Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This edition loops around the wild trails nestled into the easternmost wilderness of Detroit's most beautiful island - Belle Isle Park. Join us as we rediscover Belle Isle's stunning Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon trail! Trails inspire us. They encourage ingenuity, community, and continuity of connection. They challenge us to push our limits, reward us with stunning vistas, and congratulate us with post-hike brews. Trails provide the perfect venue for brainstorming business ventures, reimagining better futures, and letting go of past hurts and failures. Every trail innately carries these beautiful attributes, which in turn draws legions of outdoor enthusiasts to Metro Detroit's trailheads year after year. These benefits also explain why the Michigan, Canadian, and U.S. governments are investing millions into building and improving our regional trail system. For us at Expedition Detroit, we've found ourselves inspired on a daily basis by Detroit's greater trail system. The opening lyrics to U2's song "City of Blinding Lights" prophesies that "The more you see, the less you know," which we've found to be absolutely true while navigating the Detroit region's outdoor destinations. Every outing that originated with a specific agenda - "let's document a hike of X trail" - finished with three or more ideas for future article, collaboration prospects, or guided adventure opportunities. Even repeat hikes of a particular crowd-favorite trail like Brighton's Penosha Trail follow this trend. But of all the trails that have inspired us over the past year, one specific trail sticks out in my mind. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that the "Expedition Detroit idea" originated from this exact trailhead. A trail experience that provided the spark for a venture that ignited into this platform. The unwavering belief that Detroit's natural environs of pristine waterways, rugged moraine ridge lines, dense hardwood forests, lively marshes, and state of the art urban trails provide the ideal ecosystem for a revolutionary approach to developing our outdoor industry. Better yet, the hypothesis that all of those outdoor elements coexist within an interconnected, easily accessible, and increasingly dynamic geographic area. Yes, a single trail located in the dead center of our international environment, where every natural, cultural, and historic feature that makes Detroit a world-class outdoor destination comes together in just over 2 miles of shoreline loops, inspired those core beliefs. That trail is Belle Isle Park's Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon trail. It's our pleasure to reintroduce Belle Isle and its most remote trail now. Photo courtesy of Valnet Inc MEET BELLE ISLE PARK Where to begin with reintroducing a park as beloved, historic, complex, and iconic as Belle Isle Park... Dating back to the 1700s, Belle Isle's initial name was slightly less romantic than its current designation. The French referred to it as "Hog Island," stemming directly from the island's utilization as elaborate animal storage facility. In the following century, Hog Island's ownership evolved through bloodshed from the French to the British Crown in 1763, and subsequently from the British to the United States in 1783. It wasn't until the conclusion of the War of 1812, however, that Belle Isle passed into private ownership for the first time. The island became the private estate of General Alexander Macomb, Jr., and remained privately owned until the City of Detroit's acquisition in 1879. During this period of private ownership, the island forever ditched its "Hog Island" moniker in favor of "Belle Isle," a flattering nod to Miss Isabelle Cass, the daughter of Governor Lewis Cass. The name obviously stuck, especially due to the immensity of natural beauty contained within its 982 acres. Shortly after the City's acquisition, famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted - the same designer of Central Park in New York City - was hired to elevate Belle Isle into a world-class recreational destination. Starting in the 1880s, Olmsted's designs gradually transformed Belle Isle into not only the United States' largest island park, but a multi-faceted outdoor paradise fit for recreationists of every genre. Belle Isle became home in 1904 to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the oldest continually running conservatory in the United States. Historic structures on Belle Isle also include the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse, Belle Isle Casino, James Scott Memorial Fountain, Detroit Boat Club, Belle Isle Aquarium, Belle Isle Nature Center, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a municipal golf course, and a half-mile swimming beach. More recently, Belle Isle became a Michigan State Park maintained by the Department of Natural Resources in 2013. Ten years into the Michigan DNR's 30-year lease, Belle Isle has rebounded from decades of neglect due to the $20 million of improvements that the DNR has allocated to the park. The Belle Isle of 2023 represents Michigan's most-visited state park, complete with reimagined trails, playgrounds, and amenities designed to continually welcome generations of recreationists back to its shores. Now - let's get to the trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 2.1 miles Elevation Gain: 22 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop(s) Parking Specifics: Parking available Ralph Wilson Gateway trailhead; Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry to Belle Isle Park Even before exiting your vehicle, you will know exactly where your adventure on Belle Isle's Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon trail begins. Opened just recently in April of 2022, the Ralph Wilson Gateway - complete with its small plaza, park/trail kiosk, pergola, picnic tables, and massive "One World ... Under Michigan Stars" glass-and-steel sculpture - is as stunning a trailhead as you could ever wish for. Did the Michigan DNR, Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation create this ornate trailhead just for Belle Isle's Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon trail? Eh, not necessarily. This multi-purpose, immaculate trailhead also serves as the southern terminus of the in-process Iron Belle Trail, the longest state-designated trail in the nation. The Iron Belle heads west from this gateway and stretches more than 2,000 miles across Michigan, along two separate hiking and biking routes, connecting communities between Belle Isle to Ironwood in the western tip of the Upper Peninsula. Some day, thousands of annual intrepid explorers will start their months-long journey from this very point, seamlessly zig-zagging across our beautiful state. But not today. Today you'll head through the sculpture's gateway and then turn immediately south on a natural trail directly the Windsor shoreline. For the next 0.3 miles, you will follow Belle Isle's southern shoreline in an eastern direction, oscillating between paved and natural trail towards the William Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse. This stretch will provide your best opportunity for catching glimpses of the freighters passing by, as well as glimpses into Canada. Also keep your eyes peeled for migratory birds, especially bald eagles that frequent Belle Isle throughout the year. Your first pass of the lighthouse will arrive at the 0.5 mile marker. Erected in honor of the long-time president of the Lake Carriers Association, this ornamental lighthouse was designed in 1930 by Hungarian sculptor Geza Maroti in Detroit's prominent Art Deco style. The 58-foot-tall lighthouse was sculpted out of Georgia marble – the only such structure in North America – and generates an 8600-candlepower beacon visible for up to fifteen miles. Unfortunately, as evidenced by the prominent fence, visitors are not allowed near or inside of the lighthouse... Blame the thieves that broke in and stole two of its four lamps one night in 1980. Past the lighthouse, keep heading north across the Blue Heron Lagoon bridge to breathtaking views of the lagoon, the Detroit River, Peche Island, and the great beyond of Lake St. Clair. Both Belle Isle and Peche Island are notable for several ecological, historical, and cultural reasons - not the least of which being that both islands are rumored to be haunted and/or cursed. Regardless of which supernatural overtones may or may not exist in the Detroit River's western stretches, the panoramic views from Belle Isle's easternmost point are enough to take your breath away - from awe, not from fright. Across the Blue Heron Lagoon Bridge you'll find Belle Isle's "Hipster Zone." No, it won't be flooded with man buns and Vampire Weekend tunes. Named after the "blink and you'll miss it" Hipster Beach - the site of a 1967 hippy beach party - this 0.9 miles of hiking along the lagoon's northern woods will provide some of Belle Isle's best wildlife viewing opportunities. From the lagoon's namesake great blue herons to the native whitetail deer that freely roam the island, keep you head on a swivel as you pass by Hipster Beach, loop around the zone's wetlands, catch a quick glimpse of Belle Isle's driving range, and double-back along the lagoon's northern shoreline. Don't miss a chance to check out the lagoon's peninsula via a natural trail at the 1.5 mile marker. Back over the Blue Heron Lagoon Bridge, the final 0.5 miles of hiking will guide you past the Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse again and along the lagoon's southern shoreline. Other than a brief 0.2 mile detour on a natural trail, you will follow the gravel Eugene and Elaine C. Driker Trail directly back to Belle Isle's landmark trailhead. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS In case you missed it, Belle Isle's connection to Downtown Detroit just got a MASSIVE upgrade. With the landmark opening of the Uniroyal Promenade on October 21st, Belle Isle now has direct trail access to the #1 riverwalk in the country: the Detroit Riverwalk. We could not more strongly recommend alloting all of the extra recreational time that you have towards exploring the rest of the riverwalk. In full disclosure, the Detroit Riverwalk is currently in a state of constant change - we are barely able to keep up with the near-daily updates regarding the expansion or further improvement of our beloved riverwalk. As of November 2023, the official Riverwalk Trail stretches roughly 5.3 miles from Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park to Gabriel Richard Park. Ongoing projects will further expand the Riverwalk Trail both east and west along the Detroit River, so be sure to circle back to Expedition Detroit regularly as we continue to expand our coverage of this essential trail route at the heart of our region. The current iteration of the Riverwalk Trail starts at western edge of Ralph C. Wilson Centennial Park, right where W. Jefferson Avenue and Rosa Parks Boulevard meet. While the trail briefly connects to W. Jefferson Avenue around the Riverfront Towers, the trek rejoins the river just south of the former Joe Louis Arena site (RIP). Continue east as you venture past the skyscrapers of downtown, including memorable highlights like Huntington Place, the Detroit Princess Riverboat, Hart Plaza, the International Memorial to the Underground Railroad, and the Renaissance Center. With the towers of downtown behind you, the Riverwalk Trail leads directly into William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, featuring the aforementioned direct link to the Dequindre Cut Greenway. To complete the trail, continue pressing east - past the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater, through Harbortown Marina and Mt. Elliott Park, and finally along the Uniroyal Promenade until reaching the finish line at Gabriel Richard Park. BOOK A GUIDED HIKE OF BELLE ISLE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition explores one of the most accessible, beautiful, and popular trails in the Detroit region: Island Lake's Yellow Trail Loop. Join us as we rediscover this cherished biking, hiking, and running destination! Let's get right to it: if you could only visit one Detroit region park in your entire life, then Island Lake State Recreation Area should be said park. If you have ever had the pleasure of recreating at Island Lake, then that shouldn't come off as a rash statement. At all. My love story with Island Lake started during the peak Covid "lockdown" era. If you recall last week's #TrailTuesday special on Pontiac Lake , one of my best friends served as my mountain biking mentor during my first few months breaking into the sport. After we lapped Maybury's awesome MTB track to near memory, my buddy decided that it was time for his padawan to expand his horizon. To my surprise, Maybury was not his go-to trail; that would be found 15 miles northwest in one of the Detroit region's most beloved parks, Island Lake. I prefer to explore trails before blindly riding them, so the first time that I formally met the Yellow Trail loop, I left the bike at home. The trail was clearly built by mountain bikers, for mountain bikers , so I completed my second traverse on two wheels. Three years later, my preferred arrival at Island Lake includes a trifecta of running, mountain biking, and paddling equipment . To summarize, Island Lake has burrowed deeply into an immoveable, special place in this recreationist's heart. Some of the best days of my life have been spent paddling its idyllic stretches on the Huron, hammocking with friends at Spring Mill Pond, trekking through "the Badlands," and, of course, lapping its pristine Blue and Yellow Trails. No, especially the Yellow Trail . And I'm far from being the only outdoor enthusiast to take that stance. It is our honor to reintroduce Island Lake State Recreation Area now. The Badlands of Island Lake Recreation Area MEET ISLAND LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA

Welcome back to our weekly #TrailTuesday Series! This edition digs into one of the most popular trails in the entire Detroit region - a well deserved designation - within the heart of Maybury State Park. Join us as we traverse the rolling hills and expansive wetlands of Maybury! Have you ever experienced the joy - and frustration - of recognizing that something beautiful was hiding in plain sight? Maybe you finally realized that an old friend from your school years also constituted your ideal romantic partner. You serendipitously dropped into that one coffee shop that you’ve commuted right past for years, only for daily stops at said coffee shop to evolve into a staple of your workweek. You finally launched that business venture based on your natural gifts and interests. Or maybe you sat down and had a conversation with that one relative that you never thought you could form a strong bond with - and years later you’re practically joined at the hip. Detroit’s outdoors, in the aggregate, represent another “hidden in plain sight” opportunity. For us at Expedition Detroit, the scales from our recreationist eyes didn’t largely fall until the pandemic shut off the valve to the rest of the outdoor world. Especially during the spring of 2020, the only places available to explore were our immediate surroundings: the parks, rivers, forests, and lakes that most of us have rarely visited despite such places being “home.” For me personally, Maybury State Park had been hiding in plain sight for 13 pre-pandemic years. From my childhood home, you can clearly see the headlamps of mountain bikers riding at night along the park’s far-eastern trails. Owls, hawks, and even the occasional coyote could easily venture into our backyard from the sanctuary of the park. World-class experiences on some of the Detroit region’s best kept trails were a mere stone’s throw away. If this article serves one purpose, we hope that it will inspire you to explore that local trailhead that you may pass by on a daily basis but have yet to hike, run, or bike. And don’t lose any sleep if there is such a trail in your life - just like that hypothetical coffee shop or hometown sweetheart, I’m happy to report that Maybury’s trails have become a staple in my outdoor livelihood. It’s an honor to share one of our favorite parks and trails with you now. MEET MAYBURY STATE PARK

In the wake of the Detroit Lions' most exciting - and heart wrenching - season in a generation, we're reflecting back on 5 key takeaways that Detroit's outdoor community can learn from this historic football team. #OnePride "This is it - our whole season depends on this play." I said those words audibly from Section 212C at Ford Field on January 28th. I was on my feet, along with tens of thousands of fellow diehard fans, cheering on the Detroit Lions' playoff hopes until our voices dissipated. Ironically, our yells would have zero tangible effect on that particular play - our boys were playing 2,419.5 miles away in Santa Clara, California. But there we were - The Pride - gathered to watch Goff and the offense try to convert on one final 4th down gamble to keep our Super Bowl dreams alive. The ball's snapped. The cheers give way to bated anticipation. Goff's pass is thrown towards ace receiver Amon Ra St. Brown. The ball hits the ground. Incomplete . This season - this glorious, division championship winning, 3 points away from the Super Bowl, unforgettable season - is now, in all material respects, over . Fans started pouring out of Ford Field nearly as soon as the big screens broadcasted that incompletion. I couldn't join them. I had to stay in my seat, cheering the Lions on until the clock struck 0:00. Maybe it was due to my memory of being in that same building when our team came back against the Chicago Bears in dramatic fashion. Maybe it was the fact that the "Conference Championship" banner was located directly in my line of vision, taunting me with one remaining solitary space. Maybe I simply couldn't accept that these were the final seconds that I would watch this team play until September. Ultimately, I stayed because I fell in love with this particular Detroit Lions team over the last two seasons. Beyond finally bringing winning football back to Detroit, the 2022-2023 Detroit Lions initiated a cultural phenomenon that I had never witnessed in my 30+ years of being a Detroit sports fan. A ripple effect that permeated far beyond the confines of Ford Field, the City of Detroit, or all of Michigan. We all witnessed it. From the Honolulu Blue-lit buildings to the "Go Lions!" messages posted on church placards, " JA-RED GOFF! " chants breaking out at high school cheerleading matches to media graphics showing the whole country rooting for us, our One Pride grew exponentially this season. I've had friends from Colorado and Mississippi reach out to me asking about how it felt to be here, during this particular season, rooting for this exceptional team. And once the heartbreak from our loss started to subside ( still grappling with it TBH ), I was finally able to answer: " Unforgettable ." As Detroit-based recreationists, we place our region's outdoor sports and endeavors over every other genre of recreation - including our beloved professional clubs. In that vein, as we at Expedition Detroit have processed this unforgettable Detroit Lions season from our outdoor lens, we zeroed in on these 5 key takeaways for cementing the legacy of this historic season into the culture of our outdoor community .

