY FORAGING CHEATSHEET vaccinium angustifolium (lowbush blueberry) Identification: Oval-shaped leaves, white bell-shaped flowers, small and round berries, low-growing shrubs Location: Open woods, forest edges, meadows, rocky or sandy areas Season:  Mid to late-summer Best for:  Eating fresh, baking, preserves, sauces 6. Wild Leeks ( allium tricoccum ) You can spot wild leeks in early spring with their broad, lance-shaped leaves that have a slightly shiny surface and purplish-red lower stems. One telltale sign that you've found a wild leek is the garlic smell. Give a leaf a gentle crush in your hand to release the aroma. You can eat wild leeks fresh, sauté them in your favorite dishes, pickle the bulbs, blend them into a pesto, or use them to add a burst of flavor to almost any meal. WILD LEEKS FORAGING CHEATSHEET allium tricoccum  (wild leek) Identification: Broad lance-shaped leaves, slightly shiny surface, purplish-red lower stem, garlic smell Location:  Rich and moist deciduous forests Season:  Early spring Best for:  Eating fresh, cooking, pickling, pesto, and flavoring 7. Morel Mushrooms ( morchella spp. ) The Morel Mushroom's unique honey-combed cap and cylindrical stem make this delicacy mushroom very easy to identify in the wild. The top of the mushroom looks like a brain, and its colors can vary from cream and yellow to gray and dark brown. You'll typically find morels in moist wooded areas — especially around decaying trees, old orchards, and recently burned areas. The mushroom thrives in these environments from spring to early summer. Morels add a rich, earthy flavor to your cooking. The mushroom is absolutely perfect for enhancing sauces and pasta dishes. ⚠️ WARNING: Watch out for false morel mushrooms. They’re toxic. You can tell it’s a false morel if it is NOT hollow from the base of the stem to the top of the cap, as well as if the top is less egg-shaped and more irregular than a true morel.  As Bear Grylls once said, " When in doubt, spit it out! " 🙅🏽‍♂️ MOREL MUSHROOM FORAGING CHEATSHEET morchella spp. (morel mushroom) Identification: Egg-shaped and honey-combed caps, cylindrical stem, colors ranging from cream to yellow and gray to dark brown Location: Moist wooded areas, around decaying trees, old orchards, burned areas Season: Spring to early summer Best for: Cooking, sauces, pasta dishes Ready to Add Some Flavor to your Next Adventure?  Discovering and harvesting wild plants adds a new layer of adventure to your hikes — from the sweet, tiny wild strawberries to the versatile wild leeks. Foraging lets you connect with the food you prepare more intimately.  If you want to hike with a guide who has in-depth knowledge of Southeast Michigan, check out our guided adventures .  Happy foraging, Detroit! 🍄

One of the most divisive - and impactful - issues of the outdoor community, here we dive into the "Great Trail Debate" on when and why you should lace up trail running shoes or hiking boots for your next adventure. #ExpeditionEssentials "This feels heavy." I said those words audibly at approximately 10:40 P.M. and 8ish miles into my thru-hike of the Chief Pontiac Trail . For anyone who has backpacked with me in the past, those words may come as a surprise. To this day, my backpacking crew jeers me for carrying 45 pounds on my back over the peaks of the renown Four Pass Loop Trail in Colorado - which, to my credit, I handled with ease. But on this particular trek, my pack wasn't the gear item that I felt weighing me down. It was my boots. My hiking boots. The same hiking boots that had humbly carried me and my apparently sadistically-heavy pack across one of Colorado's most rigorous thru-hikes. Boots that now felt more and more like anvils with every step towards Proud Lake. Despite my growing delirium from the mileage, time of night, and growing discomfort in my feet, I started to hypothesize about the pros and cons of utilizing trail running shoes vs. hiking boots for thru-hikes. My gut told me that trail running shoes might have been a better choice for the Chief Pontiac Trail, especially since I had recently touched on this exact topic when first connecting with the team at Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear , one of our Expedition Partners . Turns out that the larger outdoor community has also wrestled with this inquiry - it's even commonly referenced as " The Great Trail Debate . " And, as with all great debates, the consensus remains mixed at best. We at Expedition Detroit aren't the biggest fans of "It depends" types of answers - even if that's the most prudent response . Here, we're putting hiking boots and trail running shoes head-to-head to determine which footwear is best for which conditions. More importantly, we're diving into which recreational footwear we recommend for conquering the Detroit region's trails . Let's test my hypothesis and meet the contenders: HIKING BOOTS: Old Faithful Greatest Strengths : Stability, durability, foot and ankle protection, excellent traction, and additional warmth. Largest Drawbacks : Necessary break-in period, heavy, bulky frame, single-use, lack of breathability, and typically more expensive. Best Conditions : Hiking or backpacking through snow or mud, steep ascents or descents, or rock, rubble, overgrowth, or root-filled conditions. Expedition Detroit's Recommended Hiking Boots Danner Mountain 600 Full-Grain Leather Hiking Boot Designed to withstand the climate and terrain of the Pacific Northwest, the Danner "Mountain 600r Hiking Boot" forges a new path in hiking footwear. Combining decades of classic styling with lightweight innovation, this boot is the perfect hiking companion. Its full-grain leather upper is backed by a waterproof Danner Dry liner to block moisture from the outside and wick moisture from the inside for greater comfort. The new Vibram SPE midsole enhances rebound and support to keep us comfortable to the hike's end. A Vibram Fuga outsole features self-adapting lugs and Megagrip compound for superior grip on wet and dry surfaces. Built on the DPDX last, this boot has a low profile for everyday wear, whether we're on the trail or exploring new towns. Price : $219.95 Salomon Outpulse Mid GTX Hiking Boot Thanks to its GORE-TEX membrane, Salomon's " Outpulse Mid GTX Hiking Boot " will keep your feet dry and comfortable even when the sky opens up. The rockered midsole geometry and high-energy materials are manufactured to maintain your speed in any conditions. Additional, the Salomon boot features durable synthetic uppers crafted from both recycled and waste products, OrthoLite footbed cushions steps for all-day comfort, and an "All Terrain Contagrip" sole that offers traction on wet, dry, and loose surfaces. Price : $159.95 Merrell Moab 3 Prime Mid WP Hiking Boot The Detroit region's sandy trails and muddy marshes are no match for Merrell's " Moab 3 Prime WP Hiking Boot ." The boot optimizes for plenty of breathability when trekking through variable biomes while still giving waterproof protection thanks to Merrell's "M Select Dry" membrane. The hiking boot's Vibram TC5+ outsole also provides for loads of grip no matter the type of terrain you plan on exploring. Additional features include an "Air Cushion" heel and EVA midsole for enhanced stability and comfort, a vibram rubber outsole that doesn't easily slip on wet, loose ground, and a rubber toe cap helps prevent stubbing your toe too hard. Price : $164.95 Photo courtesy of Switchback Travel LLC TRAIL RUNNING SHOES: New Kids on the Trail Greatest Strengths : Breathability, little or no break-in period, lightweight, versatile, moderate to excellent traction, and typically less expensive. Largest Drawbacks : Less stability and durability, less ankle protection, little to no warmth value, and will require more frequent replacement. Best Conditions : Mostly dry trails with moderate incline and fairly predictable conditions. Expedition Detroit's Recommended Trail Running Shoes Hoka Speedgoat 5 Our personal favorite trail running shoes ( I'm about to purchase my 5th pair ), Hoka's " Speedgoat 5 " easily handles root and rock-riddled singletrack trails. Now a half ounce lighter than Hoka's earlier Speedgoat renditions, this racer has picked up the pace while still padding strikes and energizing toe offs. The sandwich mesh upper will keep your feet breathing easy, while the aggressive lugs solidify footing up steep inclines, around switchbacks, and back down to the moraine floor . Hoka's double layer mesh also delivers durable breathability for its trail running shoes. Price : $154.95 Altra Lone Peak 7 Now equipped with a stitch-free upper, the Altra " Lone Peak 7 Trail Running Shoe " provides that coveted plush feel inside and out. The energetic foam softens rocky sections while still powering trekkers and trail runners into fast transitions, and the trail running shoes' multi-directional lugs provide stabilizing traction to reduce power leaks on toe off. Additional features of Altra's latest trail running shoes include a flexible air mesh upper for breathable, quick-dry performance, a foot-shaped design including a roomy toe box for natural toe splay, and a 0mm drop that encourages a natural gait and mid-foot strike. Price : $ 149.95 La Sportiva Bushido II Designed for serious runners and hikers taking on technical terrain, the La Sportiva " Bushido II Trail Running Shoe " has earned its well-regarded reputation. Runners and hikers should expect the same low-volume performance fit, same drop, same low weight, same snug fit, and same outsole rubber and lug pattern as the Bushido I trail running shoes. With this iteration, La Sportiva has added their proprietary LaSpEVA in an effort to create a more responsive and springier ride to keep runners and hikers more comfortable through longer distances. These trail running shoes also feature a more breathable mesh fabric that still retains the same durability for tackling more rugged terrain. Price : $155.00 OUR EDGE FOR DETROIT REGION HIKING The moment of truth has arrived: which trail footwear do we recommend for Detroit region backpacking and hiking? We give the official Expedition Detroit edge to trail running shoes ... but with a few caveats . First, if you have a medical history of weak ankles, flat feet, or a history of falling injuries, then you should strongly consider opting for hiking boots - even if leisurely hiking along easier trails. Second, if you are planning on thru-hiking any of Detroit's three " Black Diamond Trails " - the steepest, rockiest, ruttiest, and all-around most challenging trails in our region - then sporting hiking boots represents your best bet for an injury free-journey. Last, if you're venturing out into less hospitable conditions, such as trails heavily laden with mud, snow, or overgrowth like certain segments of the Chief Pontiac Trail , then opt for the boots. Those caveats aside, the Detroit region's hiking trails provide ideal territory for trail running shoes usage . Yes, our parks and trails have surprisingly notable ascents and descents, but the traction of each of the trail running shoes highlighted above can readily handle those variables. Add in the versatility of usage that trail running shoes provide beyond just running, and you may just fall in love with your new favorite pair of recreational footwear. EXPLORE THE DETROIT REGION ALL YEAR WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT ! Looking to put your new trail running shoes or hiking boots to the test? Come explore the most beautiful, beloved, enjoyable, or challenging trails within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit with us! We lead guided trips across 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas . Book your next adventure with Expedition Detroit today!

