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The first installation of our #TrailTownSpotlight series, we're zeroing in on the specifics of what makes the Village of Milford, Michigan a can't-miss destination for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Check out our spotlight on Milford's essential parks, trails, and outfitters! Just like any other world-renown outdoor destination, some villages, cities, and townships in the Detroit region are slightly more blessed by the outdoor recreation gods than others. Beyond providing immediate access to the "best of the best" outdoor experiences and retailers, these destinations have invested significant resources into developing and sustaining a local outdoor-centric culture. These "Trail Towns" are the ideal launching points for your adventures, refueling stops for extra provisions, and watering holes for that essential post-trail beer. While we at Expedition Detroit celebrate and consistently aim to highlight our namesake city, we needed to kick off this series with a specific focus on Milford. Simply put, the immensity of outdoor recreation opportunities immediately accessible to this village inspired the launch of this business. Endless hours spent running, hiking, biking, paddling, and hunting along Milford's trails peaked our interest not only about what other recreational opportunities were hiding in plain sight near this small town, but the other vast and untapped outdoor experiences that remained unknown throughout our region. The attempt to answer those questions led to this business venture, website, and now this article. So, without further delay, here is our Trail Town Spotlight on Milford, Michigan: MEET MILFORD It is our pleasure to re-introduce Milford - a quintessential "Pure Michigan" destination for outdoor recreation. Founded in 1869, Milford has become well-known for its charming downtown, annual "Milford Memories" summer festival, idyllic access to the Huron River, and direct connections to 3 state recreation areas, Kensington Metropark, and several municipal parks. Milford's bountiful community events, restaurants, and local retailers provide year-round amenities for visitors of any interest, although we strongly believe that the village is best catered towards outdoor adventure-seekers and general nature enthusiasts. OUTDOOR HIGHLIGHTS Honestly, a better question would be what outdoor experience can you not do in and around Milford... For general running and road biking, the 3.5 mile Milford Trail runs from the parking lot of the Carls Family YMCA to the northern segments of Kensington Metropark's greater trail network. Surrounding the paved Milford Trail is the natural, Motor City Mountain Biking Association ("MCMBA")-maintained Milford Mountain Biking Trail, a 6.7 mile roller-coaster biking and trail running singletrack loop. The mountain biking adventures don't end there, however; Highland State Recreation Area's famous A-B-C-D loops and Proud Lake State Recreation Area's mountain biking trails are also immediately accessible from Downtown Milford. Certain sections of Highland and Proud Lake are also open to hunting, and Alpine Valley Mountain Resort is a quick five miles north of downtown. But wait, there's more. The Huron River flows directly through the heart of Downtown Milford, which transforms the village into an aquatically-crazed hotspot during peak summer paddling months. Starting from one of Proud Lake's several launching locations, you can handle downstream directly to Milford's Central Park, up Pettibone Creek for a maritime view of Milford's "Summer Concert Series" shows, and into Hubbell Pond. Further paddling adventures could take you all the way to Lake Erie if you follow the Huron River National Water Trail, although the local destinations typically involve either Kensington Metropark or Island Lake State Recreation Area. CAN'T MISS EXPERIENCE: Milford Bike Fest Hosted annually by the MCMBA, the Milford Bike Fest celebrates not only the sport of mountain biking during its peak season, but also the insanely interconnected-nature of Milford's greater trail system. While the Bike Fest at its core is a big community festival filled with MTB enthusiasts, the Bike Fest also encourages - no, celebrates - the exploration of the vast trail networks that are immediately accessible from Milford. The highest honor of the Bike Fest is completing the Century Challenge: a 100 mile distance challenge to ride the entirety of all 5 MCMBA trail systems that are reachable from Milford (Highland State Recreation Area, the Milford MTB Trail, Island Lake Recreation Area, the Proud Lake/Kensington Connector, and Hickory Glen). How does one properly refuel after 100 miles in the saddle of a mountain bike? We know at least one time-tested method: an outdoor burger and beer tent, complete with live music and your new best friends/riding buddies. Main Street Grill and Tavern in Downtown Milford - yes, the one adorned with a bicycle statute outside its enviable outdoor patio - hosts the official Bike Fest afterparty each year. Hands down one of the best parties of the year. BEST FOR THE FAMILY: Milford Central Park Of all of the admirable qualities of the Village of Milford, its public parks system is unquestionably the village's crown jewel. While Milford has six parks, Central Park stands out as the village's premiere family destination. Beyond the celebrated Summer Concert Series, Central Park hosts several year-round events at the LaFontaine Amphitheater and its picnic shelter. The park's amenities include a playscape area, tennis, pickle-ball, and basketball courts, summer volleyball courts that are converted into an ice rink in the winter, a baseball field, the historic Ford Powerhouse, and plentiful restrooms. Oh, and don't forget about Central Park's immediate access to the Huron River via its shoreline launch locations. OFF THE BEATEN PATH: Proud Lake Trail Running Proud Lake State Recreation Area is very well-known for fantastic trail running and hiking opportunities, so this addition may come as a surprise to some readers. However, the vast majority of non-equestrian or mountain biking visitors to the park never venture west of Wixom Road. Yes, I agree that the well-maintained trails within the eastern regions of the park are undoubtedly spectacular. That being said, the labyrinth of trails criss-crossing the western reaches of the park include some of the best trail running opportunities in the entire Detroit region. There are several access points to this trail network, with the most immediate access points from Downtown Milford being located on the south side of Garden Road (just beyond the Village Canoe Rental, best for solo running or biking access) and at the Proud Lake Equestrian Stage Area farther down the road (best for parking). This area is very popular for equestrians, mountain bikers, and in-season hunters, so always be courteous and mindful of your trail surroundings. If necessary, your exit strategies should be to either venture north towards a Garden Road outlet or east towards Wixom Road. Note: The trail network described above crosses over very active railroad tracks in two prominent locations. Always check your surroundings before attempting to cross any railroad tracks - you do NOT have the right of way when it comes to a 200-ton locomotive. FEATURED OUTFITTER: Blue Birch Outfitters Commonly referred to as "Milford's REI," Blue Birch Outfitters is Milford's premiere outfitter for outdoor clothing, gear, and accessories. Beyond carrying industry-leading brands like Patagonia, Outdoor Research, Osprey, and Black Diamond, Blue Birch also features Michigan-specific items and retailers throughout its hometown-centric store. Blue Birch is also a must-visit stop for outfitting your dog for their big next trail adventure (this is our golden retriever Lucy's favorite store in Milford). Better yet, Blue Birch supports their own loyalty program - an extremely valuable perk for regular customers like yours truly. MORNING FUEL: The Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream Located conveniently across the street from Main Street Park, in the heart of Downtown Milford, the Proving Grounds Coffee & Ice Cream is a hometown favorite for pre-trail coffee and breakfast sandwiches. While the inside of the coffeeshop is ideal for easing into the morning with a cup of freshly-brewed coffee and a good book, the convenient walk-up window is a favorite for cyclists, hikers, or runners that are ready to hit the trail. The "Spicy Morning" breakfast sandwich is my personal favorite, although my in-laws are also big fans of Proving Grounds' gluten-free sandwich options. POST-TRAIL WATERING HOLE: River's Edge Brewing Company Yes, we've highlighted our friends at River's Edge Brewing Company before. And yes, we absolutely plan on doing so again. Why is that? Well, on top of their award-winning beer and welcoming environment, River's Edge has become a staple participant in and advocate for all matters Milford. The team at "The Brewery" regularly organizes community events like their annual Oktoberfest Festival, sponsors outdoor festivals like the Milford Bike Fest and Milford Memories, and supports Huron River conservation efforts in conjunction with the Huron River Watershed Council. Supporting local restaurants that provide excellent amenities leaves a good taste in your mouth; knowing that your dollars are actively being reinvested into your community truly makes the beer taste even better. Cheers to you, River's Edge. If you prefer something slightly stronger to wash down any lingering trail dust, then we also recommend stopping by Charlie's Still on Main for the best bourbon, whiskey, rye, and southern-style dishes in the village. Their jambalaya is my personal favorite dish, but you honestly can't go wrong at Charlie's - I refer to the establishment as "Ol' Reliable" when deciding where to take first-time visitors to the village out for dinner. This article only scratches the surface on all that Milford has to offer for its residents and visitors. For more information on local businesses, organizations, and outdoor recreation opportunities, be sure to check out fantastic local networks like Women in Milford and the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce. Do you live in Milford? Have any additional suggestions for our community's attention? Please feel free to suggest any extra experiences, retailers, or outdoor events in the comments below!