Part triathlon training guide, part misadventure story, here are the "dos" and "don'ts" of competing in one of the most challenging, rigorous, and rewarding racing events that the outdoor world has ever concocted: the Triathlon. "Ohhhh my friend! Did you sign up yet??" I blankly stared at the text from my buddy Eric for a few seconds, knowing that my response would have to be "Yep!" despite, indeed, not signing up yet. To his credit, Eric had texted me about the sprint triathlon race several weeks prior, but I had been caught up in a little life event called "launching Expedition Detroit." I detest lying - even well-intentioned, harmless little ones - so I quickly registered for the race and shot back a confirmative text with a clear conscience. We had just signed up for Running Fit’s final “T-Rex Triathlon” event for last August - a sprint race consisting of a 0.5 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. As any longtime reader of this platform is well aware of, we at Expedition Detroit are outspoken supporters of Running Fit’s races. So it didn’t take much for Eric to twist my arm into signing up three days before race day. With Running Fit kicking off their 2023 "T-Rex Triathlon" season next Wednesday, May 31st, with the Stegosaurus Triathlon and Duathlon at Island Lake Recreation Area, we wanted to share this personal tale and educational article for all first-time triathletes diving head first into their new sport. Hopefully this article will catch you before you repeat our misguided approach to our race... How NOT to Complete a Triathlon - A Personal Tale I woke up on race day with the realization that I may have underestimated the consequences of my knee-jerk registration. Yes, I am an avid runner and mountain biker, but my swimming experience is largely limited to a few years on a swim team in elementary school, open water swims on beach vacations, and a few laps in my parents’ pool every now and then. I did not own a pair of goggles, let alone a swim cap, road bike, or tri-suit. What complicated matters further was that every retailer that I contacted mere hours before the race was either fresh out of tri-suits or closed (several had closed early for the event). The silver-lining in all of this was that, by the grace of God, Eric was just as unprepared. We would swim in REI trail shorts, complete the biking portion on our mountain bikes, and finally be on a somewhat-equal footing with the other competitors during the run. Cool. As I pulled into the parking lot at Kent Lake on race day, I could only laugh as I saw how unprepared I was compared to 90% of the other racers. While a typical hometown 5K has a broad range of experienced runners vs. those reaching the first milestone on their fitness journey, every athlete on the beach that evening looked like they were on track to race in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The gear? Immaculate. The suits? Definitely not trail shorts. The bikes? Tuned up for Le Tour de France. Again, I didn’t stop laughing as I placed my trusted REI Co-op Mountain Bike on the rack next to top-market, triathlon-specific racing bikes. “Just remember - the goal is to have fun.” I kept repeating that mantra to myself over and over, like a youth soccer coach knowing that their team is about to get absolutely smoked on the field. And yet, despite all of these glaring deficiencies that I was solely responsible for, my first triathlon was one of the most fun racing experiences that I’ve ever had. Yes, I was recklessly underprepared, but my general conditioning allowed me to finish the swim before my heat. I actually passed some road bikes on my mountain bike, and had plenty of gas left in the tank for comfortably finishing the 5K. Rather than crossing the finish line scarred for life, I found myself inspired to sign up for another race - but next time with a dramatically different approach. Triathlon Training Tips for Beginners “Intelligence” can be defined as “the ability to learn from your mistakes,” while “wisdom” comprises of “the ability to learn from the mistakes of others.” With regard to my first triathlon, I was anything but wise towards my training approach, although I gained some intelligence by learning precisely how not to complete a triathlon. That experience prompted my desire to research how a responsible triathlete would prepare for - and crush - a race. Now, allow me to provide some “intelligent wisdom” via five triathlon training tips that you should incorporate into your preparation - ideally long before the morning of race day: 1. Invest in Proper Gear Especially for sprint triathlons - where every second counts - investing a little extra time and money into proper clothing and equipment will pay dividends on race day. The essential clothing item is a pair of triathlon-specific shorts ("tri shorts"), which are moisture-wicking, typically offer enhanced ultraviolet sun protection, and contain a chamois pad that is thinner than regular bike-shorts for comfort during the run. There is also a full wetsuit alternative to the tri short for colder conditions, with triathlon-specific wetsuits being lighter and giving less resistance than normal wetsuits. Both tri-shorts and wetsuits should fit snugly on your body. Additional event specific gear includes the following: Swimming. We highly recommend that you acquire a swim cap and goggles. Optional gear includes a quick-dry towel, earplugs and nose plugs for the swim. Biking. Easily the most expensive category for gear purchases, we would advise purchasing at least a road bike for maximum versatility during both the event and generally road biking purposes. There are also triathlon-specific bikes that are more aerodynamic and utilize the hamstrings efficiently for energy preservation during both the biking and running phases, although these bikes are typically more expensive, difficult for maneuvering and braking, and uncomfortable for longer rides than road bikes. Other cycling equipment to purchase includes a helmet, cycling-specific shoes (if you have clip-in pedals), socks, gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, and repair tools (more necessary for longer races). Running. As you may have guessed, choosing the right running shoes is essential for success in any footrace, especially a triathlon where the run is at the tail-end of two other intensive events. I personally opt for trail-running shoes for most running events - I’m on my third pair of Hoka’s “Speedgoat” trail shoe series, which are light-weight, provide extra cushion for my tendency to heel-strike when racing, and have enough grip for use as both a trail and biking shoe. Additional running gear to consider depending on the length of race and race day conditions includes a hydration pack or belt, sunglasses, and lightweight running hat. 2. Complete a Training Regimen While my race demonstrated that you can comfortably complete a sprint triathlon with general swimming, biking, and running experience, we highly advise against this approach. Most weekend warrior distance athletes do not introduce the element of combined, sequential activities into their workouts, which is obviously a fundamental component of a triathlon. Outside Magazine’s Triathlete content - a gold mine for information pertaining to the triathlon universe - sponsors an 8-week Sprint triathlon training regimen intended to take athletes from couch to finish line. The prerequisite fitness metrics for starting the regimen include being able to swim 100 yards non-stop, 20 minutes of continuous cycling, and 10 minutes of continuous running. Each week contains 5 days of event-specific training workouts with specific instructions on distances and “perceived effort zones.” Following and completing a training regimen - especially with the gear referenced in step one above - will all but guarantee that you arrive at the beach on race day with optimal physical conditioning and confidence. 3. If Practical, Train On-Site One of the few elements working in my favor during my first triathlon was my familiarity with Island Lake Recreation Area. Had I swam half a mile into Kent Lake before? No, but I had regularly kayaked and paddle boarded into its relatively calm waters, in addition to the countless bikes and runs that I had completed on its roads and trails cover the last few years. This familiarity with the course enabled me to recover some lost time due to my serious equipment deficiencies, most notably on the biking segment (just ask some of the road bikers that I managed to burn past on uphill climbs). Especially if you live near the race site, we strongly advise conducting at least one regimen training workout for each event, per week, on-site. A material element in any race is a competitor’s mental state - familiarity with a particular course not only lessens race day jitters (and their corresponding mistakes), but can also be fundamental for implementing a strategic approach for planning speed bursts, navigating currents, and general pacing. If you are not able to train on-site, then at a minimum you should review course maps and elevation charts - bonus points if you find similar locations in your vicinity to train at. 4. Treat the Race as Starting during Race Week This may be an impossible ask, but there should be no surprises on race day. How does one accomplish such a feat? By treating the days before race day - and most importantly the night before - as critical stages of the actual event. Here’s a quick pre-race checklist, starting with larger lead-time to night-of items: Confirm that your bike is tuned up (REI is my go-to for routine bike tunings). Starting three nights before, eat normal-yet-balanced dinners. Try to incorporate protein (chicken, fish, turkey), healthy fat (avocados, nuts, olives), and a lot of carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans) into these meals. Starting with two nights before, prioritize getting a good night’s rest. Confirm your directions to the race site and parking location - nothing is worse than a pre-race parking scramble. Layout, label, and pack each item of your equipment. Bonus points if you put everything in the car the night before to minimize open variables on race day. Confirm that you have all credentials required for the registration packet pick-up, which is even more important if the event only has a race day pick-up option. This typically includes photo ID, registration or bib number, and your USA Triathlon membership number. Charge your fitness monitor. Especially if it’s a morning race, set more than one alarm via different means (e.g., phone, watch, alarm clock, early-bird partner). Again, I learned this one the hard way. 5. Good Vibes Only on Race Day You have completed two months of training. You have prepared your body and mind for this one great event. You have taken all of the prerequisite steps to minimize any unpleasant surprises during the race. Now, all that’s left is to relax, trust the journey that you have nearly-completed, and get your butt to the event! Practically speaking, every action that you take leading to the starting gate should be focused towards improving your mental state and optimism towards the race. At least two hours before the race, eat your favorite, nutritious pre-race meal. Dress in comfortable layers over your tri-suit. Arrive to the race location an hour early so that you can leisurely check-in at the registration booth, set up your transition area, and break the ice with other athletes in the area (avoid talking about training techniques - this is a Bar Exam tip that directly applies to endurance racing). Line up in your pacing corral of choice, recognize how cool and unique this crazy event is about to be, take a deep breath, and…enjoy the ride. BONUS - Post Race Tips Congrats - you’ve finished your first triathlon and have graduated from “rookie” status! After receiving your post-race finisher’s shirt and/or medal, be sure to keep walking around the finisher’s concourse while hydrating. Now is also the optimal time to stretch while your legs are still warm. Once you’re well-stretched and hydrated, your body will thank you if you bring warm, dry, and comfortable clothes to change into. Most racing companies (especially Running Fit) do an excellent job at creating festival-like environments around their events for both runners and spectators, so be sure to stick around for free or discounted snacks, beverages, and live music. Also, we all enjoy having a crowd cheer us on as we sprint towards the finish line - be sure to pay it forward and cheer on other finishers that are in the homestretch! Please note that this article is NOT a comprehensive list of all training tips, gear, and other considerations that you should take into account while considering or preparing for your first triathlon. The information provided in this article is intended to be supplementary to more detailed triathlon training regimens and advice that are available for review online, such as articles published by REI, Triathlon Lab, Active, and My Tri World.