Looking to FINALLY accomplish your New Year's Resolutions of living a healthier and more adventurous lifestyle? Your search is over - we're proud to introduce Expedition Detroit's " Expedition Bundles " of guided hiking trips for all experience levels! New Year's Resolutions : all make them, few end up keeping them. That's the cold, hard truth about the promises that we all make to ourselves at the turn of the calendar. I especially get hooked by the romanticism of the "new year, new me" allurement that January 1st emits into the universe. A blank page full of new adventures, experiences, and possibilities. I'm far from being alone in this sentiment. An entire field of social data exists around the study of New Year's Resolutions, including the most prevalent goals, the likelihood of actually accomplishing them, and key actions that improve that likelihood. In the Detroit region , here are the most common New Year's Resolutions made each year: Image courtesy of ClickOnDetroit.com ; data sourced from Statista. Other common New Year's Resolutions include learning a new hobby or skill , traveling more , and breaking digital addictions . These goals seem simple enough to accomplish, right? Wrong - at least according to all pertinent data. Getting New Years Resolutions to stick is apparently a nationwide problem. A University of Scranton study found that only 19% of people stick to their resolutions long term (two+ years). Worse yet, the same study published that 23% of people give up on their resolutions after one week . Yikes . So, what can you do to become a part of the 19% that actually exercises more, loses weight, spends more time with family & friends, travels more, and reduces stress from social media, work, and life? Well, Expedition Detroit is proud to announce that we have an ideal solution for this problem. One that's data-driven, nature fueled, and most importantly, extremely fun for the entire family. New for 2025, we're ECSTATIC to launch our " Expedition Bundles " of curated guided hiking trips for every experience level! INTRODUCING "EXPEDITION BUNDLES": CURATED GUIDED HIKING EXPERIENCES FOR EVERY EXPERIENCE LEVEL Our guided hiking trips affiliation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has evolved slowly but surely since its launch in June of 2023 . We started simply with day hiking trips to fan-favorite parks like Belle Isle, Maybury, and Island Lake. Our highly-publicized night hiking trips followed one year ago. And now - as heavily requested by first-time and veteran trip participants alike - we're stoked to roll out the next iteration of our top-rated guided hiking day trips: the Expedition Bundles ! Three Tiers of Expedition Bundles: Beginner, Adventure, and Expert EXPEDITION BUNDLES: The Basics So what exactly are the Expedition Bundles? Three pre-packaged guided hiking trip bundles sorted by recommended experience level, terrain diversity, and adventure intensity . Our goal is to take the guess-work out of planning your next guided hiking expedition in Detroit's outdoors - and save you a little cash in the process. That's right: by purchasing an Expedition Bundle vs. individually-reserving our guided hiking trips, you will SAVE OVER 20% on the Detroit region's top-rated  guided hiking experiences! Here's the breakdown: Each Expedition Bundle covers 5 unique trails + a bonus night hiking safari ! Automatic savings compared to individual guided hiking trip reservations Bundle period lasts 3 months for reservation flexibility Bundle participants are billed monthly and can cancel anytime Seven day free trial We're firm believers that adventure doesn't have to hurt your wallet. In fact, we've thrown in a bonus guided hike for each bundle just to add a little more bang to your buck. Let's get into the Expedition Bundles now! BEGINNER BUNDLE : Perfect for the Whole Family Are you brand new to the wide world of hiking - or looking to FINALLY introduce a loved one to your passion for the outdoors? Then the "Beginner Bundle" is the perfect selection for you! We've carefully crafted the Beginner Bundle for anyone looking to leave the concrete behind and explore the Detroit region's most accessible, beautiful, and family-friendly hiking trails. The Beginner Bundle covers the following destinations: BUNDLED TRAILS TRAIL PERKS TRAIL PERKS Belle Isle "Lighthouse & Blue Heron Lagoon" Trail 2.2 miles Scenic natural hike along the wild eastern coast of Belle Isle Park Maybury "Classic Hiking" Trail 3.1 miles Top-rated hiking experience through historic Maybury State Park Proud Lake "Expedition Loop" Trail 3.1 miles Highlight reel of natural beauty of Proud Lake State Recreation Area Holly "Wild Lakes Loop" Trail 2.5 miles Gorgeous lakeside hike at Holly State Recreation Area Highland "North Loop" Trail 2.2 miles Rolling woodland trail through Highland State Recreation Area Beginner Bundle hikers will also have access to Expedition Detroit's fan-favorite guided hiking experience: a night hiking safari at Maybury State Park! ADVENTURE BUNDLE: The Very Best of Detroit Hiking In full transparency, the " Adventure Bundle " answers the most common question that our guides receive during our guided trips: "What is your favorite hiking trail near Detroit?" We can never just pick one answer to that question, so we grouped our favorite trails together in one highlight reel of a bundle for the whole region to enjoy! The Adventure Bundle is simply for everyone - especially experienced hikers that are looking for their new favorite getaways throughout the Detroit region. Each of these award-winning trails leads hikers through the most epic, historic, diverse, and beautiful terrain that the Jackson Interlobate Range has to offer. The Adventure Bundle covers the following destinations: BUNDLED TRAILS TRAIL PERKS TRAIL PERKS Highland "Haven Hill Loop" Trail 3.7 miles Fan favorite that explores one of the Detroit region's most famous, beautiful, and historic trails at Highland Recreation Area Pinckney "Crooked Lake" Trail 4.4 miles Forested hills that are widely regarded as the Detroit region's most beautiful at Pinckney State Recreation Area Highland "Mt. Kanzer" Trail 3.8 miles Intrepid hike to the highest point in Highland State Recreation Area Brighton "Penosha" Trail 4.9 miles A can't-miss Southeast Michigan trail that explores the heart of Brighton State Recreation Area Island Lake "Yellow Loop" Trail 5.5 miles Rollercoaster single-track trail that provides stunning views of the Huron River at Island Lake State Recreation Area Adventure Bundle hikers will also have access to Expedition Detroit's  newest guided hiking experience: a night hiking safari at Highland State Recreation Area's Haven Hill! EXPERT BUNDLE:   Trails for World-Class Adventurers Calling all thru-hikers, Out West ex-pats, summit baggers, and type-2 adventurers: the "Expert Bundle" is designed exclusively for you. For me personally, the Expert Bundle's challenging trails at Pontiac Lake and Highland Recreation Areas have become my go-to destinations for world-class training purposes. The imprints of my Hokas are permanently embedded into the rocks, roots, and sand of both of these trails, especially in the lead up to my "G.O.A.T. Series" trail races and Mt. Kilimanjaro summit . PLEASE DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THESE TRAILS. They will, undoubtedly, kick your ass if you arrive at the trailhead unprepared. Which is exactly why we at Expedition Detroit love them so much - and if you're looking to raise your hiking level to world-class, then you will too. The Expert Bundle covers the following destinations: BUNDLED TRAILS TRAIL PERKS TRAIL PERKS Pontiac Lake "MTB Loop" Trail 9.4 miles Iconic mountain biking trail that also serves as a hiker and trail runner's paradise through the heart of Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area. Highland "A-B-C-D Loops" Trail 14.7 miles Regarded as the most challenging trail system in Southeast Michigan, this all-day adventure explores the surprisingly rugged terrain of Highland State Recreation Area. But wait - I thought each Expedition Bundle covers 5 trails...? Good memory, reader ! Anyone who takes on the challenge of the Expert Bundle will be rewarded with access to ALL THREE of Expedition Detroit's highly-requested " Night Hiking Safari " trips! We do plan on adding additional "Black Diamond"-rated trails to the Expert Bundle over 2025, but for now trust us when we saying that conquering Pontiac Lake and Highland are enough of an accomplishment in and of themselves. THE SCIENCE BEHIND SUCCESS: HOW THE EXPEDITION BUNDLES WILL HELP YOU ACCOMPLISH YOUR RESOLUTIONS IN 2025 Alright, you're now an expert on the guided hiking opportunities ( and savings ) associated with each of the Expedition Bundles. But how exactly will signing up for a specific bundle help you accomplish your New Year's Resolutions for 2025? Fortunately for all of us, empirical research strongly supports that subscribing to a regimen like an Expedition Bundle will dramatically increase your likelihood of successfully accomplishing your goals . The "gold standard" for creating achievable goals is to create " SMART " goals, meaning Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound . By signing up for an experience like an Expedition Bundle, somewhat generic resolutions like "exercise more," "spending more time outside with friends" or "reduce stress" become immediately SMART(er). Here are some examples: SPECIFIC : " Exercise more " becomes " Go hiking at several Michigan State Parks several times a month. " MEASURABLE : " Spend more time with loved ones " becomes " Go hiking with my friends two times each month. " ACHIEVABLE : " Go backpacking " becomes " Start my hiking journey on beginner-friendly trails across the Detroit region. " RELEVANT : "Reduce stress levels" becomes " Spend a few hours away from work/personal commitments each week on a curated guided hiking experience. " TIME-BOUND : " Spend more time in nature " becomes " Hike at least 6 new trails across Southeast Michigan over a 3 month period. " With these Expedition Bundles, one of our resolutions for 2025 is to make your fitness, wellness, and exploration resolutions SMART-er, simpler, and easier to accomplish. We at Expedition Detroit wish you nothing but the best in this new year, and we hope to see you at the trailhead very soon! BONUS:  DON'T MISS OUR 2025 NEW YEAR'S DEALS! In the spirit of expanding friluftsliv  opportunities throughout our region, we at Expedition Detroit  are also proud to announce our 2025 "New Year's Deals"  for our guided services! More information will be released in the coming week, but here are the highlights of our current deals: SNOWSHOE TREKS PRESALE:  Use discount code " SNOWDANCE25 " to save 10%  on any of our planned snowshoe treks ! BUNDLE AND SAVE:  Use discount code " NEWYEARBUNDLE " to save 20% on any of our EXPEDITION BUNDLES  of curated guided trips. FREE BEANIE:  In honor of 2025, the first 25 participants to book a guided trip will receive a free Expedition Detroit  beanie  with their booking! These offerings are only available through January 31st , so we hope that you will kick off your New Year with us as we continue exploring the beautiful parks and trails surrounding Detroit! START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH A GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREK ! PRESALE IS LIVE NOW  WITH SPECIAL OFFERINGS FOR EARLY BOOKINGS!