November brings cooler temperatures, remaining colors, and rapidly diminishing crowds on the trails - perfect conditions for exploring the best hiking trails near Detroit! Here are the top five ranked trails to kick off your next hiking expedition. Outdoor enthusiasts all come in different shapes and sizes - interests, ethnicities, identities, and range of experience in the great outdoors. That being said, our demographic research has zeroed in on one great common love among all lovers of our natural environment: hiking. Regardless of whether your trail of choice is your neighborhood-sponsored natural trail or the topographic rollercoaster of a "black diamond" trek, the Detroit region has a perfect hike waiting for you. We guarantee it. Just in time for National Hiking Day, the Expedition Detroit team has painstakingly evaluated and curated the following list of the Detroit area's top five hiking trails for your exploring pleasure. Happy hiking, my friends - we'll see you at the trailhead. Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 1. The Penosha Trail | Brighton State Recreation Area Distance: 4.9 miles Elevation Gain: 393 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Keeping with our custom, we like to start our articles highlighting the "best of the best" - none of us have time for any guessing-game BS. For the Detroit region's hiking trails, that highest of honors goes to none other than the Penosha Trail: Brighton State Recreation Area's most celebrated experience and winner of Expedition Detroit's best hike within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit. Cheers to you, Penosha! Described as a "quintessential Michigan hike," the 4.9 mile trail features the dense mature forests, rolling hills, and surprising vistas that are found only on the most sought-after trails within our region. Penosha, translated roughly as "long" in the Chippewa language, is the longest single trail in Brighton State Recreation Area, although it's the ideal length for a picturesque day hike. The Penosha loop starts at the Bishop Lake trailhead - the same trailhead used for Brighton's famous mountain biking trails - although you should immediately break south (right) to head towards Penosha. The first 2.5 miles of the trail comprise of rollercoaster hills characteristic of Brighton's other great trails. However, the 2.5 mile halfway point marks a sudden change in the hike's intensity; what follows next is a gradual 0.6 mile climb towards the route's "summit," right at the 3.1 mile marker. Your endurance will be rewarded with a 1.3 mile decline, only slightly diminished by a brief exit from the park's boundary along Teahen Road. You will conquer one more brief, 0.2 mile climb at the 4.3 mile marker. A post-hike beer should be waiting for you at the bottom of a relaxing decline back to the trailhead. EXPLORE THE PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 2. The Crooked Lake Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area Distance: 4.2 miles Elevation Gain: 311 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Speaking personally rather than strictly on behalf of Expedition Detroit's top-secret "Trail Ranking" methodology, the Crooked Lake Trail is my single favorite trail in the Detroit area. This beloved 4.2 mile trail has played host to several of my most successful trail races, brainstorming business meetings, day-hike dates, and the all-important solitary outings just to clear the noise out of my head. I love this trail - I'm not surprised that countless other outdoor enthusiasts do as well. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area, the Crooked Lake loop starts at the Silver Lake trailhead - Pinckney's primary trailhead for all hiking, backpacking, running, mountain biking, and paddling adventures. As you gradually ascend towards the ridge-top vistas of Crooked Lake, there are three main hills that you should take into consideration as you pace out your hike. The first strikes right out of the gate: a 0.4 mile climb that gains 115 feet in elevation. The second is the most mellow: a 0.1 mile climb of 44 feet in elevation. Please learn from my previous trail running mistake: do NOT push the pace over the next 1.6 miles of leisurely, unbelievably scenic hiking. The final hill - which will feel like two hills due to a false summit - will have you climb 117 feet over another 0.4 mile distance to the trail's true "summit" of 1,009 feet. The remaining 1.2 miles of the trail is a rewarding, partially-forested and partially-marshland decline back to Silver Lake. DISCOVER THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 3. The River and Blue Trails | Proud Lake State Recreation Area Distance: 5.75 miles Elevation Gain: 127 feet Trail Rating: Easy When I was a full-time practicing attorney, the River and Blue Trails of Proud Lake State Recreation Area became a fundamental component of my "deal-closing" routine. After staring at my computer screen for countless hours, I would leave my phone at my home office, grab my puppy Lucy, and head a few miles down the road to the trailhead. These trails evolved into an essential weapon in my arsenal against clinical burnout; it's my pleasure to highlight them now for you all. Although not prominently marked as a hiking trailhead, we recommend starting your hike at the fishing access site parking lot just east of Wixom Road (north of the main park office). From the parking lot, follow the River Trail along the southern shoreline of the Huron River towards the idyllic Proud Lake Dam. Once over the dam, you will start following the Blue Trail at the 1.3 mile marker. Please note that the remaining segments of this route - the Blue and Red Trails - traverse through sections of Proud Lake that are open to hunting. As such, please wear "hunter orange" outer clothing if hiking during Michigan's main firearm season (November 15th - 30th). As you follow the Blue and Red Trails into the eastern reaches of the park, the Blue Trail branches away from the Red Trail at the 2.0 mil marker and towards a DNR two-track road leading to Proud Lake. While you can follow the DNR road south towards Proud Lake, the Blue Trail actually continues northeast until it banks west (left) back into the park at the 2.9 mile marker. Starting at the 3.5 mile marker, the final segments of the trail will traverse the isolated northern stretches of the park until you reconnect with the Proud Lake Dam roughly 4.5 miles into the journey. From the dam, all trails head west as you retrace your steps and relocate your parked vehicle. EXPLORE THE BEST OF PROUD LAKE WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 4. The Haven Hill Natural Area Trail | Highland State Recreation Area Distance: 3.5 miles Elevation Gain: 160 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Do you prefer your trails with a slice of history? Say no more: reintroducing the Haven Hill Natural Area Trail, Highland State Recreation Area's premiere hiking and trail running loop located on Edsel Ford's former estate. While the ruins of the Ford Family's former hilltop retreat are an obvious highlight of this natural area, the jaw-dropping beauty of the rolling hills, wetlands, creeks, and expansive Haven Hill Lake is the true treasury of Highland's 5,903 acres. Fortunately for all of us, the Haven Hill Natural Area Trail takes hikers through the heart of the park's most stunning scenery. Starting at the Goose Meadow Picnic Area parking lot trailhead, follow the trail marker signs northwest towards the shore of Haven Hill Lake and Ford Dam. This initial segment of the hike will be a favorite for bird watchers - you will be hugging the eastern shoreline of the lake for the first half mile of the trek, complete with phenomenal wildlife viewing opportunities. Continue towards trail sign #18 to merge onto the "Blue Trail," which you will be following for the majority of the trail. The Blue Trail will bring you into the heart of the northern woods of Highland - boardwalks through tall reeds and winding, climbing trails under mature oaks are trademark features of this segment of the hike. The only potentially tricky section hits at the 0.6 mile mark; while several trails will diverge from this segment, be sure to follow the trail towards mark #s 15, 16, and 14 - in that exact, non-sequential order. From trail sign # 14, continue on the northwest (left) trail segment for 1.5 miles of unbroken, beautiful forested hiking. The only challenging climb of this hike comes at - you guessed it - Haven Hill. Starting at the 2.7 mile mark, you will climb at a 7% grade over 0.2 miles to reach the "summit" of the route just east of the historical ruins. There is an offshoot trail at the mid-point of this climb to visit the Haven Hill summit and historical site, although the remaining 0.6 miles comprise of a much-deserved decline back towards the trailhead. CONQUER HAVEN HILL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! Photo courtesy of AllTrails, LLC 5. The Potawatomi Trail | Pinckney State Recreation Area Distance: 17.6 miles Elevation Gain: 1,253 feet Trail Rating: Moderate-Difficult If you decide to knock out each of these trails over this month, we highly recommend hiking the famous Potawatomi Trail early on in the journey. Not only is this trail one of the Detroit region's most famous, it's also indisputably the most difficult on this list - especially if you're aiming to tackle the trail in a day. Definitely doable, but oh baby... you would absolutely have our undying respect for doing so. Located in Pinckney State Recreation Area (yes, we're experiencing déjà vu as well from how many times Pinckney appears in our articles), "Poto" takes an average of 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete. The trail snakes through a series of lakes during its rollercoaster of elevation changes, with its steepest climb of 117 feet of elevation gain striking at the 11.7 mile marker (the same final climb described in the Crooked Lake Trail description above). Note that this wooded, hilly trail is extremely popular with mountain bikers (note: Poto is the #1 ranked MTB trail in the Detroit region), other hikers, backpackers, trail runners, cross-country skiers, and hunters during the fall months. Please remember to wear "hunter orange" outer clothing if hiking during Michigan's main firearm season. Not feeling the climb at the end of an 11+ mile day? Fortunately, the bottom of this climb provides you with direct access to Crooked Lake Rustic Campground via a southward-bound offshoot at the 11.8 mile marker. The remaining 6 miles provide gentle, rolling terrain back to the trailhead at Pickerel Lake. As always, we must include the disclaimer that this list only scratches the surface on amazing hiking opportunities throughout the Detroit Region. Our other favorite trail systems include Maybury State Park, Bald Mountain State Recreation Area, Independence Oaks County Park, and Point Pelee National Park. We promise that each of these trail systems - plus many, many more - will receive their proper recognition in due course. Until then, we'll be out in the field - can't wait to see you out there! This article includes information originally published in 50 Hikes in Michigan, Jim DuFresne (2019). Which of the above is your favorite trail? Is there a specific trail, park, activity, or destination that you would like to see featured in a future article? Perfect - we want to hear about it! Please feel free to post about it in the comments below or contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.

