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Alpine. Brighton. Holly. Pine Knob. You know them, you've skied them, and generations have loved them. But what makes each resort stand out from the pack? Are there any special features, offerings, or other traits that could influence buying one lift ticket over another? We dive into these questions and more in our official Guide to the "Big Four" Ski Resorts near Detroit - updated for the Winter 2026 Season! Ladies and gentlemen, it's time. Sharpen your skis, wax your boards, update your helmet , and buy that jacket  you've had your eyes on.  The snow makers are blowing - and as of today the real stuff is FINALLY falling again - which means winter has arrived in Detroit ! As excited as that makes us, let's hit the pause button real quick and look outside the window. While we at Expedition Detroit  HQ do not see enough of that sweet, fluffy powder to kick off our wishlist of backcountry  skiing and snowshoeing adventures , the snow's delayed arrival highlights an under-appreciated element of our region: We have FOUR premiere ski resorts within an hour's drive of our near-sea level city . Our "Big Four" resorts - Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob  - have formed the bedrock of Detroit's wintry outdoor economy for generations, providing slope access to generations that would otherwise need to travel hundreds of miles for the same experiences. This article provides much-overdue recognition and information regarding each of the Big Four. Beyond providing stats and recommendations, we also want to highlight what makes each of these resorts stand out in their own right. New for the 2025-2026 season ,  we've also included information on each resort's can't-miss events happening throughout this winter. Spoiler alert : you're going to want to ski all four by the time that you finish this article. ALPINE VALLEY SKI RESORT | White Lake, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,210 feet Vertical Drop : 300 feet Total Runs : 19 Pass Affiliation : Regional Season Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Price : $71 ( Monday-Thursday ) or $84 ( Friday-Sunday, Holidays ) Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Weekend Warrior Imagine this : you start your day with a leisurely paddle down the Huron River , launching from Milford Central Park for an out-and-back to Proud Lake State Recreation Area. After a quick refueling stop in Downtown Milford , you bust out the fat tire bike for a ride through either the Milford Mountain Biking Trail or Highland State Recreation Area's A-B-C-D Loops . Still not enough adrenaline for a Saturday? Well, thank God you packed your skis - Alpine Valley Ski Resort  is less than 5 miles away from the Highland MTB trailhead. Beyond having affordable lift ticket prices, Alpine Valley provides the most equal distribution of beginner, intermediate, and expert slopes among the Big Four.  The expert-rated slopes feature the resort's terrain park runs, which Alpine Valley has improved significantly in recent years. The resort also boasts the Hornet's Nest Lounge, an ideal après-ski destination for enjoying favorite cocktails, dancing, entertainment, and a panoramic view of Alpine Valley's ski slopes. Regional Season Pass : Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob are all members of what we're dubbing the " Regional Season Pass . " The Pass costs $850 , so the somewhat steep price tag really only makes sense if you plan to hit these resorts consistently throughout the season. Other resorts included in the Pass that are outside of the Detroit region are Bittersweet (Ostego, MI), Alpine Valley Resort (Elkhorn, WI), and Searchmont (Sioux Ste. Marie, ON). ALPINE VALLEY IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON! Check HERE  for real-time conditions. FEATURED WINTER 2026 EVENTS: CARDBOARD CLASSIC   | February 28th, 2026   |   Bring your creativity and ingenuity to the slopes for the Cardboard Classic ! Build a cardboard sled using only cardboard, tape, and paint - and then race it down the front slope. MOUNT BRIGHTON | Brighton, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday) or 8 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,330 feet Vertical Rise : 230 feet Total Runs : 25 Pass Affiliation : Epic All-Day Lift Ticket Prices : $85 ( Monday-Friday ) or $115 ( Saturday-Sunday, Holidays )   Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Jet-Setting Explorer Get ready, Detroit: Mt. Brighton opens for the 2025-26 season THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH! Although Mt. Brighton   has been around since 1960, Vail Resorts ' acquisition of the mountain in 2015 breathed new life into the Detroit region's largest man-made ski resort. Vail's acquisition included a $10 million investment into improvements  like new chairlifts, enhanced beginner terrain, new base area facilities and children’s ski and ride school center, innovative terrain parks, and a state-of-the-art snowmaking system. Eight years later, the net results of those improvements includes transforming Mt. Brighton into an "out west enclave" in the Detroit region , including the modern amenities that top-tier skiers and snowboarders should expect from an industry-defining powerhouse like Vail. While the quality of Mt. Brighton's well-manicured runs and cutting-edge facilities provide the most imminent attraction for riders, the value emanating from the resort's Epic Pass  inclusion is undeniably powerful. Especially if you were to purchase the discounted Epic Local Pass , you could ride not only Mt. Brighton to your heart's content, but take a few trips to world-class resorts out west, back east, or around the world with the same pass . As much as we sing the praises of Detroit's outdoor recreation opportunities, we're certainly not immune to the allure of big mountain skiing . Mt. Brighton and its Epic Pass affiliation make such adventures more economic, efficient, and practical for us all. FEATURED WINTER 2026 EVENTS: DUCT TAPE DERBY   | January 17th, 2026   |   Start saving your cardboard to design a vehicle or sled made of only reused cardboard, duct tape, and paint to race down the hill at the Duct Tape Derby ! Join the fun with music, giveaways, outdoor food and bar, and more. DEW AFTER DARK   | January 23rd , 2026   |   Taking night skiing to a whole new level! The Drew After Dark  event features live DJs, a "Rail Jam," glow sticks, giveaways, and more. SLUSH CUP   | March 7th, 2026   |   Check out the annual Slush Cup  for the biggest spring party of the season! Pond skimming competition (age 7+), music, outdoor bar, tons of giveaways and prizes, and more. MT. HOLLY | Holly, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,115 feet Vertical Rise : 350 feet Total Runs : 18 Pass Affiliation : Regional Season Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Prices : $71 ( Monday-Thursday ) or $84 ( Friday-Sunday, Holidays )   Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Downhill Bomber Mt. Holly  may not be the largest or highest of the Big Four, but it packs a big punch right where it matters the most: more vertical feet of downhill than any of the other resorts . Located just on the northwestern edge of the Detroit region, Mt. Holly benefits from the dramatic, rolling hills that define Southeast Michigan's premiere terrain for outdoor recreation.  As such, Mt. Holly's deep descents provide the resort with proportionately more advanced terrain than any of the other Big Four. Similar to Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly also provides the wintry cherry on top for an area already absurdly blessed with outdoor opportunities. The resort is conveniently located in between the western and eastern branches of Holly State Recreation Area , with the park's premiere mountain biking trail  maintained by the Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association  located within eyesight of the resort's summit. The eastern branch of Holly State Recreation Area also entails opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing . Legs feeling a little wobbly after capitalizing on the additional vert? Fortunately for all of us, Mt. Holly also features  a spacious Bavarian-style lodge with two cafeterias, a fireplace room, and a lounge with additional fireplaces.  Hard to imagine a better setting to loosen up the boots, order a stein, and kick back after an exhilarating day on the mountain. MT. HOLLY IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON! Check HERE  for real-time conditions. FEATURED WINTER 2026 UPDATES: Mt. Holly's new high-speed quad chairlift, "The Lightning Express," is NOW OPERATIONAL! With its completion, Mt. Holly is the only ski resort in the Detroit region with TWO high-speed chairlifts. PINE KNOB SKI & SNOWBOARD RESORT | Clarkston, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Monday - Wednesday) and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Thursday - Friday); Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,202 feet Vertical Rise : 302 feet Total Runs : 17 Pass Affiliation : Regional Season Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Prices : $71 ( Monday-Thursday ) or $84 ( Friday-Sunday, Holidays )   Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Terrain Park Junkie Before I converted to a Detroit region local back in 2007, my family made annual pilgrimages to Southeast Michigan during the winter holidays. One of those trips included a ski day at some local resort I had never heard of: Pine Knob . Aside from the vague, childlike memories of the slopes, I remember my surprise at how quickly we got to and from the resort from our lodging in Bloomfield Hills. All of my other ski trips required either hours in the car towards the Appalachians or a flight to the Rockies - this resort felt practically in our backyard. My childhood experience was far from unique. Located just 30 minutes from the City of Detroit, Pine Knob provides the most accessible ski and snowboard destination for the vast majority of our region's resident recreationists.  Aside from accessibility, Pine Knob stands out as Southeast Michigan's preeminent destination for terrain park opportunities. Over the last few years, the resort's #TheKnobProject initiative has facilitated massive investments  in new jumps, a progression park, a 1000 ft. high-speed tow rope, a "jib bus," and a "monster jump." If you're a terrain park junkie, this is definitely the hill for you. While Pine Knob features extensive terrain parks and intermediate/advanced-rated slopes, the resort also offers plenty of beginner-friendly amenities for newer skiers and snowboarders . The Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard School  is dedicated to providing newer riders with a fun and safe experience within their programs, which include alpine, telemark, snowboarding, and even terrain park lessons for visitors of all ages and abilities. PINE KNOB IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025-26 SEASON! Check HERE for real-time conditions. Ski season has undeniably arrived in Detroit, but we must note that the Big Four have either just  opened or are about to open, so the slope conditions are less than ideal to say the least. Roughly 50% of each resort's runs are open (Pine Knob currently is ~80% open), but the "skiability" of each mountain's terrain will improve steadily as precipitation and snow-making efforts progress. In other words, primetime is coming, so we encourage you to start making your lift ticket purchases NOW if you haven't already. While waiting for the Detroit region's ski resorts to hit their full capacity, we also recommend checking out the plethora of other winter trail adventure options available across Metro Detroit! As of the writing of this article, the trails across our regional Michigan State Parks and Huron-Clinton Metroparks are in optimal condition for cross-country skiing . The Expedition Detroit team also leads guided snowshoeing treks (including gear rental) across 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas near the city. Is there a specific trail, park, activity, or destination that you would like to see featured in a future Expedition Detroit article? Perfect - we want to hear about it! Please post about it in the comments below or contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com  to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

Brighton. Alpine. Holly. Pine Knob. You know them, you've skied them, and generations have loved them. But what makes each resort stand out from the pack? Are there any special features, offerings, or other traits that could influence buying one lift ticket over another? We dive into these questions and more in our official Guide to the "Big Four" Ski Resorts near Detroit - UPDATED FOR THE WINTER 2024 SEASON! Ladies and gentlemen, it's officially time to sharpen your skis, wax your boards, update your helmet , and buy that jacket you've had your eyes on. The snow makers are blowing - and as of today the real stuff is FINALLY falling again - which means winter has arrived in Detroit ! As excited as that makes us, let's hit the pause button real quick and look outside the window. While we at Expedition Detroit HQ do not see enough of that sweet, fluffy powder to kick off our wishlist of backcountry skiing and snowshoeing adventures , the snow's delayed arrival highlights an under-appreciated element of our region: We have four premiere ski resorts within an hour's drive of our near-sea level city . Four destinations that get busy cranking out snow in November while we're still waiting on Jack Frost to show face. Our "Big Four" resorts - Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob - have formed the bedrock of Detroit's wintry outdoor economy for generations, providing slope access to generations that would otherwise need to travel hundreds of miles for the same experiences. This article provides much-overdue recognition and information regarding each of the Big Four. Beyond providing stats and recommendations, we also want to highlight what makes each of these resorts stand out in their own right. New for the 2023-2024 season, we've also included information on each resort's can't-miss events happening throughout this winter. Spoiler alert : you're going to want to ski all four by the time that you finish this article. ALPINE VALLEY SKI RESORT | White Lake, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,210 feet Vertical Rise : 300 feet Total Runs : 17 Pass Affiliation : Multi Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Price : $67 ( Monday-Thursday ) or $82 ( Friday-Sunday, Holidays ) Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Weekend Warrior Imagine this: you start your day with a leisurely paddle down the Huron River , launching from Milford Central Park for an out-and-back to Proud Lake State Recreation Area. After a quick refueling stop in Downtown Milford , you bust out the fat tire bike for a ride through either the Milford Mountain Biking Trail or Highland State Recreation Area's A-B-C-D Loops. Still not enough adrenaline for a Saturday? Well, thank God you packed your skis - Alpine Valley Ski Resort is less than 5 miles away from the Highland MTB trailhead. Beyond having the most affordable lift ticket prices in the Detroit region, Alpine Valley provides the most equal distribution of beginner, intermediate, and expert slopes among the Big Four. The expert-rated slopes feature the resort's terrain park runs, which Alpine Valley has improved significantly in recent years. The resort also boasts the Hornet's Nest Lounge, an ideal après-ski destination for enjoying favorite cocktails, dancing, entertainment, and a panoramic view of Alpine Valley's ski slopes. Multi Pass : Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob are all members of the regional " Multi Pass " network. The Multi Pass costs $825, so snagging this pass will make the most sense if you plan to hit these resorts consistently throughout the season. Other resorts included in the Multi Pass that are outside of the Detroit region are Bittersweet (Ostego, MI), Alpine Valley Resort (Elkhorn, WI), and Searchmont (Sioux Ste. Marie, ON). FEATURED WINTER 2024 EVENTS: PENNY & DAN LIVE   | January 7th and 28th, 2024   |   Close out your January Sundays on the slopes at the Hornet's Nest Lounge for great drinks and live music provided by local artist duo Penny & Dan ! AVSBX KICK-OFF PARTY | January 17th , 2024 | Alpine Valley invites you to head to the Hornet's Nest Lounge for a kick-off party for its 2024 SBX Racing League ! JUSTIN ROSE LIVE   | February 4th and 18th, 2024   |   Close out your February Sundays on the slopes at the Hornet's Nest Lounge for great drinks and live music provided by local country artist Justin Rose ! MT. BRIGHTON | Brighton, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. ( Early Season Hours ); Weekend: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Saturday) or 8 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,330 feet Vertical Rise : 230 feet Total Runs : 24 Pass Affiliation : Epic Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Prices : $60 - 70 (Monday - Friday), $94 (Saturday - Sunday)* * Early season pricing in effect until December 22nd Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Jet-Setting Explorer Although Mt. Brighton has been around since 1960, Vail Resorts ' acquisition of the mountain in 2015 breathed new life into the Detroit region's largest man-made ski resort. Vail's acquisition included a $10 million investment into improvements like new chairlifts, enhanced beginner terrain, new base area facilities and children’s ski and ride school center, innovative terrain parks, and a state-of-the-art snowmaking system. Eight years later, the net results of those improvements includes transforming Mt. Brighton into an "out west enclave" in the Detroit region , including the modern amenities that top-tier skiers and snowboarders should expect from an industry-defining powerhouse like Vail. While the quality of Mt. Brighton's well-manicured runs and cutting-edge facilities provide the most imminent attraction for riders, the value emanating from the resort's Epic Pass inclusion is undeniably powerful. Especially if you were to purchase the discounted Epic Local Pass , you could ride not only Mt. Brighton to your heart's content, but take a few trips to world-class resorts out west, back east, or around the world with the same pass . As much as we sing the praises of Detroit's outdoor recreation opportunities, we're certainly not immune to the allure of big mountain skiing. Mt. Brighton and its Epic Pass affiliation make such adventures more economic, efficient, and practical for us all. FEATURED WINTER 2024 EVENTS: DUCT TAPE DERBY   | January 20th, 2024   |   Start saving your cardboard to design a vehicle or sled made of only reused cardboard, duct tape, and paint to race down the hill at the Duct Tape Derby ! Join the fun with music, giveaways, outdoor food and bar, and more. DEW AFTER DARK   | February 23rd, 2024   |   Taking night skiing to a whole new level! The Drew After Dark event features live DJs, a "Rail Jam," glow sticks, giveaways, and more. SLUSH CUP   | March 2nd, 2024   |   Check out the annual Slush Cup for the biggest spring party of the season! Pond skimming competition (age 7+), music, outdoor bar, tons of giveaways and prizes, and more. MT. HOLLY | Holly, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,115 feet Vertical Rise : 350 feet Total Runs : 19 Pass Affiliation : Multi Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Price : $69 ( Monday - Thursday ) or $82 ( Friday - Sunday, Holidays ) Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Downhill Bomber Mt. Holly may not be the largest, highest, or most glamorous of the Big Four, but it packs a big punch right where it matters the most: more vertical feet of downhill than any of the other resorts. Located just on the northwestern edge of the Detroit region, M t. Holly benefits from the dramatic, rolling hills that define Southeast Michigan's premiere terrain for outdoor recreation. As such, Mt. Holly's deep descents provide the resort with proportionately more advanced terrain than any of the other Big Four. Similar to Alpine Valley, Mt. Holly also provides the wintry cherry on top for an area already absurdly blessed with outdoor opportunities. The resort is conveniently located in between the western and eastern branches of Holly State Recreation Area , with the park's premiere mountain biking trail maintained by the Clinton River Area Mountain Bike Association located within eyesight of the resort's summit. The eastern branch of Holly State Recreation Area also entails opportunities for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing . Legs feeling a little wobbly after capitalizing on the additional vert? Fortunately for all of us, Mt. Holly also features a spacious Bavarian-style lodge with two cafeterias, a fireplace room, and a lounge with additional fireplaces. Hard to imagine a better setting to loosen up the boots, order a stein, and kick back after an exhilarating day on the mountain. FEATURED WINTER 2024 EVENTS: THE DESALLE BROS LIVE   | December 28th - 30th, 2023   |   Head over to the Lift Lounge for live music and good vibes, featuring local artices The DeSalle Bros ! More Winter 2024 Events  at Mt. Holly to come...stay tuned! PINE KNOB SKI RESORT | Clarkston, Michigan Hours : Weekdays: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Weekend: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Saturday) or 9 p.m. (Sunday) Elevation : 1,201 feet Vertical Rise : 300 feet Total Runs : 17 Pass Affiliation : Multi Pass All-Day Lift Ticket Price : $69 ( Monday - Thursday ) or $82 ( Friday - Sunday, Holidays ) Expedition Detroit Award : Best for the Terrain Park Junkie Before I converted to a Detroit region local back in 2007, my family made annual pilgrimages to Southeast Michigan during the winter holidays. One of those trips included a ski day at some local resort I had never heard of: Pine Knob . Aside from the vague, childlike memories of the slopes, I remember my surprise at how quickly we got to and from the resort from our lodging in Bloomfield Hills. All of my other ski trips required either hours in the car towards the Appalachians or a flight to the Rockies - this resort felt practically in our backyard. My childhood experience was far from unique. Located just 30 minutes from the City of Detroit, Pine Knob provides the most accessible ski and snowboard destination for the vast majority of our region's resident recreationists. Aside from accessibility, Pine Knob stands out as Southeast Michigan's preeminent destination for terrain park opportunities. Over the last few years, the resort's #TheKnobProject initiative has facilitated massive investments in new jumps, a progression park, a 1000 ft. high-speed tow tope, a "jib bus," and a "monster jump." If you're a terrain park junkie, this is definitely the hill for you. While Pine Knob features extensive terrain parks and intermediate/advanced-rated slopes, the resort also offers plenty of beginner-friendly amenities for newer skiers and snowboarders . The Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard School is dedicated to providing newer riders with a fun and safe experience within their programs, which include alpine, telemark, snowboarding, and even terrain park lessons for visitors of all ages and abilities. FEATURED WINTER 2024 EVENTS: MERRY MITTEN CLASSIC   | December 23rd, 2023   |   A celebration of Michigan snowboard culture, the 5th annual Merry Mitten Classic will feature a jam session, shoutouts, prizes, and an epic apres party. More Winter 2024 Events at Pine Knob Ski & Snowboard Resort to come...stay tuned! Ski season has undeniably arrived in Detroit, but we must note that the Big Four just opened over the past few weeks, so the slope conditions are less than ideal to say the least. Roughly 50% of each resort's runs are open, but the "skiability" of each mountain's terrain will improve steadily as precipitation and snow-making efforts progress. In other words, primetime is coming, so we encourage you to start making your lift ticket purchases NOW if you haven't already. We're closing out this article with a quick, shameless plug for our #EmbraceTheDark series . Each of these resorts offer exceptional night skiing and riding opportunities, so we invite you to join us in occasionally switching up our chilly night hikes or bikes for some hot laps at your resort of choice. Fortunately, no additional night gear is required for skiing or snowboarding under the lights - just bring the right lift ticket and a spirit of adventure. We'll see you at the top of the hill.