In honor of National Hiking Day, we proudly present the triple-crown of the Detroit region's most intense and exhilarating hiking experiences: our three most rigorous Black Diamond hiking trails. Let’s cut right to the chase: these trails are not for the faint of heart. Unlike our previous article regarding the Detroit region's “Top Five Hiking Trails,” these trails are best suited for our list endurance athletes, aspiring thru-hikers, and our other resident hikers that are looking to up their hiking levels an Up North or Out West capacity. These treks were designed to push boundaries, expand capacity, build confidence, and break down any preconceived notion that Detroit does not have trails suitable for top-tier adventurers. Put differently, if you’re not sure where to start training for that Mt. Kilimanjaro trek or Appalachian Trail thru hike in our area, we recommend that you start with this triple-crown of Detroit’s most challenging trails. 1. Highland A-B-C-D Loops | Highland State Recreation Area Length : 13.7 miles Elevation Gain : 1,309 ft. Estimated Completion Time : 5h 15min Highland State Recreation Area’s alphabet loops stand on top of the podium for the most challenging hike in the entire Detroit region. Starting at the E. Livingston Road trailhead, you will initially head south on the A Loop for only 0.1 of a mile before heading west (right) at the point where the A Loop splits. Note that you should hike the loops in the opposite direction of the mountain bike trail instructions. Your first diversion - and real test of the entire trail system - will occur 0.9 miles into the trek when you head due west (right) to conquer the infamous D Loop. You will “summit” 3.4 miles into the trail while on the D Loop (1,134 ft.) before being rewarded with a long, steady decline to briefly rejoin the A Loop. Continue southwest on the B Loop at the 4.4 mile mark. The B Loop is the second-hardest trail of Highland’s alphabet loops, including the trail system’s second highest point at mile 5.3 (1,124 ft.). You will diverge off of the B Loop to complete the milder C Loop at mile 6. With the main challenges behind you, the last legs consist of 8.1 miles as you complete the eastern segments B and A Loops towards the trailhead. 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 . Hikers should also be aware that Highland’s horse riding trail system also intersects with the four loops, so be sure to keep a map readily-accessible. Pro Tip : Due to the several low-lying bogs in this area, Highland’s four loops are prone to mosquitos during the summer months. We recommend applying a healthy amount of bug spray during the summer months ( Murphy’s Naturals Lemon Eucalyptus Oil is my personal favorite - highly effective, natural, and actually feels good on your skin). This trail is also relatively mosquito and human-free during the late fall through early spring, although please wear hunter orange or bright clothing during the fall firearm hunting months (especially late November). Parking Directions : Park at the mountain bike trailhead parking lot on the north side of E Livingston Rd. The A Loop trailhead is directly south across E Livingston Rd., although Highland’s tamer North Loop trail is directly accessible from the parking lot. A Recreation Passport is required for parking here. CONQUER HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 2. Brighton Loop Trail System | Brighton State Recreation Area Length : 14.8 miles Elevation Gain : 892 ft. Estimated Completion Time : 5h 10min The longest of the three “Black Diamonds,” Brighton State Recreation Area’s loop trail system also provides rewarding, arduous hiking for Detroit’s most intrepid hikers. Similar to Highland, these trails are also primarily used for mountain biking, although they are also popular with trail runners, birdwatchers, and occasionally hunters. Due to the heavy use by mountain bikers (especially in the summer months), we also advise hiking this trail in the opposite direction of mountain bike traffic. Starting from the mountain bike trailheads, head southeast to start on the Torn Shirt Trail before diverting north (left) at the 0.1 mile mark. After a steady decline, continue heading northeast (keeping left) onto the Murray Lake “Purple Loop” for 4.1 miles of rolling hills and switchbacks. At the lowest point of the hike (874 ft. elevation) you will merge onto the Lost Loop “Green Trail,” renown for its thick forest cover, for 1.7 miles. Back on the Murray Lake trail, you will steadily climb over rolling terrain for 2.8 miles until you nearly reach the trailhead at mile 8.7. Don’t linger too long on thoughts of a post-trail beer, however; Brighton’s real crucible, the Torn Shirt Trail, remains unconquered. Heading northeast on the Torn Shirt Trail, you will navigate around smaller ponds and technical terrain for 3.3 miles before facing the trail’s most formidable challenge. At an 11% grade, you will hike from one of the trail’s lowest points (894 ft.) to its summit (965 ft.) over 0.3 miles, although you will be rewarding immediately with a descent of similar length. A few more rolling ascents and descents over the remaining 2.3 miles and you will have finally earned that post-hike beer in one of Brighton’s famous watering holes. Pro Tip : Consider tackling Brighton’s challenging loops over a weekend by camping in one or more of the park's campgrounds . The Murray Lake rustic campground is immediately accessible to the Murray Lake Trail, while the Appleton Lake rustic campground and Bishop Lake modern campground are also within close proximity. Reservations are required to be made in advance. Parking Directions : From Bishop Lake Rd., turn into the side street at the “Bishop Lake Complex” sign within the park. Take the first right turn available to you to arrive at the Bishop Lake parking lot . A Recreation Passport is required for parking here. Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 3. Bald Mountain's Orange, White, Green, and Blue Loops | Bald Mountain State Recreation Area Length : 9.1 miles Elevation Gain : 538 ft. Estimated Completion Time : 3h 5min Although the shortest of the three “Black Diamonds,” Bald Mountain State Recreation Area’s four loops should not be underestimated. While this trail system is also shared with mountain bikers and hunters, you will have the best opportunity here to only share the trails with fellow hikers and wildlife. As such, we recommend starting with Bald Mountain if you are just starting to “level up” your hiking skillset. Starting at the East Graham Lake trailhead, you will head south until turning northeast (left) onto the Orange Trail less than 0.1 miles into the hike. Be sure to utilize the next 0.7 miles of flat hiking and lake views to warm up your legs - at the 0.8 mile mark, you will find yourself tackling almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain towards the trail system’s summit (1,028 ft.). After the summit, you will be rewarded with 0.4 miles of decline as you head west towards Duck Pond. At the 2.2 mile mark, complete the out-and-back that runs parallel to the northeast bank of Prince Lake before hiking 1.4 miles south to the point where the Orange and Green Trails meet. Turn right onto the Green Trail at the 3.8 mile mark. The Green Trail comprises a half mile out-and-bank, which fortunately includes established restrooms right at the turnaround point. You will only briefly retrace your steps though before heading west (left) on the White Trail at the 4.5 mile mark. Don’t get too comfortable on the White Trail, however; you will turn south (left) at the 4.8 mark onto the Blue Trail, which in turn will warmly welcome you with a steady 0.7 mile climb towards the trail’s second highest point (1,022 ft.). Enjoy the ensuing decline as you finish the Blue Trail and turn northwest (left) at the 6.6 mile mark to rejoin the White Trail for a half-mile out-and-back. Continue on the rolling White Trail for its final mile until you reconnect with the Orange Trail at Mile 8.6. The remaining half mile is a leisurely, well-deserved decline back to the East Graham Lake parking lot. Pro Tip : Most trail maps for this hike include a segment through a residential area starting at the 7.1 mile mark, and then continuing for roughly a mile over the southwestern segment of the White Trail and northwestern segment of the Blue Trail. Unless you’re hunting for that extra mile, we recommend skipping this portion of the typical hike (we omitted it from our instructions above). Why? Well, there’s no better buzzkill for a wilderness experience than hiking through a subdivision, plus you would have already hiked the Blue Trail segment in the same direction. Trust us, your senses (and legs) will thank you. Parking Directions : From the Harmon Rd. entrance to the park, turn right onto W Predmore Rd. Turn left at the East Graham Lake Boat Launch sign - be on the lookout for your fellow hikers on the Orange Trail that you will quickly bisect. The road dead ends at the East Graham Lake parking lot .

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Just like waking up to today's fresh snowfall, January provides a perfectly clean slate for pursuing your wildest outdoor goals for 2025. We're absolutely STOKED for all that this new year will bring for Detroit's outdoors, starting with these top 5 outdoor events near Detroit this month! There's something beautiful about waking up on the morning of January 1st . The past year's successes and failures are logged into the annals of history. We're all provided with a clean slate - a perfectly snow-covered trail of a calendar year, ready for you and your adventures to mark its first tracks. Even though January still falls within Detroit's "off-season" for outdoor recreation, we should all strive to continue with any momentum gained during the tail-end of 2024 and keep getting outside . In fact, we'd go so far as to argue that now is the single best season for recreating in Detroit's natural environment . The colder, darker days act as an antithesis to crowds, fair-weather adventurers, and other human elements that detract from an outdoor experience. In other words, if you're training for spring races, looking for natural solitude , or simply hate sharing the trail with the masses, then January is your time to shine . These top 5 events are geared towards recreationists just like you, and we can't wait to see you at one, two, or all of these events! 1. Brave the Abominable Snowman Ride January 11th | Pinckney State Recreation Area | 11 A.M.    Ignore the deniers: the Abominable Snowman exists, and it rips on a mountain bike. Don't just take our word for it, though - the Potawatomi Mountain Biking Association is hosting its annual Abominable Snowman Ride  at the Glenbrook Yurt in Pinckney State Recreation Area this upcoming Saturday, January 11th. Riders are welcome to join in on as much or little of the scheduled 5 hour ride as they would like, and a post-ride bonfire is on the agenda! 2. Defrost your Cross-Country Skis at the Frosty Freestyle and Krazy Klassic Ski Weekend January 11-12th   | Huron Meadows Metropark | 10 A.M. Full-disclosure, the Expedition Detroit team has had cross-country skiing on our recreational activity wishlist for some time now. In other words, we're complete rookies at this sport - despite decades of downhill skiing experience. We've been looking for an opportunity to dive head first into this sport, and this year's iteration of Frosty Freestke and Krazy Klassic Ski Weekend  represents an ideal chance to start getting into the action! Located at Huron Meadows Metropark , "Frosty Fest"  will include a man-made snow course of multiple 2.5km loops. If natural snow permits, then the races will take place on the normal cross-country ski trails. The race offerings include 5K (MI Cup Junior points), 12K or 15K (MI Cup Senior points, longer distance if natural snow), and the " Krazy Klassic " 12K and 5K distances. Quick note on Huron Meadows Metropark: the metropark is dubbed  the "Southeast Michigan destination for skate-style and classic cross-country ski trails." Skiers can choose from 14.8 miles of trails for classic skiing or 9 miles of skate skiing. All trails are groomed daily and are lighted at night. The metropark's "Ski Center" (Golf Starter Building) features classic-style and skate-style ski rentals and a heated lounge, restrooms, and snacks. Groups of 10 or more can make arrangements to rent skis during the week. Photo courtesy of UltraSignup.com 3. Embrace the Elements in the Ode to Snow Ultra Race January 18th   | Holly State Recreation Area | 9:20 a.m. Let's call a spade a spade: winter trail running in Michigan is not for the faint of heart . The cold temps, unpredictable conditions, and fleeting daylight has a cumulative effect of weeding out any recreationists that prefer their trails, clean, dry, and warm. The Detroit region's winter trails are the playground of our most passionate, badass, " no pain no gain " genre of runners. If you fit in that camp, then oh boy - do we have the event for you. Crazy trail runners, meet " Ode in the Snow ": an up to 8 hour "backyard style" ultra trail race along the (in)famous Ode to Laz Trail Loop  in Holly State Recreation Area . The trail constitutes a 4.167 mile trail loop that has approximately 450 feet of climbing, is 2/3 technical single track, 1/3 moderate walking/hiking path, and a few hundred yards of pavement. For the event, runners are free to pick their favorite distance or run as much as they'd like, starting at 9:20 a.m. Runners looking for shorter distances should join Wave 2 at 2:20 p.m. EXPLORE HOLLY RECREATION AREA ON A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts Management Company 4. Ditch your Skis at the Duct Tape Derby January 18th   | Mt. Brighton Ski Resort | 10 A.M.  Mt. Brighton may be famous for its impressive slopes, but this month the resort invites us all to ditch our skis and boards for its annual Duct Tape Derby event ! Participants are encouraged to design a vehicle or sled e xclusively out of reused cardboard, duct tape, and paint to race down the hill . Spectators will not only enjoy the hilariously fun racing action, but also live music, giveaways, outdoor food and bar, and much more. For those charismatic souls interested in racing , note that spots are limited on a first come, first serve basis. Teams must be comprised of 2-3 racers, and no paint is permitted on the bottom of a sled. Register in advance by emailing your team name, participant names, and participant ages to MtBrightonSkiSchool@vailresorts.com . Photo courtesy of the State of Michigan 5. Cross-Country Ski Under Candlelight January 25th | Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area | 6:30 P.M. As we said - we're really excited about getting into cross-country skiing this season, and this illuminated trail event hosted by the DNR at Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area provides the perfect opportunity for skiers of all abilities to hit the trail. Skiers will traverse a well-groomed trail through the park illuminated by candles at night. The event also includes a post-ski warm up by a roaring fire with refreshments. Snowshoes are also welcome to walk along side the groomed ski track as well. If there is a lack of snow, this will be a walking event. Note that cross-country skis and snowshoes will not be available to borrow or rent . BONUS:  2025 NEW YEAR'S DEALS In the spirit of expanding friluftsliv  opportunities throughout our region, we at Expedition Detroit  are also proud to announce our 2025 "New Year's Deals"  for our guided services! More information will be released in the coming week, but here are the highlights of our current deals: SNOWSHOE TREKS PRESALE:  Use discount code " SNOWDANCE25 " to save 10%  on any of our planned snowshoe treks ! BUNDLE AND SAVE:  Use discount code " NEWYEARBUNDLE " to save 20% on any of our EXPEDITION BUNDLES  of curated guided trips. FREE BEANIE:  In honor of 2025, the first 25 participants to book a guided trip will receive a free Expedition Detroit  beanie  with their booking! These offerings are only available through January 31st , so we hope that you will kick off your New Year with us as we continue exploring the beautiful parks and trails surrounding Detroit! START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH A GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREK ! PRESALE IS LIVE NOW  WITH SPECIAL OFFERINGS FOR EARLY BOOKINGS! Happy New Year to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best throughout 2025. We can’t wait to see you at the trailhead! 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.