The wait is over - Detroit's peak fall colors have FINALLY ARRIVED throughout the region, and there's no better trail to experience this season's beauty than along Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail. As rapper E-40 so eloquently stated, "Everybody got choices." For Detroit's outdoor community, that simple sentence couldn't be more true for the month of October. Scratch that, the last two weeks of October. When our trails are brilliantly decorated in reds, yellows, and oranges. A fleeting, stunningly-gorgeous period where one can reasonably become recreationally paralyzed by the choice of whether to go for a run, paddle, bike, or hunt. Especially on a bluebird day. I found myself with such choices this past Monday. As I finished up my morning office work (yes, we in the outdoor industry do still have indoor offices), I recognized the recreational conundrum that lay before me. Every prediction software at my disposable gave the green light for every activity. My "Plan A" was to head to the deer stand, but man...a quick glance out the window showed that peak fall colors, at long last, had arrived. And, as any long-time Michigander knows, those colors could be gone in a matter of weeks - sometimes days if the winds pick up. Armed with recently-obtained knowledge regarding the Detroit area's 5 best trails for experiencing fall colors, I made a calculated choice to bail on the stand for Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail. The #1 destination within an hour's drive of Downtown Detroit for inundating your hike with autumn's stunning ambience. A baptism of seasonal color. The type of click-bait destination that outdoor influencers dream of. With the afternoon's trail selected, my GoPro fully-charged, and a weighted rucking vest loaded up, all that was left to do was hit the road and pray that my gamble would pay off. Despite my excitement, this recreational choice represented a gamble - a zero-sum situation where choosing to hike meant foregoing the hunt. With October's bounty of outdoor opportunity, there was a decent likelihood that I could end up regretting this choice. Fast forward an hour or so, I'm a few miles into the Crooked Lake Trail - mesmerized by my surroundings. The entire scene is bathed in golden light, both from the vibrant yellow leaves of the park's hickory trees and the late afternoon sun. My camera is pleading for mercy after its overuse while trying to capture the scene. Eventually I give up on it, surrendering to the realization that moments like this, in places like this, can only be fully-experienced in the moment. "This...this was the right choice." It is our privilege to reintroduce Pinckney State Recreation Area and its Crooked Lake Trail now. MEET PINCKNEY STATE RECREATION AREA The modern history of Pinckney State Recreation Area dates back to our last ice age. Truly - the park's dramatic moraines and kettle lakes that our regional recreationists love to hike, bike, hunt, and fish were formed within the Jackson Interlobate Range as the glaciers receded across the Great Lakes region ~10,000 years ago. Pinckney's recorded history, however, starts in the 1830s when George Reeves spearheaded the development of nearby (and obscure tourism favorite) Hell, Michigan. The land under the Reeves family's gradually grew until 1924, when the Reeves decided to sell it to a Detroit-based investment group which established a summer resort in the area. The State of Michigan finally acquired rights to the land in 1943 before formally establishing Pinckney State Recreation Area in 1944. The Pinckney of 2023 constitutes a paradise for the Detroit region's most rugged, comprehensive, and sought-after destinations for outdoor recreation. Outfitted with two of Metro Detroit's pristine backpacking trails - the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail and the Potawatomi Trail - on top of hundreds of miles of hiking, running, biking, and equestrian trails, Pinckney may take the prize as our region's top trail destination. Just within the Expedition Detroit content universe, Pinckney has claimed coveted places on lists including best stargazing opportunities, top-rated campgrounds, and crowd-favorite mountain biking and hiking trails. Oh, and we haven't even touched on the park's paddling, fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, opportunities yet. Now let's get to one of Pinckney's crown jewels: the Crooked Lake Trail. HIT THE TRAIL Total Distance: 4.4 miles Elevation Gain: 324 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Loop Parking Specifics: Parking available at Silver Lake Trailhead (northernmost parking lot; Michigan Recreation Pass required for parking) Any trip out to Pinckney State Recreation Area - and especially the Crooked Lake Trail - should never be attempted on a time-budget. For starters, just arriving at the Silver Lake Trailhead will invite you to linger along the beachfront as you take in the panoramic views of Silver Lake. They're truly stunning, and on a warm summer's day you could understandably spend all day just there. But you're not here for the beach - you're here to experience the best fall colors in southeast Michigan along the Crooked Lake Trail. To minimize the siren call of Silver Lake, we recommend parking as close to the Crooked Lake Trail's origination point as possible. Head to the northernmost section of the massive Silver Lake parking lot, locate the ornate, hand-crafted trail map sign depicted below, and hit the trail without looking back. Silver Lake Trailhead The trail marker signs are fairly weathered throughout the hike, but fortunately the well-worn Crooked Lake Trail is very easy to follow due to its year-round popularity. From the trailhead, start by heading 0.2 miles across an expansive boardwalk and parallel to the southern shore of Silver Lake. There are a few pristine photo-op turnouts along this stretch - feel free to turn off on one and snap away to your heart's content (the cover photo for this article was captured at one of those side trails). At the 0.2 mile marker, turn right at the dead-end to continue along the "hiking route." If you're biking the Crooked Lake Trail, then turn left at this juncture. From this point, you will hike exactly 1 mile to the Crooked Lake Trail's highest point. The steepest grade comprises of an 11% incline at the 0.6 mile marker, but otherwise you will thoroughly enjoy the brilliance of fall colors that radiate stronger as you trek steadily closer to the trail's peak at 1,008 feet. You'll know that you're near the top when the terrain becomes slightly more arid and sandy. A bench waits to reward you for your 0.8 miles of consistent climbing. The Crooked Lake Trail's "Peak Bench" While your initial descent from "The Peak" only lasts 0.1 miles before another short climb, the relatively steep descent that follows provides a portal to one of the most beautiful and segments of the Crooked Lake Trail. You may be able to catch glimpses of the namesake Crooked Lake to the south, but don't miss the wildlife viewing opportunity as you cross over two of the lake's tributary streams. These 0.8 miles of "marshland hiking" will also make you glad that you're visiting in the fall vs. mid-summer - the mosquitos are non-existent at this time of year. That's a HUGE perk to fall hiking. Once you've crossed Glenbrook Road, you'll hike a 0.3 mile stretch that we've nicknamed "The Straightaway." While most of the Crooked Lake Trail's foliage comprises of the bright gold from Pinckney's bountiful hickory trees, The Straightaway features a mix of trees that diversify the color palate of your fall hiking experience. The Straightaway's plateau of elevation next to some of Pinckney's best maintained segments of forest also provide fantastic photo opportunities and general visibility around the trail. Foliage along the Crooked Lake Trail's "Straightaway" My personal favorite segment of the Crooked Lake Trail - especially during "golden hour" - undoubtedly is the 0.4 miles of hiking along the northern shore of Pickerel Lake. Kicking off at the 2.7 mile marker, this stunning specimen of fall hiking will absolutely kill whatever record pace you had going for you. Every time that you think you captured the perfect fall vista of the lake through the leaves, just wait until you take a few more steps down the trail - your jaw will drop yet again. To top this portion of the trail off, you will cross over another expansive boardwalk that provides the best bird watching opportunity along the trail. Rest along this boardwalk if you need to, because what follows next is a gorgeous - yet continuous - 0.8 mile ascent to the Crooked Lake Trail's second-highest point at the 3.9 mile marker. Autumnal views of Pickerel Lake Beyond this "second peak," the good news is that the trail is all downhill until you reach the Silver Lake Parking Lot. The bad news is that this descent is steep - a 12% decline - so any hikers that are experiencing fatigue by this point should exercise immense caution along this somewhat treacherous final portion of the hike. Yes, you will undoubtedly be excited to complete your autumnal adventure by reaching your car, but please take your time, be safe, and enjoy the lingering 0.5 miles of the Crooked Lake Trail. EXPLORE THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL WITH US THIS FALL! TIPS FOR RECREATION DURING HUNTING SEASON Fall in the Detroit region is primetime for outdoor recreation - yes, across the full spectrum of recreational genres. Hikers enjoying the brilliant canopy above them. Bikers ripping down leaf-covered trails. Paddlers navigating crisp streams. And hunters heading into the woods for to engage in one of Michigan's most revered recreational past times. Hunting and fishing - especially hunting - are undoubtedly the "black sheep" of the outdoor recreational universe. Here at Expedition Detroit, we have made it part of our core mission to familiarize our community with the immensity of conservational benefits derived from the activity. Beyond the lucrative value that the sale of hunting and fishing licenses provides to our state, the Michigan DNR heavily relies on the hunter engagement as a core component of their environmental management policy. That being said, we understand the jarring effect that hunting can elicit from non-hunters. Hunting inherently involves taking a life, which unsurprisingly does not sit well with a notable cohort of outdoor enthusiasts. Even just the sight of a firearm in today's political climate can cause an unnerving effect. Stated differently, fall in the Detroit region presents a potentially contentious timeframe when our region's favorite trails - like the Crooked Lake Trail - are shared by hunters and non-hunters alike. In light of the arrival of peak trail 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 hunting 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. Want to experience a guided hike on Pinckney Recreation Area's Crooked Lake Trail? Look no further! Book your next guided outdoor adventure with us today! The #TrailTuesday Series idea started as a recommendation from readers looking for a deeper analysis into the individual trails that define Detroit's vast network. One of our main goals for this platform is to produce content that reflects the outdoor interests and desires of our community, so please continue to provide us with your suggestions via our contact form or here in the comments!