'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, Detroit! 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 world-class outdoor events in the Detroit region, which shouldn't come as a surprise for our resident outdoor enthusiasts. 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 "Big Four" Ski Resorts All December | Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob Resorts It's only December 2nd, but thanks to the post-Thanksgiving WHITE OUT that we just received, we're already behind on this announcement: SKI SEASON IS HERE! That's right - as of the writing of this article, 3 out of 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 , even with the recent powder that the Snow Gods have blessed us with. Conditions are only going to heat up ( er , cool down?) as this month progresses, so in the interim we'll be purchasing our season passes (relevant links here  and here ), sharpening our skis, and dreaming of those sweet, deep powder runs at one of Detroit's four premiere resorts: Mt. Holly , Pine Knob , Alpine Valley , and Mt. Brighton . Photo courtesy of the State of Michigan 2. Explore the Enchanted Borealis Trail Throughout December   | Seven Lakes State Park   |  5:30 p.m. As you're aware, the Expedition Detroit  Team is all about embracing nighttime recreation opportunities ( #EmbraceTheDark ) this time of year. While most nocturnal exploration requires a high degree of independent preparation, the folks at Seven Lakes State Park  have greatly simplified this process by hosting their annual " Enchanted Borealis Trail " night hiking events on December 5th and 12th ! The park encourages hikers to meander through the forest by following a one-mile lantern-lit path and enjoy some colorful holiday lights along the way. The hike starts at the Dickinson Picnic Shelter. The event is free, although as an additional option, you can rent your own campfire spot for $20 (wood and fire starting included). Reservations are required for specific time slots to avoid overfilling available parking. 3. Run like Rudolph in a Holiday Race December 6th   | 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, 2025'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 6th . Starting in Utica, the Eggnog Jog  kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Dexter's annual " 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. 4. Go Big for Global Fat Tire Bike Day December 6th   | Island Lake State Recreation Area  | 10 a.m. Wait, you didn't think that December had enough holidays..? Neither did we, along with the international biking community . Along with other holiday traditions, the most ardent of cyclists switch out their slimmer summer tires for their fatter, snow-ready tires in early December. Fortunately, this isn't a niche sect of the biking faithful - the sport of fat tire biking has grown to such an extent that this seasonal passage has become memorialized into a global holiday. A holiday occurring this Saturday, December 6th. Ready to take your fat tire for its maiden seasonal voyage? New to fat tire biking and wondering where you can catch a glimpse of the festive action? We've got you: head to Island Lake State Recreation Area for the official Southeast Michigan Global Fat Bike Day festivities . Riders will be setting out from the Spring Mill Pond parking lot  to tackle " The Badlands " region of the park. Salsa Heyday! Cues Fat-Tire Bike - save 19% at REI.com until December 31st! 5. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve December 13th   | Point Pelee National Park    | 6 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 some of 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. 6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Hunt Throughout December (and beyond) | 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 5th - 14th A muzzleloading rifle or black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute Statewide Antlerless Firearm December 15th - January 11th All firearm regulations apply Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, and St. Clair Counties Urban Archery December 1st - January 31st Compound and crossbow; must wear hunter orange during firearm periods Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, and St. Clair 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 7. Seize the Day on a Winter Solstice Hike December 21st   | Lake Erie Metropark   |   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 cross-country 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! Photo courtesy of Glenlore Trails 8. 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! Step into the enchanted forest, where every visitor becomes part of the story. As you journey through an illuminated forest, your presence and interactions help the "Winter Wizards" push back the gloom — a creeping chill that threatens to dim the spirit of the holidays. Want to add a little extra magic? Optional magic wands (available for $20 before you enter the trail) let you reveal hidden moments and awaken extra magic along the path. Each wave of your wand strengthens the Wizards’ power and brings new surprises to life! 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 until December 28th. 9. 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 TOP RATED 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 - finally - GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREKS ! Both of these trips will provide snow equipment for rent. The Expedition Detroit  team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider  of guided hiking and other outdoor adventure trips 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... 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 2025 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. EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Happy December to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2026. 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 honor of the Winter Solstice, here is Expedition Detroit's guide to harnessing the physical, mental, and cultural benefits of Norway's transformative "Friluftsliv" approach to winter recreation. " Yeah ...these definitely aren't waterproof." It's 9 a.m. sharp and I've just reached the Vidden trailhead in Europe's rainiest city: Bergen, Norway . A ~10 mile trek across the roof of Bergen lies ahead, starting with 1,300 steps to reach Bergen's highest point, Ulriken. I had assumed my brand new trail shoes were waterproof; the unmistakable sponging noise emanating from my feet dictated otherwise. At the halfway point on those stairs, I turned around to admire a nonexistent vista of Bergen that the thick mist robbed me of. The density of the cloud cover shrouded over the world below, save only the barren hillside and carefully-placed stone steps within my immediate vicinity. Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" played on a loop in my head, and since I had found myself alone in this cloud country, I decided to sing along: " There's a lady who's su- " Just seconds into belting my best Robert Plant impression, the show ended as I realized that I was not alone on the stairs. A figure dressed in all white emerged from the mist below, climbing at an alarmingly quick pace. I had read about the "legendary athleticism" of Norwegians, so seeing this figure trekking up the hill lit that competitive fire burning within every American. Soaked shoes be damned , I was going to beat this person up the mountain. Yeah ...I didn't . A few minutes later I found myself on the side of the trail, giving him a courteous " Hallo " as he ran right past me and up the stairs. In my defense, this was clearly not his first time on this trail - the dude was decked out in trail running swag, dressed more for an Olympic heat than a casual morning trek like yours truly. He ran up this slick stairs like a mountain goat - and was heading back down before I could even summit . Summit of Mt. Ulriken - Bergen, Norway Beyond upholding the national stereotype, what impressed me the most about this particular Norwegian wasn't his pace, technique, or sponsors, but simply that he was out there in those conditions . And he wasn't alone - as I completed the Vidden Trek, I crossed paths with countless Norwegians of all ages enjoying downpour conditions along the trail. From young school children to elderly couples, they ventured through the windswept, rain-clogged terrain like a bluebird summer's day. I tried to emulate the locals by seizing every recreational opportunity that day, including a "true summit" of Mt. Ulriken. Back in the States, a quick Google search unveiled that my experience wasn't some rare encounter with extraordinary outdoor enthusiasts. Norway, along with Scandinavia as a whole, has adopted a social construct known as " Friluftsliv " (pronounced "free-loofts-liv"). While this word translates roughly to " open-air living " or " free air life ," its practical application to Norway's year-round outdoor culture, quality of life, and national heritage has fundamentally changed the country for the better. In fact, despite experiencing more rain, cold, and less daylight than most countries on earth, Norway consistently ranks as one of the world's happiest countries . As we in the Detroit region head into our " dark season " - which, again, is significantly tamer than Norway's - we would immensely benefit from a wholesale adoption their friluftsliv lifestyle. Just like Scandinavia, the Great Lakes region as a whole is blessed with a four season climate that perfectly supports year-round recreation ( verifiably one of many reasons for a century of Scandinavian emigration to the Great Lakes ). We already have the temporal elements, recreational infrastructure, and world-class destinations to reap the benefits of friluftsliv . All that we're missing is the cultural component - the critical missing piece that this article is intended to remedy. INTRODUCING FRILUFTSLIV: NORWAY'S FAVORITE PASTTIME Centuries of Norwegians have instilled an integral love for nature in humanity's most sustainable way: habitual and generational introduction to seasonal recreation . Similar to the modern father who teaches their child to hunt or mother that skies just behind her toddler, Norwegians recognized the purely recreational benefits of spending time in nature long before the term friluftsliv was first penned by Henrik Ibsen in 1859 . In doing so, Ibsen simply wanted to create a name for his country's love of spending time in remote locations for spiritual and physical well-being. The Norwegian government, on the other hand, decided to formalize their citizens' connection with nature . The government created a set of laws that codified Norwegians' right to enjoy friluftsliv, including the famous " Right to Roam. " The government also sponsors "libraries" where outdoor enthusiasts can "check out" outdoor gear. Even Norway's educational system has followed suit, including the establishment of several outdoor kindergartens (friluftsbarnehager) where the children spend 80% of the time outdoors, and the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree in friluftsliv. According to Norway's official tourism site , friluftsliv is not "just a thing," but rather "a whole philosophy, a way life." Friluftsliv represents a "commitment to celebrate time outdoors, no matter your age, physical condition, and regardless of the season and weather forecast." Better yet, there's no wrong way to friluftsliv - regardless of whether a Norwegian has embarked on a multi-day cross-country skiing expedition or is spending an afternoon relaxing in their hammock, the universal goal of a successful friluftsliv endeavor involves "relaxing, refreshing, and re-energizing." Unsurprisingly, friluftsliv constitutes Norway's most preferred recreational activity, with a reported 90% participation rate . Seriously. And, with participation figures that high, Norway boasts equally impressive data regarding the physical and mental benefits of its recreational culture. MENTAL AND PHYSICAL BENEFITS OF FRILUFTSLIV This should hopefully come as a shock to no one, but regular physical exercise is extremely good for you. This is a point that the Expedition Detroit team tries to reinforce across the entirety of our platform, including Dr. Eric Reilly's fantastic article on the longevity benefits of hiking that we strongly recommend for everyone to read. Thanks to friluftsliv , Norwegians have reaped these health benefits for generations. Norway's population enjoys a verifiably good health status : the country's life expectancy of 83.3 years is the highest in Europe, its has one of the lowest rates of deaths from treatable causes among Europe, and 75% of the population is categorized as being "in good health." When discussing winter recreation, however, we place slightly more emphasis on the measurable mental health benefits of friluftsliv . As we mentioned prior, engaging in friluftsliv isn't limited in Norway to specific activities, demographics, or seasons. Anyone, at any point in the year, time of day, or temporal condition, can engage in a friluftsliv adventure. As you may have predicted, the mental health benefits from such accessibility - especially during winter - are astonishing . Norwegian studies have demonstrated that just being in outdoor spaces for extended periods of time reduce anxiety and improve cognition. In a 2020 survey, 90% of Norwegians stated that they felt less stressed and in a better mood after spending time in nature - regardless of their recreational activity of choice. In 2023, the U.N.'s " World Happiness Report " ranked Norway as the seventh happiest country in the world, while both Bergen and Oslo placed among the top 10 happiest cities Specifically with regard to the mental health benefits of winter recreation, health psychologist Kari Leibowitz , PhD noted an interesting fact regarding Norway's population. Her work found that " the further north people lived, the more positive their view of winter was – and that this mindset that ‘winter is wonderful’ was associated with life satisfaction and psychological wellbeing .” Here's the wildest part : that data comes from cities like Tromsø where the sun does not rise between November 21st and January 21st. Despite the perpetual darkness, locals actually report lower levels of wintertime depression due to continuing to engage in recreational activities like hiking, dogsledding, skiing, whale watching, and viewing the Northern Lights. HOW DETROITERS CAN ADOPT FRILUFTSLIV THIS WINTER Now that we've inundated you with more Norwegian recreational knowledge than you ever wanted to learn, one looming question remains: If Norway can harness the physical and mental benefits of prolonged winter, then why can't we..? Spoiler alert : not only can the Detroit region successfully adapt the friluftsliv lifestyle to our outdoor culture, but we would be fools not to. The health statistics regarding the Detroit region are disappointing at best when compared to Norway's high-flying stats. The average life expectancy within the City of Detroit has dropped to 69 over the last decade, Seasonal Affective Disorder ("SAD") hospitalizes an estimated 500,000 Americans each year, and historically marginalized demographics within the Detroit region like Black and Hispanic residents are statistically more likely to encounter severe and incapacitating symptoms of SAD - while paradoxically having less access to beneficial treatments. Will the widespread adoption of friluftsliv remedy these societal ills overnight? We wish so, but sadly, no. As we have covered, it took even the Norwegians centuries for the outdoor lifestyle to fundamentally permeate and change its culture. But hardly anything good in life comes quickly, and i n light of the explosive growth that Detroit's outdoor industry is continuing to experience post-pandemic , NOW represents the perfect opportunity to start implementing friluftsliv's core components into our wintry recreational ecosystem. Here are four friluftsliv actions that you can start adopting today: 1. DRESS APPROPRIATELY FOR THE CONDITIONS | There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. At the core of Norway's outdoor cultural phenomenon lies one simple belief: " There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. " I learned this lesson firsthand while hiking 10+ miles in water-logged hiking shoes. Others have learned through nearly freezing to death, both in Scandinavia and throughout the Great Lakes region. Friends, here's the best news: you do not need to re-learn this lesson . When it comes to cold weather recreation, the name of the game is simply dressing in layers . Here's a crash-course on layering : Base Layer ("underwear layer") : Arguably most important layer; goal is to wick sweat off your skin. Middle Layer ("insulating layer") : Should retain body heat to protect you from the cold. Outer Layer ("shell layer") : Largely weather-dependent; shields you from wind, snow, sleet, and rain - and provides extra insulation. Specifically for the Detroit region, your middle layer should provide enough warmth to handle freezing temperatures. Likewise, your outer layer should be waterproof for sleet and snowy conditions. For visibility purposes, also look for jackets that have reflective attributes  like reflective logos and other hits that light sources will pick up. The final clothing items that you should include in your winter recreation gear checklist are for your extremities. Regardless of whether your middle or outer layer features a hood, we always recommend a warm beanie  or similar hat to cover your head and ears. Gloves or mittens  are also an essential, especially if you plan to carry trekking poles  with you. Last but certainly not least, don't forget warm and durable hiking socks  to ground your trek. 2. CONTINUE RECREATING OUTDOORS | Friluftsliv is more than just an activity, it’s a lifestyle. Now that you're fully-outfitted for the cold, the next step is both the simplest and hardest: keep recreating outdoors . As any Norwegian can attest, a " friluftsliv offseason" simply does not exist. Rain or shine, snow or mud, even light or dark , every day provides an opportunity for engaging in friluftsliv . Again, here's the most beautiful component regarding the friluftsliv lifestyle: the goal is finding peace and quiet, not necessarily breaking a sweat. Friluftsliv  is purposefully inclusive - in fact, we can't think of a more disability-friendly activity than simply pursuing the act of being present in nature . A winter friluftsliv outing could include a slow hike along your favorite snow-covered trail , cross-country skiing, fat tire mountain biking, ice skating, ice fishing, ice bathing ( more on that in a minute ), stargazing , or simply sitting by a campfire. BOOK A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT THIS WINTER! 