This summer, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks launched their inaugural Metroparks Trail Challenge : completing 13 "challenge trails" across all 13 Metroparks. We took the bait and completed the challenge with a twist - all 13 trails with 13 days. Happy Trails! The Expedition Detroit team is a sucker for a good challenge. Think Marty McFly's "Don't call me chicken" mentality. And especially when said challenge occurs in the outdoors. Back in early May, we published an article focused entirely on the best " Adventure Challenges " for Summer 2023. In full transparency, that article was inspired by one singular, monumental adventure challenge: the recently-launched Metroparks Trail Challenge . Equal parts scavenger hunt and endurance feat, this challenge seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore the Detroit region's pristine Metroparks with mission. A fun-filled, award-earning extra reason to get outdoors. As our crazy summer stretched on, however, we found that completing the Metroparks Trail Challenge proved a more daunting task than anticipated. Launching our guided trips platform through the Detroit area's beautiful Michigan State Parks system meant less time for exploring the Metroparks. Throw in a few trips, meetings, and the general time drain of modern life, and the prognosis for a timely completion of the Metroparks Trail Challenge looked daunting at best. So, we gave up. Haaa . Of course we didn't - in fact , we doubled-down by adding an extra variable: completing the Metroparks Trail Challenge, encompassing 13 trail challenges across all 13 Metroparks, within 13 days . An epic expedition that would require dedication, most likely multi-park days, and whirlwind tour of some of the most immaculate and diverse outdoor destinations within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. With the plan set, it was time to kick off our challenge. Here's how went: DAY ONE : AUGUST 5, 2023 THE CHALLENGE BEGINS! This journey began exploring the Metroparks closet to Ann Arbor and Dexter - a relatively continuous journey up the Huron River and largely along the scenic Border-to-Border Trail . Come for rapids and river-views. Stay for the meadows, bridges, wildlife, and perfectly-placed beach picnic locations.

Don't let the heat fool you - October's cooler temperatures are coming, along with the vibrant foliage that will decorate our parks, trails, and waterways! Updated for Fall 2025, here are Expedition Detroit's 5 best fall hikes for experiencing peak colors this season. Happy hiking! Fellow trail enthusiasts and fall foliage aficionados, we have incredible news for you. In the words of the great Rafiki: "It is time." Well...it is almost time. While the original predictions for the arrival of peak fall colors in the Detroit area slated October 5th as the kick-off date, that ETA has since been pushed back to tomorrow, October 7th. We can all blame summer's sudden resurgence over the past week for the color delay. But hey, if that means that we'll get to enjoy peak fall conditions for an extra few days on the tail end of the season, then we'll take it. With fall's brightest and most vibrant days just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan your local outdoor getaways. Last year we zeroed in on the best paddling destinations along the Huron River for discovering the season's reflective colors. This year - and as requested by popular demand among our guided trip guests - we have trekked through mountains of research to curate a list of the best fall hikes for foliage hunters near Detroit. From generational favorites to hiding-in-plain-sight gems, we attempted the impossible (and possibly sacrilegious) by whittling down the wealth of our region's forested destinations into an exclusive "Top 5" list. Not exactly an easy feat. Fortunately for all of us, however, each of these five trails contain the variety of trees, landscapes, and contrasting elements that you would expect from any instagram-worthy fall outing. Better yet, each of these trails also entail a damn good hike - outdoor experiences worthy of your exploration any time of the year, but especially during fall's most vivid days. So...lace up your hiking boots and get your camera ready. Mother Nature's peak colors are ready to pop off, and you'll capture all of the season's most unforgettable moments on these five best fall hikes near Detroit: 1. Pinckney State Recreation Area | Crooked Lake Trail Distance: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 324 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop In a world as divided as ours, isn't it a breath of fresh air when we can all agree on something? In Detroit's outdoor world, one of those "somethings" includes unanimous love for the Crooked Lake Trail at Pinckney State Recreation Area - especially during the fall. Consistently praised as one of the best trails in the entire state, the Crooked Lake Trail specializes in picturesque views of fall colors around Crooked and Pickerel Lakes. In the words of Pure Michigan, "Pinckney’s untouched terrain is perfect for a stroll amid spectacular fall foliage." Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit, the Crooked Lake Trail is my single favorite trail in the entire Detroit area. This beloved loop has played host to several of my past trail races, brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear out the noise of modern life. I absolutely love this trail - and I have no doubt that you will too after exploring it under peak fall colors. EXPLORE PINCKNEY RECREATION AREA WITH US THIS FALL! Photo courtesy of @jamie_eliz (Instagram) 2. Belle Isle Park | Belle Isle Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail Distance: 2.2 miles Elevation Gain: 22 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Detroit's Belle Isle Park represents Southeast Michigan's premiere destination for pairing urban views with miles of greenery and animated fall colors. Setting off from the Ralph Wilson Gateway, Belle Isle's easternmost Lighthouse and Blue Heron Lagoon Trail traverses the parks treelined southern shore, including stunning views of the Ontario coast, vibrant Detroit River, and industrial freighters passing by. The trail also passes by the stunning Belle Isle Lighthouse, Blue Heron Lagoon, and locally-named "Hipster Beach" - all of which become even more memorable when decorated with stunning fall foliage. EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK WITH US THIS FALL! 3. Maybury State Park | Maybury Hiking Loop Trail Distance: 3.1 miles Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Golden leaves gently fall from all directions as you glance around you. Towering trees overhead and shimmering glimpses of a bright pond through the foliage may trick you into believe that you've miraculously transported to another world. Perhaps a realm in Middle Earth or Narnia, complete with frequent wildlife sightings right off of the trail. No, friends, you have ventured into a film location for the Lord of the Rings. You're actually in the very heart of the Detroit region at Maybury State Park. A destination which features idyllically gentle and rolling terrain for one of Metro Detroit's best fall hikes amidst peak fall foliage. A generational hometown getaway for Northville residents and out-of-town explorers alike. EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH US THIS FALL! 4. Kensington Metropark | Fox Trail and Chicadee Loop to Wildwing Trail Loop Distance: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 203 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Exploring the nature trails at Kensington Metropark under peak colors represents a favorite fall pastime for Detroit's outdoor enthusiasts. Readily accessible from I-96 and a stone's throw away from Downtown Milford, even a quick trip to Kensington Metropark truly entails a unique adventure for each visitor to the park's expansive Kent Lake shores, dense forests, Huron River banks, and rolling hills. Kensington also provides a home to an abundance of wildlife and waterfowl, which are very active especially along the Wildwing Nature Trail. 5. Seven Lakes State Park | Seven Lakes Loop Distance: 4.1 miles Elevation Gain: 177 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Last but certainly not least, Seven Lakes State Park's namesake Seven Lakes Loop Trail closes out our list as the northernmost destination for this year's best fall hikes! Located in Holly, Michigan, Seven Lakes' northern location means that not only will you escape most of the foliage-frenzied crowds that flock to the Detroit region's more central parks, but also that the leaves should start changing earlier than the other destinations included here. Enjoy the lighter crowds and vibrant colors as you trek through the trail's panoramic lakeside views, rolling ridge lines, and vividly-colorful forests. What are your outdoor recreation plans for this fall? Are there any destinations that we should highlight for the Expedition Detroit community? Let us know in the comments!