Written by Dr. Eric Reilly, here we thoroughly examine one of the most pressing health risks in the Detroit region - chronic physical inactivity - and the profound medical benefits of hiking your favorite trails! This Halloween, I wanted to share a true tale of terror that haunts the Detroit area’s medical community . A silent killer that moves undetected through each of its neighborhoods. A verifiable infliction that thrives within its host for years before it rears its ugly head. No, this isn’t a virus, parasite, or a mutated variant of the cordyceps fungus. This killer is chronic physical inactivity , and it’s running rampant throughout North America – and particularly in the Detroit region. THE VULNERABILITY OF THE DETROIT REGION This should hopefully not come as a surprise, but remaining active and exercising regularly is paramount in protecting your health . Regardless of your demographic, and especially in the Detroit region. Why? Because in terms of Metro Detroit's personal health, the deck is most likely stacked against us. For starters, our modern work schedules and physically latent jobs make active lifestyles immensely difficult to prioritize . The average working adult in the United States works 34.6 hours per week and the average commute in Metro Detroit is 55.2 minutes round trip. Crunching the numbers, it’s fair to estimate the average working adult in Metro Detroit spends roughly 32% of their awake time at work, allotting for 8 generous hours of sleep. However, it isn’t just the time spent at work, but also the type of work which plays a major role in one’s health. Some studies suggest sedentary occupations have high occurrences of heart attacks, strokes, and premature death. Even when away from the office, work and life in general can be mentally taxing. To cope with mental stressors, individuals may make poor food choices and adopt idle home habits, which can exacerbate negative health outcomes. Within the Detroit region, this particular issue is compounded since many areas fall into a “ Food Swamp ” classification, defined as communities that often have high-calorie, low-cost food options – in addition to financial constraints. Stated differently, Food Swamp conditions typically cause healthier food options to remain scarce or beyond the budget. As a result of these factors, mass routines of dormancy have spread a “physical inactivity epidemic” that is wreaking havoc across Michigan. Physical inactivity is one of the leading causes of common diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. When uncontrolled, conditions such as diabetes can lead to serious ailments such as kidney failure, loss of limbs, and heart attacks. Nearly 25% of Michigan residents do not exercise monthly, 35.1% have high blood pressure , 34.7% are obese, 11.7% have diabetes, and 29% of all deaths are from cardiovascular disease . PITFALLS OF OVER-THE-COUNTER SHORTCUTS One could reasonably assume that simply taking medication will solve their medical problems, but medications alone may not fix the cause - and can have debilitating side effects. For example, common medications for high blood pressure cause the blood pressure to appear lower, but the underlying disease often still exists. Such medications can act as a short-cut for symptom management, but one should consider making long term changes – such as diet and exercise – to help reverse the disease. Just like on the trail, shortcuts in medicine can be dangerous. Without proper long-term disease management, the damage can compound and high blood pressure can lead to kidney failure, stroke, heart failure, and even death. While standard practices like surgery can solve some physical problems, all surgeries have risks and those risks grow exponentially when a patient presents with severe underlying conditions or disease. For example, obese patients undergoing surgery have higher risks of developing infections, kidney failure, blood clots, and unplanned hospital readmissions. If an obese patient is taking a GLP-1 agonist, they have increased risks of perioperative aspiration which can result in respiratory failure and death. One may assume the increased risks would lead to less surgery in obese patients but, to the contrary, the chances of having a knee replacement are 8 times higher for patients with a BMI over 30, and 28 times higher for a BMI over 35. Clearly, the safest journey through life is one which minimizes disease burden and the need for medical treatment. By preventing common diseases, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, one can reduce the risk of severe complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Luckily, an easy and affordable way to help prevent and reverse common disease is through physical activity – such as hiking around Metro Detroit! TRAIL THERAPY FOR PHYSICAL LONGEVITY Now that we’ve hopefully scared any inactivity right out of you, let’s shift this article’s focus to how important physical activity is in preserving one’s quality and longevity of life. Better yet, let’s utilize a practical example to illustrate how you can incorporate a methodical approach to physical exercise into your recreational passions: hiking Island Lake Recreation Area’s Yellow Trail Loop . The Yellow Trail Loop is a 40 minute drive from downtown Detroit and spans 5.5 miles with 278 feet of elevation gain, which is enough of a hike to get anyone’s heart pumping. But, what does that exercise do? For starters, the average person burns roughly 100 calories for every mile walked. With elevation considered, walking this trail could burn roughly 500-700 calories. Regular exercise and aerobic activities - like hiking the Yellow Trail Loop - can provide phenomenal health benefits over a lifetime. Such a trail-centric lifestyle can cut the risk of coronary heart disease in half, lower blood pressure by up to 10 points, reduce insulin requirements in type-1 diabetes, reverse type-2 diabetes, lower cholesterol levels, decrease risks of colon cancer, enhance the immune system, reverse osteoporosis, and improve bone density. HIKE THE ISLAND LAKE YELLOW TRAIL LOOP WITH US THIS FALL! Hiking specifically can increase one’s baseline metabolic rate, which makes it easier to maintain weight loss – as opposed to dieting where weight can be regained easily. Hiking also releases stored endogenous catecholamines, which can relieve muscle tension and anxiety . Hiking can even improve sleep through sun-induced balance of circadian rhythms and regulation of hormones. Physical benefits aside, the mental benefits are immeasurable . Embracing nature, observing wildlife, appreciating the solitude, and removing oneself from the chaotic congested streets of everyday life can be soul cleansing. By definition, a hike is just a long walk on a trail. If the idea of a "hike" is insurmountable, then any aerobic activity – preferably outdoors – is a great substitute to reap similar health benefits. Even just a walk around the block helps more than sitting inside. The physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise , such as hiking, are clear. Life is busy and it is difficult to prioritize oneself, loved ones, work, diet, exercise, and everything else the world demands. Yet, it is even harder to manage those priorities when faced with personal health ailments. The keys to remaining healthy are regular doctor appointments, diet, and exercise. Even when feeling healthy - go in for an annual check-up with a physician, substitute the fried food for vegetables, and make efforts to increase your physical activity. Lace up the boots and try a new trail, or a bike ride, or even a walk around the block. Refer to Expedition Detroit to find inspiration for new local trails . Don’t be afraid to wake up early and catch a sunrise from a dew-dropped wooded path. The more you do it, the longer you will be able to keep doing it. As best stated by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, “…wake up early for a dawn patrol or jump into that cold mountain lake and send while you can.” EXPERIENCE THE DETROIT REGION'S #1 NIGHT HIKING ADVENTURE! Dr. Reilly is an anesthesiologist born and raised in Southeast Michigan. Dr. Reilly is currently an Attending Anesthesiologist & Clinical Instructor at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington, as well as a Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellow at the University of Washington Medical Center. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Reilly is an accomplished backpacker, deep powder skier, and an invaluable early supporter of Expedition Detroit . He credits his grandfathers for teaching him the beauty and spirit of Michigan’s great wilderness. This article serves as an opinion piece to educate but should not be used as direct medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional(s) before making changes to your medications, diet, or physical activity habits.