3. BUILD RESILIENCY BY NORMALIZING DIFFICULTY | Mastering others is strength; mastering yourself is true power. Alright...here's where we add a special Expedition Detroit twist on the friluftsliv ethos. One which Norwegian professional athletes have harnessed and utilized to dominate the Winter Olympics for nearly a century. A component that we vow to encourage as friluftsliv hopefully catches on throughout our region. Winter recreation provides the perfect opportunity to build resiliency . Grit. Toughness. Fortitude. All of the basic components required to excel in a sport, venture, pursuit, and life as a whole. Okay, we'll tone it back for a second. Just by simply engaging in friluftsliv during our winter months, you will instill some degree of resiliency into your life . Winter in Detroit is cold, and therefore uncomfortable. By consistently encountering that discomfort, you will gradually normalize facing adversity - and overcoming it. If we as a community were to comprehensively adopt that approach to our daily life, then only God knows what we other challenges we could overcome. Here are three ways that you could introduce resiliency into your wintertime recreational agenda: TAKE ICE BATHS. Yes, believe the hype that you've seen all over social media . Taking regular ice baths (i.e., at least 11 minutes per week) have been purported to reduce inflammation and swelling, boost your mood, relieve sore muscles, aid in recovery, support immunity, and generally improve mental health.* CAMP OUTDOORS. Camping season does not end during the warmer months. In fact, simply sleeping outside throughout the year has proven to improve immune system functionality and speed up metabolic rates. During winter, studies show that continuing to camp in cold conditions helps reduce inflammation, improve our brain's cognitive functionality, and further increase metabolism as the body burns more fat to keep warm. LEARN A NEW SPORT. When the snow starts falling and the ice freezes over, a whole new world of outdoor recreation comes alive. The Detroit region provides ample, beginner-friendly terrain for new skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, and fat tire mountain bikers to hone their new skills. Better yet, the act of acquiring a new skillset has been proven to diminish the onset of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and other memory-affecting ailments. 4. PERFECT YOUR "HYGGE" RECOVERY ROUTINE | Balancing intensity with deep rest and recovery keeps you fresh and strong In Robin Sharma's incredible book The 5AM Club , its fictitious protagonist Stone Riley provides a lifetime's supply of wisdom to his two pupils. While the majority of his lessons center on self-optimization and productivity, one particular lesson addresses the same but through an entirely different lens. One that provides the "ying" to resiliency's "yang." " You really must learn how to balance working intensity and brilliantly with deep rest and recovery so you can remain fresh and strong over a long career. " For Scandinavians, the restful component to friluftsliv's activism - and one that's especially important during the winter months - involves the concept of " hygge " (Danish, pronounced "hoo-guh"). Simply put, hygge embodies "the pursuit of joy and coziness." Think snow-covered rustic cabins, roaring indoor fires, big mugs of hot cocoa, thick blankets, great books, friends, family - a perfect escape from the often harsh realities of the season. Why should hygge be incorporated into the inherently outdoor lifestyle of friluftsliv...? In one word, recovery . Even the most ardent and expeditious of endurance athletes need a period of rest for their bodies and minds to heal from the demands of their life's pursuit. As such, we owe it to ourselves to create our own version of hygge this winter. A place where we can recover, unwind, and feel rejuvenated for the adventures ahead. For us at Expedition Detroit , our favorite version of hygge as of late has been utilizing a portable sauna after our workouts . While ice baths are largely recommended pre-work out, post-work out sauna sessions have been demonstrated to promote muscle recovery, improve heart health, and aid in relaxation. Please always hydrate before using a sauna, and experts recommend staying in for no longer than 10-20 minutes . *Note : Medical experts recommend avoiding ice baths if you have a history of heart problems.

The Detroit region's emergence as a world-class outdoor destination has originated from its stunning parks, beautiful trails, and abundant wildlife - especially within reclaimed green spaces. Now that we've entered "peak wildlife season," here are the "Big Five" of urban wildlife near Detroit! " Hold on guys - we need to drive quickly. Two lions are fighting up ahead. " Sleep immediately dissipated from my tired eyes. It was 7:20AM on a chilled winter morning in Pilanesberg National Park , South Africa. I had properly celebrated my birthday the night before, so wrestling myself out of bed for an early morning safari had been quite the feat. " Good things come to those who go ." I repeated Delta Airline's marketing motoo consistently as I climbed into the back of the safari truck. My expectations were in the gutter for that particular safari. Pilanesburg, although a destination where you could readily witness the"Big 5" of Africa's wildlife - lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and cape buffalo - was not as well-known for such sightings as the behemoth Kruger National Park. Plus, a large group of my fellow Americans had booked the same tour the day prior and only saw, as they put it, "Two baboons mocking us." With this in mind, I closed my eyes for a short recovery nap as we entered the park. Then the "lions announcement" rang across the truck's intercom. My eyes stayed wide open for the remainder of the safari, capturing one of the most incredible mornings of my life. The victorious lion at daybreak; Pilanesburg National Park, South Africa (2018) The prospect of witnessing Africa's "Big 5" in their natural savanna habitat has propelled the continent's tourism for over half a century. A similar phenomenon of conservation-based global tourism has grown in stride, with with estimates showing wildlife tourism contributing around $343.6 billion to the global economy and sustaining 21.8 million jobs. In 2024, the United States wildlife tourism market alone was valued at approximately $5.7 billion, and is projected to grow significantly, reaching nearly $9.9 billion by 2033. As conservation tourism continues to grow, other regions have followed Africa's example in designating their own "Big 5" animals. In North America , the typical candidates include the bison, moose, grizzly bear, gray wolf, and mountain lion , although polar bears, American alligators, bald eagles, black bears, and caribou also commonly make the cut. National Geographic even produced a 2012 documentary titled " America's Great Animals " on this topic, which you can stream on Disney+ . Our team at Expedition Detroit is also ecstatic about and fascinated with wildlife-based tourism - especially in relation to the dramatic changes in Detroit's ecosystem over the past several decades. Southeast Michigan's outdoor destinations now provide unparalleled opportunities to experience the "Big 5" of urban wildlife near Detroit, both within our resident wilderness areas and backyards. Let's get into what makes the Detroit region so unique for witnessing the "Big 5" of urban wildlife - as well as crowning Metro Detroit's own "Big 5" animals. REINTRODUCING DETROIT: A Resurgent Sanctuary for Urban Wildlife Resurget cineribus . For those of us who haven't kept up with their Latin, the phrase means "It will rise from the ashes." That motto should also ring a bell for our local outdoor enthusiasts - it's the later half of the official motto of the City of Detroit, created by Father Gabriel Richard after the great fire of 1805 had effectively leveled the city. The Detroit of 2025 could empathize strongly with the Detroit of the early 19th century. While we have thankfully not had to deal with an apocalyptic fire, the decades of socioeconomic decline that defined the later 20th century for Detroit led to the eradication of much of the city. Businesses closed. Neighborhoods lost. Entire communities displaced from the city. And yet, our city - and our region - persisted. "Detroit Never Left," as the Eastern Market mural proudly proclaims. Coming out of the 2013 bankruptcy, the city's grit and incontestable work ethic rebuilt a vibrant downtown, reinvigorated its neighborhoods, and not only preserved, but IMMENSELY expanded its green infrastructure. Detroit's parks and trails - especially the Detroit Riverwalk and Belle Isle - remain its crown jewels. The last decade+ has also witnessed an alternative means of resurget . One that is arguably the opposite - yet equally important - version of the shimmering new buildings of downtown. The vacated neighborhoods and eradication of blighted structures paved the way for the "original Detroit," i.e. the nature that has witnessed every phase of the city's progression, to reclaim its territory. Expansive green spaces and urban forests now cover what were once bustling, over-populated city blocks, leading urban developers, ecologists, and artists alike to study, manage, and marvel at nature's resilience. Stated differently, Detroit's long-forgotten wilderness has returned in full-force - along with its wildest inhabitants. With our central urban core now reverse-colonized by nature, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the suburban and rural exterior of the Detroit region has also experienced a dramatic uptick in "urban wildlife." What were once rare sightings of certain elusive animals has now become commonplace in community parks, backyards, and even main streets across our region. We are truly living in a golden age of urban wildlife viewing opportunities in the Detroit region - and here are the "Big 5" that are championing its resurgence. 1. Bald Eagle Binomial Name : Haliaeetus leucocephalus Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 900 Most Active Season: Winter months, especially in early morning and late afternoon Big 5 Highlights The Bald Eagle represents far more than just America's national emblem. After facing near-extinction in the 1960s, the Bald Eagle population has rebounded spectacularly across the country - and especially along Metro Detroit's waterways. You'll typically see Bald Eagles soaring high in the sky, flapping low over treetops with slow wingbeats, or perched in trees or on the ground. Bald Eagles scavenge many meals by harassing other birds or by eating carrion or garbage. They eat mainly fish, but also hunt mammals, gulls, and waterfowl. Where to Experience Look for Bald Eagles near lakes, reservoirs, rivers, marshes, and coasts. For a chance to see large Bald Eagle congregations, check out wildlife refuges or large bodies of water in winter over much of the Detroit region. Notable Bald Eagle populations are visible year-round at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Kent Lake at Kensington Metropark Harsens Island Point  Mouillee State Game Area Point Pelee National Park Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge 2.  Coyote Binomial Name : Canis latrans Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 30,000 - 50,000 Most Active Season: Mid-January - March (breeding season) around sunrise and sunset Big 5 Highlights No "Big 5" list would be complete without a region's apex predator. For the Detroit region's urban wildlife, the Coyote indisputably holds that crown. With cougars, wolves, and black bears effectively removed from Metro Detroit ( for the time being at least ), the Coyote stands alone at the top of the food chain as our region's most prolific carnivore. People are most likely to see and hear Coyotes during their breeding period , which typically occurs January through March. If there is a den nearby, people may also see the adults throughout the summer as they care for their pups. As fall approaches, pups begin dispersing from the den site to establish home ranges of their own. These young dispersing animals are sometimes more visible. Coyotes are active day and night; however, peaks in activity occur at sunrise and sunset. In urban or suburban areas, Coyotes will take advantage of the small mammals and birds that bird feeders and gardens often attract. They may even eat some of the fruits and veggies too. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and have a keen sense of smell. Garbage or pet food that is left out overnight may also draw their attention. If there are Coyotes in the area, eliminating these potential food sources may make the area less appealing to them. Where to Experience Coyotes are incredibly smart and adaptable predators that have learned to survive in just about any habitat, including densely urban areas like the City of Detroit. They have especially established large urban packs within Northville Township, Southfield, Royal Oak, and Lathrup Village. Notable Coyote populations are visible year-round at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Several Oakland County Parks Rotary Park in Livonia Rouge Park Eliza Howell Park Legacy Park in Northville Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area Maybury State Park EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK AT NIGHT WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3.   Wild Turkey Binomial Name : Meleagris gallopavo Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 200,000 Most Active Season: Spring months, especially in early morning Big 5 Highlights Everyone loves a good comeback story, especially when that story involves wildlife restoration. And there's no better story than that of the North American Wild Turkey , which faced the brink of extinction as recently as the 1970s. Thankfully, science-backed conservation regulations restored healthy Wild Turkey populations not only in Michigan, but throughout the entire continent. Due to the resiliency and careful management of the species, Wild Turkey hunting in both the spring and fall continues to represent a cherished past time among Michigan's hunting community - as well as simply admiring the bird alongside your favorite trail. In the spring, male Wild Turkeys give a gobbling call to attract females. In courtship, males puff out their feathers, raise and spread their tails, swell their facial wattles, and droop their wings; in this exaggerated posture, they strut, rattling their wing feathers and making humming sounds. Wary and magnificent, Wild Turkeys usually get around by walking or running, but they can fly strongly, and they typically roost overnight in tall trees. Where to Experience The best habitat for spotting Wild Turkeys comprises of a mixture of woodland and open clearings. Although habitat preferences vary, we recommend visiting one of the Detroit region's many expansive oak-hickory forests , pine-oak forests, swamps, and grasslands. Wild Turkeys tend to roost in tall oak trees since acorns are their food of choice. Notable Wild Turkey populations are visible year-round at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Holly State Recreation Area Seven Lakes State Park Highland State Recreation Area Kensington Metropark Lake Erie Metropark 4.  White-Tailed Deer Binomial Name : Odocoileus virginianus Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 2,000,000 (disproportionately in Southeast Michigan) Most Active Season: Late fall during the annual "rut," especially in early morning and late afternoon Big 5 Highlights While Michigan is home to the "Big 3" of the Cervidae family - Moose, Elk, and White-Tailed Deer - only one of those reigns supreme in the Detroit region. You guessed it: the White-Tailed Deer , our state's official animal, and the most prolifically-dispersed of the "Big Five." As I type these words, Michigan is currently on the tail-end of " The Rut, " i.e. the breeding season for White-Tailed Deer. The Rut represents the brief time of year when deer are the most active, especially the largest antlered, male deer actively searching for females to reproduce with. Stated differently, regardless of whether you're actively hunting for deer or interested in spotting the largest bucks in our region, there's no better time than late fall to experience the largest of the "Big 5" of Detroit's urban wildlife . White-Tailed Deer live in every county in Michigan and use many different habitats across the state. However, southeast Michigan is notably overpopulated with White-Tailed Deer due to a combination of ample food, shelter, and a lack of natural predators found within a suburban environment , as well as relatively limited hunting access paired with abundant hunting restrictions. Where to Experience Michigan's official state motto is " Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice ," which translates to "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." Well, in the Detroit region, our motto could easily be "If you seek a healthy deer population , look about you." White-Tailed Deer are so prolific throughout Metro Detroit that several suburban communities are interested in reinstating urban hunting seasons in order to reign in the ecological and societal havoc caused by too many deer. Notable White-Tailed Deer populations are located at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Most municipal parks throughout Metro Detroit, especially in Farmington Hills and Southfield Rotary Park in Livonia Maybury State Park in Northville Oakland County Parks, especially Lyon Oaks County Park Washtenaw County Parks 5.   Great Blue Heron Binomial Name : Ardea herodias Endangerment Status: Least Concern (population increasing) Estimated Population within Michigan: 250,000 Most Active Season: Spring and summer months, especially at dawn and dusk Big 5 Highlights The Great Blue Heron represents the "Official Unofficial" state bird of Michigan - or at least the Detroit region . Beyond its prominence on nature-related signs and insignias, the Great Blue Heron is a fixture across our region's inland and costal waterways. They're especially visible due to their impressive size ( ~4.5 feet tall with ~6.5 feet wingspan ), striking blue-gray feathers, and iconic "S" shaped neck. Their very slow wingbeats, tucked-in neck and trailing legs create an unmistakable image in flight. Great Blue Herons tend to wade slowly or stand statue-like, stalking fish and other prey in shallow water or open fields. Watch for the lightning-fast thrust of the neck and head as they stab with their strong bills. A study found that herons ate mostly diseased fish that would have died shortly anyway. Herons, like most of our regional birds, are legally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Where to Experience Look for Great Blue Herons in freshwater habitats, from open coasts, marshes, sloughs, riverbanks, and lakes to even backyard ponds. They also forage in grasslands and agricultural fields. Notable Great Blue Heron populations are located at the following outdoor destinations near Detroit: Huron River, especially at Kensington Metropark Clinton River Lake St. Clair Metropark Palmer Park Rouge Park Belle Isle State Park, especially at the aptly-named Blue Heron Lagoon BOOK A GUIDED HIKE AT BELLE ISLE STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT What is your favorite animal that you've seen in the Detroit region's outdoors? Do you think that we missed an animal that should've been included in our "Big 5 of Detroit's Urban Wildlife" list? Let us know in the comments! Expedition Detroit is proud to showcase the Detroit region's world-class outdoor destinations, organizations, wildlife, and other amenities. If you operate a business, organization, or destination that you would like for us to highlight, please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to learn more.