Home of the Detroit region's best mountain biking trails, ski runs, backpacking ridges, and hiking gems, this article explores the past and present of the "Detroit Mountains"- southeast Michigan's glacial Jackson Interlobate Range. Growing up, I liked reading maps. We're talking battlefield maps, geographic encyclopedias - even fake maps from fictional worlds like Middle Earth, Kanto/Johto, and Narnia. Yes, I'm also the geography nerd on my local bar trivia team, and we've got the gift card winnings to back up the extensiveness of this very specific genre of knowledge. So we'll see if you're still laughing when the final jeopardy category comes up as African geography... Anyways, as I grew up, this random childhood peculiarity gradually evolved into a decades-long interest in scouting backcountry routes, planning international trips, and utilizing satellite imaging via Google Maps to identify "hole in the wall" or hidden gem outdoor destinations. I loaned this skillset to Expedition Detroit when first building out our "Destinations Map," a near-exhaustive collection of every park, trailhead, launching point, ski resort, and other noteworthy outdoor space within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. What was my complex, algorithmic methodology for identifying such spaces? I opened Google Maps and looked for the color green. Seriously. And the darker the green, the more expansive the outdoor space. Here's a screenshot for reference: Yes, this non-satellite layer omits a multitude of incredible outdoor spaces within the core of Metro Detroit. However, glance over at the western edge of this map - the extensive, darkest shade of green that runs largely consecutively from Grass Lake to north or Auburn Hills. An area whose scope includes several of our region's most beloved "Trail Towns," including Brighton, Chelsea, Holly, Lake Orion, Milford, and Pinckney. If you dig a little deeper, you'll soon realize that this area also constitutes one of the largest and most unique, rugged, adventurous, historic, and collectively protected swaths of land found within the entire Great Lakes region. The home of 12 Michigan state parks and recreation areas, 5 Michigan state game and wildlife areas, 4 Huron-Clinton Metroparks, 2 county parks, and several independent natural preservation areas. This coveted area is the focal point of this article: the massive area geologically identified as the Jackson Interlobate Range (the "JIR"), but we'd like to informally dub it here as the "Detroit Mountains." SHORT HISTORY OF DETROIT'S TALLEST RANGE If we were to time travel 16,000 years back, we would all be cold. Very, vey cold. In fact, we would find ourselves conveniently buried under a mountain of ice titled the Laurentide Ice Sheet that extended from the Arctic Circle to southern Indiana and Ohio. Over a 3,000 year period, the Laurentide Ice Sheet gradually receded into ice masses called "lobes," with the two most prominent lobes over the Detroit region comprising of the western Saginaw and eastern Huron-Erie lobes. Thankfully for our resident hiking, mountain biking, and downhill skiing enthusiasts, these lobes did not recede uniformly across the Detroit region. To the contrary, as the bulk of each of these lobes receded, any terrain caught in the "no man's land" between them found itself irrevocably transformed by the massive deposits of converged sand and gravel left in the wake of the receding glaciers. As such, while the diminishing lobes ubiquitously flattened most of the Detroit region, this narrow strip of terrain with steep ridges, extensive hills, and "kettle" pools left by abandoned glacial deposits, remained a striking contrast against its surrounding swamps and grasslands. Map of the Jackson Interlobate Region; photo courtesy of ResearchGate GmbH This rugged landscape was further defined by the chaotic manner in which the lobes handled their multi-millennia retreat. The melt-back of the lobes was neither a continuous nor a steady process, including several periods of resurgence followed by short retreats, more advances, and more retreats. In the interlobate regions, where initial soil deposits from earlier retreats already presented obstacles for the path of any resurgent glaciers, these episodes meant that unfortunate deposits from intact glaciers were further piled on top of the growing hills in increasingly dramatic fashion. The first human inhabitants of southeast Michigan arrived roughly 10,000 years ago, shortly after the glaciers finally completed their full retreat from the Great Lakes region. Rather than a landscape in geological turmoil, these first nations made their homes among the JIR's hilly and forested landscape and navigated its rivers and lakes for commerce and travel. European and American settlers would follow suit in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, including the establishment of the region's first permanent settlements and farms. From a conservation perspective, most of the stunning Michigan state parks and recreation areas located within the JIR date back to 1943 - when the Michigan Department of Conservation founded Waterloo State Recreation Area, the largest state recreation area. Over the next 80 years, the rebranded Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Authority, and local municipalities collaborated to purchase and preserve hundreds of thousands of acres across this region. Thanks to such actions, not only have recreationists crossing several generations been afforded the opportunity to explore and appreciate the beauty of the JIR, but the region has continued to serve as the natural home for rare species and habitats. The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake NATURAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE JIR The highlands of the JIR cover an area of roughly 2,580 miles and reach elevations oscillating between 750 to 1,330 feet in elevation. The largest of the kettle lakes and ponds scattered throughout the JIR form the headwaters of several major rivers throughout the Detroit region, including the Huron, Grand, Kalamazoo, and St. Joseph Rivers. The highest points of the JIR include several of Detroit's "Big Four" ski resorts, include Pine Knob (1,286 ft.), Mt. Holly (1,240 ft.), and Mt. Brighton (1,330 ft.). The general height of the JIR's hills also tends to increase along the range's northeastern trajectory, with average peaks in parks like Holly Recreation Area reaching greater elevations than those in Waterloo or Pinckney Recreation Area. The JIR also provides an ecological home to several rare species of plants and animals. The range features a rare habitat called an "oak savanna" - a lightly-forested grassland environment featuring oaks as the dominant tree. Once prevalent throughout North America, oak savannas have now largely disappeared from the continent due to agricultural production and fire suppression. Detroit's Mountains also harbor one of the most elusive wildlife gems of the entire Great Lakes region: the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, Michigan's only venomous snake and only one of two rattlesnake species that exist throughout our corner of North America. RECOMMENDED TRIPS FOR EXPLORING THE JIR Ladies and gentlemen, congratulations: you've made it to the really fun part of the article. Now that we've spent the better part of the last year exploring the JIR's heights and depths, here are Expedition Detroit's top-recommended trips for exploring the JIR. BACKPACK THE WATERLOO-PINCKNEY TRAIL Trip Length: 38.5 miles Duration: 3 or 4 days (depending on campground reservations) Recommended Exploration Method: Backpacking, Hiking, or Trail Running (only if you're an expert) The pinnacle of world-class outdoor experiences in the Detroit region, we strongly recommend that local recreationists escape to their local wilderness for a long weekend to hike the nearly 40 miles and 4,000 elevation gain of the famous Waterloo-Pinckney Trail! I completed a solo thru-hike of the WPT back in April, during which I represented the sole thru-backpacker along the entirety of the trail. I completed the trail over 3 days/2 nights, camping at the Pines and Green Lake Campgrounds. Experienced backpackers could easily follow suit, although new or growing backpackers should add in a third night at Blind Lake Campground to rest their legs for the final push. Interested in learning more about backpacking the WPT? Be sure to check out our 3-part series on the trail! THRU-PADDLE THE UPPER HURON FROM PROUD LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA TO HURON MEADOWS METROPARK Location: Proud Lake State Recreation Area, Kensington Metropark, Island Lake State Recreation Area, and Huron Meadows Metropark Trip Length: 22.9 miles Duration: 2 or 3 days (depending on campground reservations) Recommended Exploration Method: Kayaking and Canoe Camping While the high ridges of the JIR provide the main draw to exploring this geographic anomaly of the Detroit region, the constant presence of the Huron River throughout the area provides the low-lying marshland ying to the yang of the hilltop peaks. Especially the northwestern stretches of the Upper Huron River, which paddlers typically follow from one of Proud Lake Recreation Area's several launching points to their dock of choice downstream. The trip highlighted above can either be paddled in day-trip segments or as one continuous canoe camping thru-paddle utilizing the Huron River National Water Trail's two canoe campgrounds at Kensington Metropark and Island Lake State Recreation Area. CONQUER HIGHLAND'S A-B-C-D LOOPS Location: Highland State Recreation Area Trip Length: 13.7 miles Duration: 1 - 6 hours (depending on recreational activity) Recommended Exploration Method: Mountain Biking, Trail Running, or Hiking If you have the masochistic desire to conquer the most grueling terrain of the JIR - scratch that, the entire Detroit region - then do we have the trail system for you. Meet Highland Recreation Area's A-B-C-D trail loops, unanimously hailed as the most rigorous of the only three "Black Diamond"-rated trail systems within the Detroit region. Although built for and maintained by mountain bikers, the "Alphabet Loops" are also utilized by hikers and the most extreme of our trail runners. Please note that the vast majority of first-time bikers, runners, and hikers do NOT complete all four loops in a single outing. These trails are very technical, so we strongly advise that you ride, run, or hike with at least one other person every time that you attempt Highland's loops - or at the very least give your friends and family a heads up. Kudos to you if/when you complete all of the loops in a single day, regardless of your exploration method of choice! My fellow geography nerds, history buffs, and adventure seekers - brothers and sisters after my own heart - we wrote this guide to exploring the Detroit Mountains' history, biodiversity, trails, and special outdoor challenges especially for you. We hope this article enriches all of your appreciation for this geological marvel located right here in our backyards. Happy trails! Want to explore the Detroit region's best trails for yourself but would prefer hiking or running with a guide? Look no further! Expedition Detroit proudly leads guided trips across 11 Michigan state parks and recreation areas. Book your next adventure by CLICKING HERE!