From the heights of Mt. Omich to the lowlands of the Huron River, we retraced the generational footsteps of one of the Detroit region's oldest backpacking routes: the Chief Pontiac Trail. Join us on Part 1 of this series as we traverse this classic Michigan hiking trail from Highland to Proud Lake! "There's no way that it was like this in the 1950s." I say those words audibly to myself as yet another set of headlights blind me along Wixom Trail. It's just past 10 p.m., and I've got the red light setting on my headlamp turned on to alert oncoming traffic that there is, in fact, a rouge vagabond backpacking along the side of a major road on a Friday night. A few cars flash their headlights at me. Maybe they think that I'm lost. Or they're checking to confirm that an apparition of Chris McCandless hasn't returned to haunt the outskirts of Milford. Regardless, they're obviously - and understandably - confused at the spectacle in front of them. Against all odds, however, I'm right where I'm supposed to be. Not arriving at the trailhead at 6:30 p.m. for a 10.5+ mile backpacking trek would've been ideal, but regardless of my tardy departure, I'm exactly on-trail for the first segment of the traditional Chief Pontiac Trail. A prestigious expeditions that generations of Boy Scouts have traversed since 1958, when these roads assuredly were sleepy, backcountry routes to the outskirts of a growing Oakland County. A welcomed sigh of relief hits my tired legs as I finally verge off of the main roads and back into the sanctuary of Proud Lake State Recreation Area. I have another 2.6 miles to go, but the familiar woods - even in the pitch dark - feel like home. A beautiful, natural environment that has hardly changed in the last 65 years thanks to ardent conservationism and prevailing common sense. My calorie-deprived mind is complete mush at this point, but as I cross the Moss Dam Bridge I start to think about the trail that I'm following - and how it so accurately reflects the state of the Detroit region's outdoors. The grand history and decades-long visions that led to its establishment. The maintenance actions - or lack thereof - the led to its current state. The almost total lack of online visibility regarding its navigation and operation. And, most importantly, the opportunities for its future. Out of all of our exploits on the Expedition Detroit platform, thru-hiking the Chief Pontiac Trail undoubtedly holds the title as our truest "expedition" to date. It's a rigorous, often overgrown, and occasionally unmarked trail that requires backpackers to stay dialed-in throughout the journey. It's our great pleasure to introduce this quintessential trail to our audience now. MEET THE CHIEF PONTIAC TRAIL In the mid-20th century, the state of the outdoors throughout North America - and especially in the Detroit region - was booming. As the assembly lines of Detroit's factories increasingly produced cars, Michigan's road networks expanded in stride across the heart of the region's growing metropolitan area. With these rapidly road networks and sprawling urbanization, Detroiters steadily found themselves craving newly-accessible outdoor escapes - including those previously owned by their employers. Western Oakland County evolved into the destination of choice for such intrepid recreationists. Of the 10 "state recreation areas" established by the Michigan Department of Conservation in 1944, 6 reside within the county and 3 others immediately outside its confines (Island Lake, Brighton, and Metamora-Hadley Recreation Areas). Furthermore, two of the most accessible of these recreation areas - Highland and Proud Lake - were conveniently separated only by the growing community of the rural Village of Milford. These two recreation areas alone captured the best of southeast Michigan's pristine outdoors: wooded moraine highlands, dense hardwood forests, towering pines, wildlife-dense marshlands, and the stunning Huron River. As you could imagine, it didn't take very long for the trail-building visionaries of the mid-20th century to dial in on these two recreation areas for a new backpacking route. Although an original route omitted Highland from the Chief Pontiac Trail's itinerary, the trail officially opened on June 14, 1958. The genesis for the trail first originated with members of the Ottawa District of the Clinton Valley Council in 1957, although Boy Scouts of America Troop 108 of the Walled Lake Methodist Church adopted and completed the construction of the trail in Spring of 1958. The Boy Scouts promoted the trail with a twofold purpose. The first and obvious aim included enabling Scouts to gain valuable lessons in physical endurance, backpacking, first aid, cooking, camping, map reading, compass use, and general safety while on-trail. Second, to foster a historical and cultural appreciation of the great Ottawa Chief Pontiac - the most formidable leader of the Great Lakes Native American resistance movement who governed over a confederacy of Chippewa, Potawatomi, Ojibway and Ottawa tribes. These core purposes are still reinforced today by the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee. In 2023, Scouts can still earn special badges through a variety of Chief Pontiac Trail routes. These include special paddling, winter hiking, and a Highland-only loop routes. The route detailed in this two-part series follows a slightly-modified version of the "Conventional Hike" route - the 16.5 mile route that includes an overnight at the Pines Campground in Proud Lake. We were unable to secure a campground at Pines, so our route - the "Expedition Detroit CPT Route" - involves a slightly-longer first segment to Proud Lake's Modern Campground. Sorry, Scouts, you will not earn a badge for completing this route of the Chief Pontiac Trail...yet. CHIEF PONTIAC TRAIL: Highland Recreation Area to Proud Lake Modern Campground Total Distance: 11.30 miles Elevation Gain: 574 feet Trail Rating: Moderate Route Orientation: Point-to-Point Parking Specifics: Parking available at Haven Hill Barn Parking Lot; Michigan Recreation Passport required. Like several other of North America's greatest hikes, your adventure down the Chief Pontiac Trail starts with a slight backtrack. While the official trailhead parking lot is right beside the massive, white Haven Hill Barn, Trail Marker #1 for the Chief Pontiac Trail is actually located 0.1 miles due west towards Highland's "Youth Group Campground." I opted to leave my pack in the parking lot for this brief jog over to the official starting sign (see the cover photo for this article), and the blooming wildflowers alongside the trail made it a trek absolutely worth trekking. Great photo op by the sign as well before officially kicking off your thru-hike. Once you're back at the parking lot, grab your pack, traverse the parking lot(s), and locate the unofficial trailhead at the far eastern edge. The Chief Pontiac Trail largely consists of an interconnected network of separate trails, with this initial 0.4 miles following Highland's "East Trail." As a word of precaution, look for an orange trail marker at the 0.3 trail marker to guide you WEST towards a noticeably rounded hill. Yeah...I missed that trail marker and ended up adding nearly a mile to an already long first segment. Don't be me. You'll finally escape Highland's paved parking lots at the 0.6 mile marker (trail marker #28). From here, you will hike 0.6 miles along the southern edge of Highland's famous Haven Hill Natural Area, one of the crown jewels of the park. While the Chief Pontiac Trail omits the namesake Haven Hill climb from its itinerary, there is a decent 10% incline that hits at the 1 mile marker. For the most part, however, this section of the trail serves to warm up your legs with some oscillating climbs and falls, boardwalks and marsh vistas. Two minor words of caution for this initial segment. First, bug spray - LOAD UP on it. Highland in the summer months is notorious for its mosquitos due to the park's multitude of ponds and kettle pools, so don't be stingy with your insect repellant. Second, you will be hiking along Highland's bridle trails during this portion of the Chief Pontiac Trail. Stated differently, mind your step - some stretches comprise of a horse poop minefield. Consider yourself warned. Starting at the 1.2 mile marker, you will start seeing signs for the "Tunnel Trail." This refers to the makeshift, graffiti-decorated tunnel that passes under Duck Lake Road and connects the "Haven Hill" zone of Highland to the "Mountain Bike Trails" zone. In full transparency, I had no idea that this tunnel existed - and I was really pumped to backpack through it. Trails are remembered and celebrated for little features like this, and I hope that Highland allocates some of its future budget towards converting this tunnel into a destination of sorts (e.g., the M-52 tunnel on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail). Once through the tunnel, you'll hike all of 0.2 miles before arriving at Highland's expansive Mountain Bike Trailhead. Friends, this is where the real fun begins. Over the next 2.6 miles, you will follow the Chief Pontiac Trail directly through the heart of Highland's famous - no, notorious - MTB trail system. Honored as the hardest of the Detroit region's three "Black Diamond Trails," Highland's A-B-C-D loops lead riders, trail runners, and hikers through a roller coast of steep climbs and technical turns. The Chief Pontiac Trail, for better or for worse, largely steers clear of the most technical aspects of this landscape through its relatively straight north-south orientation. Don't think for a second, however, that this means that you will traverse through this rigorous landscape with ease. To the contrary, the trail leads hikers directly over the 1,139 ft. summit of Mount Omich, including a 12% incline, to reach the second-highest point in Highland Recreation Area. So yes, you will assuredly earn your passage through Highland's highlands. Your expedition through Highland ends within a series of wildflower fields before reaching the Barn Course Field Trial Grounds. If you're following the Expedition Detroit route, then the shelters, restrooms, and water pump found here provide an ideal spot to rest, have lunch, and gear up from the traverse waiting for you. I was fighting daylight by this point, so unfortunately I just topped off my water bottle at the pump and kept pushing forward. However, if you do have 30 mins or so to rest, please take it. Your legs will thank you in a few short hours' time. Following a short eastern jog down Cooley Lake Rd., you will turn due south on Burns Rd. at the 5 mile marker. Guys, there's no way to sugar coat this: 3.7 miles of hiking alongside main roads totally sucks. The country-style Burns Rd. portions aren't terrible - actually had some of my best wildlife viewing opportunities while hiking down Burns - but the Commerce St. crossing, Wixom Trl, and Sleeth Rd. portions are brutal. Even more so, they're unnerving. Switching from the solitude of Highland to the headlights of main roads is simply jarring to the senses. ROAD HIKING 101 We briefly interrupt this article for a quick crash-course on road hiking etiquette. As much as we'd love for all of our trails to solely exist in untamed wilderness, alas, we live amidst a modern and intrusive society. Several of North America's largest and most celebrated trails - include the North Country Trail and Appalachian Trail - have road-hiking portions. The Chief Pontiac Trail is no different, and while road portions of trails serve to efficiently connect one natural area to another, they pose a certain amount of inherent risks. Here's a cheatsheet on maximizing your safety while traversing road sections of scenic trails: ALWAYS HIKE AGAINST TRAFFIC (i.e., along the left side of the road). HIKE AS FAR AWAY FROM THE ROAD as reasonably safe and without trespassing. ERR ON THE SIDE OF CAUTION when crossing roads. IF IN A GROUP, hike in a single file line. NEVER WEAR HEADPHONES while hiking along main roads. AT NIGHT, wear reflective clothing and/or keep your headlamp on its red light setting. Stay safe out there. Now, back to the Chief Pontiac Trail. Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor LLC At the 8.7 mile marker on Sleeth Rd., your eyes finally locate the sight that they've so desperately sought after: the painted sign for the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center. This sign means a relief from the monotony of road hiking, noise pollution of car traffic, and a return to the wild. You will still need to walk 0.3 miles to reach the northern boundary of Proud Lake State Recreation Area, which is directly accessible from the Center, but there are ample benches within the Center's grounds for resting your legs. Trust me, you'll greatly appreciate them. Follow the paved bike path near the Center's southeast corner until you see a large brown sign demarcating the resumption of the natural Chief Pontiac Trail. The trail starts up again with a sharp descent before flattening out alongside the marshes of the Huron River. You will reach one of the lowest points of the entire Chief Pontiac Trail while crossing the boardwalks leading up to the Moss Lake Dam Bridge - a 234 ft. elevation difference from your highest point just hours before. Once across the bridge, the next mile of Proud Lake hiking provides a highlight reel sprint of some of the park's most beloved trails. Following the Orange Trail from the bridge, you will traverse the northern stretches of the Proud Lake's expansive marsh ecosystem until reaching the aptly-named Marsh Trail at mile marker 9.9. Continue south as you hike around the far eastern bank of Proud Lake's very scenic marsh. You may find yourself tempted to continue your circumnavigation of the marsh, but our route stays south towards Trail Marker #6. Typical trail markers along the Chief Pontiac Trail, including gratuitous product advertising We're closing out this narrative on the Chief Pontiac Trail with good news and bad news. Starting with the good, Trail Marker #6 designates that the end is near for Day 1 on the trail. All that remains in front of you is an eastward two-track trail that dead ends at Proud Lake's Modern Campground. The bad news is that you have 0.9 miles before reaching it. That mileage may not sound like a lot while reading it within an article, but your legs will likely beg you to simply pull off the trail and set up camp in the woods during this stretch. Or at least mine were. Push through though, dear hiker - a modern campground stocked with remedying amenities awaits you. We would like to end this article with a suggestion for the Chief Pontiac Trail Committee, Boy Scouts of America, or really any interested trail advocacy group to consider. That suggestion is a route re-navigation through Downtown Milford. Here are our reasons why: Safety. Hiking alongside Wixom Trail and Sleeth Road may have constituted leisurely country road hiking in the mid-20th century, but with the growth of Milford and Commerce Townships of the last 30 years, this route now seems unnecessarily dangerous. I could not imagine leading a crew of teenagers along this route without having at least 3 anxiety attacks. Viable Alternative Routes. As demonstrated by the Milford Bike Fest's "Century Challenge," other safe, scenic, and trail user-friendly routes exist through the Milford area. Within Highland, there's an opportunity to turn southwest at the 4.5 mile marker to connect to the Milford Connector Trail - a relatively new trail that safely guides bikers and hikers to Highland's southernmost section. The Milford Connector Trail ends at scenic Weaver Rd., which further leads hikers into the heart of Downtown Milford. Main Street in Milford then connects directly to Oakland Street/Garden Road, including this route's scenic vistas along the Huron River, historic Oak Grove Cemetery, and eventually Proud Lake State Recreation Area. Yes, hikers will miss Moss Lake Dam Bridge, but (a) the following day's route could backtrack slightly to include such highlights and (b) HIKERS WILL FEEL SAFE THROUGHOUT THEIR JOURNEY. Trail Town Benefits. Trail towns are an integral component to any world-class thru-hiking experience. Despite that fact, the classic Chief Pontiac Trail appears to go well out of its way to avoid the immaculate, celebrated trail town that is Downtown Milford. Backpackers would even have the opportunity to restock their supplies at Blue Birch Outfitters, one of our favorite #ExpeditionPartners and a gear sponsor for this thru-hike. We'd like to offer a special thank you to Blue Birch Outfitters for addressing our gear needs and outfitting us with a brand new Osprey backpack for this adventure! Hitting the trail with the right gear can truly make or break an outdoor experience. With Blue Birch's convenient location in the heart of Downtown Milford, you can explore the vast majority of the Detroit region's outdoor destinations knowing that there's a fully-stocked retailer just around the corner.