Historic trails. Raging rapids. Fresh-pressed donuts. Join us on an Oakland County odyssey exploring the Paint Creek Trail and Clinton River Water Trail in this first installment of Trailblaze Detroit - a new adventure series from Visit Detroit and Expedition Detroit! " This. This right here. This is what it's all about. " I mumble those words while staring at a rush of whitewater rushing over an unseen ledge in the Clinton River, just south of Downtown Rochester, Michigan. I feel a sensation well up inside of me, one that I've felt countless times before in my life. Our resident adventure athletes know the one - an unforgettable fusion of excitement and nervousness as you're standing at the very edge of your comfort zone. You feel it at the starting line of your first marathon. Or before dropping in to your first black diamond ski run. Or as you take your first step into a multi-day backpacking expedition. A dopamine rush that adrenaline junkies chase all over the world, scouring the planet (and often blowing the budget) on the hunt for the next adventure. I'm not at all ashamed to admit that the whitewater ripping in front of my kayak intimidated me for a second. In fact, I relished it. Why? Because this sensation further proved the mantra that we at Expedition Detroit have preached for several years: The Detroit region is a world-class outdoor destination worth exploring, celebrating, and protecting. That belief is at the core of Trailblaze Detroit , a new adventure series that we're ecstatic to launch alongside our partner Visit Detroit . Each episode of the series will showcase heart-pounding outdoor experiences during each season of the Detroit region, highlighting the history, destinations, and insider tips along the way. Episode 1 had brought me, for the first time, face-to-face with the rapids of the Clinton River. In fact, it was a day full of "firsts" for both myself, the crew, and Detroit's recreational ecosystem as a whole. Let's drop into this "Trail of Firsts" - an Oakland County Odyssey - now. Oh, and don't worry - Episode 1 of Trailblaze Detroit is embedded at the end of this article! Biking the Paint Creek Trail : Michigan's Most Celebrated "Rail-to-Trail" Location: Oakland County ( Village of Lake Orion to Rochester, MI ) Length: 8.9 miles Recommended Activities: Biking, Hiking, Running, Cross-Country Skiing, Birding, Fishing, and Horseback Riding ( north of Dutton Road only ) Why You Should Visit: Discover firsthand why the Paint Creek Trail is celebrated as one of Michigan's elite "Pure Michigan Trails," including its stunning natural areas, historic significance, and accessible amenities. The adventure began in the Village of Lake Orion, the namesake of one of the Detroit region's few " Pure Michigan Trail Towns ": Orion Township. Beyond the logistical rationale for starting our bike along the Paint Creek Trail at its northern terminus in Lake Orion, I also couldn't fumble an opportunity to highlight the recreational significance of the Detroit region's first official "Trail Town." Lake Orion is truly the "Crossroads of Oakland County." The stunning village is home to not only the Paint Creek Trail, but also the 36.5 mile Polly Ann Trail, several miles of the Iron Belle Trail, and one of our region's preeminent adventure parks, Bald Mountain State Recreation Area. For aquatic enthusiasts, the waves of Lake Orion proper and flowing Paint Creek are also found within its confines. Put differently, if you're looking for a gateway to adventure near the city, do yourself a favor and direct your GPS for Lake Orion. The Paint Creek Trail in Lake Orion Meet the Paint Creek Trail As my talented videographer Jordan and I prepped our gravel bikes for the Paint Creek Trail, we realized that this was both of our first times ever experiencing the trail. " Another first for the day, " I quipped as we started peddling towards the trailhead. " What do you mean by that ," came the expected response. With the camera rolling, my answer provided the following highlight reel of the Paint Creek Trail's historic accolades: The trail opened in 1983 as Michigan's first non-motorized "Rail-to-Trail," built on top of the bed of the abandoned Penn Central Railroad line. In 1999, the White House designated the Paint Creek Trail as the physical representative of " Michigan's Millennium Legacy Trail " due to its service as "an excellent physical and operational example for other trails." The federal government further decorated the Paint Creek Trail in 2006, with the U.S. Department of the Interior declaring the trail as the first " National Recreation Trail " in Michigan. Last but certainly not least, the State of Michigan and the Pure Michigan® campaign designated the Paint Creek Trail as the Detroit region's first " Pure Michigan Trail " in 2023. These designations made the Paint Creek Trail an easy first destination for Episode 1 of Trailblaze Detroit . In full transparency, however, we had an entirely separate rationale for doing so. One that predates the trail's foundation, and even the railroad's operations. The Paint Creek Trail is universally-acclaimed for being a top recreational destination for experiencing the Detroit region's stunning array of fall colors. As we peddled along its forested miles, we paused gratuitously to take in the vibrant foliage that blanketed both sides of the trail. Every bridge crossing over the storybook Paint Creek provided postcard-ready images of an autumnal paradise. Another fantastic aspect of recreating on the Paint Creek Trail is that it's relatively effortless - that is, from a navigational perspective. Other than a construction-related detour through Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve ( spoiler alert: no past or present dinosaurs on site ), the trail provides a straight and relatively flat route through the heartland of Oakland County. You'll easily ride past historic cider mills and restored prairies near Goodison, pollinator gardens, and municipal parks. Our ride along the Paint Creek Trail ended seamlessly with one final crossing over Paint Creek and continuing through downtown Rochester on the Rochester River Walk trail. Another "first trail" for both Jordan and I, and we both marveled at its scenic route alongside the Rochester Hills Public Library and past the padlocks of the Deb McMillan Bridge. Finally, we had reached the terminus of our ride: the Clinton River Trail. Altogether we had biked over 11.5 miles from the trailhead of the Paint Creek Trail to the banks of the Clinton River. A true expedition that rewarded us with a panorama view of Oakland County's gorgeous landscapes. The adventure was only halfway complete, however; it was now time to swap the gravel bike for the kayak. The Clinton River; photo courtesy of Pure Michigan Paddling the Clinton River Water Trail : A Kayaker's Paradise of Rapids and Colors Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan ( Downtown Rochester to Yates Cider Mill ) Length:  3.2 miles Recommended Activities:  Kayaking ( experienced kayakers only ) Why You Should Visit:   Experience the rush of paddling one of the Detroit region's most technical - and enjoyable - rivers under peak fall colors. I caught my first glimpse of the Clinton River while biking past the thick brush on its northern river bank. All I saw was white water, rushing over rocks and other unseen obstacles. And when I say "rush," I mean rapids on par with some rivers that I had paddled out west. " Well that's different, " I thought as I finished the ride towards my truck, where my trusty Oru Kayak waited impatiently for assembly. The Oru and I had paddled over most of the Detroit region's celebrated waterways, especially the Detroit River, Huron River , Rouge River, Cass Lake, and countless other lakes, creeks, and streams that make our region a paddler's paradise. The Oru had even set out on Lake Huron in daunting early spring conditions. Throughout all of my Detroit region maritime expeditions, however, this ~5K outing would provide a full itinerary of "firsts." First time paddling the Clinton River. First time navigating "advanced" kayaking terrain in the Detroit region. And the first time handling a plethora of logistical challenges while en route. Meet the Clinton River Water Trail Winding through the northeastern heart of the Detroit region, the Clinton River Water Trail represents a bucket list-worthy destination for paddling, fishing, and boating adventures. Flowing for approximately 81.5 miles, the Clinton River navigates through communities, parks, forests, and wetlands, offering paddlers a diverse range of landscapes to explore. From practically-still waters to Class II-III rapids, the Clinton River provides an adventure for all skill levels, confirming the water trail as a paddling paradise for beginners and seasoned kayakers alike. Unlike the Paint Creek Trail and Clinton River Trail, the Clinton River Water Trail represents one of only 8 official Michigan Water Trails that exist in the Detroit region. Generally speaking, Michigan's Water Trail are state-designated routes along lakes, rivers, canals, or bays for small boats like kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, single sailboats, or rowboats. Our regional water trails are typically near significant historical, environmental, or cultural points of interest - include nearby amenities such as restaurants, hotels, and campgrounds. We had planned our route along the Clinton River Water Trail with a particular "nearby amenity" in mind: Yates Cider Mill , Michigan's first water-powered mill and quintessential fall destination. Map of the Clinton River Water Trail; courtesy of Clinton River Watershed Council As noted above, not all segments of the Clinton River Water Trail are created equal. The majority of the Clinton River provides suitable conditions for paddlers of all experience levels. However, the heart of the river - from approximately Mile 44 near Pontiac to Mile 25.4 in Utica - consists of fast-moving, intermediate-advanced conditions described proactively as "DANGEROUS/CHALLENGING AND ARE NOT FOR BEGINNERS." If not already abundantly clear, our direct route to donuts was located in the advanced segment. Actually, in the dead center of the advanced section. The technical requirements of this segment of the Clinton River Water Trail became evident roughly 2 seconds after dropping into the river. The Diversion Street launch hospitably plunges you directly into the first of countless rapids, which continue to make their presence known consistently through this segment. For a thrill-seeker like myself, I was in heaven - fully immersed in what is, without a doubt, one of the greatest and most challenging outdoor adventures that you can find in the Detroit region. Paddling this section of the Clinton River isn't solely an adrenaline-pumping rush. Typically, after navigating successive rapids, the river would acquiesce to a stunningly calm and scenic length of natural beauty. These brief segments not only recharged my nerves, but provided unmatched vistas of the brilliant foliage and wildlife that decorated the narrow riverbanks. The stunning scenery relaxes and wisps your thoughts away for those blissful moments... until the next gauntlet of rapids demands your undivided attention . My expedition on the Clinton River was not without incident. The tight, winding nature of the water trail meant that several natural obstacles, like logs, rocks, and other woody debris, provided consistent navigational challenges. As Trailblaze Detroit viewers will enjoy, at one such point my kayak got pinned against a fallen log, which tilted the open-bodied Oru enough for the river to pour in - and promptly flip the kayak . That segment of the Clinton River through Bloomer Park was relatively shallow, so I immediately stood up, grabbed the kayak, and waded carefully to the riverbank. Fortunately, the only casualty of the incident was my soaked pants. Thanks to my water-proof jacket , water-resistant personal flotation device ( with water-proof compartments ), and proper footwear, I was back on the river in a matter of minutes with a dry torso ( key for maintaining core temperature ), functioning equipment, and a slightly bruised ego. Safety should always be your top priority before launching any paddling adventure, but especially on the advanced segments of the Clinton River Water Trail. Here are the top safety tips for navigating the water trail: Be aware of the water temperature, weather conditions, and remaining daylight . Always paddle with the proper equipment. Never paddling alone and always share your itinerary and GPS location with a friend. Know how to swim. Bring a spare change of clothes in a dry bag. Wear river footwear and always wear a personal flotation device. Label all of your gear and your canoe/kayak with your name. When I finally reached the end of the route, my muscles yearned for the replenishment of Michigan's most renowned donuts and cider. The aftermath of 11.5 miles of biking, immediately followed by 3.2 miles of technical kayaking, tend to have that effect. With my appetite for adventure satisfied, I loaded up the kayak and crossed Dequindre Road at the final destination for this odyssey: Yates Cider Mill . Historic Yates Cider Mill; photo courtesy of Yates Cider Mill Yates Cider Mill : The Delicious Finale of a World-Class Adventure Location: 950 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, Michigan Operating Hours: 8AM - 6PM (M- F), 10AM - 5PM (Weekend) Why You Should Visit:   Enjoy the Delicacies of Michigan's First Cider Mill alongside the Clinton River. While the United States found itself engulfed in the Civil War, an entrepreneurial couple made a purchase on the edge of a newly settled frontier. After closing the acquisition in 1863, William and Caroline Yates dreamed of converting their pristine 80 acres alongside the Clinton River into a booming saw mill. Shortly thereafter, the couple also realized that their powerful mill could be used to grind various grains. Then, in 1874, a transformative breakthrough occurred when the Yates family started pressing apples. By 1894, the Yates family mill along the banks of the Clinton River had a sole function: producing Michigan's favorite autumnal beverage, cider. One hundred and sixty-two years later, Yates Cider Mill is still producing not only cider, but generational memories throughout Metro Detroit. Photo courtesy of Yates Cider Mill No Michigan fall is complete without at least one visit to a cider mill, and we can thank Yates for starting - and perfecting - that tradition. While the cider mill is a year-round family destination, its primetime undoubtedly starts when the apples ripen and the leaves start changing colors. Fresh cider, warm donuts, and bakery treats flow from its production line as fast as the Clinton, and Yates' famous "Apple Tent" provides visitors with either pre-bagged apples or the opportunity to bag their own. You guessed it - this trip to Yates Cider Mill was also a first for me, and it was absolutely worth the mileage. Fresh donuts and a cup of warm cider pair perfectly with a side of adventure, especially when enjoying them along the banks of the Clinton River. A final sip of cider while watching the sun set beyond the river closed out not only this first installment of Trailblaze Detroit , but also an idyllic fall day exploring our regional outdoors. As I walked back to my truck, I couldn't help but feel gratitude for the opportunity of a lifetime to call Metro Detroit home. The immensity of culture, history, and recreational opportunities found here - most of which are hiding in plain sight, waiting to be rediscovered - are simply unmatched. Today's saga further bolstered that belief - and we expect even more from Episode 2. CHECK OUT EPISODE 1 OF TRAILBLAZE DETROIT - LIVE NOW ON YOUTUBE ! Trailblaze Detroit is a multimedia series co-produced by Visit Detroit and Expedition Detroit . The core purpose of the series is to promote outdoor adventure tourism and discovery throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, as well as highlight the Detroit region's natural spaces, seasonal activities, hidden outdoor gems, and the individuals that support them. Are you interested in using adventure marketing to promote your organization or business? Awesome - we're here to help! Contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com or 734.821.6416 to learn more. (734) 821-6416