Detroit's snow may have disappeared this month, but don't worry - ski season isn't over yet! Fortunately there are plenty of premiere winter destinations within driving distance of the Motor City where the lifts are still running. Check out these 5 world-class ski resorts driving distance from Detroit to close out your ski season! Here's a forgetful fact: March is predominantly a winter month. For our community of hikers, paddlers, and mountain bikers, that's certainly not a welcomed reminder. In fact, we'd be willing to bet that spring's unseasonably warm arrival has been a blessing to the senses for you. For our cold weather faithful - the powder seekers, groomer rippers, and snow-covered trail aficionados - winter's abrupt exit from the Detroit region has been jarring to say the least. As I type these words, ALL of Detroit's " Big Four Ski Resorts " have shuttered for the season ( Alpine Valley and Pine Knob , the last two standing, closed for the season today ). Did this year's El Niño winter deliver a bust for Detroit's snow recreational opportunities? Yes - a definitive yes. However, contrary to popular belief, winter did actually arrive to the Great Lakes region , and some areas received generously more snow than others. So much so that certain resorts remain open into mid-March. That's right, friends: #SkiSZN in the Great Lakes isn't 100% over yet . Looking to squeeze one final ski trip into the 2024 season? You've come to the right place - here are 5 premiere ski resorts near Detroit where you can still capitalize on late winter skiing and snowboarding opportunities:

Welcome back to our #TrailTuesday Series! This week finds us winding our way through a wooded retreat in the heart of Livonia, Michigan. Rotary Park Nature Preserve is a well-loved community hub offering a plethora of outdoor activities for any season. Join us as we experience an enchanting escape into the Rotary Park Loop! "You can't judge a book by its cover." This well-known proverb, generally accepted as a universal truth, can easily be coupled with another: "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," or better yet that "beauty is always found by those who look for it." The main takeaway is that there's always magic and wonder to be found in seemingly simple places or moments. Take our hike for today: a small park, hemmed in by a concrete grid of roads and sidewalks. A trail length of comparatively short distance, no challenging climbs to scenic vistas. You may ask, how could this small trail be worth a visit? Well, in this simple shady oasis, these trails unfold into a place of beauty and tranquility. A refreshing reset, a literal breath of fresh air. It's unassuming, but the central location and smaller size lend themselves to perfect accessibility and convenience. On a personal level, when those stressful days just beg for a quick escape to the woods, this is my go-to getaway. So we're glad you're here, to follow along on a delightful and enchanting walk through this not-so-hidden treasure. Away we go, to Livonia - and into the wood! MEET ROTARY PARK This gem of a park is a well-loved destination for Livonia locals and the surrounding metro cities alike. Rotary Park's 195 acres provide the perfect spot for a meet up with a friend, a competitive workout on the tennis courts, or a relaxing picnic. Bring the kids, bring the puppers because this place has something fun for everyone. The amenities list is impressive, including a half-mile paved walking loop winds through the front half of the park passing sand volleyball courts, copses of trees offer the perfect hammock perch, and the city's first universally accessible playground! Picnic shelters are available to rent for birthday parties or family reunions, and of course no party would be complete without some friendly horse shoe or bocce ball competition. Follow the road to the back of the park, peer past the baseball fields and you will see the forest loom large and inviting! HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 1.6 mi Elevation Gain: 32 ft Trail Rating: Easy Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available next to the trail head, free entry The trailhead of the Rotary Park Nature Preserve is located on the back left corner of the baseball fields, and there is plenty of parking (click here for a handy map). Dogs are welcome on the trails, but they must be leashed. The preserve is bursting with wildlife, so best to avoid any chase scenes! Something to keep in mind as you begin your trek - while this article follows the main perimeter loop, the defining features of this preserve are the meandering trails and unlimited ways to extend a hike. So come with your sense of exploration engaged and don't be afraid wander a bit and find your own favorite routes! It must be noted, as Rotary Park Nature Preserve is home to many delicate native plants, be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles and only stick to the designated trails. To paint a mental picture of this expedition, the main trail follows an oval loop. A small creek separates the front and back sections - the front half providing wider, rather straight shot trails that are fun to navigate thanks to Eagle Scout Adam Katers, who provided us with awesome trail markers and a convenient scan and go map. The back half is wilder and winding, full of enticing paths and engaging terrain. You won't find any trail markers back here, explorer mode locked and loaded! Tarabusi Creek provides the boundary line for the back of the preserve. The sounds of the city fade away as we begin our hike on the west perimeter of the preserve. Last year's wind storms took their toll on the older trees, but the trails are kept clear and well maintained, leaving you free to keep an eye out for darting chipmunks and squirrels who use the downed trees as photogenic perches. Trail Marker 3 sits at our first fork in the road. To advance towards Rotary Park's wild backcountry across the creek, take the middle path. You will find yourself at Trail Marker 6, and a little wood plank bridge. Note: there are 3 points of crossing the creek, but today we'll only trek 2 of them - extra points for anyone who finds the last one! Now the fun begins. Paths narrow and weave closer around trees. Branches dip down and tunnels of vines lead around unknown bends. You will encounter multiple splits in the path, and while I have discovered my own favorite spots, I don't want to take away that element of discovery so, dear reader, the choice is up to you! That's something to appreciate about small parks - you can't get TOO lost. Depending on the season, you may come upon some muddy sections. Ok, sometimes it's more like mini quagmires, but the wet conditions do provide great exercise in strategic foot placement! It's also a good idea to bring bug spray in the spring and summer months, the mosquitoes can be brutal. As you curve around and hit the back boundary line, you will come upon a true scenic surprise! Now we did mention that the back of the park is hemmed in by a creek, but oh - it is more than that. A high ravine slopes down and spills into the peaceful, flowing Tarabusi Creek. And we had said there were no stunning vistas to be found! There is the option to follow a footpath that runs right alongside the creek shore, providing a therapeutic and engaging journey. We're about 1 mile in, and we are entering the homestretch of the loop. We will dip down to the lowest point of our hike, but the grade is so slight, to the tune of about 20 feet! Voila, the second plank bridge ushers us across the creek and brings us to Trail Marker 8. As we wind along these wider dirt trails, heading back towards the parking lot, houses start to appear along the tree line, giving us a gentle reintroduction to the hustle and bustle of city life. WEEKEND BONUS TIPS Livonia is home to many fun and varied attractions and delicious food offerings. Nothing says summertime like a soft serve cone from the famous red Han-D-Dip Dairy Barn. Be sure to check their schedule, as they are only open seasonally. Bate's Burgers always hits the spot for any burger cravings, serving a classic slider and chocolate milkshake combo. For those seeking that post-hike brewski, head over to Supernatural Brewing and Spirits for an exciting (and sometimes spooky) offering of craft beer and mead. Greenmead Historical Park transports us back to a time when this area was a thriving farming community. The park has become a safe haven for many local historic buildings that would have otherwise been demolished. They also host special annual events, like the Motor City Irish Fest and St. Andrew's Society of Detroit Highland Games. The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