Tundra Season is BACK in Detroit, unveiling unprecedented opportunities to dive into one of our region's favorite recreational pastimes: cross-country skiing. Here is our #ExpeditionEssentials guide to the best gear, destinations, and tips for launching into cross-country skiing near Detroit! We've said it once, twice, and will probably say it a million times more: Winter is one of the Detroit region's greatest recreational assets. Yes, we know that the real-feel temperature this morning was -23ºF (-30ºC). Extreme cold weather like this is undoubtedly the most severe natural risk to living and recreating in the Detroit region, so much so that we have published Expedition Detroit's own "Winter Survival Guide." I wore more layers of protective clothing on yesterday's 1 mile walk than I did on my summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Never underestimate a Detroit winter. And yet, think of the alternative - like the lackluster winter that we endured last year. Winter sports annually contributes ~$3 billion to Michigan's $13 billion outdoor recreation industry. Last year, the infamous "Winter of '24" gutted this revenue with its record-high temperatures, prompting Governor Whitmer to appeal to Congress, the U.S. Small Business Association, and the Federal Emergency Management Authority for Federal financial aid. Detroit's "Big Four Ski Resorts" suffered their worst seasons on record, with most of which closing for the season before the end of February. We did not make it out unscathed either. We did not lead a single guided snowshoe trek all last winter (hoping to reverse that trend in 2025 - pre-sale is on NOW!). Another of Expedition Detroit's greatest casualties from last winter involved cross-country skiing - a Detroit region favorite recreational pastime that we have been dying to dig further into since our genesis. Frustratingly, we never had the conditions to bring the sport to this platform. Until now. Winter 2025 - pervasive tundra conditions and all - is dialed in for exploring ALL of the Detroit region's wintertime recreational opportunities. So while these primetime conditions are still in effect, we're launching headfirst into the world-class gear, destinations, and beginner tips for exploring of the best of cross-country skiing near Detroit. GEAR UP: Cross-Country Skiing Gear Essentials One of our core principles includes writing every Expedition Detroit article from a place of authenticity. "If you haven't lived it, then don't write about it," which is our shorthand iteration of the Henry David Thoreau quote "How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." This expectant level of authenticity is especially relevant here since, as I mentioned before, cross-country skiing is entirely new to the Expedition Detroit platform. As such, if you are planning on tapping into cross-country skiing near Detroit this winter for the first time, then guess what - we're right there along with you. This article is meant exactly for you, because we're living and experiencing cross-country skiing right alongside you. Since we just purchased our first cross-country skiing gear ever, this article provides our dollar-backed, top-of-market selections for the best cross-country skiing duds currently being offered. Let's get into it. Photo courtesy of Recreational Equipment, Inc. The Essentials: Cross-Country Skis, Boots, and Poles Let's start with one massive positive about cross-country skiing near Detroit. The sport is SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than downhill resort or backcountry skiing, both in terms of the average cost of equipment and accessibility (i.e., no lift tickets). All that's really required is a moderate upfront investment in "The Essentials" of skis, boots, and poles; after that, you can either utilize typical winter recreational clothing that you already own or splurge to look like a Norwegian olympian on the trails. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIS: Spider 62 Crown Xtralite Cross-Country Skis with TURNAMIC Bindings Brand: Fischer Cost: $369 Skiing Style: Classic Cross-Country Technical Features: Wood cores utilize lightweight air-channeled wood for a lively feel and durable construction. Progressive-depth Offtrack Crown pattern provides optimal grip and glide when touring and climbing in a wide range of snow conditions TURNAMIC bindings are compatible with TURNAMIC, NNN® and Prolink® touring and race boot soles. CROSS-COUNTRY BOOTS: XC 2 Cross-Country Ski Boots Brand: Rossignol Cost: $159.95 Skiing Style: Classic Cross-Country Technical Features: Tall cuffs and zip-up lace covers seal out snow, while foam linings wrap your feet for warmth. Touring-specific soles and lateral heel supports provide stability for all-around trail skiing. Touring soles feature flexible central inserts that reinforce comfort without reducing overall stiffness and torsional rigidity, which add stability while skiing. Thermo-adjustable liners can be heat-molded around your feet for a customized fit and comfort. CROSS-COUNTRY POLES: Focus Nordic Cross-Country Ski Poles Brand: Swix Cost: $28 Skiing Style: Classic Cross-Country Technical Features: Cylindrical aluminum shafts provide added strength. Classic touring handles have adjustable straps. Medium/large universal baskets work well in and out of groomed tracks. Weight: shaft weight only: 110 g per meter; overall weight varies by size Sold as a pair. For more details on correct cross-country ski equipment sizing, check out this excellent sizing guide from our affiliate partner REI. Note that this gear only covers "Classic Cross-Country Skiing" as opposed to other variations, such as "Skate Skiing." This is intentional since classic cross-country skiing represents the more accessible and predominant form of skiing across the Detroit region's vast trail system. Classic cross-skiing involves a straight-line stride called either a "diagonal stride" or "kick and glide," while skate skiing's movements look like a speed skater on ice and utilize a slimmer, shorter ski. Staying Warm: Layered Clothing As the famous Norwegian saying goes, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." For winter weather, you should always dress in layers, especially for the cooler-to-freezing temperatures that fluctuate in the Detroit region during the winter. Here's a refresher on layering: Base Layer ("underwear layer"): Arguably the most important layer; the goal is to wick sweat off your skin. For cross-country skiing near Detroit, midweight long underwear is a good choice for all-around use. Lightweight is best for mild conditions and heavyweight for below-freezing temps. Look for fabrics like polyester or wool that wick perspiration away from your skin and dry quickly. Middle Layer ("insulating layer"): Should retain body heat to protect you from the cold. In general, thicker/puffier equals warmer. For your upper body, most skiers prefer a puffy down or synthetic insulated jacket. If you prefer fleece, make sure your jacket is heavyweight fleece. Outer Layer ("shell layer"): Largely weather-dependent; shields you from wind and rain and provides extra insulation. In winter, it is important to have a fully waterproof jacket rather than merely water resistant. However, these also need to be breathable so that perspiration wicked away by your base layer can escape. Cross-country ski pants typically have a windproof material in the front and breathable, stretchy material in back. You should also add in a few "accessory items" to your winter clothing kit. These include a basic wool or synthetic beanie, insulated gloves with waterproof/breathable shells, glasses or googles, and non-cotton socks. With regard to socks, extra-thick pairs will not keep your feet warm if your boots become too tight. GET OUT THERE: 3 Best Trails for Cross-Country Skiing Near Detroit The Detroit region is no stranger to world-class cross-country skiing trails. In fact, most - if not all - of our Michigan State, Huron-Clinton Metropark, and regional parks feature top-tier cross-country skiing trails near Detroit. Our state's long winters, scenic forests, rolling hills, and notable demographics with Scandinavian ancestry lend itself to our winters' favorite pastime. If you're ready to ramp up your cross-country skiing adventures for Winter 2025, then here are the Detroit region's top 3 ranked trails for cross-country skiing near Detroit (according to AllTrails): 1. CROOKED LAKE TRAIL | Pinckney State Recreation Area | Pinckney, MI Distance: 4.4 Miles Elevation Gain: 324 ft. Route Type: Loop Largely celebrated as the Detroit region's #1 destination for fall colors, Pinckney Recreation Area's "Crooked Lake Trail" also takes the title as our most sought-after destination for cross-country skiing near Detroit! This classic trail boasts frozen lake vistas, forested hills, steady inclines, and thrilling declines to keep even the most ardent cross-country skier on their toes. EXPLORE THE CROOKED LAKE TRAIL YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. PENOSHA TRAIL | Brighton State Recreation Area | Brighton, MI Distance: 4.9 Miles Elevation Gain: 393 ft. Route Type: Loop The Penosha Trail is a quintessential Michigan hike, including a continued reign as one of Michigan's top 10 trails. Especially after a fresh snowfall, Penosha features a timeless magic to its forested corridors, marshland boardwalks, and dramatic climbs that will keep cross-country skiers coming back for more loops all season long. EXPLORE THE PENOSHA TRAIL YEAR-ROUND WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. BLUE, WHITE, AND ORANGE LOOP TRAILS | Bald Mountain State Recreation Area | Orion Township, MI Distance: 6.7 Miles Elevation Gain: 452 ft. Route Type: Connected Loops In 1983, the DNR crew stationed at Bald Mountain State Recreation Area headed out into its northern woods with one objective: attract cross-country skiers. The rangers proceeded to create one of the most sought-after cross-country trail networks in the entire state - Bald Mountain's famous Blue, White, and Orange Loops. HIT THE TRAILS: Cross-Country Skiing Tips for Beginners Before signing off on this article, we wanted to close by sharing the following cross-country skiing etiquette, safety tips, and best practices as prepared by the talented team at REI. Each of these best practices are key not only for enjoying your time traversing the Detroit region's celebrated trails, but also mitigating your exposure to serious health risks like injury, frostbite and hypothermia: PROACTIVELY STAY WARM. Don't wait to adjust layers if you're getting cold, especially in your extremities. Also adjust layers if you're sweating a lot because excess moisture can chill you. It's wise to bring hand warmers, foot warmers, and a vacuum bottle filled with a warm beverage. DON'T TRY TO TOUGH IT OUT. If you feel your fingers or toes getting cold, stop and take the time to check on them and warm them up. Placing cold fingers in your armpits or cold toes on a partner’s warm stomach are good ways to warm up. Using hand warmer and toe warmer packets is also effective. FALL SOFTLY. Even expert skiers take the occasional tumble. If possible, though, avoid sticking out your poles or wrists when you fall because that increases the chances of injury or damage to gear. Rolling sideways is generally a good tactic, though that assumes you have enough control to do so, and