Michigan's Opening Day for the 2025 whitetail deer firearm season is this Saturday, November 15th ! As you finalize your deer camp preparation, here are 5 essential checklist items for every hunter to cross-off before heading into the woods - as well as 7 safety tips for non-hunters on recreating during firearm season. Friday, November 14th, 2025. 8 o'clock in the morning. The forests and fields throughout the Great State of Michigan are calm under the shroud of overcast skies and a light rain. You could even say eerily calm. Like a deep, restorative inhale of oxygen. This "inhale" isn't coincidental. It's mandated by law . Friday is the final day of Michigan's annual 5-day " quiet period ." A short pause after a month+ of whitetail bowhunting season where our local wild lands are provided an opportunity to pause, reset, and relax without the intermittent crack of a combustible projectile. That all changes on Saturday. In fact, Michigan's outdoors will dramatically change by 8AM that day - and remain changed until December. November 15th is Michigan's official-unofficial state holiday: the Opening Day of Firearm White Deer Season . A generational favorite past time featuring a palpable sentiment of hope permeating through the woods. Regardless of your degree of success during the first leg of bow season - the shut-outs, busts, misses, or glorious harvests - your record is wiped as clean as a fresh blanket of snow. Everything can change in a moment , and with so many hunters shuffling around in the woods on one glorious day, the only thing to expect is the unexpected. With less than 72 hours to go before the first "CRACK" will announce the arrival of firearm season, here is Team Expedition Detroit 's essential "Opening Day Checklist" for every hunter to review and adhere to before stepping into the woods. Each of these actions are intended not only as material preparations for Opening Day, but to recalibrate a hunter's mindset towards the most important aspects of an ethical hunt . Not a hunter? WAIT - don't close out your tab quite yet. We have also included a best practices punch list for safely recreating outdoors during firearm season. 1. PURCHASE YOUR HUNTING LICENSE This shouldn't come as a surprise, but we at Expedition Detroit highly frown upon poaching - especially when it comes at the expense of the DNR . Whitetail hunting licenses are readily available for purchase at most large shopping centers, gun stores, or online . This map maintained by the DNR pins every location where hunting licenses are sold. You MUST carry your hunting license and government-issued identification used to purchase the license EVERY TIME that you enter the field. A DNR conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer, or any law enforcement officer has the right to demand that you present your hunting license upon request. In my professional opinion as an attorney, I strongly advise that you do not find yourself in a situation where your license is not readily-available upon such a request. 2. REVIEW YOUR LOCAL HUNTING REGULATIONS Now that you have the licensed right to hunt, the next step is determining how you can exercise that right. We at Expedition Detroit jump on this step every year through publishing our annual " Michigan Hunting Cheatsheet " articles. Our "Cheatsheet" includes a direct link to the DNR's Hunting Digest - a hunter's Bible for any and all regulations or instructive information that could come into play this season. For whitetail deer, the key regulation to note for us in the Detroit region is that we are in the "limited firearm zone." Limited Firearms include a shotgun, a handgun that is .35-caliber or larger with straight-walled cartridges, a .35-caliber or larger rifle with straight-walled cartridges with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.80 inches, and a .35-caliber or larger air rifle or pistol charged only from an external, high compression power source. Other regulations to review include legal hunting hours, firearm safety zones, tagging and mandatory reporting, and clothing requirements ( spoiler alert : wear hunter orange as your outermost garments, like your vest and hat , that are visible from all sides). 3. PREPARE YOUR HUNTING LOCATION Alright, you're crushing it : you have your license and you're all read-up on the applicable regulations. The next crucial item in your pre-opener checklist is to drill down the details surrounding your hunting location and set-up. This item will vary in complexity depending on the specifics of your hunt - heading out to your property's cushy box-blind is a far cry from trekking half a mile into public land with a climbing stand strapped to your back. The two main considerations for this step are (1) securing access rights and (2) your safety in the stand . Access rights obviously aren't as a significant of a factor if you are hunting your own land or a friend's private land, but you should be familiar with the boundaries of the property that you are hunting. If the deer that you're tracking wanders onto another's private land, then you will need to obtain that land owner's permission before continuing to track your deer . For safety, certain hunting setups will require additional equipment. If you are planning on sitting on a bucket on top of a ridge, congratulations - you are all set. If you are planning on hunting from a ladder, climber, or any other elevated setup, then we strongly advise you to purchase a harness for your safety in the stand. The vast majority of hunting accidents requiring an emergency room visit result from falling from tree stands. Also, never carry a loaded firearm with you while entering an elevated stand. There are plenty of cheap market " tow ropes " for your firearm that you should carry with you into the field, attach one end to your firearm's sling and the other to either your harness or stand, and then tow your unloaded firearm up to your location once you are safely in your elevated hunting setup. If you plan on hunting public land, be sure to check out the DNR's "MI-HUNT" interactive map to identify public lands that are open to hunting. We also recommend scouting public land prior to entering the woods on Opening Day, but this is more of a strong suggestion than a necessity. As always, be extremely courteous to and mindful of other hunters as you enter and exit public land - try to limit your movement to outside of peak hunting hours (roughly 7AM - 10AM and 2PM - 6PM). 4. SIGHT IN YOUR FIREARM After poaching, the next worse sin that any ethical hunter could commit is venturing out into the woods with an inaccurate firearm. Beyond the eternal regret of missing a trophy buck that generously provides a perfect broad-side shot in the your shooting lane, maiming a deer with a poorly-placed shot will guarantee that (1) you do not recover the animal and (2) the deer will suffer immensely and unnecessarily before expiring. Simply put, we owe it to the animals that we hunt to deliver quick, well-placed, and ethical shots. Fortunately, the cost of zeroing-in your firearm usually only requires a handful of rounds at a gun range - typically no more than 30 minutes to an hour of your time. If you don't already have a go-to gun range, the DNR maintains several throughout the Detroit region (the range at Island Lake Recreation Area is my favorite outdoor range). Shooting until you have a consistent and accurate shot-placement grouping from 100 yards is the recommended distance. As noted prior, we are still in the "quiet period" as of the publication of this article. During this time, it is cannot carry afield or transport any rifle (including rimfire) or shotgun if you have buckshot, slug, ball loads or cut shells. Here are the two exceptions to the "quiet period" regulations: • You can transport a firearm to your deer camp or to a target range during this period if the firearm is properly transported. • You can target shoot on your own property provided there is no attempt to take game. 5. PREPARE TO BE PRESENT In Season 9 of Netflix's hit show " MeatEater ," host (and fellow Michigander) Steven Rinella asks legendary Alaskan wilderness guide Buck Bowden a simple question: " What makes a good hunter in your mind? " Buck's response made an impression on me that I have since packed into every hunt: " One that has a positive attitude every day, that when he's out there hunting, he's happy and just having a great time. Not stressed out thinking, 'I've gotta have this animal' or 'When's it gonna happen? '" That response resonated strongly with me, largely because I had sabotaged several hunts in my early hunting years through unmet expectations. Hunters young and old love to tell stories of the glory days; the moments when a 12-point buck came storming out at first light, providing an idyllic shot with hardly any blood-trailing. Hunters often skirt by the misses, lost deer, or unfathomable number of hours spent in a deer stand with hardly a squirrel-sighting to show for it. Social media feeds showcasing only once-in-a-lifetime deer with every scroll have only poured gasoline on the fire of clinically unmet expectations. And for me, as a young hunter, I left the woods several times frustrated, angry, and cursing the day that my interest in hunting first spawned. The God's honest truth is that deer hunting is largely a sport of failure. Any honest, seasoned hunter will absolutely stand by this statement. In the Midwest, the average rate of hunter success for harvesting a single deer is ~40%. In Michigan , that figure is fortunately closer to 50%. Still, 50% odds are less than ideal for most recreational pursuits. But here's the thing - that's what makes hunting beautiful . The hours, days, and sometimes seasons spent without any clear sign of success will only amplify that eventual rewarding, ethical harvest. Just as Buck clearly pointed out, the harvest should only provide the icing on the cake of a complete and rewarding hunting experience . As you prepare to head into the woods tomorrow morning, please don't forget to focus on the bountiful harvest of mental health benefits that you should also pursue while in the stand - none of which involve the taking of wild game: Being completely present in the moment. Finding solitude in the woods. Ample time to tune out the constant noise of modern life . Wildlife viewing and explorative land scouting. Breathing in fresh, crisp air. Engaging in outdoor exercise . Camaraderie with family and friends. Gratitude for every facet of the experience. If you were to apply those descriptors to any other outdoor recreation activity, no one would doubt the success of your outing. Hunting shouldn't be any different, regardless of whether you're able to fire a shot. Focusing on these aspects of the hunt will also inherently calm your spirit and nerves - trust me, you will be immensely thankful for this once that elusive deer finally wanders your way. Photo courtesy of the Ice Age Trail Alliance What About Non-Hunters? In light of the arrival of firearm hunting season, here are seven Expedition Detroit  tips for avoiding hiker-hunter conflicts across our region's most beloved outdoor destinations: 1. REVIEW LOCAL REGULATIONS.   Regardless of whether you're hiking or hunting, do your homework before hitting the trail on whether hunting is permitted along your route. As a general guideline, Michigan's "State Recreation Areas" permit hunting unless stated otherwise; conversely, Michigan's "State Parks" prohibit hunting unless stated otherwise . 2. WEAR BRIGHT ORANGE.   While " hunter orange " is required for hunters during certain firearm seasons, we strongly  advise both hunters and hikers to wear at least one article of orange clothing on public land trails between September 15th and January 31st ("Hunting Season"). Aside from regulatory requirements, wearing orange promotes both safety and awareness along our shared trails. 3. MIND YOUR PETS.    This one goes out directly to hikers along hunting-permitted trails that enjoy trekking with your four-legged best friend. Hikers should keep their dogs on-leash throughout Hunting Season. Dogs should also be outfitted with blaze orange attire (leashes or vests) . 4. LEAVE ANY AGENDA AT THE TRAILHEAD.   While we all have our own particular ethics, morals, politics, or other heartfelt leanings, the only  mindset that each of us should be packing into the woods is a spirit of enjoyment, rejuvenation, exploration, and lawful recreation . Hunters, this means recognizing the responsibility that accommodates the joy of ethical hunting . Hikers, this means recognizing that hunters have the right to lawfully pursue their chosen recreational activity. Both groups should remember that both poaching  and hunter harassment  are actionable offenses under Michigan state law . If you suspect that the actions of either a hiker or hunter have violated Michigan state law, DO NOT  ESCALATE  the situation by attempting to confront the suspected person. Instead, contact the DNR's law enforcement's communications center via 800-292-7800 .           5. MIND THE TRAIL.   Trail awareness for both hikers and hunters is very, very important during Hunting Season. For hikers, the ask is quite direct: STAY ON TRAIL . Other than aligning with " Leave No Trace " best practices, keeping to the trail will minimize your likelihood of interacting with hunters in the field. For hunters, we advise that you setup at least 100-150 yards from any maintained trails . Beyond minimizing the likelihood of interacting with other hunters and trail users during your hunt, this is also a best practice for safety during especially firearm season. 6. MAXIMIZE YOUR RECREATION WINDOWS.   Popular hiking and hunting windows do not inherently need to overlap during Hunting Season. Although hunters can technically head into the woods at any time with daylight, the " peak hunting hours " are typically 3 hours after sunrise and 3 hours before sunset (i.e., complete darkness). The hunting windows do fluctuate with changes in daylight, although planning to recreate as close to mid-day as possible would be a non-hunter's best bet for diminishing the likelihood of seeing a hunter along the trail. Also, don't forget about headlamp hiking  and the perks of nighttime recreation , which by law are 100% void of any hunters. 7. SMILE.   This might be the single most important - and simplest - item on this list. In fact, this point was brought up during the 2023 Michigan Outdoor Summit  as a key action step towards making Michigan's outdoors a more welcoming, sustainable, and economically viable space. If you see someone on the trail that looks different than you, is engaging in a different recreational activity than you, or appears either intimidated or disgruntled by you - just smile at them . Let's go even further and say "Hi!" to them. Beyond humanizing your shared experience and introducing a second or two of kindness into their day, this simple act is the best way to prevent any sort of contentious situation from arising. Plus, smiling requires less effort than frowning.   This article is not intended to be a complete checklist of every article of clothing or piece of gear that you should acquire prior to your Opening Day morning sit. Warm clothing (don't forget insulated boots and thick socks), a sharp hunting knife, and other common hunting gear are obvious prerequisites for any hunt. You should also make sure that you are familiar with how to properly field dress a deer - especially if you will be hunting with only novice hunters. The Expedition Detroit team wishes you nothing but success, good times, and safe hunts as you venture into the woods on Opening Day. Please feel free to leave any comments below regarding other helpful firearm tips that hunters new and old would appreciate reading. We can't wait to see you out there!