This is not an April Fool's joke! After years of purposeful investment in Michigan's recreational ecosystem, major publications are finally recognizing our state's emergence as a world-class outdoor destination. The best part? We're still just getting started. Photo courtesy of Outside Interactive, Inc. "Come on, Dan, Michigan just isn't Colorado..." Staring back at me with a slight grin on his face was one of my oldest mentors. I had just finished presenting the 30,000 ft. pitch of my latest business idea - a "TBD" project informally titled "Expedition Detroit" - for a small group of outdoor enthusiasts. Although he was merely playing devil's advocate, I can admit that he had a compelling argument. As if to accentuate his point, we were sitting in a rustic Colorado ranch with a 360º view of snowcapped mountains. We had spent the day riding ATVs through the San Isabel National Forest. Truly an adventurer's paradise. "Yeah, but Colorado also isn't Michigan." I turned to make eye contact with the only other Michigander presiding over our mini episode of "Shark Tank." A Grand Rapids-born, personal wellness coach that now resides near Colorado Springs. Our conversations about the outdoor opportunities in Michigan prompted this impromptu business discussion. She gave me a wink after delivering this rebuttal, as if to say "Don't worry - they have no idea what they're missing out on." DETROIT'S (FINALLY) ON THE OUTDOOR MAP Well friends, someone, somewhere, spilled the beans on America's best kept outdoor secret. Since that June 2022 discussion, Michigan - and the Detroit region specifically - has been featured in several high profile publications as a hotspot destination for sustainable travel. From the Detroit Riverwalk's three-peat title as USA Today's "Best Riverwalk in America" to Condé Nast Traveler naming Detroit as one of its "Best Places to Go 2024," the Motor City's headlines have been driving in the right direction. Our favorite aspect of these honors? They explicitly name Detroit's recreational ecosystem as a fundamental reason for the city's resurgence and arrival on the international tourism trail. The specifically-mentioned highlights include the Riverwalk's adjacent parks and natural areas, the highly-anticipated Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park project, and the region's general initiative to "give more Detroiters access to the outdoors." But wait, there's more! Just within the last two weeks, Outside Magazine - the most infallible media juggernaut on all matters outdoor adventure - delivered TWO MORE crowning titles to our region. First, Michigan's LOWER peninsula (yes, you read that correctly - the L.P.) was named one of Outside's "23 Best Places to Travel in 2024" for adventure travel. Here's their #1 reason for the Lower Peninsula's inclusion: 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. EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Don't worry, Yoopers - Outside gave you all plenty of fair credit within their supporting arguments for ALSO naming Michigan within its "8 Most Adventurous States in America," specifically claiming top prize in the Midwest. The listed "Wow Factors" include 13.6 million acres of public land, 1 national park, 2 national lakeshores, 103 state parks, 5,292 miles of hiking trails, 9,345 miles of mountain-bike trails, 3,288 miles of pure Great Lakes coastline, 51,438 miles of rivers, and 43 ski areas - the second most in the U.S. MAINTAINING MICHIGAN'S RECREATIONAL MOMENTUM As exhilarating as these recognitions are, anyone actively or recreationally involved in Michigan's outdoor ecosystem shouldn't be surprised by them. As early as 2011, Michigan shocked the recreational world by "Good Morning America" naming Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore the "Most Beautiful Place in America." The skiing world received a similar shock this past December when the U.P.'s Mount Bohemia was voted as the "No. 1 Ski Resort in North America" by USA Today. The truth is that decades of tireless, risky, and unassured hard work has been methodically invested into Michigan's outdoor industry. From large government bodies like the Department of Natural Resources and Huron-Clinton Metroparks to volunteer organizations like the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Motor City Mountain Biking Association, our parks, trails, and waterways have been meticulously cared for by countless service hours. Just like every other aspect of our great region, these accolades weren't bestowed upon us by chance. The Detroit region's outdoors, while stunningly beautiful, do not contain the postcard-ready vistas of snowcapped peaks, tropical beaches, or colorful deserts of America's "Instagram-ready" outdoor destinations. We have had to demonstrate grit in curating our environment: preserving our parks, re-envisioning our trails, healing our rivers, and repurposing our blighted spaces. All while enduring national stigmas so unjustly bequeathed to us. The end result of our region's perseverance? We get to enjoy an internationally-celebrated outdoor ecosystem located right here in our own backyards. The fruit of consistent investment into the recreational economy of "The Trails State." An increasingly more unified, collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor industry. This article is already jam-packed with feel good headlines, but one last one to leave you with: we're still only getting started. As underlined during the 2023 Michigan Outdoor Summit, our state's outdoor recreation leaders are dedicated to establishing Michigan as a national leader in inclusivity and connectivity initiatives. We are building proverbial bridges across communities through outdoor infrastructure and outreach initiatives, while simultaneously building actual bridges connecting world-class trail networks. If you're reading this and have volunteered any amount of time toward's Michigan's outdoor industry - from trail angels to ski patrol, community organizers to philanthropists - thank you. Sincerely, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your hard work is paying off. And we're here to support you every step of the way.

In honor of Earth Week, we embraced the challenge of thru-hiking the Detroit's region's most rigorous backpacking route: the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. This third and final installation of our Waterloo-Pinckney Trail series covers the entirety of the Pinckney section of the trail - 14 miles of challenges, triumphs, pain, and euphoria. "Hey Pops - it's gonna be another hour or so...sorry. Today's been a wild card." Those were probably the last words that my jet-lagged father wanted to hear as he waited patiently at the Silver Lake Trailhead in Pinckney Recreation Area, and he masked his reasonable annoyance, well, reasonably. In his defense, I explicitly said that I would be arriving at the trailhead around 4:30PM. I would blow that arrival time by nearly an hour. In my defense, I never planned on arriving that evening at all. Reddit reviews and relentless rain can have that effect on a perfectly-planned itinerary. Add an ambitious, adventurous, and borderline reckless outdoorsman spirit, and you end up with a 10K day turning into a half marathon+ expedition. At a personal record-pace for backpacking. If you're asking yourself "Why would you do that to yourself?", you're definitely not alone. I was asking myself the same question between miles 7 - 14 on Day 3. But at 8 a.m. - while waking up to yet another morning of rain pelting my tent fly - I simply couldn't stomach the thought of breaking down camp (in the rain), hiking a quick 6 miles (in the rain), setting up camp again (in the rain), and then potentially repeating the process all over again the following day. If it were another 20 miles to Silver Lake, then yes, I would have kept to the plan. But 14 miles...? I could push through. Especially with a boost from the intermittent presence of my brother James of Cooke Productions, my "documentary crew" for the first half of the day. "Alright," I said to myself as I looked back down the hill at Green Lake's Site #8 to confirm that I had left no trace. "No stopping now. The way is through. Let's get it!" THE WPT: GREEN LAKE CAMPGROUND TO SILVER LAKE Total Distance: 14.21 miles Elevation Gain: 1,454 feet Trail Rating: Moderate-Hard Route Orientation: Point-to-Point If you also opt to finish the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail from Green Lake Rustic Campground - hopefully with more foresight than a game-time decision - remember that your day will start with playing some mileage catch-up. From Site #8, this meant a 0.4 mile backtrack just to get to the main trail (mile marker 20.9 on the AllTrails map). I didn't mind since I knew that my brother was waiting at the trail's parking lot to start shooting, but you should be mentally prepared for this and a few other trail redirects that add extra mileage to your half-marathon day. Once back on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, we immediately climbed Riley Hill to reach the highest point of Day 3's elevation (1,040 feet). This climb will feel like child's play compared to the Survival Day's oscillating climbs, but at least take a moment to congratulate yourself on achieving this first micro-win on the day. My brother and I celebrated by abruptly getting passed on the trail by an ultra runner. I actually connected with this runner later via a Facebook SE Michigan trails group, who told me that he had started at Big Portage Lake 5 hours earlier... what a badass, and also the only other thru-hiker/trail runner that I crossed paths way during the entirety of my trek across the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. After a brief 0.1 mile descent down Riley Hill, you will be standing face-to-face with M-52. Here's an important navigational item to remember: ALLTRAILS IS NOT CURRENT WITH THE ACTUAL TRAIL ORIENTATION. At this point, turn left to follow the paved, brand-spanking-new Border to Border Trail northwest until you see a beautiful statute of a Native American woman and a tunnel under the highway. Thru-hiking treks across the United States, Canada, and the rest of the world have lots of strange "milestone traditions"; I don't know if there are any specifically associated with the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, but I decided to kiss this woman's feet as a sign of respect and blessing for safe passage into Pinckney State Recreation Area. I wouldn't classify myself as superstitious (just a littlestitious), but the hail that had been beating us for the last 20 minutes cleared up roughly 2 minutes after completing this act. Just saying... The M-52 Tunnel is literally and figuratively a rite of passage. For starters, after 20+ miles on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, you are finally saying goodbye to the climbs, lakes, campgrounds, and wilderness of Waterloo State Recreation Area. Your first steps back into daylight are simultaneously your first steps