Happy New Year, Detroit!! Now that 2025 has FINALLY arrived, here are the Expedition Detroit team's top " New Year's resolutions " to accomplish in Detroit's outdoors this year, covering the most ambitious, exciting, and rewarding experiences that the Detroit region has to offer. I love the moment that midnight strikes on New Year's Eve. There's simply an inherent beauty to a new year. Like a skier ready to drop into a pristine powder run, or a paddler launching into perfectly still water. And for so many New Year adventurers, establishing a few ambitious "New Year's Resolutions" can provide the framework for plotting a route through the wilderness of opportunity that is a 2025 spent in the Detroit region's outdoors. I'm far from being alone in looking forward to setting new goals for a new year. In fact, the " outdoor New Year's Resolutions " social trend is so widespread that there's a growing body of research regarding the science of accomplishing or failing to achieve such goals. The TL;DR summary of such research includes that successful outdoor New Year's Resolutions typically consist of the following characteristics: Specific or well-defined ( e.g., "Run a half-marathon" vs. "Exercise more" ) Framed in positive, actionable terms ( e.g., "Eat more broccoli" vs. "Stop eating Big Macs" ) Focused on the goal-setter's individualists interests ( vs. societal, familial, or work-place expectations ) Keeping these traits in mind, the Expedition Detroit team has curated this list of 10 specific, ambitious, actionable, and rewarding New Year's Resolutions to be accomplished over the next 12 months . Spoiler alert , each of these resolutions directly involve world-class experiences in the Detroit region's outdoors. But these aren't just any experiences - completing any of these goals could easily stand out as your "Outdoor Highlight of 2025." Oh, and as a little New Year's surprise, we've included a special offering below regarding our 2025 guided trips offerings ..! Here are the top 10 outdoor New Year's resolutions that we will be striving for this year: 1. Ski or Ride ALL of the Big Four Resorts Mt. Brighton, Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob Ski Resorts | Skiing or riding down the slopes of each of Detroit's pristine "Big Four" ski resorts Don't let the recent spring weather fool you - each and every new year for us in Detroit begins in January , during the dead of winter, within a northern climate. Lasting now will return , hopefully sooner than later, and while our backcountry skiing aspirations will be on hold for a bit, Detroit's "Big Four" ski and snowboard resorts are up and running! In line with our recently updated article on the "Big Four" ski resorts, each of these resorts have special attributes that make them well worth a visit over the next few wintry months. Alpine Valley provides a full-service mountain within a stone's throw of the Detroit region's best hiking, paddling, and mountain biking destinations. Mt. Brighton has state-of-the-art facilities and direct connections to world-class ski resorts around the country. Mt. Holly provides skiers and riders with Up North-caliber vertical terrain. And Pine Knob packs the largest adrenaline punch for our resident terrain park junkies. Those are just the 30,000 ft. highlights; to get the full experience, take on all four mountains this season and rediscover your love for our local runs ! Look for us on the chairlift. 2. Cycle the Border-to-Border Trail Washtenaw County | Gravel cycle along the newest segments of one of the Detroit region's most transformative trails Last spring, we wrote a feature article on the explosive growth of the Border-to-Border Trail , including its transformative impact on Washtenaw County's recreational ecosystem and groundbreaking projects. The visionary 55-mile (once complete), 10 foot wide, ADA accessible, paved pathway will provide the critical link between the Mike Levine Lakelands Trail State Park and Waterloo State Recreation Area , Pinckney State Recreation Area , thee Huron-Clinton Metroparks , the Huron River National Water Trail, and countless municipal parks. What makes the B2B Trail even more exciting for the Detroit region though - really, for all of the Great Lakes region - is its unique place within a larger, international trail ecosystem . ICYMI, Michigan has been solidifying its position as the "Trails State" by building the forthcoming Iron Belle Trail  - a 2,000 mile hiking experience that will constitute the longest state-designated trail in the U.S. - connecting Downtown Detroit with Ironwood in the Upper Peninsula. The Iron Belle will form a material portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail - a 4,800 behemoth of a trail stretching from the Green Mountains in Vermont to the buttes of North Dakota - as well as connect directly to the 14,996 mile-long Trans Canada Trail via the Gordie Howe International Bridge . Where does the B2B fit into all of that? Well, the B2B Trail forms the most critical link in the Iron Belle chain, connecting the Detroit region's emergent trail system (including ALL OF CANADA'S) with the expansive North Country Trail. Yeah, it's a huge deal. This year, cyclists can look forward to riding several newly-completed segments of the B2B Trail. Projects currently slated for completion in 2025 include the following: Use of the historic Bell Road Bridge to cross Mill Creek, as it connects to the B2B Trail near Forest Lawn Cemetery, will align with an additional 0.8 miles of trail to connect the B2B to the City of Dexter. Construction of the Barton Bandemer Tunnel which will pass under the railroad line connecting Bandemer Park to Huron River Drive along the B2B Trail. Van Buren Park to Denton Road and Beckly Road segment, including a 10' pathway and 14' wide pedestrian bridge. For more updates, including several segments that were completed in late 2024, check out the B2B Trail's " Trail Updates " webpage. 3. Paddle the Entirety of the Huron River National Water Trail Proud Lake State Recreation Area to Lake Erie Metropark |  Multi-day canoe camping adventure along the Detroit Region's longest water trail Let's stay on the theme of transformative trails, shall we? We have already written extensively on the beauty of the Huron River - especially during peak fall colors - but the true blessing of the river is that it provides an endlessly flowing supply of recreational opportunities. Day paddles, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, camping, hunting along its banks...if you can dream it, chances are the Huron will provide an opportunity to experience it. In spite of these incredible activities, we must give credit where credit's due and crown the most adventuresome, comprehensive, and awe-inspiring endeavor that one can pursue on the Huron: Thru-paddling the entirety of the Huron River National Water Trail's 104-mile route . Launching at the headwaters of Proud Lake , the official water trail route guides paddlers through several of the Detroit region's idyllic parks and quintessential trail towns along the journey to Lake Erie. Milford , Dexter , Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Flat Rock are the trail's official "Water Trail Towns," although the trail provides for ample exploration opportunities throughout the Huron-Clinton Metroparks , state recreation areas, and other destinations that encompass its surroundings. There are four official canoe campgrounds along the water trail: Kensington Metropark (appropriately located off of Group Camp Rd.), Island Lake State Recreation Area , Hudson Mills Metropark, and Lower Huron Metropark. As the above map shows, there is quite a stretch between the Hudson Mills and Lower Huron campgrounds - a 38.7 mile stretch. A previous expedition camped at a "secret campground" location referred to as "Superior Pond" to break up this segment, but we are unsure whether this pre-approved "campground" was located on private property. We'll dig a little deeper into that detail, but for the time being, we would advise maybe breaking up that segment with a night spent in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti. A proper beer , burger, and bed rarely hurt anyone. As a bonus perk of completing the thru-paddle, you will earn access into the Huron River Watershed Council's "Huron104" Trail Registry . Huron104 lists the names of each successful adventurer that has completed at least 100 distinct miles of the water trail within a calendar year. As of the date of this article, the registry lists only 50 names - half of which were added in 2024. Is that a comprehensive list of everyone who has completed the trail from point-to-point? Probably not, but it's hard to imagine a better way to add an adventuresome exclamation to this year than joining such an exclusive club. 4. Cycle the Century Challenge during the Milford Bike Fest Milford, Michigan | Completing a 100 Mile Challenge at Michigan's Quintessential Mountain Biking Festival Call us jaded, but our taste for adventure drifts subconsciously towards the extreme. The experiences that push our bodies to the limit, demand more energy than we thought we were capable of delivering, and leave us with a newfound appreciation for what the human body is capable of. Several of these resolutions fit into that genre of adventure, but I have to be completely transparent: just the thought of taking on the Milford Bike Fest's " Century Challenge " makes my palms sweat ( sorry, keyboard ). The MCMBA-sponsored Milford Bike Fest is, at its core, a celebration of southeast Michigan's mountain biking community. The festival occurs in Milford because of the trail town's central location to five world-class single track mountain biking trails, including the top-tier Highland A-B-C-D loops . While the festival comes complete with live music, complementary drinks, food discounts, and hundreds of your new favorite riding buddies, everyone knows that the main draw of the festival is the Century Challenge . Here's the challenge: completing a mountain biking ride that covers THE ENTIRETY of all five trail systems that are readily accessible from Downtown Milford over a distance of at least 100 miles. These include the Milford Trail, Highland State Recreation Area , Hickory Glen, Proud Lake State Recreation Area/the Kensington Connector , and Island Lake State Recreation Area . I have biked each of these trail systems independently, and each one packs one hell of a punch. So, the thought of conquering all five in a single day ...yeah, that's definitely one way to earn a post-ride beer! We're crazy enough to give it a go. Please, comrades, join us on this odyssey! 5. Conquer ALL of Detroit's Black Diamond Trails Bald Mountain, Brighton, and Highland State Recreation Areas | Hiking - or trail running - the trinity of the Detroit region's most difficult trails When it comes to hiking trails, not all trails are created equal. That's a good thing - you wouldn't want to take someone making their first steps towards a lifelong fitness journey on a summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro . Such an endeavor would likely kill their drive to ever set foot on a trail again ( or just to ever hike with you again ). The same concept holds true for our local hiking trails. Here at Expedition Detroit , we have already covered our area's top-ranked trails for every genre of hiker. We have also wrote about our most accessible trails for venturing out on a night hike . But for this special article - the shoot-for-the-moon "New Year's Resolutions" article - we're aiming for our three toughest, steepest, and most challenging trails: our three "Black Diamond" rated-trails at Bald Mountain, Brighton, and Highland State Recreation Areas. We wrote a feature on these trails in the past, so we won't recreate the wheel now. What I will state here though is that completing this triple crown of Detroit hiking is no easy feat: the combined stats of these trails are 1,560 feet of elevation gain over 37.6 miles of Southeast Michigan's most rugged, variable, punishing, yet beautiful terrain. As of the end of 2024, we have been able to complete the Bald Mountain and Highland trail systems. So for 2025, conquering Brighton is a very high priority . Who knows, we may go crazy and try to knock out all three trails in a single day...stay tuned my friends. Stay tuned. CONQUER HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 6. Bike, Hike, or Run the Entirety of the Trans Canada Trail in Windsor Windsor, Ontario | Crossing the Gordie Howe Bridge and exploring the extensive trail system located south of the border In one of our earliest articles, we made a prediction that Detroit will claim its place as the international trails capital of North America . Yes, the State of Michigan's immense investment in trail infrastructure as part of its campaign for Michigan to earn recognition as our nation's " Trails State " has facilitated immense momentum for our city's outdoor recreation economy. That being said, our Canadian cousins have undeniably acted as pioneers in this space: the Trans Canada Trail , the longest recreational trail network in the world covering over 15,000 miles, extends directly to Windsor’s Riverfront Trail . Will we ever trek across all of the TCT's 15,000 miles, completing an epic journey from the Atlantic waves of St. John's Island to the icebergs of the Northwest Territories? Eh, probably not in this lifetime. However, we very much can - and therefore will - take on the 15.5 miles of its trail that stretch across Windsor's northern shores, including the stunning Riverfront Trail, Malden Park, and Ojibway Prairie Provincial Nature Preserve. As a 2025 bonus, the long-awaited Gordie Howe Bridge - including its non-motorized lanes - is FINALLY expected to open towards the end of this year! We can't wait for the opportunity to bike, hike, or run seamlessly from Detroit's greenways to Windsor's trails. 