The leaves and temperatures may be rapidly dropping, but the Detroit region's outdoor events calendar will stay vibrant throughout November. Here is the Expedition Detroit rundown of the top ten outdoor events near Detroit that we're STOKED about experiencing. Happy Turkey Month, Detroit! You heard it here first: November is the most underrated month for outdoor recreation throughout the ENTIRE year . While some may be tempted to view this month as a " shoulder season " - the transitory guide from the peak autumn colors of October to the fresh snowfall of December  - we are immensely excited about the outdoor action that you can only experience during November, especially  when it comes to these 10 premiere outdoor events. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we would like to publish that we're extremely thankful  for the hosts and vendors that brave the cooling temperatures to stage these end-of-season events. We invite you to share in our gratitude by joining in with one, two, or all of these top 10 outdoor events near Detroit for November! 1. Run with the Dead for Día de los Muertos November 1st | Southwest Detroit | 7 a.m. Brace yourself - an action-packed November begins TOMORROW , November 1st! The festivities begin with Detroit's predominantly Latino community that will continue to honor and celebrate the dear-departed well into the first week of November. Día de los Muertos - " Day of the Dead " in Spanish - is one of the most widely-celebrated cultural holidays across the United States, especially among Southwest Detroit's residents of Mexican heritage. As part of the festive celebrations, the Southwest Detroit Business Association is hosting its annual " Run of the Dead " 5K/10K race and fundraiser for the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest . Don't forget to pack in family photos of your ancestors to add to the festival's ofrenda . 2. Burn Through the Trails at the Bonfyre Trail Fest November 8th | Waterloo State Recreation Area | 10 a.m. In early November, the trails on the western rim of the Detroit region are set ablaze with excitement during the annual Bonfyre Trail Fest ! Bonfyre represents the last event of RF Event's fantastic " GOAT Trail Series " for the 2025 season, and will include 5, 10, and 18-mile trail races. The perks of this trail runner's dream event go far beyond the post-race beer garden, live music, and roaring bonfires - you'll be running the famous, roller-coaster DTE Energy Foundation Trails at Waterloo State Recreation Area. EXPLORE WATERLOO STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. Hunt for Hoots on an Owl Hike Throughout November | Lake Erie and Oakwoods Metroparks | 6 p.m. With the days getting shorter, there's no better time to experience one of the Detroit region's most elusive residents - our local owls! Fortunately for all of us, our friends at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks are experts concerning all matters nocturnal birds of prey. Visit Lake Erie Metropark for a guided "Owl Prowl" hike on November 7th and 21, as well as Oakwoods Metropark for its " Evening Owl Prowls " occurring throughout the month. Both events include 2 hour, entirely outdoor programs aimed at learning about - and experiencing - Eastern Screech Owls and other resident owls in their natural habitats. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. the day before the program. Photo courtesy of Kona Running Company. 4. Run for the Fudge of It at the Kona Chocolate Run November 9th   | Belle Isle State Park    | 9 a.m.   One of Kona Running Company's  slogans is "Run for the Fun of It." Well, for this uniquely-chocolate themed final race of their 2025 season, Kona invites runners of all skillsets to run for the fudge  of it during its annual Kona Chocolate Run  event! Ready for more?   The Kona Chocolate Run has COMPLETELY revamped what was already a fan-favorite race for its 2025 rendition!  This year includes a new location at stunning Belle Isle State Park  in Detroit, as well as 5K, 10K, and a new 15K events. Fortunately, crossing the finish line still provides runners with the rewards they crave: the l egendary Chocolate Buffet , including multiple stations filled with steaming hot cocoa, cakes and muffins, ice cream, chocolate-dipped treats, creamy chocolate milk, candies, and the famous chocolate bar carving station. Come for the course. Stay for the chocolate. 5. Get in the Woods for Whitetail Deer Firearm Opening Day November 15th | Statewide in Michigan Waking up on November 15th in Michigan is always an interesting experience.  No, you're not hearing a delayed Fourth of July party or a Civil War reenactment kicking off at 7:30 a.m. on a Wednesday. You are in fact witnessing the "official-unofficial Michigan state holiday" - the opening day of whitetail deer firearm season . The most celebrated day of the year for hunters and the single most important day of the year for the Michigan DNR's conservation efforts . A festive experience that we at Expedition Detroit encourage all of our readers to participate in, even if that's just by purchasing a tag  to financially support the DNR's operations and protection of our precious natural resources. Planning on heading into the woods this year? Please take a minute or two to review our " Opening Day Checklist " article prior to the 15th. For any non-hunters that plan on venturing into the woods on the 15th, please wear blaze orange  outer clothing  - especially  if you plan on trekking through the woods around sunrise or sunset hours. Even if hunting is not permitted along your typical hiking route, the gun opener has a unique ability to draw out hunters of varying degrees of experience and ethics . Be safe, be seen . GEAR UP FOR DEER SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 6. Celebrate National Hiking Day Exploring your Local Trails November 17th   | Throughout Detroit Region Did we need the prompt of a national holiday to celebrate hiking? No, of course not. Are we stoked that one exists and will therefore celebrate excessively? Yes, of course we will. In honor of the wealth of hiking opportunities  that we have in our region, we at Expedition Detroit  plan on hosting several guided hikes throughout the Detroit region on National Hiking Day. We are offering an exclusive discount code  - HIKEFORALL - for ALL GUIDED TRIPS  during the week of November 17th through 23rd ! REMEMBER : Please wear blaze orange  on your National Hiking Day adventures since the holiday comes during the middle of the regular firearm season  in Michigan). CELEBRATE NATIONAL HIKING DAY ON A GUIDED HIKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 7. Express your Gratitude for our State Lands by Giving Back Throughout November   |  Various Michigan State Recreation Areas If you're reading this article, then we'd be willing to bet that you've enjoyed our Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas thoroughly during " peak season " this year.  In fact, you're probably still enjoying our trails that are decorated with brilliant foliage  - and we hope that you'll join us in continuing to explore them well into the winter months . Our collective ability to enjoy year-round access to Southeast Michigan's pristine trails relies heavily on the work of a small group of individuals. Shockingly small. This Thanksgiving season, let's express our immense gratitude for their tireless efforts by volunteering at a DNR-led "Volunteer Stewardship Workday" event.  The DNR will be hosting 5 across the Detroit region this November: Pinckney Recreation Area  (November 2nd, 23rd, and 30th), Bald Mountain Recreation Area  (November 8th), and Waterloo Recreation Area (November 29th). Work crew activities will focus on piling brush, stacking firewood, cutting invasive shrubs, and restoring wetlands. Rainboots or other waterproof boots are recommended for these events, and preregistration is required. Photo courtesy of The Parade Company. 8. Embrace being "That Relative" and Run a Turkey Trot November 27th - 28th | Various Locations Restful holiday sleep be damned, you have a race to run! Seriously though, we wholly-endorse ignoring the social media memes, setting your alarm, and getting up early to run a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot before the holiday traditions literally and figuratively consume the rest of your day. The Detroit Parade Company's annual Turkey Trot is undoubtedly the hallmark race of the holiday, although Running Fit's Ann Arbor Turkey Trot is also a very popular event. There's an option for avid trail runners as well - Move-It Fitness will be hosting both its "Turkey TRAIL Trot" AND "Leftovers" races at Stony Creek Metropark, which include half-marathon, 10K, 4-mile, and 2-mile trail races for participants. 9. Skip the Mall for a Black Friday Outdoors November 28th | Rolling Hills Park and Proud Lake State Recreation Area   Stick it to the consumerist machine! Or don't, we really don't judge here at Expedition Detroit. However, if you do decide to follow the outdoor industry's lead to #OptOutside, then do we have the perfect events for you! Mountain Bikers : The Potowatomi Mountain Biking Association is leading its annual " Black Friday Ride " at 10 a.m. across Rolling Hills , covering a total of 15 miles of single track and gravel riding. Launching from the Rolling Hills Lodge, the ride will cover about 7 miles at Rolling Hills. Post-ride pizza and refreshments will be waiting for you back at the Rolling Hills Lodge. Trail Runners : Yes, the late-season races keep coming! Trivium Racing will continue its annual Thanksgiving weekend racing tradition, the Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon and 7.5 Miler trail race at 11 a.m.. The pristine trails of Proud Lake State Recreation Area will host the event - honestly, that alone provides a great reason to register. We're also thankful for the perfect excuse for going for that second (ok, third ) plate during Thanksgiving dinner! Milford Gobbler Gallop; photo courtesy of Running Venture 10. Run in the Milford Gobbler Gallop November 29th   | Milford, Michigan    | 8 a.m. Let's be honest  - even the most hardened runners enjoy some well-earned rest & relaxation sometimes, especially when it comes to holidays. That being said, missing out on a tradition like a Thanksgiving weekend run also doesn't sit well with holiday-orientated outdoor enthusiasts. If only it were possible to sleep in on Thanksgiving Day, watch the Lions , enjoy your Thanksgiving meals, and THEN burn off the calories with a festive run. Call it a Thanksgiving miracle: our friends at Running Venture  have crafted this EXACT holiday scenario for us all to experience!  With Thanksgiving and Black Friday in the rearview mirror, head over to Downtown Milford  on Saturday, November 25th, to run in RV's " Gobbler Gallop " race series. This year's series includes 1 mile, 4 mile, AND double event opportunities that wind out through downtown Milford, onto the beautiful Milford Trail, and finish back on Main Street.  All event registrations include race swag like a custom race shirt, medal, and refreshments. We'll see you at the starting line! Happy November to you all - we can’t wait to see you out there! This article contains sponsored content for which Expedition Detroit  has received compensation. Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? Awesome - we would love to hear from you! Please contact us  at info@expeditiondetroit.com    or (734) 821-6416 to discuss Expedition Detroit  feature opportunities.

With legs still aching and post-race euphoria still beaming, Expedition Detroit's Founder shares his "point-of-view" experience running his first marathon at the "Best Marathon in America": the Detroit Free Press Marathon . " Yeah. Let's do this. " More than 26,000 aspiring runners had signed up for the weekend's main events, but for a few brief moments, only one runner approached the soaked starting line. With the early morning rain and wind pelting the eager group of runners waiting in Corral "D," this particular runner suddenly remembered this his bib had the letter "B" on it. The runners with "Cs" were just finishing their send off, strutting off into the storm. Roughly 50 yards of dark, wet, and empty Fort Street remained between this runner and the initiation of a dream that had captivated his athletic goals for 20+ years - and thwarted them for over a decade. He dipped under the Corral "D" rope, deeply breathing in the crisp, monsoon air. Each step slowly and carefully placed, resisting the inevitable adrenaline rush of starting a race. Especially this race. THE race. Finally the steps ran out. In ritualistic fashion, the runner raised his left wrist, pressed a button that signaled an all-too-familiar chime from his Garmin watch , and a timer commenced. At 7:15AM on October 19th, yours truly started running the 2025 Detroit Free Press Marathon - voted by USA Today as the "Best Marathon in America." This marathon was not only my first 26.2 mile venture, but also represented the culmination of decades of dreaming, planning, injuries, successes, and a library's worth of life lessons. My quads are still burning as I write these words, so the memories of the experience are as fresh as the leftover finish line bananas. If running a marathon remains unchecked on your bucket list, then this article is for you. If your goals have been chronically undercut by injuries or the unexpected twists and turns of life, then this article is especially for you. Without further delay, here is a first time marathoner's POV account of running the " Best Marathon in America ": the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Vice President Al Gore with his daughters at the 1997 Marine Corps Marathon The Journey to the Starting Line | October 1997 - 2025 There are near-infinite ways to train for a marathon, but one constant is that the race begins long, long before the starting line. Something, at some point, sparked the interest. No one has ever just woke up one day and blurted out " You know what, I want to pay to subject myself to a 26.2 mile death march! Yeah!! " No, there's always a specific moment where the dopamine of inspiration first hit. Mine occurred shortly after October 26th, 1997. The first thing that I remember is the texture of the red and yellow ribbon. " Check this out, Daniel ," Jerry Leachman , a life-long mentor and one of my best friend's dad, said to me as he extended a military dog tag-shaped medal towards me. " I just ran the Marine Corps Marathon. How cool is this? " The medal itself was indeed very cool, but the true reason of why that memory remains intact 28 years later is that it was the first time that I ever heard the word " marathon ." Or at least heard it in a way that registered something personal, tangible, and aspirational. That's owed a lot to the man who was holding the medal. Jerry was, and continues to be, one of my personal heroes. As a kid, I looked up to Jerry as an outdoorsman, athlete, and a man of great faith and personal conviction. The Leachman home was decorated in memorabilia from his years playing football at the University of Alabama under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, trips all over the world, photos with U.S. presidents and foreign dignitaries, and other accolades that captivated my young mind. Put differently, if someone with Jerry's caliber of character and experience was excited about running a marathon, then I wanted - no, needed - to do the same. At the starting line of the 2015 Novi Half Marathon That childhood dream laid dormant for 13 years, mostly due to prioritizing team sports like soccer, hockey, football, and lacrosse over running. Even during those years, however, there were inklings of interest in endurance sports. When my family first moved to Michigan in 2007, my older brother and I completed all of a week of cross-country running before quitting. He always had a sprinter's build and hated anything beyond a 5K. I hated the thought of running long miles through an unfamiliar community by myself, but I started to love the feeling of accomplishment of completing lengthy runs literally the day before we quit. Fast forward to May of 2015, I completed my first half marathon - the Novi Half Marathon - with a P.R. that still holds up and two shins riddled with micro-fractures. I swore off distance running after that event due to the pain of committing every training faux pas imaginable. More so than my legs, my mind needed 2 years to recover from the trauma of those mistakes before running - and falling in love with - the 2017 Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon . The journey from the 2017 Freep Marathon to this year's rendition alone provided a rollercoaster of running successes and failures. The high points included falling in love with competitive trail running and regularly winning age group awards in the 10K "sprint" and half marathon events. The low points all consisted of injuries and significant life turns that resulted in chronically-deferred full marathon entries - 3 to be exact. Here's a short list of the contributing factors that lead to missed marathons: Shin splints and corresponding micro-fractures Stress of law school and studying for the Michigan Bar Exam Extensor tendonitis Adjusting to new employment positions Starting a new business ( this one ) Navigating an unexpected divorce Training for climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro Iliotibial ("IT") band syndrome FINALLY, in 2025, the well of limiting factors ran dry. With my 2024 deferred registration in place, I spent this year revitalizing my IT band issues , cross-training, and prioritizing the marathon as THE top priority for my training. In other words, every other athletic pursuit needed to serve the all-consuming purpose of marathon training. Distractions or detractions were strictly off limits. Marathon or bust. No more excuses. My point in providing this quarter century overview is to illustrate that every marathoner has a story. One does not simply arrive at the starting line; beyond the months of training, cultivating the ability to run 26.2 miles starts with inspiration and endures through all of the hurdles that life can manage to throw at you. That's why you'll see so many runners crying at the finish line. The race means so much more than any of us realize. Let's get to the race now. The Wam-Up Phase   |   Miles 1 - 3 Energy Level: Nervous anticipation Pacing Strategy: 10 minute/mile pace Actual Pace: 10:30 minute/mile pace With a decade+ of running experience behind me - and a dialed-in pre-race routine executed - all that was left to do was to start the race. The night before I had housed down enough chicken pad thai to feed a small village and managed to get ~6 hours of pre-race sleep. I leapt out of bed at 4:30 a.m. sharp to have a cup of tea, take a 5 minute cold plunge, eat a power breakfast of toast, peanut better, honey, banana, and chia seeds, and gulp down a small cup of coffee to "get the system moving" ( critical step of the pre-race routine ). I was on the road at 5:30 on the dot to get downtown with ample time. Parking was a madhouse, hence my arrival to the starting line with Corral "D" vs. my designated "B." Once positioned front and center in Corral D, fully-engulfed by both the rain and crowd, I glanced at my watch. The time read 7:14 a.m. I knew that my girlfriend and two friends would be arriving to the festivities in a few hours, braving the inclement weather for a few hours only to see me pass by in a matter of seconds. I was suddenly hit with the sentiment that every second spent standing there, waiting to start, was a second more that they would have to endure the poor conditions. " Screw that ,"I thought to myself. I ducked under the rope and started the steady march to the starting line. With the watch activated and the legs moving, I was off with thousands of my closest friends into the darkness of the early, eery morning. Most of the runners appeared visibly bothered by the rain and wind. Not I - I found the inhospitable conditions invigorating . The perfect recipe for pushing your body and mind well outside of its comfort zone . My game plan was to spend the first few miles "warming up," which for me meant a ~10 minute per mile pace. I intentionally shortened my stride and focused on not giving in to the cardinal sin of going too fast, too early. Mile 1 down Fort Street came in at a 10:12 pace, spent largely trying to avoid the massive puddles of rainwater pooling in the street. " Perfect ," I audibly said as the pace came through my headphones. Mile 2 hit towards the end of crossing the Ambassador Bridge, which is THE definitive highlight of the whole marathon experience. I kept my legs moving and mind focused while crossing the bridge, but you couldn't help but smile watching everyone's faces light up at how damn cool of an experience running across the bridge is. From the views to the