that you don't roll into a tree or other hazard. START ON EASY TRAILS. Most cross-country ski trail systems follow standard rating designations: green for beginner, blue for intermediate, and black for expert. Avoid blue or black trails at first, because you'll be more likely to fall on them, which isn't a great outcome for you, nor for the faster, more experienced skiers who use those trails and who will have to ski around you. YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY. Go the correct direction on any trail marked as a one-way route. On two-way trails, uphill skiers yield to downhill skiers (who have less control). If you're slow, keep an eye out for faster skiers overtaking you and move to the side if that simplifies their skiing past. If you're fast, alert slower skiers as you approach and, if possible, try to ski around so they don't have to move aside. POLES AREN'T BRAKES. Never stick your poles out ahead of you to slow down because that can cause injury or break your poles. To slow down when skiing on flat terrain (where you should start out as a beginner), simply coast to a stop. SHUFFLE AND GLIDE. Once your skis are on, start to move with a slow shuffle down the tracks (like a slow walk). Then, after two shuffles, shift and center your weight on the front ski, gliding for a short distance. Continue ahead, using a shuffle, shuffle, glide cadence. This is the basic kick-and-glide motion of cross-country skiing. Shuffle & Glide; video courtesy of Recreational Equipment, Inc. This article contains affiliate links that align with Expedition Detroit's Disclosures Policy. This article does not constitute an endorsement by Expedition Detroit of any of the featured equipment or destinations for cross-country skiing near Detroit.

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 five 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. HAVE YOU CONQUERED THE "5 SUMMITS"? MEMORIALIZE YOUR ACHIEVEMENT WITH A LIMITED EDITION PATCH! 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) the 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!

June has FINALLY arrived and campers all across the Detroit region are packing up to find their resting spots under the stars. Just in time for peaking camping season, here's our breakdown of the Top Five Campgrounds near Detroit for Summer 2025! BREAKING NEWS: there are incredible campgrounds near Detroit. For most of our passionate following, this shouldn't be a surprise. In fact, almost all of the Detroit region's most beloved Michigan State Parks and Huron-Clinton Metroparks have at least one modern group camping location. The majority of the campgrounds may be best suited for "RV camping," but hey, at least you can still pitch a tent. That being said, a common message thread that we received while uploading our content from thru-hiking the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail read a little like this: "Woah, you can backcountry camp near Detroit?" "Yo! Since when do we have campgrounds?" "You can actually have these experiences in Metro Detroit?!" And, best of all: "Where else near Detroit can you camp like that?" Dear friends, that's where this article comes in. We've rolled our sleeves up to track down the five top-rated "rustic" campgrounds within the Detroit region. Destinations that not only preserve, but enhance the wilderness aesthetic that every outdoor enthusiast desires when looking to disconnect from modern society for a night or two. Especially when such pristine campgrounds are merely a short drive, moderate hike, decent ride, and - yes - expeditious paddle away. Here are the "Five Best Campgrounds near Detroit" for this year's camping season: 1. BLIND LAKE CAMPGROUND | Pinckney State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 10 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In or Bike-In Reservable Dates: All Year Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Located along the western rim of the quintessential Potawatomi Trail in Pinckney Recreation Area, the main allure of Blind Lake stems from its isolation from any main trailhead within Pinckney Rec or its surrounding parks. Any arrival at Blind Lake is earned either by boot or pedal (7 miles from the Silver Lake trailhead), so your night spent under the brilliant stars and by the lapping waves will be free of headlights and slamming car doors. Blind Lake's solitude is further enhanced by the gracious amount of space allocated between the sites, therefore ensuring as much privacy as a camper could ever hope for - especially when camping in the dead of winter (Blind Lake is the only campground here that offers year-round camping). The Blind Lake Rustic Campground is located about halfway along the 17-mile Potawatomi Trail. The campground is outfitted with a vault toilet, hand-pump water access, and fire rings. Only dead and downed timber are to be used for firewood. Advanced reservation required to book a site. EXPLORE PINCKNEY STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 2. MURRAY LAKE CAMPGROUND | Brighton State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: May 23rd - August 30th (only reservable for weekends) Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Sorry to start this section with bad news, but unless you stop reading and book a site at Murray Lake Campground NOW, then you may have to wait until next season. Seriously. That's how in-demand this amazing campground is. Located deep in the northern woods of Brighton Recreation Area, Murray Lake provides its fortunate campers with immediate access to the full spectrum of Brighton's world-class outdoor recreation opportunities. The campground conveniently sits right off of Brighton Rec's famous Mountain Biking Loop trail system, one of the three prestigious "Black Diamond" trails in the entire Detroit region. The campground is also a short hike from the even more famous Penosha Trail, consistently ranked as one of the best trails in the entire state of Michigan. And, of course, the campground's immediate access to its namesake Murray Lake means that you will be treated to a lakeside sunset by your campfire. Each site at Murray Lake Campground features a picnic table and fire pit. Other amenities include potable water and vault toilets. Advanced reservation required to book a site. DISCOVER BRIGHTON STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Li (仙人掌) 3. CROOKED LAKE CAMPGROUND | Pinckney State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25 Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - November 29th Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees If you're looking for a slightly more accessible - but still rustic - stay at Pinckney Recreation Area, then Crooked Lake Campground has the ideal setup for what you're looking for. Intrepid recreationists can still readily hike or bike into camp from the main Silver Lake Trailhead along the Potawatomi Trail, although Crooked Lake's 25 sites also accommodate car-camping enthusiasts. Although this attribute of Crooked Lake may detract from its "wilderness solitude" aesthetic a-la-Blind Lake, Crooked Lake has one key feature that makes it a massive draw for especially paddlers and anglers: The Fishing Pier. That's right - Crooked Lake features a fishing pier/boat launch that provides an ideal location for kicking back and casting a line or setting off towards a sunset over the waves. As fantastic as secluded, forested campsites are, there's just something ethereal about kicking your boots off after a long hike and dipping your feet into crisp, fresh water. Each site at Crooked Lake Campground features a picnic table and fire pit. Other amenities include potable water and vault toilets. Advanced reservation required to book a site. 4. ISLAND LAKE CANOE CAMPGROUND | Island Lake State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 2 Arrival Logistics: Paddle-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - October 31st Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Spending a night at Island Lake Recreation Area's Canoe Campground should be on every local outdoor enthusiast's "Bucket List." Why? Well, for starters, the sites are the most limited to book out of this "Top Five" list. As noted above, there are only 2 sites available for reservation at the campground. The scarcity of the sites is fortunately diluted by a one night-maximum stay per reservation, but still...book while you can. The second reason - and far more adventurous one - involves how you arrive at your site. As you probably guessed, there's only one way in or out of the Canoe Campground: via canoe (or kayak/paddleboard). One would think that "Canoe Camping" would be an immensely common way to camp in the Detroit region given our plethora of water, but amazingly Island Lake is only one of four legitimate canoe campgrounds throughout the entire Detroit region. In other words, Canoe Camping remains a relatively niche method of camping throughout our region - all the more reason to book a site, pack up your kayak with some dry bags, and paddle down the Huron River to an unforgettable experience. Island Lake's Canoe Campground is located 0.5 miles downstream of the Riverbend Picnic Shelter launching point. Amenities include a vault toilet, fire ring, picnic table and grill. There is no potable water available, so please bring your own water or water filter. Advanced reservation required to book a site. EXPLORE ISLAND LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Photo courtesy of Campendium Inc. 5. GREEN LAKE CAMPGROUND | Waterloo State Recreation Area Number of Sites: 25, not including the Green Lake Yurt Arrival Logistics: Hike-In, Bike-In, or Drive-In Reservable Dates: April 1st - November 29th for rustic sites; year-round for Green Lake Yurt Cost: $20/night, plus additional fees Last but certainly not least, we proudly present Waterloo Recreation Area's premiere camping destination, the Green Lake Campground. Located on the northeastern edge of Waterloo's expansive 20,000 acres, Green Lake marks roughly the mid-way point of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail and as such is frequented by backpackers, bike-packers, and car campers alike. The 25 sites in the campground overlook the idyllic Green Lake, including its golden sunsets and ample bird-watching opportunities. For our niche "glamping" readers, Green Lake also offers something special just for you: its regionally-famous, heated, open year-round Green Lake Yurt. The Yurt sleeps 5 people and comes outfitted with 2 futons, solar powered lights inside (lantern or flashlight also recommended), small table, propane cooking stove, and an outdoor grill. The Green Lake Rustic Campground is located near the DTE Energy Foundation Trail, Waterloo Pinckney Trail, and the Border-to-Border Trail. The campground includes vault toilets and a hand pump available for water. Advanced reservation required to book a site. This article includes Michigan camping insights published within Matt Forster's fantastic guide book Best Tent Camping: Michigan (3rd Edition). We couldn't recommend this book any more for our regional outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Detroit region and beyond. What are your favorite campgrounds? Is there a particular "hidden gem" near Detroit that you have been camping at for years that deserves a special spotlight? Let us know in the comments!