7. Volunteer Alongside our Parks' Best "Friends" Throughout the Detroit Region | Stewardship volunteer opportunities to eradicate invasive species throughout Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas One of REI's core marketing slogans has evolved into one of our mantras at Expedition Detroit : " A life outdoors is a life well lived ." Well, we would like to revise that slogan a tad: " A life outdoors with friends is a life well lived ." Yes, that could refer to actual, adventurous, human friends, but for this article we're writing about the vast volunteer network of "Friends" organizations of specific parks that accomplish amazing environmental feats throughout our region. We try to regularly spotlight these organizations on our Instagram feed, but groups like the Friends of Maybury State Park , Friends of Point Pelee , and Friends of the Rouge dedicate countless hours towards making our outdoors more accessible, beautiful, and sustainable for generations to come. During 2025, we humbly ask that you join us in volunteering for one or more outdoor stewardship work days with these "Friends." Aside from earning some good karma for this year, donating your time and muscle to such causes instills a sense of pride and ownership in our outdoors that simple recreation just can't hold a candle to. Don't worry - we will blow up our social media feeds well in advance of those volunteer opportunities, so you'll know exactly where we will be getting our hands dirty at. 8. Run the Detroit Free Press Marathon Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario | Running in our region's hallmark race across two international border crossings We've said it once, twice, and will say it proudly a million times more: the Detroit Free Press Marathon is the crown jewel in the treasure trove of Detroit's outdoor events calendar . The race embodies everything that we love about our region's outdoors: breath-taking views from the Ambassador Bridge, international fraternization along the Windsor and Detroit riverfronts, and heartwarming, encouraging interactions with Detroiters and Windsorites throughout the event. Yes, we are generally more pro-trail running than road running . However, the Detroit Free Press Marathon will forever lure us back on an annual pilgrimage to the concrete labyrinth of Detroit's core routes . We emphatically urge you to join us in this amazing, heart (and lung)-pounding race that briefly turns the attention of the international running community towards our great city . In 2023, the Expedition Detroit team ran in the International Half-Marathon event - one of my personal favorite races that I've completed several times now. In 2025, we're going for the full 26.2 - and we hope that you will join us in that bucket list-worthy endeavor! 9. Actively (or Passively) Support Conservation Throughout the Detroit Region | Proactively supporting the conservation of our natural resources through hunting or simply buying a hunting license Here's an uncomfortable truth for some recreationists: in our sprawling suburban ecosystem, hunting and fishing are vital to the DNR's ongoing conservation efforts . Rapid deer population growth has unleashed mayhem on southeast Michigan's habitat sustainability, vehicular safety, and the environmental longevity of the Great Lakes region. Add in the material detriment of decreasing hunting and fishing license sales on the DNR's annual budget , the net result is that our developed region can't afford to lose its hunters and anglers. While we strongly encourage anyone looking to lead a more environmentally-conscious lifestyle to consider actively supporting conservation by hunting or fishing in 2025, we adamantly argue that all ethical outdoor recreationists should purchase a hunting and/or fishing license . The DNR desperately needs our participation in its greater conservation mission to properly care for the outdoor spaces that we love. Actively hunting or fishing gets you in the game, but even just purchasing a license - with no intention of hunting or fishing - will provide the DNR with revenue to reinvest into the sustainability of our wilderness. Easily the best $20 you'll spend this year. Expedition Detroit proudly supports the Michigan Wildlife Council 10. Fully Embrace an Outdoor-Centric Lifestyle Throughout Southeast Michigan | Learning to incorporate the benefits of the outdoors into everyday life - no matter the season If you are able to accomplish only one outdoor New Year's resolution in 2025, we sincerely hope it's this one: to incorporate the benefits of Detroit's outdoors into your everyday life. You read that correctly, everyday life. Rain or shine. Hot or cold. Light or dark . The full spectrum of our outdoor ecosystem. The Norwegians have perfected this approach to an outdoor-centric lifestyle - their word for it, both a noun and verb, is " Friluftsliv ." By prioritizing friluftsliv's "get outdoors, every day, no matter what" lifestyle, Norway experienced a fundamental cultural transformation that has resulted in improved mental health, the good standard of societal fitness levels, and the prioritization of environmental conservation. The best part about this " friluftsliv resolution" is the least physically-demanding resolution on this list - just spending any amount of time in nature counts as a successful friluftsliv outing. The difficult aspect of this goal, as with any truly transformative goal, is consistency . Fortunately, there are several months-long events or habits that can assist with getting outdoors. For me personally, I have participated in RF Events' trail racing series called " The GOAT Series ." In summary, the GOAT - which stands for "Greatest Of All Time" - comprises of competing in at least 3 of RF Event's 5 flagship races, spanning from April 26th (" Trail Weekend ") to November 8th (" Bonfyre Trail Fest "). At the end of the season, runners who qualified for the GOAT Series will be eligible to win special awards if they ranked as either the top three runners (by gender) for each of the Sprint and Open categories. BONUS: 2025 NEW YEAR'S DEALS In the spirit of expanding friluftsliv opportunities throughout our region, we at Expedition Detroit are also proud to announce our 2025 "New Year's Deals" for our guided services! More information will be released in the coming week, but here are the highlights of our current deals: SNOWSHOE TREKS PRESALE: Use discount code " SNOWDANCE25 " to save 10% on any of our planned snowshoe treks ! BUNDLE AND SAVE: Use discount code " NEWYEARBUNDLE " to save 20% on any of our EXPEDITION BUNDLES of curated guided trips. FREE BEANIE: In honor of 2025, the first 25 participants to book a guided trip will receive a free Expedition Detroit beanie with their booking! These offerings are only available through January 31st , so we hope that you will kick off your New Year with us as we continue exploring the beautiful parks and trails surrounding Detroit! START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH A GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREK ! PRESALE IS LIVE NOW WITH SPECIAL OFFERINGS FOR EARLY BOOKINGS! Before signing off on this article and getting a jump on these resolutions, we also formally want to invite you to join us on each and every one of these goals. Another less-known characteristic of successful goal-setting is accountability . Well, this article is our team's public accountability notice. We fully intended on accomplishing each of these New Year's Resolutions, and we hope to see you on the trail, in the river, or across the finish line. Happy New Year, Expedition Detroit community! As always, we can't wait to see you out there.

Tomorrow, the Michigan State Senate Appropriation Committee vote on whether to award a $50 million mining grant on the border of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Here's why all Detroit region recreationists should fight against it. "Right here Lucy, lay right here. Perfect. Good girl!" With the headlamp freshly off, I could barely make out the silhouette of my golden retriever navigating through the pitch-black darkness of our tent. We had never camped before, so with bated breath I watched her sniff around the tent for a few moments, find a spot right next to my sleeping bag, and nestle in to her "dad den." I exhaled. And smiled. Perfect . Everything in that moment was perfect. We had spent the day trekking through the backcountry of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park with two buddies, also from Metro Detroit, and all of our first time to this corner of the Upper Peninsula. We backpacked in to a backcountry site, built a roaring fire, and killed most of a bottle of rye while laughing and telling stories under the starlit sky. Lucy was one of the guys - she even had her own "pack" on to carry her poop bags, collapsable water bowl, and trail treats. Everyone carries their load on the trail. As we laid down to close out a perfect trail day, the Porkies had one last surprise for us. Howls pierced the soundtrack of an August night. A whole pack of wolves, somewhere in our greater vicinity, decided to make their presence known in spectacular fashion. My eyes shot open. Not out of fear, but out of curiosity - and renewed apprehension regarding my newest backpacking companion curled up next to me. Lucy picked up her head. Curiously cocked it to the side. Listened attentively. Smiled. And then nestled back into her polyester den. As I gave her one last kiss goodnight, I couldn't help but smile too. We were sharing a very primal wilderness experience together, just as man and canine had experienced for roughly 30,000 years . Lucy and I always had a special bond, but it was never stronger than those days backpacking through the Porcupine Mountains together, reconnecting with our roots as symbiotic outdoor beings. Hiking those trails. Wading into Lake Superior. Admiring the stars reflecting off of the Lake of the Clouds. A truly #PureMichigan wilderness experience. The "Porkies Crew" at Lake of the Clouds, August 2019 That's my personal Porkies story. One of innumerable special moments that have been experienced by generations of visitors to " America's most beautiful state park. " A beautiful collection of memories that I hold deeply close to my heart, especially since Lucy is tragically no longer in my life. Now, as I type these words, another main character in my story is also at risk. An unreasonable, indefensible, and potentially catastrophic risk. A risk that threatens not only the Porcupine Mountains and Lake Superior, but the entirety of Michigan's outdoor recreation industry - and especially Detroit's. The Porcupine Mountains themselves are in risk of exploitation, contamination, and degradation. Here's why all of Michigan's outdoor community must join forces to #ProtectThePorkies. The Danger Facing the Porcupine Mountains In case this article is the first that you are hearing about this issue, allow us to give you the TL;DR summary. TOMORROW, DECEMBER 18TH , the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee will be voting on whether to approve a $50,000,000, taxpayer-funded grant to a Canadian mining company called Highland Copper. The Michigan House Appropriations Committee provided their preliminary approval of the grant last week. The "Copperwood Mine" will be located all of a 15 SECOND DRIVE from the southeastern corner of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, with mining waste having direct gravitational flow access to the Presque Isle River and Lake Superior. Additionally, the Copperwood Mine will be located directly north of the North Country National Scenic Trail , one of the longest national scenic trails in the United States. Image courtesy of Protect the Porkies Before diving into the severe environmental and economic risks of the Copperwood Mine, for the sake of fairness we would like to point out some of its economic benefits. The price of copper is roughly $3.72 per pound , so the mine could produce an estimated $400 million. The copper mining industry produces roughly $1 billion per year for Michigan's economy. Alright, those are the "pros." Here is the startling long list of " cons ": Thirty million tons of mine waste. That's right - the Copperwood Mine is anticipated to produce 30,000,000 tons of toxic waste over a 10 year period. Copper will comprise only 1.45% of the total extracted material from the mine - the remaining 98.55% would be waste, containing mercury, arsenic, and other toxins, to be stored on-site in a 323-acre waste facility erected on topography sloping directly into Lake Superior. There has never been a copper sulfide mine which did not contaminate local water. The Copperwood Mine would erect a tailings disposal facility holding 50+ million tons of heavy-metal laden waste-rock on topography sloping towards Lake Superior - a lake that comprises 10% of the world's freshwater. The underground operations of the Copperwood Mine would threaten the roots of the Porcupine Mountain's old growth forest. The 35,000 acres of old growth forest in Porcupine Mountains State Park represent the largest tract of mixed old growth remaining in the Midwest. Irreparable harm to local wildlife. The mine would subject the Porcupine Mountains to heavy metal dust spewed up from hundreds of meters underground, to catch and carry on the wind for miles in all directions; twice-daily subterranean blasts which are known to disrupt the reproductive cycles of aquatic life; noise pollution and light pollution which will further impact the mating rituals and calls of wildlife. Intense light pollution. The 24/7 requisite industrial lighting for the Copperwood