fact that you're actively running into a new country, there's an innate rush to running over the Ambassador Bridge that makes it a bucket list-worthy experience. By the end of Mile 3, I was averaging a 10:30 minute pace. Notably more conservative than my initial game plan, so I hoped it would pay off in a few hours. In the meantime, I figured that the slower miles meant that I could feed the adrenaline rush that I had been ignoring for the past 30 minutes. Finally. And just in time for the roaring Windsor crowds. The Highlight Reel Phase   |   Miles 4 - 11 Energy Level: Unbridled enthusiasm Pacing Strategy: 9:30 minute/mile pace Actual Pace:  9:28 minute/mile pace If a runner tries to tell you that they weren't smiling the entirety of Windsor's Riverside Drive, then you've just outed a stone cold liar. Miles 4 through 6 occur entirely in Canada, and we whole-heartedly believe that those 3 miles are some of the most memorable of the entire experience. From the uniquely-Canadian signs, festive costumes, and unbeatable views of Downtown Detroit, running into Windsor provides enough of a reason to register for the full or international half marathon. But wait, there's more. Mile 7 starts the world's only "underwater mile" while running through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. While this experience tends to be more divisive on its enjoyability vs. the unanimous pleasure of crossing the Ambassador Bridge, the close proximity during the tunnel does provide a mile of solidarity where the course is only experienced by runners. I can't think of another world-class marathon that has such a moment of singularity shared only among your fellow participants. Emerging from the depths of the tunnel, you're met with an explosion of life along Jefferson Avenue, which continues until Mile 10 along Woodward Avenue. The area surrounding the exit of the tunnel is especially inundated with cheering fans, which for a runner provides an unmistakable sensation of immortality. Seriously. Running through thousands of cheering "fans" elicits an unmatched rush of endorphins. I was smiling ear-to-ear - and dropping my pace to a more familiar 9:06 minute - through Mile 11 in Midtown. Into the Unknown Phase   |   Miles 12 - 17 Energy Level: Full faith in the training regimen Pacing Strategy: 9:15 minute/mile pace Actual Pace:  8:55 minute/mile pace Two years ago, I ran the Detroit International Half Marathon for the 3rd time. For the aforementioned reasons, that is a race that I could run every year, for the rest of my life, and never tire of it. Over 80% of the race is simply a highlight reel of the very best of the international Detroit region's trails, sights, and community - and the last 20% is a downtown push to the finish line. A perfect course. But, when I hit the turnaround point just before Mile 11 of that race - where the marathoners keep left and the half marathoners deviate to the right - something felt wrong . Like I was shying away from the real challenge. Avoiding the inevitable. Taking the easy route. Let me be clear: nothing about a half marathon is easy. As you know, training for my first one literally broke my legs. But after running several halfs over nearly a decade - and in the midst of revving up an outdoor company focused on highlighting the Detroit region's world-class events - bowing out of the full just didn't sit well with my soul. " Alright Dan, " I promised to myself once the marathoners were out of sight, " the next time that you run this race, you're running ALL of it. " Well, two years later, here I was - cashing in on that promise. Running deeper into the unknown of the course, despite my familiarity with the city. Trusting blindly in my training regimen, remaining calories, and ability to handle adversity. According to my Strava data, this segment of the race through Midtown and Eastern Market was the pinnacle of my race. Being a proud Wayne State University Law School alum, running along the south side of campus on Warren Avenue was special, as well as cruising past my old stomping grounds on Cass. The crowds remained vibrant and energetic through Eastern Market too, which kept my spirits strong as I passed the 16 Mile marker. Every step beyond Mile 16 meant setting a new record for the longest run of my life. Venturing farther and farther into unknown territory, both with regard to the course and what my body was capable of. At ~Mile 17.5, the Dequindre Cut came into view. This was an encouraging sight, seeing as I had run the "Flapjack 5K" back in February along the Cut and remembered its gradual decline towards the Detroit River. " Final lap, " I thought as the Mile 18 marker came into view towards the beginning of the Dequindre Cut. " Let's crush this. " Spoiler alert: I did not crush it. I was about to battle the pain cave. The Pain Cave Phase   |   Miles 18 - 25 Energy Level: Ignoring the pain at all costs Pacing Strategy: 9:15 minute/mile pace (or faster if possible) Actual Pace:  9:56 minute/mile pace Right at Mile 18, something flipped for me. I didn't "hit the wall," as so many marathon blogs warn eerily about. " Hitting the wall " is the moment when your body simply runs out of external energy (e.g., energy produced via carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) and switches to other internal fuel sources like fats and proteins. I know that I didn't hit the wall here because I have hit the wall in past races, including during my age group-winning debut at the 2025 North Country Trail Half Marathon. Right at Mile 11 in that race, I felt everything run empty. Just placing one foot in front of the other constituted a monumental feat of endurance. But then - just in the nick of time to secure the win - my internal energy sources kicked in to close out the race. Thanks to the mountain of Thai food, power breakfast, and paced use of energy gels during the race, I fortunately avoided a repeat of that experience during the marathon. However, there's not a nutrition plan that can help avoid the pain of your first marathon. Especially when you're miles and miles past your record-setting longest long run. The direct wind coming off of the Detroit River and onto the Dequindre Cut didn't help either. In fact, it nearly nullified the benefit of the Cut's consistent downhill slope. It was a welcomed relief when a steady uphill just before Mile 19 led us up and out of the Cut. Or so I thought. In a sadistic twist of course planning, staring DIRECTLY at you as you emerge from the Dequindre Cut is the marker for Mile 25 - the final mile - and the elite marathoners sprinting right past it. In that moment, you're standing so close to the finish line... but you still have over 7 miles to go. In the opposite direction. This, dear friends, was the moment that I entered the "Pain Cave," both physically and mentally. From Mile 19 on, everything waist-down started to hurt. My IT band issues flared up every half mile or so. The toes in my right foot felt broken. My left shin started to ache. Put differently, mementos from every running injury that my legs had endured over the last decade resurrected at the worst possible time. I was far from being the only "cave dweller" in this segment. Left and right, as we marched through gorgeous Indian Village, runners were starting to give in to their ailments. Even in my weakened state, I passed by runners who were cruising through the Windsor and Midtown segments. Everyone seemed to have arrived at the same destination of objective pain, regardless of fitness level or training regimen. The race was no longer purely physical. From especially Mile 20 on, we would all be tested on our mental resilience . Here were the mantras that got me through the Pain Cave: The Pain will Pass. I'm currently reading The Rise of the Ultra Runners by Adharanand Finn, which details several world-class ultra marathons and the super-humans that complete them. One key takeaway from the book is that pain, as opposed to serious injury, represents an inevitable variable in any long distance race. The key is to not fixate on it or try to fight it. Instead, embrace the pain with the knowledge that (i) it is indicative of the difficult task you're pursuing and (ii) it will pass. The Way is Through . This mantra is one that I've utilized countless times over the last four years, most notably during the summit push for Mt. Kilimanjaro and while buried in endless hours of legal work. While those two examples may seem worlds apart, mentally they are exactly on par with each other. In practice, this mantra means that there's no amount of complaining or miraculous rescue plan that will get you to your final destination. There's only one way to get to the freedoms and enjoyment of the other side - by moving through the experience . Focus on the Why . At Mile 22, runners seemed to be dropping off their target paces like flies. Walking. Sitting. Stretching. No longer running the marathon, but surviving the experience. For me, as early as 1997, I've wanted to be able to say with a clear conscience that I ran a marathon. Not walked or power hiked one. Ran one. And, on the other side of this seemingly endless course, with continued effort, I will be able to say that for the rest of my life. Those 3 mantras reverberated through my soul as the prodigal Mile 25 sign FINALLY came back into sight. Just 1.2 miles to go. The pain will pass. The way is through. Keep focusing on why you're here. The Marathoner Phase   |   Mile 26 Energy Level: Inexplicable gratitude Pacing Strategy: Empty the tank Actual Pace:  Who cares The rain had fully kicked back in towards the end of Mile 25, right as I approached a large overpass with a notable crowd strategically cheering under it. " I bet that's where they are ," I said to myself through heavy breaths. Sure enough, once my energy-depleted vision managed to zero-in on the crowd, I spotted my friend Ryan holding a massive " DAN " sign in bright blue paint. Next to him was his fianceé Sam, holding a " CHAFE YOUR DREAMS " sign in purple. And, last but certainly not least, my girlfriend Emily was proudly holding a sign that I'm prohibited from describing here ( prompted a massive Mile 26 smile though ). I deviated towards them, gave her probably the saltiest kiss of her life, and without breaking pace kept pushing towards the elusive finish line. Finally, I turned north towards Campus Martius on Woodward, and there it was. The finish line. The final destination for nearly three decades' worth of dreams, and a decade's amount of training. Most importantly, the point where I can stop running. " Thank you...thank you ." Those were the only words, equally in prayer and a recognition of relief, that I could conjure as I emptied the energy tank. And then, in a moment blurred by the full spectrum of emotion, I crossed the finish line. The race ended. My legs stopped running. My mind could finally rest. For the rest of my life, I can proudly state that I ran the "Best Marathon in America": the Detroit Free Press Marathon. If you also dream of sharing that designation, then I sincerely hope that this article helps to move you forward in that journey. Plus, you can always count on Team Expedition Detroit to provide you with the content, inspiration, and insights into making your outdoor dreams a reality. We'll see you at the starting line.

The end of daylight saving time means that the Detroit region's shorter, darker days have arrived. Put differently, our region's BEST nights for stargazing are FINALLY BACK. Ready to admire the cosmos, Detroit? Here are the 10 best destinations for stargazing near Detroit - UPDATED FOR FALL 2025. The Northern Lights above Maybury State Park - May 2024 Have you ever felt like the harder you try for a goal, the less likely you are to achieve it? If you have, you're far from alone. That sentiment is so profound that it's known in modern psychology as the " Law of Reversed Effort ," which suggests that conscious, forced effort can be counterproductive, and that achieving goals often requires relaxation, trust, and allowing the process to unfold naturally. Exhibit A: my long-standing goal to witness the brilliance of the Aurora Borealis phenomenon, aka the Northern Lights. I had traveled near and far to experience the Northern Lights. From backpacking in Alaska, visiting my brother in Norway , to skiing at Mount Bohemia in the U.P. , I had certainly "put in the work" for crossing the Northern Lights off of my bucket list . I was in the right places, at the right time of year - and yet, time and time again, no luck. And then, on a seemingly random May evening in suburban Northville, Michigan , I saw that my sister-in-law was calling my cell phone. "DAN - get outside NOW and look up!!" I walked outside of her Northville home with a view directly towards the towering tree of Maybury State Park . Sure enough, the starlit skies that typically adorned the park had an ethereal movement to them - a wispy, wavy, and colorful sheen that I had never experienced before. Without any warning or notice, the Northern Lights had arrived in the Detroit region. The light show was spectacular - and absolutely worth the wait. Amazingly, Maybury isn't even one of the best locations in Southeast Michigan for stargazing near Detroit. If nothing else, my Northern Lights experience proves that just a few acres of unadulterated green space can create a noticeable decrease in light pollution. So then, where exactly are the best locations within a major metropolitan area like Metro Detroit? Don't worry, we've got you covered - the Expedition Detroit research team has painstakingly reviewed clear sky charts and light pollution maps to pinpoint the exact locations of the least amount of light pollution. Naturally, we found some gems hiding in plain sight - perfect destinations for a starlit hike or romantic adventure. All within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. Happy stargazing, Detroit! 1. Waterloo State Recreation Area | Chelsea, Michigan Michigan’s State Recreation Areas on the western frontier of Metro Detroit provide world-class stargazing vistas. Waterloo State Recreation Area is the foremost park in the Detroit Region for enjoying a starlit night, although light pollution from Jackson does start to creep in around the park’s southeast sections. We recommend reserving a campsite at Green Lake to get the most bang for the experience, although only the Green Lake Yurt will be available for winter stargazing expeditions (other camping opportunities are also available depending on the season). NEW! EXPLORE WATERLOO RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. Pinckney State Recreation Area | Pinckney, Michigan You may have noticed this trend across our research, but whenever Waterloo Rec appears on a “ Best Of ” list, Pinckney State Recreation Area typically isn’t far behind (or vice-versa). The pattern holds true here - Pinckney’s fortunate location on the western rim of the Huron River watershed also provides the park with refuge from the light pollution of Detroit’s adjacent suburbs. Again, we highly recommend incorporating your stargazing into a weekend camping or backpacking trip to the park (the 33.9 mile Waterloo-Pinckney Trail over a long-weekend is our top choice). EXPLORE PINCKNEY STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3.   Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area |     Metamora, Michigan Like the spokes of a wheel, the light pollution map of the Detroit region gradually improves the farther you get from the city's epicenter - and Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area's PRIME location on the northern frontier is no exception to this phenomena. Located just west of Telegraph Road, Metamora-Hadley's remote location and small size ( 723 acres, smaller than both Belle Isle and Maybury State Parks ) makes it one of the lesser-visited destinations in the Michigan State Parks system . Viewed differently, the park's logistics make Metamora-Hadley an ideal location for "dark season"stargazing along the banks of Lake Minnawanna . 4.   Algonac State Park |     Marine City, Michigan Continuing east across the outer rim of the Detroit region, Algonac State Park's location along the rural edge of the St. Clair River also lends itself to pristine stargazing near Detroit. While best known for its summertime views of freighters traveling along the river, Algonac's 1,550 acres also boast a half-mile of riverfront, campgrounds, trails, non-existent crowds , and its 1,200+ acre dedicated natural area. This natural area not only protects 22 threatened, endangered or special-concern species of plants, birds, and butterflies, but also enables ideal natural conditions for some of the best stargazing near Detroit during the darker months. 5. Hudson Mills Metropark | Dexter, Michigan Hudson Mills Metropark marks the first of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks to make our list of best destinations for stargazing near Detroit! While Hudson Mills is located in the same relative “dark sky zone” as Waterloo and Pinckney State Recreation Areas, its convenient location just north of Downtown Dexter makes the park easily accessible for an evening outing from Ann Arbor or Detroit. Be sure to attend one of the park’s “ Lantern Walks ” events this month for guided night wildlife and stargazing opportunities. 6.   Ortonville State Recreation Area |     Ortonville, Michigan Ortonville State Recreation Area has collected several accolades across the Expedition Detroit digital ecosystem. The park is home to Kerr Hill , the highest publicly-accessible natural destination in the Detroit region. Its also the least-visited Michigan State Park and Recreation Area in Southeast Michigan, according to recent Michigan DNR annual visitation data. Now, we're also proud to adorn Ortonville's 5,400 acres as one of the best destinations for stargazing near Detroit. 7. Rose Oaks County Park |     Holly, Michigan Ladies and gentlemen, we have our first - and only - county park to be featured in this article! Making its Expedition Detroit debut as one of the best destinations for stargazing near Detroit is Rose Oaks County Park . Nestled along the western edge of Oakland County, Rose Oaks' 649 acres feature over 5 miles of hiking, cycling , cross-country skiing, and equestrian trails. The park is also very popular with whitetail deer archery hunting , so be sure to wear bright clothing if your stargazing adventure starts around dusk. Photo courtesy of Parks Canada 8. Point Pelee National Park |     Ontario, Canada Canada’s smallest national park packs one hell of a punch for its size. One more accolade to add to its list is that Point Pelee National Park represents one of the best stargazing opportunities in the Detroit Region, especially as you venture closer to its southernmost tip protruding into Lake Erie. Unsurprisingly, the Windsor Centre of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada designated Point Pelee National Park as a “Dark Sky Preserve'' in 2006. The park hosts regular “ Dark Sky Night ” events throughout the year, with the LAST ONE remaining for 2025 taking place on 13th (featuring the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada with telescopes to facilitate star gazing). 9. Brighton State Recreation Area |     Brighton, Michigan Brighton State Recreation Area is, and always has been, an adventurer's dreamscape. From conquering the famous Penosha Trail , camping along the banks of Appleton Lake , rediscovering the secluded Richardson Trail , or mountain biking the park's top-rated MTB trail system , Brighton Rec represents the proud home of a sizable portion of our region's resident adventure athletes. Now, you can also add a "top destination for stargazing near Detroit" to Brighton's accolades, which is especially exciting in light of the park's close proximity to its namesake trail town . EXPLORE BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA  WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 10. Indian Springs Metropark |     White Lake, Michigan Last but certainly not least, Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake closes out our list of the best destinations for stargazing near Detroit. Located in northwest Oakland County, this Metropark's light pollution metrics benefit greatly from the abundance of lakes, rural estates, and massive parks like Highland and Pontiac Lake State Recreation Areas that provide natural buffers to Metro Detroit's luminescence. The Metropark's hiking and cross-country skiing trails are open until 8 p.m. year-round, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to discover them under the starlit skies of the coming months! EMBRACE THE DARK ON A NIGHT HIKING SAFARI WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT What are your favorite stargazing locations in the Detroit region? Did we miss any that you typically frequent (we'll try to keep it a secret)? Please let us know in the comments section below!