Now that a proper "Michigan Winter" has returned, the Detroit region is in peak condition for winter camping expeditions! Here is our #ExpeditionEssentials guide to the best gear, destinations, and best practices for your next winter camping adventure near Detroit. "Ah, so this most qualify as 'snowing' out here." I said those words mockingly as flurries started to drift down from the overcast skies at Grand Canyon National Park. It was early March in northern Arizona, and my buddies and I had just spent a full, mostly warm day exploring the South Rim. None of us knew if yet, but that trip would be the first of countless "squad camping trips" that would bind us together despite a decade of significant life changes. We also didn't know that we were about to experience winter camping. Calorie-burning, bone-chilling, and immensely humbling winter camping. The type of experience that makes you question your entire being: your passions, grit, ambitions, experiences. Every decision that led you to this exact moment, shivering in a tent, in the desert, in 19ºF whiteout conditions. If you're reading these words, then you know that at least I survived that harrowing night (yes, we all did). That night - and the two nights that followed - all qualified as "sufferfests" where Mother Nature unsparingly taught us not to underestimate her power. We arrived at that campground thinking that our northern acclimation would carry us through off-season temperature swings. We were gravely mistaken, and paid for it in lost sleep. The aftermath of Night #1 in the Grand Canyon Dear reader, here's the good news: our sad story does not need to be repeated. In fact, the whole introduction to this article could've been largely omitted if we would've done the slightest amount of research into winter camping. I would've recognized immediately that my base layers, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag were all inadequate for the conditions that I was heading into. Even my trail shoes could barely handle the icy conditions near the Grand Canyon's rim. As our research has proven, winter camping can represent a fun, rejuvenating, and crowd-less means of experiencing the Detroit region's trails in the "offseason." That being said, trekking out to a backcountry campsite in January vs. July simply requires more prep work. From gear selection to route preparation, colder temperatures mean extra decisions - but very, very important ones to make. This article is your cheatsheet to preparing for your next winter camping venture near Detroit. The exact article that I wish had existed before shivering through three sleepless nights in the desert. The type of resource that the Expedition Detroit team hopes will fuel your intrepid adventures all year long. Winter Camping Essentials Let's start with the obvious: this article is intended for anyone interested in winter camping in the Detroit region. What that means is that we will not venture into the extreme mountainous or polar genre of winter gear that 99.9% of winter camping articles tend to cover. Crampons, avalanche beacons, shovels, ice axes, and other extreme winter survival gear will be omitted here. Stated differently, if you are looking to thru-hike the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail or Potawatomi Trail this winter, then you're at the right place. If you're preparing to camp in the Cascades next month, well, you might want to do a little more research beyond this article. Photo courtesy of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Shelter: Building your Winter Base Camp If you're a fan of any survival reality show like "Alone," then you're already familiar with the four basic pillars of a wilderness survival scenario: water, shelter, fire, and food. While either bringing or obtaining potable water reigns supreme as the key survival element, the second most important - shelter - rises to a very close second when winter camping. Even if you're just car camping for the night, picking the right shelter area, packing the right tent, and bringing the right sleep system will determine whether you sleep or shiver. Purposefully selecting and preparing your shelter area is a critical first step towards an incredible winter camping experience. Start by picking a location that sheltered from the wind and protected from potential hazards like falling tree limbs. You should also consider whether your tent will have direct sunlight access coming from the east so that your morning will be as warm as possible. Last, prep the actual location for your tent by packing down the snow so that any loose snow won't melt from your body heat. Tent Specifics Contrary to most winter camping articles on the web, Detroit region campers most likely do not need a "Four Season Tent" in order to embark on offseason camping adventures. Even with Detroit's harsh winters, a typical "Three Season Tent" should work fine unless the forecast calls for unusually high levels of wind or snowfall. In general, Four Season Tents come with sturdier poles and heavier fabrics than their Three Season counterparts. While those beefed up features add weights, they are much better suited to withstand powerful gusts of wind and heavy snow loads. Four Season Tents also have less mesh (i.e., more insulation) and the rainflys extend close to the ground to keep swirling snow from getting inside. Photo courtesy of Recreational Equipment, Inc. Sleep System When it comes to winter camping, your sleep system is just as valuable as your shelter. Actually, we may argue that it's even more valuable. For me personally, I've spent far too many sleepless nights in offseason conditions due to poor insulation, unreliable mattresses, and simple lack of knowledge concerning adequate sleeping gear. Please - don't be me. Educate yourself on proper sleep system selection and maintenance. Pack the right gear for the conditions. Your reward will be a blissful night's rest in the backcountry, which is worth its weight in gold. Let's start with the choice of sleeping bag. For winter camping, you should always err on the side of being too warm for the projected conditions. My cold weather bag is rated to 10ºF, which I use anytime the nighttime lows are expected to dip under 45ºF. You can also add insulation to your sleeping bag by using a sleeping bag liner to add 15ºF of warmth to a 3-season sleeping bag. Another lesson that I learned far too late in my backpacking career is proper sleeping bag storage. A cold weather sleeping bag should NEVER be stored long-term in a stuff sack or similar compression bag. While stuff sacks are lifesavers for maximizing space while backpacking, subjecting your sleeping bag to extended compression while have devastating effects on the longevity of its insulation. Instead, loosely roll up your bag for storage after letting it air out post-trip. For your sleeping pad, the two key components are essential insulation and cushioning. If you expect to camp on top of compressed snow, then most experts advise utilizing two pads to keep from losing body heat. More specifically, it's recommended that you use a closed-cell foam pad directly next to the ground and a self-inflating pad on top of that. You should also utilize sleeping pads that have an R-value of 4.0 or higher for winter camping (higher R-value means better insulation). Staying Warm: Layered Clothing As the famous Norwegian saying goes, "There's no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing." For winter weather, you should always dress in layers, especially for the cooler-to-freezing temperatures that fluctuate in the Detroit region during the winter. Here's a refresher on layering: Base Layer ("underwear layer"): Arguably the most important layer; the goal is to wick sweat off your skin. For winter camping, midweight long underwear is a good choice for all-around use. Lightweight is best for mild conditions and heavyweight for below-freezing temps. Look for fabrics like polyester or wool that wick perspiration away from your skin and dry quickly. Middle Layer ("insulating layer"): Should retain body heat to protect you from the cold. In general, thicker/puffier equals warmer. For your upper body, most winter campers prefer a puffy down or synthetic insulated jacket. If you prefer fleece, make sure your jacket is heavyweight fleece. For your legs, fleece pants or heavyweight long underwear are good options, Outer Layer ("shell layer"): Largely weather-dependent; shields you from wind and rain and provides extra insulation. In winter, it is important to have a fully waterproof jacket and pants rather than merely water resistant. However, these also need to be breathable so that perspiration wicked away by your base layer can escape. You should also add in a few "accessory items" to your winter clothing kit. These include a basic wool or synthetic beanie, insulated gloves with waterproof/breathable shells, glasses or googles, and non-cotton socks. With regard to socks, extra-thick pairs will not keep your feet warm if your boots become too tight. Fuel Up: Best Camp Stove Options If you've ever spent a cold night in a tent, then you hopefully know the life-giving sensation of waking up to a hot mug of camp coffee. Easy to use camp stoves like those produced by JetBoil are a must-have in the backcountry, although "canister stoves" without pressure regulators cab depressurize in extremely cold temperatures, resulting in a weaker flame. Fortunately, cook systems like those produced by JetBoil feature pressure regulators on top of their lightweight, compact, and user-friendly technical aspects. Another camp stove option includes "liquid-fuel stoves." These stoves run on white gas, which burns hot and clean and performs well in below-freezing temperatures. But, they tend to be heavier and slower to boil than canister stoves, and you typically have to prime them before you can cook. The Best Winter Camping Destinations near Detroit Now that you're fully-outfitted for your next winter camping adventure, let's zero in on the best winter camping destinations near Detroit. While our region is blessed with several beautiful and unique campgrounds, most of the Detroit region's camping destinations shutter for the offseason right around when hunting season kicks off. For general camping considerations, that's a huge bummer. On the other hand, for those of us interested in winter camping - the expeditious, intrepid audience that inspires the Expedition Detroit team every day - that reality amounts to a massive blessing. The complete absence of fair weather campers means that our region's most secluded backcountry campsites will be free for the taking by those willing to venture out and seize them. Even popular campgrounds that are booked solid May through September will be readily reservable during winter. If you're looking for blissful solitude this offseason, then here are the Detroit region's top four winter camping destinations waiting for you: 1. Blind Lake Campground | Pinckney State Recreation Area | Pinckney, MI The top winter camping destination is without a doubt Pinckney State Recreation Area's Blind Lake Campground. Conveniently located along the Detroit region's first thru-hiking trail, the Potawatomi Trail, this campground is a hike or bike-in only destination that features 10 highly sought-after campsites. Site 3 is Blind Lake's most desired site due to its location along a wooded rise overlooking Blind Lake. Recommended Trail: Potawatomi Trail 2. Pines Campground | Waterloo State Recreation Area | Chelsea, MI Thru-hikers of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail are already very familiar with the wooded refuge of Waterloo's Pines Campground. However, even campers looking for a more