Mine would entail severe light pollution for the wilderness region, leading to negative and deadly effects on many creatures, including amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and plants. Copper is not scarce. It is 100% recyclable, and an estimated 88% of copper still remains in the ground. Copper was also just recently denied an upgrade of status to "critical mineral" by the U.S. Geological Society. Highland Copper is an inexperienced and foreign entity. The extra copper will be shipped to Canada for Canadian infrastructure and manufacturing operations. Highland Copper has never developed a mine before. This list only scratches the surface of the projected risks that the Copperwood Mine poses to the Porcupine Mountains, including additional and specified harm to secondary forest growth, endangered wolf and Redside Dace populations, medicinal plant species, and cultural degradation to indigenous Anishinaabe lands. But wait, there's more. An additional genre of "harm" that may sound intangible, but will have a devastating impact on the Great Lakes State for decades to come. In fact, it is a recurrent harm that generations of Michiganders - and especially Detroiters - have already faced and suffered under: The Degradation of our Outdoor Identity. The Fragility of Michigan's Outdoor State Until very, very recently , Michigan's outdoor recreation industry has faced a severe image problem. Scratch that, the entire Great Lakes region has had to overcome a legacy of favoring industrialization over conservation . The impact of such political and economic favortism has had dire socioeconomic and environmental consequences, which we have felt the most painfully right here in the Detroit region. As political strategist Lee Atwater once said, " Perception is reality. " Throughout Michigan's history , our collective perception of our natural resources has varied significantly. From fur trapping to logging booms to the rise of the automative industry, we have systematically perceived our Michigan's bountiful forests, water ways, wildlife, and minerals as a means of economic and industrial production. Yes, this has brought "high times" of wealth, development, and prosperity to our region. The natural cycles of industrialization have also left ghost towns, economic exposure , and irreparable environmental contamination in its wake. One of the first articles that we ever published on Expedition Detroit featured a response to the dumping of 10,000 gallons of hexavalent chromium solution - a highly toxic carcinogen - into disposal channels that lead to the Huron River . The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is struggling to maintain healthy wildlife populations due to Michigan's over-suburbanization and aging, decreasing population. Our state is struggling to attract young workers to fill in the widening void wrought by poor economic development agendas brought forth by administrations past. Ironically, this is all occurring while Michigan's outdoor recreation industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom. Michigan’s outdoor recreation economy contributed $13.9 billion in value-add in 2023 , supporting 118,000 jobs and $6.4 billion in compensation to employee households. There are more than 7,000 outdoor recreation industry companies in Michigan, ranging from manufacturing, service providers and facilitators to retailers and wholesalers. National headlines have hailed both Michigan as a whole and Detroit specifically as "one of the most adventurous states in the U.S.," including the following quote from Outside Magazine : The Detroit Riverwalk, the city’s crown jewel, now connects to nearby Belle Isle, the southern terminus of the nearly completed 2,000-mile Iron Belle Trail. The statewide project, with hiking and biking paths to the Upper Peninsula, is over 70 percent ready following new route additions in 2023. . . The expansion of the Detroit Riverwalk—a 3.5-mile riverfront promenade voted one of the nation’s most beautiful—means easier access to Belle Isle, a 982-acre park. The best part about all of these good headlines? Young professionals - the " Holy Grail " for Michigan's long-term economic development agenda - are attracted to regions that feature world-class outdoor recreational opportunities . HOW YOU CAN PROTECT MICHIGAN'S OUTDOOR FUTURE Here's our main question to the powers that be: Why the hell are we shooting ourselves in the foot? A common definition for " Insanity " is "doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results." By sacrificing one of Michigan's most beloved wilderness regions in the name of marginal profits, we as a state are signaling to the greater outdoor economy that nothing has changed . That we will build a major manufacturing site directly next to a fragile natural resource. That we will disregard our natural environment in the name of pollutive profits. That we are comfortable trading short-term benefits for long-term pain. That we’re willing to gamble with our reputation as an outdoor destination, especially for nascent recreational economies like Detroit’s. That Michigan's outdoors - including the economic and ecological environment that supports it - truly do not matter. How can we call ourselves the " Great Trails State " when we're willing to build a pollutive mine right next to a National Scenic Trail? How can the "Great Lakes State" be so willing to utilize taxpayer funds to contaminate our largest lake? We're far from alone in expressing this outrage. As of the publication of this article, 324,902 individuals have signed a petition to "Protect the Porkies." You should too, but given the 11th hour of this publication, here is how you can join the fight. CONTACT YOUR SENATOR. Especially these Senators that will be VOTING TOMORROW: E-mail Addresses (copy and paste the full list into the To: field of an email) SenSAnthony@senate.michigan.gov SenSMcCann@senate.michigan.gov SenKMcDonaldRivet@senate.michigan.gov SenJCherry@senate.michigan.gov SenRBayer@senate.michigan.gov SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov SenSShink@senate.michigan.gov SenJIrwin@senate.michigan.gov SenKHertel@senate.michigan.gov SenDCamilleri@senate.michigan.gov SenVKlinefelt@senate.michigan.gov SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov SenMCavanagh@senate.michigan.gov SenJBumstead@senate.michigan.gov SenTAlbert@senate.michigan.gov SenJDamoose@senate.michigan.gov SenMHuizenga@senate.michigan.gov SenROutman@senate.michigan.gov SenLTheis@senate.michigan.gov   Phone Numbers — Senate Sarah Anthony (Majority Chair): 517-373-6960 Sean McCann (Majority Vice Chair): 517-373-5100 Kristen McDonald Rivet: 517-373-1725 John Cherry: 517-373-0142 Rosemary Bayer: 517-373-2417 Sylvia Santana: 517-373-0990 Sue Shink: 517-373-2426 Jeff Irwin: 517-373-2406 Kevin Hertel: 517-373-7315 Darin Camilleri: 517-373-7918 Veronica Klinefelt: 517-373-7670 Mallory McMorrow: 517-373-2523 Mary Cavanagh: 517-373-7748 John Bumstead (Minority Vice Chair): 517-373-1635 Thomas Albert: 517-373-1734 John Damoose: 517-373-2413 Mark Huizenga: 517-373-0797 Rick Outman: 517-373-3760 Lana Theis: 517-373-2420 ***DECEMBER 20, 2024 UPDATE*** On December 19th, the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee DECLINED TO VOTE on the Copperwood Mine Grant, effectively DEFEATING its passage for the indefinite future! This is a MASSIVE win for Michigan's outdoor community, and one that inherently aligns with the values and aspirations of the Expedition Detroit community. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition and contacted their state representatives. Thank you to the team at Protect the Porkies for their tireless efforts in advocating for the land. Most importantly, thank you to the Porkies and Lake Superior for being so damn spectacular that any reasonable person had no choice but to jump on board the #ProtectThePorkies train. Unfortunately, yesterday's actions do not guarantee the safety of the Porcupine Mountains. As certain as death and taxes are, you can also bet your last dollar that someone - either Highland Copper or another unknown party - will continue to try and extract valuable resources from this immensely vulnerable environment. Absolutely savor this moment of victory, but stay diligent. And when the time comes, we hope that you'll join us in continuing this fight. #ProtectthePorkies

'Tis the season for holly, jolly outdoor adventures - and we are stoked for them all! As you navigate the madness of the holidays, here are the top ten outdoor events near Detroit to guide you through this most festive of months. Happy holidays! In case you haven't heard, it's the most wonderful time of the year... And yes, not only because of the holiday season. The Expedition Detroit team is STOKED for a December that's JAM-PACKED with recreational opportunities in the Detroit area, which may come as a shock to some outdoor enthusiasts. Especially since we're waaaaay behind the curve here publishing this article on December 12th. Whoops . To be fair, December can be a polarizing month - less in terms of Santa's homestead and more regarding attitudes towards outdoor recreation. The Winter Solstice hitting mid-month means that December brings the shortest and some of the coldest days of the year. Add in the seasonal work and holiday commitments, the net result is that the odds for experiencing bountiful outdoor recreation thin out a bit. That, dear friends, represents the greatest gift that you will receive this month. December rings in opportunities for intrepid recreationists that simply do not exist mid-summer. Virtually empty running, hiking, and kayaking trails. Prime time for fat tire biking season. Expeditious s nowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes. Fresh groomer tracks at Detroit's ski resorts. Extended hunting periods. An entire season ripe for outdoor innovation. Put differently, December provides us all with two options : hibernate until spring, or fully embrace and capitalize on the gift that is winter in Detroit. You already know which option we're choosing, so we're kicking off our winter expeditions with these awesome top ten outdoor events near Detroit for December . Photo courtesy of Vail Resorts Management Company. 1. Earn First Tracks at Detroit's Premiere Ski Resorts Throughout December | Big Four Ski Resorts Winter recreation invokes many different emotions, expectations, and memories. For certain members of the Expedition Detroit team, winter means claiming first chair rights and carving fresh tracks into a perfectly groomed ski slope. Yes, we of course love our backcountry terrain too, but there's nothing quite like a crisp groomer or a deep powder day at one of Detroit's four premiere resorts: Mt. Holly , Pine Knob , Alpine Valley , and Mt. Brighton . As of the writing of this article, 3/4 of Detroit's " Big Four Ski Resorts " are open for riding! We state this with a little bit of a caveat - all four resorts are largely still in the snowmaking/accumulating process . Conditions are only going to heat up ( er , cool down?) as this month progresses, so while we're waiting for the snow to fall we will be purchasing our lift tickets (relevant links here and here ), sharpening our skis, and dreaming of those first sweet runs. 2. Run like Rudolph in a Holiday Race December 7th   | Throughout the Detroit Region   | 9:30 a.m. Remember those few extra pounds that you may or may not have packed on during Thanksgiving? Well, lucky for you, 2024's holiday race season didn't end with that Turkey Trot your in-laws dragged you out of bed to run. To the contrary, 'tis the season for Christmas-themed races , so you'll burn off those extra turkey pounds in no time. The holiday race season, all of your favorite running Santas will be coming to towns across the Detroit region this Saturday, December 7th . Starting in Utica, the Eggnog Jog  kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Dexter's a nnual " Holiday Hustle " then sprints off with their half marathon race at 11 a.m., followed by community-favorites 1 mile and 5K events respectively at 4 and 4:30 p.m. Last but certainly not least, Saline's " Merry Mile " closes out the festive racing at 5:30 p.m. 3. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve December 7th   | Point Pelee National Park    | 6:00 p.m.   Sometimes the best break from the frenzy of the holidays is to do nothing. Well, almost nothing - hiking through a national park to experience the   best stargazing in the Detroit region  definitely counts as doing something. Fortunately for us, Point Pelee National Park  saves the day yet again as our region's sole Dark Sky Preserve : the ideal location for gazing into the cosmos and tuning out the world for an extraterrestrial outing. 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. The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) will be onsite with telescopes to facilitate star gazing. RASC attendance is weather permitting as cloudy skies inhibit night sky viewing. Cloudy skies or clear, the park will be open until 12 am unless otherwise stated 4. Wander Into Winter with Expedition Detroit! Throughout December | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas Detroit is a world-class, year-round outdoor destination - and our guided trips are curated to capitalize on each phase of our calendar trail conditions! Beyond our typical offering of guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running adventures, this December we're excited to broaden our offering of guided night hiking safaris and - conditions pending - GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREKS ! Both of these trips will provide snowshoes and headlamps for rent. 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 discounts on our Guided Services AND online store  items... 