No ropes, no worries. Live your next adventure in Metro Detroit exploring each of the "5 Summits" - Expedition Detroit's favorite destinations for hiking the most iconic hilltops near Detroit! There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering. All the rest are merely games. Those aren't my words, although I appreciate the hot take. No; those were spoken (likely after a Papa Doble or two) by Ernest Hemingway , the renown American author whose appetite for adventure rivaled that of Theodore Roosevelt. What's the commonality among these three true "sports"? According to Outdoor Research , simply because they can kill you. However, according to Hemingway scholars, these three endeavors mandate that one achieves the best performance that they personally can for success - or else face potentially fatal consequences. For us at Expedition Detroit , the beauty of mountaineering - or reaching any summit or high point - lies in the pursuit's binary definition of success. You summit, or you do not. Your body and willpower lead you to a place of prominence, or they do not. And, once such a feat has been accomplished, it can never be taken from you. You will have earned the ability to share your experience, guide others, or reflect back on a special moment in your life's grand journey. Simply because you did it. Will you experience breath-taking, snowcapped mountaintop sunrises within the Detroit region? No - we unfortunately are not blessed with such topography. However, the Detroit region is not nearly as flat as most residents and non-residents alike tend to think. I trained entirely for my Kilimanjaro summit along the rolling trails listed within this article, as well as several other rigorous trails like Pontiac Lake's MTB Trail and Highland's A-B-C-D Trail System . The net result? In part, the credibility to write this article. Summits and high points - no matter the altitude - are worthy of exploring and celebrating . From their geographic significance to remoteness to prominence along a favorite trail, reaching a summit should always warrant a brief moment to pause, take in your surroundings, take a sip of water (or trail beer), and smile. Because that adventurous moment, lived and experienced here in Metro Detroit, will forever be yours. Let's start the adventure. Here are Expedition Detroit's 5 Summits : the most iconic hilltops near Detroit. 5. Wayne Hill | Maybury State Park | Northville, Michigan Elevation : 990 feet Why Iconic : Highest point in Wayne County Summit Location : Red marker on top of moraine ridge Recommended Route : Wayne Hill Peak Loop Trail Imagine standing at "Sunset Point" on Belle Isle Park's western tip, right at the point where you can reach down and feel the crisp water of the Detroit River. At that exact point, you are standing at Wayne County's lowest elevation of 571 feet. From Belle Isle, if you were to cross the MacArthur Bridge, continue west along the Detroit Riverfront Trail and Southwest Greenway until reaching Michigan Avenue, continue towards Dearborn until finding the Hines Park Trail , and then keep climbing through Downtown Northville until reaching Maybury State Park , you will have traversed the entirety of Wayne County. Both geographically and topographically. Nestled deep within the rolling forest of Maybury State Park - just south of the Oakland-Wayne County border - stands Wayne County's highest point, "Wayne Hill." Although the lowest elevation on this list, Wayne Hill actually provides one of the best vistas out of the 5 Summits due to a deep ravine and sprawling wetlands located directly below its summit. While there is a short ( yet steep ) access trail that leads directly to the summit, its unceremonious red marker can be easy to miss. That is, of course, until we work with our friends at Maybury to install a prominent, permanent marker. Stay tuned. EXPLORE MAYBURY STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 4. Prospect Hill | Waterloo State Recreation Area | Chelsea, Michigan Elevation : 1,150 feet Why Iconic : Highest point on the celebrated Waterloo-Pinckney Trail Summit Location : Stone/concrete marker at summit Recommended Route : Waterloo Pinckney Trail ( Pines Campground to Green Lake segment ) Every major climb, anywhere on earth, has one shared feature: switchbacks. Yes, the consistent zig-zagging can absolutely evolve into logistical annoyance once the summit comes into view. That being said, anyone who's attempted a straight-shot approach to the top can attest to how much these extra turns bless your quads. With enough summits, they become a welcomed sight for experienced eyes. That's why I let out a joyful shout ring out when the Prospect Hill switchbacks came into view along my 2023 traverse of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail . For the uninitiated, the WPT is the Detroit region preeminent backpacking trail, encompassing over 30 miles of rugged moraine backpacking. There are several high points along the WPT, including the famous Sackrider Hill (1,125'), although the highest point is the lesser-publicized Prospect Hill. Why did the switchbacks elicit joy? Two main reasons: (1) switchbacks signal that a truly, and relatively arduous, "summit" is within grasp and (2) t he Waterloo-Pinckney Trail shares common elements with every major, celebrated thru-hiking trail on the planet . That's worth a celebratory trail beer atop the hill's summit monument. 3. Pontiac Lake Peak | Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area | White Lake, Michigan Elevation : 1,154 feet Why Iconic : Remote high point of Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area Summit Location : Unmarked along ridge just south of Equestrian Trail Recommended Route : Pontiac Lake Peak Trail via Hiking Trail Some summits you need to work extra hard for, and not just in terms of effort. For Team Expedition Detroit , reaching the highest point of Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area - which we have taken the creative liberty of naming " Pontiac Lake Peak " - began several months ago. Due to its relatively remote and disputed location, we cross-referenced data from peakbagger.com and similar online forums to determine how to best discover and access PLRA's highest point in line with " Leave No Trace " principles. Our research uncovered that the park has two peaks that are located within a quarter mile of each other. One off-trail, the other directly on. We had no choice but to investigate. Which I literally just did. As I type these words, I am just a few short hours removed from standing atop of each of the "peaks" ( yet another testament to the accessibility of adventure within the Detroit region ). I hiked in for the sole purpose of pressing my Garmin watch , with its built-in altimeter, against the snow-covered hilltops to determine exactly which summit was the "true summit." Friends, we can confidently confirm that the true summit, Pontiac Lake Peak, is located along an isolated ridge just south of the park's Equestrian Trail. Unmarked ( for now ), near an oak tree, with 360º views during the offseason months. Don't worry - we created a 4 mile hiking route along Pontiac Lake's Hiking and Equestrian Trails that guides you to the Equestrian Trail Summit and Pontiac Lake Peak, including a Leave No Trace-aligned route to the Peak. EXPLORE PONTIAC LAKE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. Mount Kanzer | Highland State Recreation Area | Highland, Michigan Elevation : 1,160 feet Why Iconic : Highest point of Highland State Recreation Area Summit Location : Concrete marker along tree just south of trail Recommended Route : Mount Kanzer via Milford Connector Trail Highland Recreation Area truly lives up to its name. Within the park's ~6,000 acres, there are several iconic moraine hilltops that could've easily made this list. Exploring Haven Hill (1,060') - the historic family home of Edsel Ford - is a quintessential Detroit region outdoor experience. Teeple Hill and its adjacent Peak 1083 both reach elevations of 1,083 feet. Last but certainly not least, Mt. Omich (1,139') constitutes the high point of the Chief Pontiac Trail's northern segment . Shockingly, the least famous of the aforementioned high points of Highland is its highest: Mount Kanzer. Rising clandestinely within the park's least-visited southwestern area, Mt. Kanzer reaches its apex at 1,160 feet (according to peakbagger.com and Strava). In the warmer months, Mount Kanzer is relatively popular with hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers - anyone looking for a cardio challenge in charging up its steep eastern slope . When the snow is falling, we strongly recommend Mt. Kanzer for snowshoeing or even backcountry skiing adventures . Oh, we almost forgot - we lead a weekly guided hike to its summit as well. SUMMIT MT. KANZER WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 1. Kerr Hill | Ortonville State Recreation Area | Metamora, Michigan Elevation : 1,229 feet Why Iconic : Highest point in the Detroit Region's State Park System Summit Location : Unmarked; earth mound within forest near Fox Lake Rd. trailhead Recommended Route : Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loop Trail Ladies and gentlemen, this is it. We've done our homework. Scoured the Internet. Joined a peak-bagging Reddit thread or two. And, of course, laced up our boots to confirm . Kerr Hill : the highest point at 1,229 feet within the Detroit region's system of Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas. We're not crowning Kerr Hill the tallest point in the Detroit region. That title actually belongs to Mt. Brighton ski resort's prominent summit of 1,330 feet, and is followed by a handful of other privately-owned high points in Oakland and Lapeer Counties. But that's also what makes Kerr Hill so special - especially since the hilltop is located within the Detroit region's least-visited Michigan State Park . Kerr Hill constitutes a publicly accessible, prominent, and adventure-worthy destination that few outdoor enthusiasts have ever heard of - let alone conquered. As we highlighted in our recent #TrailTuesday, one should not find summiting Kerr Hill as a very arduous endeavor. At least not from the trailhead; the Fox Lake Rd. trailhead parking lot is approximately 0.1 miles from the forested area that contains the unmarked summit. However, we strongly encourage you to hike the entire Kerr Hill and Four Lakes Loop Trail to truly experience Kerr Hill in all of its prominence. The final climb will get your heart pumping. We guarantee it. 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. While the diminishing lobes 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. Most of the stunning Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas located within the Jackson Interlobate Range date back to 1943. 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, recreationists crossing several generations have explored and appreciated the beauty of the JIR, and the region has continued to serve as the natural home for rare species and habitats. Want to explore the Detroit region's highest peaks and best trails 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 !

Bowhunting season for whitetail deer is in full swing throughout the Detroit region! Here are the five essential bowhunting gear items that you will need to get you off of the couch and into the woods. #ExpeditionEssentials In case you missed it, Michigan and Ontario’s bowhunting seasons for whitetail deer kicked off on October 1st, while Ohio has been in-season since September 24th. For us Michigan hunters, the start of bow season is the de facto gateway to fall. Despite any lingering warm weather or mosquitos still reflecting summer, the changing leaves, crisp breezes, and diminishing crowds signal that the best time of the year to get in the woods has finally arrived. You just can’t beat spending a morning in a tree stand followed by watching the Spartans, Wolverines, or Lions in the afternoon ( alright , maybe not the Lions…). If you are considering joining the bowhunting action this season - which we highly recommend, even if it’s just for the exercise, excuse to spend time in nature, or financially support the DNR - there are certain items that you will need to acquire before you step out into the woods. We have prepared the following list of essential bowhunting gear items, although you will also need to purchase the requisite hunting licenses from the DNR, research which public lands are open to hunting, and (most importantly) practice with your bow. Here are Expedition Detroit’s five essentials for bowhunting gear: 1. Fully-Outfitted Bow with Broadhead Arrows Regardless of whether you would prefer a compound bow or crossbow , you will need a bow with a draw weight of at least 30 lbs for harvesting a deer. Your bow should include certain technical features that are intended to assist accuracy, stealth, and arrow transport, such as a stabilizer, sight, peep hole, string silencers, D Loop , arrow rest, and detachable quiver . For hunting, your fletched arrows will require broadheads for the infliction of lethal wounds (do not use field points for hunting large game - field points should be used predominantly for target practice). Bonus Item : Archery Release Most hunters would consider a trusted arch ery release m echanism to be a near-essential item, and we whole-heartedly agree. Most hunters carry an “ index finger release ” into the woods with them, seeing as such releases have a similar feel to pulling the trigger of a firearm, although “ thumb releases ” and “ back tension releases ” are also widely used. 2. Camouflaged Clothing . While it may seem simple enough to drop in to your local sporting goods store and purchase the first set of camouflaged clothing on the rack, there are several nuances that you should consider before pulling out your credit card. One of the most important considerations is purchasing the correct camo clothing items for the temperatures that you will be hunting in. Any experienced hunter can attest to October 1st and January 31st - the beginning and end of the bowhunting season in several Metro Detroit counties - having wildly different temperature ranges. As such, your camo repertoire should consist of items like lightweight shirts, pants, and baseball cap for early season conditions and base layers, a heavier shirt, thicker pants, gloves, beanie, and a warm, insulated jacket for late season. You should also consider the surrounding foliage or terrain of where you will be hunting when deciding on a specific pattern. Note : Bowhunters are only required to wear blaze orange outerwear during the regular firearm season (November 15th-30th in Michigan). Bonus Item : Camouflaged Stand Similar to your clothing, your hunting success will absolutely benefit from any additional actions taken to camouflage your stand. Fortunately, most ladder stands , climbing stands , and other ground blinds are already manufactured with camo patterns. However, using elements from the surrounding environment to further camouflage your stand will greatly enhance the concealment or any movement and likelihood that a deer will notice your stand. Camo netting and other manufactured tree stand camo accessories can also have a similar concealment effect. Note : Always wear a safety harness in any elevated stand. 3. Hunting Boots Nothing ends a hunt faster than cold, wet feet, other than perhaps a rolled ankle. A sturdy, waterproof, and well-insulated pair of hunting boots resolves both of these problems before stepping into the field. Comfort is obviously the most important factor when considering which hunting boot to purchase, but you should also review a boot’s ankle support, tread, weight, and weather-specific features like insulation and waterproofing. In other words, a solid pair of hunting boots should make you feel indestructible while in the field. Bonus Item : Foot and Hand Warmers Regardless of how warm my hunting clothing and boots are, nothing beats a stash of strategically-placed hand and foot warmers on those bone-chilling mornings. I like to place hand warmers in my gloves (certain gloves have compartments specifically for hand warmers), torso pockets of my jacket, and mid-thigh pockets in my pants. Foot warmers for your boots are also essential on those days when winter decides to crash the fall hunting party. Your toes will thank you as you’re following a bright-red blood trail through the snow. 4. Hunting Knife Other than your bow and arrows, a dependable hunting knife may be the most useful and versatile item of your bowhunting gear. While almost any knife will get the job done for field dressing, we strongly recommend acquiring a fixed-blade knife with a 3½ to 5-inch sturdy blade and gut-hook . We also recommend a simple knife sharpener to ensure that your blades are always sharp when you need them the most. Bonus Item : Field Dressing Kit You have successfully placed a lethal shot , tracked the blood trail, and have finally laid eyes upon the harvested animal. Congrats - but don’t celebrate too early. The closing phase of a glorious hunt is now before you, and you must field dress your harvested deer. We recommend carrying a small kit specifically intended for field dressing a deer into the woods with you (or at least in your car or ATV if nearby). Beyond your hunting knife, this kit should include latex gloves, a bone saw (may be included as a feature of your knife), plastic bags for preserving the heart and liver, paracord or rope for dragging the deer out of the woods (at least 25 ft.), and a gut hook (not necessary but helpful). Note : Always be sure to hold your knife so its blade faces up to avoid puncturing organs. There are few more disconcerting sounds in the field than the sound of a punctured stomach releasing its methane and other lovely smells directly into your nostrils… Click here with a helpful instructional video from MeatEater regarding how to field dress a deer. 5. Headlamp Headlamps are an essential item for most camping or backcountry expeditions, but I’d argue that a fully-charged headlamp is especially necessary for hunting. Regardless of what stage of the season you will be primarily hunting within, a full day’s hunt starts long before sunrise and often ends hours after the sun sets. Using a headlamp while loading and unloading your gear, getting in and out of your stand, and tracking wounded game is vital for not only efficient backwoods navigation, but freeing up your hands for the myriad of other tasks associated with a successful hunt. Bonus Item : Reflective Trail Markers Once you find your ideal stand locations, be sure to mark a trail in and out from your stand with reflective pins or similar markers . The goal here is that a first-time hunter should be able to find your stand with ease, so feel free to liberally mark your trail as needed to “idiot proof” the trail. Trust me, you do not want to be the guy who can’t find their stand on opening morning… yes, that’s a specific reference to a very specific lesson learned on my first opening day. In addition to these items, you must always carry identifying documents into the field (e.g., your driver’s license and hunting license), along with a fully-charged cell phone. Backpacks or similar carrying equipment can assist with carrying these essential items - as well as any other accessories that you may acquire in between your hunts - easily and efficiently into the woods. Best of luck this season!