into Pinckney Rec, signaling that the finish line is within reach. You have successfully hiked through the entirety of one park, and now another is just beginning. More importantly, you have proven to yourself that you are a self-reliant thru-hiker. Net-net, you should be smiling ear-to-ear as you verge off of the paved B2B Trail and continue due east on a recently-cut straightaway trail. The straightway is largely a mile-long descent towards wetlands before a moderate climb due north. Normally I would've relaxed my pace on this straightaway, taking my time to enjoy the consistent terrain and early spring sights and sounds. But not today...in a perfect storm of inclement weather, doubled mileage, and a diminishing media shooting schedule, I needed to accelerate my pace. So, despite being about 24 miles total into my thru-hike, I jogged this part of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail to make up time. Which I knew that I would likely pay for later. At the 22.4 mile marker (as shown on the map above), you will actually leave Pinckney Rec to enter your third park of the journey: Park Lyndon County Park. The brief 1 mile passage through Park Lyndon may be the single most scenic and naturally-diverse mile along the entire trail. Starting in wetlands just east of Lake Genevieve, you quickly ascend to follow a hardwood-lined ridge through the park's southern section, complete with panoramic views to the southwest towards the lake. Once across N Territorial Road, you pass briefly through an open park area before descending into pine forest value - only to abruptly climb again to reach more ridge line panoramic vistas. To complete the full spectrum of Detroit region trail experiences, you'll finish this segment crossing boardwalks. Absolutely beautiful segment of the trail. Back in Pinckney Rec, the on-and-off boardwalks continue until you reach Embury Road at mile marker 24.1. The trail then returns to its normal form: gently rolling terrain that guides you alongside wetlands and under oak, maple, and other hardwood trees, as well as the occasional grassland meadow to permit the returning sunshine to reach your skin. I took some time to rest on a large log just west of Joslin Lake Rd. My brother brought a few trail beers with him, so I gave my legs a chance to recover after the sub-20 minute/mile pace that I had been maintaining with a heavy pack. He snapped this photo to capture the moment before leaving me to face the remaining 10 miles on the day. The first mile past Joslin Lake Road continued to be enjoyable, although the departure of my brother reminded me of the joys of hiking with another person - even if you only see them at intermittent road crossings. Past Hadley Road, however, I started to feel the cumulative effects of the past 48 hours, especially that morning's sprinted, hilly miles. The Pinckney Rec section of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail is comparatively much easier to traverse than Waterloo's climbs, but I squandered that topographic advantage via pushing my legs. Stated differently, I found myself in a world of hurt. My legs were aching, my calories all but depleted, that morning's companion had left, and I was squarely within one of the most isolated sections of the trail. I did not see another hiker, runner, or mountain biker during that 3.4 mile stretch of beautiful yet dense, isolating forest. The only non-wood geographic feature to break up the uniformity of the forest was - of course - Dead Lake. "The way is through," I kept audibly repeating to myself. I have no idea who first coined that mantra, but I have utilized it several times in my athletic pursuits, professional projects, and personal challenges when my mind, body, and soul want nothing more than to lie down and end the present pain. "The way is through - just keep going." I should also mention here that if you are planning on camping at Blind Lake, be on the lookout for trail signs for Blind Lake around the 27.4 mile marker. I am specifically calling this out because (1) my original itinerary involved camping at Blind Lake and (2) I did not see any signs leading to the campground. Maybe my exhausted mind just simply missed the markers, but if I hadn't planned on finishing the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail on Day 3 then I would have hiked an extra mile or so before realizing my mistake. Signage marking the start of the Bill Baker Trail near Blind Lake The calorie depletion really started to rear its ugly head right around the 30 mile marker past Hankerd Road. Aside from hiking in complete "zombie mode," i.e. autopilot to the point where your senses resolutely tune out every other sensation besides walking, I made one of the worst mental mistakes that you can make as an exhausted thru-hiker: I forgot about the discrepancies between AllTrails, the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail's official blue trail markers, and the actual trail's mileage. At Green Lake, I knew that my watch would read 14+ miles by the end of the day. During the course of my adventure, however, I started to believe that the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail's total mileage would be more like ~35 miles, or end at the blue "Mile 33" marker. Again, this was my energy-deprived mind giving into exhaustion, with the end result being that my extraction service arrived at Silver Lake roughly an hour early due to my miscalculation. Continuing to navigate under physically and mentally exhaustive conditions is one of many resilience building attributes of thru-hiking the the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the most difficult, drop-kick-to-the-groin mental challenges all came within the last five miles of the trek. Here are the remaining two: Pickerel Lake Junction: Whoever planned this segment of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail was a sadistic S.O.B. No, not because of the terrain which is totally manageable. At this point, you will find yourself at a crossroads of trails. One trail leads directly to the Silver Lake Trailhead. Another god-forsaken trail heads southwest, well away from anywhere that a Waterloo-Pinckney Trail thru-hiker would want to venture. Guess what friends: the direct trail is "Silver Lake Trail," which is not your route. You, oh lucky one, are headed southwest for another 2 miles of indirect fun. The 33 Mile Marker: This spot is mentally challenging for two reasons. First - especially if you've been giving looking at AllTrails - you will errantly believe that you have reached that coveted final mile. You haven't. Sorry, you have 2 more to go - including a steep final climb at the 34 mile marker. But second, and significantly more mentally-testing than the mileage disappointment, is that you'll be tempted. There's a shortcut trail right around the 33 Mile Marker that would shave off a mile, and after the litany of inaccurate trail markers that you've fallen victim to by this point, you would have a decent argument for taking it. Brothers and sisters - resist the temptation! Short term gratifications almost always lead to long term regrets. Yes, the extra mile sucks - but knowing inside that you didn't truly thru-hike the entire Waterloo-Pinckney Trail would suck even more. The Reunion at Silver Lake Well done, fellow hiker - you passed both of these tests by knocking out an additional 5K's worth of seemingly unnecessary trail. Now, finally on the main Silver Lake Trail, you are rewarded with a gradual, largely direct descent towards the finish line: the Silver Lake Trailhead. Despite all of the pain that you had probably experienced up to this point, the last half mile of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail provides a near-religious experience. A rush of dopamine as you start to see the lake through the trees. A feeling of innate gratification as other hikers just starting their journeys look at you like a returned hero, a trail conqueror - a thru-hiker. Better yet, I had a one-person welcome party waiting for me at the finish line: my father who had just returned from Zambia the night before, jet-lagged and smiling. I tapped the 35 Mile Marker post. I crossed the threshold of the trailhead past the welcome kiosk. And with that, the inaugural Expedition Detroit thru-hike of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail was complete. Ending this article where the adventure began: Big Portage Lake FINAL STATISTICS FOR THE ENTIRE THRU-HIKE OF THE WPT Total Distance: 37.79 miles Elevation Gain: 3,907 feet Hiking Time: 14h 38m 22s Final Thoughts: The Waterloo-Pinckney Trail should be on every Detroit-based backpacker's bucket list. You will traverse the entire spectrum of our region's best hiking - steep moraines, dense forests, expansive grasslands, and wetlands teeming with life. Regardless of whether you choose to complete the trek solo or with friends, this journey will undoubtedly leave an imprint on your perception of the immense backpacking opportunities found not only near Detroit, but throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Thank you to everyone who joined us on this three-part journey! These articles were longer than usual and represented more of a personal travelogue than normal experiential content, so we appreciate your willingness to venture into the subjective subconscious of the thru-hiking experience. We hope that this series on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail inspires you to seek out your own adventures within the Detroit region, and we will continue to seek out the world-class outdoor opportunities within our environment that are waiting for you to rediscover them. As always, we can't wait to see you out there. Do you maintain or regularly hike on a particular trail? Any suggestions for which "hidden gem" destination we should spotlight next? Let us know in the comments!