5. Discover the 12 Birds of Christmas at Humbug Marsh December 21st | Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge - Humbug Marsh Unit | 9 a.m. Let's be honest - why just sing about a few festive birds when you can venture into our region's sole International Wildlife Refuge to experience the real deal? The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge is hosting a free " 12 Birds of Christmas " hiking and bird watching event at Humbug Marsh. Located along the Detroit River, Humbug Marsh is the last undeveloped mile of the Detroit River on the U.S. side of the border. The guided hike will traverse native prairies, native shrublands, forests with a unique mosaic of 300-400 year old oaks mixed with hickory and ash, diverse wetlands, and beautiful Humbug Island. Rare birds on the viewing agenda include eagles, winter wrens, golden crowned kinglets, herons, and other migrating and resident water birds. 6. Book Your Escape from the Holiday Mayhem All December   | Throughout Detroit Region Let's call a spade a spade: the holidays often provide some of the most stressful days of the year. A perfect storm of year-end burnout , financial stressors, and familial pressures. Oh, and constant reminders to be "merry" and "joyful" don't really ease the situation as much as carolers hope for ( they actually tend to exacerbate it ). During times like these, our go-to remedy is a winter escape. Anything from an overnight at Green Lake's iconic yurt , a rustic cabin at Island Lake Recreation Area, Point Pelee National Park's " oTENTik " modern tents, or the best "glamping" destinations throughout the Detroit region. Basically anything to get you off-grid and in nature during this magically stressful time of year. Photo courtesy of Glenlore Trails 7. Experience the Winter Wonderland of Glenlore Trails Throughout December  | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan   | 7 p.m. This holiday season, Glenlore Trails invites you to step into "Aurora," an illuminated winter wonderland! Glenlore's magical night walk is filled with dazzling lights, interactive activations, and a special twist - magic wands that let you unlock hidden surprises along the trail . Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a memorable date night, Aurora offers a truly immersive experience that will bring the holiday season to life! Aurora will be open from until December 29th. 8. Seize the Day on a Winter Solstice Hike December 21st   | Lake Erie Metropark | 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Winter is coming. For many, that may invoke a feeling of dread - or a signal to start looking at flights south. For Expedition Detroit, on the other hand, that means an opportunity to kick the " Friluftsliv " lifestyle into high gear. The Detroit region's generous snowfall and shorter days mean incredible skiing, snow shoeing , and night hiking opportunities . Plus, the fair-weather crowds leave our pristine natural environment virtually vacant. And that all officially kicks off on December 21st - the " Winter Solstice " - which is also the shortest day of the calendar year. This solstice, our friends at Lake Erie Metropark invite you to seize the fleeting daylight on their nature trails on an educational Winter Solstice Hike ! The guides will dive deep into the why and how the winter solstice happens, and what that means for the natural world around us. This program is entirely outdoors, lasts approximately 120 minutes, will be spent on a leisurely walk with frequent stops. The hike will conclude at the Lake Erie Marshlands Museum. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level. EXPLORE A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 9. Stay in the Woods for Extended Whitetail Deer Season Throughout December   | Statewide in Michigan    Wait - you didn't think that whitetail deer season   ended in November, right ...? If you did, don't sweat it. Most Michiganders only associate deer hunting with "primetime" firearm season during the last two weeks of November. However, deer season continues all the way until the very end of January. In fact, Detroit-region hunters have the most expansive and inclusive hunting opportunities in the entire state . Here's a quick reference guide for the remaining schedule for deer season near Detroit: Period Dates Equipment Regulations Location Muzzleloader December 6th - 15th A muzzleloading rifle or black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute Statewide Antlerless Firearm December 16th - January 12th All firearm regulations apply Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties Urban Archery December 1st - January 31st Compound and crossbow; must wear hunter orange during firearm periods Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources  has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy . More specifically, in order to alleviate the significant stress that an overpopulation of deer has levied upon the lower peninsula's ecosystem, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe . Increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits  of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland. GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 10. Sprint into the New Year at the Belle Isle NYE Run December 31st | Belle Isle State Park   | 3 p.m. Every New Year's Eve , we all find ourselves looking forward to a blank slate of opportunity. Races to be run. Trails to be explored. Memories to capture. And for the most part, all of those experiences lay just outside of our grasp - one ripped calendar page away from becoming a reality. December 31st also provides us all with one last sweet, finite way of sticking it to the year that's on its way out. Regardless of whether you'll look back on 2024 as the best or worst year of your life, we can't think of a better way to close out this chapter than sweating it out on a New Year's Eve race. This year, head down to Belle Isle for the annual New Year's Eve Run 5K ! Set against the picturesque backdrop of Downtown Detroit , this annual run features a range of distances to accommodate all levels of runners and walkers. Participants enjoy a scenic route with stunning views of the Detroit skyline and the Detroit River, while festive decorations and a lively atmosphere add to the celebration. The event often includes post-race festivities such as music, food, and opportunities for socializing, making it a memorable way to ring in the new year. Happy December to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2024. We can’t wait to see you out there! 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.

In this opinion piece, Brandan Freeman of "Shades of the Outdoors" provides critical insights into the broken promises of "The Wilderness Act" and "Civil Rights Act" - and how all Americans can better uphold the call for an "Outdoors for All." The year 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of one of the most important pieces of legislation impacting the American outdoors: The Wilderness Act. The Wilderness Act drastically expanded the definition of what could be conserved under federal law. As a result, millions of acres of land across the country have been protected from commercialization and human development. This land has been protected to be used for, according to the Act’s edict, the " permanent good of all people. " The anniversary of the Act’s signing is worth celebrating by anyone who experiences our national parks, monuments, waterways, and public lands . As an outdoor enthusiast, I extol the Wilderness Act as a shining example of American ingenuity, perseverance, and commitment to conservation. Indeed, it truly is. It is also one of the most visible examples of systemic racism in this era of “color blindness.” This year, as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, we should also celebrate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act . Both acts were approved by Congress within the same legislation session. The Wilderness Act was passed unanimously, in a bipartisan manner, by members of the House of Representatives on July 30, 1964.Three weeks earlier, members of the House convened to vote on the Civil Rights Act, which fortunately passed on July 2, 1964. Unlike the Wilderness Act, however, the passage of the Civil Rights Act was highly contentious and far from unanimous. In fact, when you analyze the voter rolls for both Acts, you undeniably discover systemic inequality in action. Out of all of the votes cast, nearly one third of Congress members that voted in favor of the Wilderness Act, did not vote in favor of the Civil Rights Act. That's right. Over 100 members of congress were simultaneously in favor of the Wilderness Act, but starkly against guaranteeing civil rights for millions of Americans. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. Two days before Independence Day - a day that Americans praise the virtues of freedom and independence, and three weeks before signing legislation that would preserve land for the enjoyment of all Americans - hundreds of members of Congress voted against granting African Americans rights guaranteed by the Constitution. In doing so, Congress perpetuated the dual-definition of what it meant to be an American. The reality of who , where , and how Americans can live their lives. Regardless of the de jure wins passed within the Civil Rights Act, the de facto definition of “all Americans” remained unchanged. Congress' actions affirmed that irrespective of the Act, Americans that identify as members of the global majority (often inaccurately labeled as BIPOC) would remain explicitly excluded. This intentional re-amplification of the racial caste system reaffirmed who qualifies as Americans. And, very notably, wh o were eligible to enjoy public outdoor recreation areas. “All” did not truly mean all. And that legacy of "not all" in our outdoors persists 60 years later. A common saying among the outdoor community is that " the outdoors does not discriminate. " Yes, this is true on its face - there are no records of trees or mountains engaging in hate speech or acts of bigotry. The social construct of "the outdoors," however, has a documented history of racism that both predates and survives the Wilderness Act and the Civil Rights Act. The displacement of Native Americans from their indigenous lands began long before the establishment of our Constitution in 1789. The monstrous amount of lynchings that occurred from 1865 to 1950s usually took place in forests or natural spaces. Even our beloved National Parks System was segregated until 1945. And in recent memory , discrimination in the outdoors has persisted in both covert ways - such as in the case of Christian Cooper, threatened with violence and arrest while bird-watching in Central Park - to overt and life-threatening ways, such as the tragedy of Ahmaud Arbery's murder while running outdoors in February of 2020. Here are additional facts on the current state of the outdoors in America: Only 23% of visitors to the 432 national park units across the U.S. are people of color. 74% percent of communities of color in the contiguous United States live in nature-deprived areas, compared with just 23% of white communities. Nature destruction has had the largest impact on low-income communities of color , depriving such communities of air and water purification, climate mitigation, biodiversity and disease control, and opportunities for leisure and recreation. In Michigan, people of color comprise 85% of residents living in a nature-deprived area. Oftentimes words lose their gravity, importance, and meaning due to overuse. "Systemic" is one of those words. Same with "inequality." From this day forward, when you hear the phrase "systemic inequality," remember the Wilderness and Civil Rights Acts. Inequality is deeply rooted into our society, laws, customs, and courtesies. When we say the "outdoors" was created within a construct that systemically excludes people of the global majority, the Wilderness Act is, unfortunately, exactly what we mean. Remember the statistics referenced here, and how they reflect the duality of what it means to be an American in our "outdoors." It is important to note that conservation didn’t end in 1964. In the 60 years post ratification, numerous additional pieces of legislation were signed to protect millions of additional acres of land. Even today , conservationists in Michigan are fighting in Lansing to protect Porcupine Mountains State Park from a foreign company's plan to erect a metallic sulfide waste facility directly adjacent to the park's boundary. Similarly, the fight for Civil Rights did not end on signing day. The fight for equality for all rages on. And it must continue, because 60 years after these two pieces of legislation were signed, forthcoming government policies continue to threaten the viability of both civil rights and conservation within the United States and around the world. The job wasn’t done then. Our job isn’t done now. Being mindful of our history, and perhaps the future,   we call on outdoor organizations to look inwards. Scrutinize your values, guiding principles, and practices. Colorblindness alone will not bring change. Intentional anti-racist actions are necessary. Only when that occurs will the outdoors truly become a place for everyone . This article was originally published as “ From 1964 to 2024 ” on November 11, 2024 via Shades of the Outdoors and is republished on Expedition Detroit with the express written consent of Shades of the Outdoors and Brandan Freeman. Further republications of the original article require the express written consent of Brandan Freeman. This article expresses the views of its author(s), which do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.