manageable overnight backpacking experience can enjoy a night under the pines without committing to a ~40 mile adventure via the Grass Lake Trail. Setting out from the Glenn Road trailhead and following the Grass Lake Trail counter-clockwise, you will reach the Pines Campground at mile marker 8.5. Recommended Trail: Grass Lake Trail EXPLORE WATERLOO RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 3. Bishop Lake Campground | Brighton State Recreation Area | Brighton, MI While Brighton State Recreation Area's Bishop Lake Campground does not provide the backcountry experience of the above destinations, the campground more than makes up for that with other natural amenities. First, you will be camping just a stone's throw away from the famous Penosha Trail - one of the top day-hiking destinations throughout the entire State of Michigan. You will also be within striking distance of Brighton's tasty mountain biking trails, one of the three "Black Diamond"-rated trail systems in the Detroit region. Last - if you're daring enough - the frigid waters of Bishop Lake will invite you to take a cold plunge to rejuvenate your body and mind. Recommended Trail: Penosha Trail EXPLORE THE PENOSHA TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 4. Portage Lake Campground | Waterloo State Recreation Area | Chelsea, MI Last but certainly not least, a stay at Waterloo's Portage Lake Campground provides the perfect gateway to an unforgettable winter adventure. Scenic Portage Lake represents much more than a picturesque modern campground along the banks of stunning Portage Lake. The trailhead located just north of the campground also provides the primary starting point for the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail - Detroit's preeminent backpacking trail that does remain accessible and conquerable throughout the winter months. Recommended Trail: Waterloo-Pinckney Trail Quick Safety Add-Ons Before signing off on this article, we wanted to close by sharing the following winter camping safety and best practices as prepared by the talented team at REI. Each of these best practices are key not only for enjoying your time camping under the wintry stars, but also mitigating your exposure to serious health risks like frostbite and hypothermia: STAY WARM, DON'T GET WARM. By dressing appropriately, you can maintain a comfortable temperature, which is much simpler than trying to warm up after getting too cold. DON'T TRY TO TOUGH IT OUT. If you feel your fingers or toes getting cold, stop and take the time to check on them and warm them up. Placing cold fingers in your armpits or cold toes on a partner’s warm stomach are good ways to warm up. Using hand warmer and toe warmer packets is also effective. EAT FOOD FOR WARMTH. Your body generates heat as it digests food, so if you’re feeling cold try eating some food. Before you go to bed, have a snack to keep your metabolism going and keep a candy bar nearby if you get cold in the middle of the night. MULTI-USE YOUR FOAM PAD. Use your foam sleeping pad to sit or stand on while you’re cooking. It helps you stay a little warmer and drier. FILL YOUR TENT'S FLOOR SPACE. A bunch of empty floor space inside your tent will make it hard to warm up the interior space. Bring your backpack and other gear inside (avoid sharp items that could rip your tent) and place it around you on the floor of your tent to act as insulation against the cold ground. LIGHT EXERCISE BEFORE BED. Crawling into your sleeping bag cold is a sure way to shiver all night long. Do 50 jumping jacks, jog in place, or run a quick lap around camp. When your heart is pumping and you’re feeling warm, get in your sleeping bag and zip it up tight. GO PEE WHEN NATURE CALLS. By emptying your bladder, your body will use a little less energy to stay warm. If the idea of getting out of your warm sleeping bag in the middle of the night seems unbearable, use a pee bottle. Women can use a pee funnel to go into the bottle. SLEEP IN CLEAN CLOTHES. Over time, body oils, sweat and dirt will rob your sleeping bag of its insulating power. Change into clean long underwear and socks for sleep. STOW YOUR WATER BOTTLE UPSIDE DOWN. Water freezes from the top down, so by stowing bottles upside down, the bottle tops are less likely to freeze shut. Just make sure your bottles lids are screwed on correctly and won’t leak. KEEP YOUR ELECTRONICS WARM. Cold temps can zap battery power. When not in use, stow things like your headlamp, cell phone, GPS and extra batteries in your sleeping bag or a jacket pocket close to your body. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources makes reserving any of these campgrounds effortless through their online booking platform. You can also reserve "glamping" winter camping options via their platform, including Waterloo's "Green Lake Yurt" and other rustic hut lodging destinations. Have fun and be safe out there, Detroit - we'll see you around the fire ring!

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.

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 SPRING 2026. 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, so be sure to check out an upcoming special event this year! 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!

Summer is alive and well throughout Metro Detroit, buzzing with the excitement of SEVERAL season-long adventures! Ready to kick off your next local expedition? Check out these "5 Best Trail Challenges" near Detroit for Summer 2026! Spending a Detroit summer outdoors truly doesn't require any extra incentives. Our pleasantly warm temperatures, refreshing lakes and rivers, wide open campgrounds, and thousands of miles of trails make opting outside an easy decision. So...if you're already going to spend your days exploring the Detroit region's outdoors, then why not optimize your recreation by earning extra perks? That's exactly what makes these "Trail Challenges" near Detroit even more rewarding. Like compounding financial returns, each of these challenges allow you to squeeze a little extra juice out of your hiking, kayaking, camping, or biking plans. Love spending summers in the Huron-Clinton Metroparks? Sweet - why not utilize that interest to earn a 2027 Annual Pass? Planning on paddling through the warmest months of the year? Awesome - why not steadily kayak the whole of a National Water Trail and join the select-rank of finishers? That's just a taste of what you'll be able to accomplish over the months ahead while embarking on these "5 Best Trail Challenges near Detroit." Happy trails! Metroparks' "Trail Challenge" sign at Dexter-Huron Metropark 1. Huron-Clinton Metroparks' "TRAILS CHALLENGE" Claim to Fame: First region-wide "Trails Challenge" covering all 13 Metroparks and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park in Detroit. Challenge Dates: May 1st - October 31st Featured Perks: A 2027 Metroparks Annual Pass + Trail Challenge keychain, charms, passport, AND t-shirt with completion of "Bonus Challenge." More Information: https://www.metroparks.com/trailchallenge/ Ladies and gentlemen, this is it: the "Grandaddy" of all Metro Detroit trail challenges. Back for its fourth summer, the Huron-Clinton Metropark's official "Trail Challenge" is THE preeminent trail challenge occurring throughout the entirety of the Detroit region. The Metroparks' Trail Challenge is intentionally designed to encourage visitors to visit all 14 Metropark's locations across southeast Michigan. Yes, including the brand-new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park along the Detroit Riverwalk. Visit and complete the "Challenge Trails" at each Metropark to earn incentives. Every metropark includes a pet-friendly and accessible option, giving you more flexibility when planning visits. HOW TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE: To log your progress, visit the decorative "Challenge Trail" kiosk in each park, take a selfie, and use the QR code at the kiosk to upload it to the online leaderboard. Each completed trail earns you a virtual badge AND a custom charm for that park to add to your keychain. Complete a Challenge Trail in the designated 13 Metroparks and you will also earn a 2027 Metroparks Annual Vehicle Pass—so you can keep the adventure going next year. But wait, there's more in store for Summer 2026! You can now earn additional perks by accomplishing 3 of the following "Bonus Challenge" items: 💧 Visit the newest 14th Metropark – Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park 📸 Post a Trail Challenge selfie on social media 📅 Attend a Metroparks program 💬 Share Your Metroparks Story Registration is $35 per person. When you register, you will receive a custom Trail Challenge keychain and passport to start the adventure. You can pick all items up at a park office during one of your first Trail Challenge visit. Potawatomi Trail Bridge - included within the "Chelsea Trails Challenge" 2. Chelsea Chamber of Commerce's "CHELSEA TRAILS CHALLENGE" Claim to Fame: Largest participating trail offerings across the Detroit region Challenge Dates: February 1st - November 30th Featured Perks: Free swag and raffle entries for "Grand Prize." Website: https://chelseamich.com/annual-events/ctc/ The "Pure Michigan Trail Town" of Chelsea is situated on a gold mine of recreational amenities. While already renown for its outstanding commitment to trails demonstrated by its advancement, development and advocacy efforts, Chelsea's vast trail network connects its lively downtown to the sprawling DTE Energy Foundation Trail, Border-to-Border Trail, Waterloo and Pinckney State Recreation Areas, and several other municipal parks, lakes, rivers, towns, and neighborhoods. If you have the gusto to tackle the entirety of the Chelsea area's behemoth trail system, then your first step on that journey should be signing up for the official "Chelsea Trail Challenge"! This particular trail challenge is unique due to its sheer magnitude, both in terms of the number of qualifying outdoor destinations (57 in total) AND the recreational pursuits that the challenge covers. If you're an "all-season" adventure athlete like us at Team Expedition Detroit, then this is the ideal trail challenge for you. Here's a short list of the recreational means that you can utilize to accomplish the Chelsea Trail Challenge: Kayak, paddleboard, or swim within the participating lakes. Run or road/gravel bike on any of the paved trails. Mountain bike the available MTB trails. Hike, backpack, or trail run the plethora of natural trails - bonus perks if you do so on an Expedition Detroit guided tour! Snowshoe or cross-country ski in the winter months. Horseback ride as able/permissible. HOW TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE: Log in or Register: Click on the Trail Challenge Register form to create a free account. If you already have an account, scroll to the bottom of the paragraph and click the login link. Experience the Trails: This is the best part. Experience one of the 57 "Challenge Trails" and take a photo of yourself at the trailhead or on the trail. Access the Entry Form: Once your adventure is complete, log back in to your Chelsea Trail Challenge account and open the dropdown menu labeled "Trail Challenge Entry Form." Submit Your Entry: Fill out the form and hit the "Send Message" button. If you log just 10 trails, you'll be eligible to pick up a free hiking utility bracelet or official Chelsea Trail Challenge Sticker from the Chelsea Visitor Center. For every 10 trails past that benchmark, you can pick up a novelty 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 trails Hiking Pin. PLUS, with EVERY TRAIL submitted, you'll gain an entry for this "Grand Prize": $500 Gift Card to - Chelsea Outfitters; 1 Adult Stand Up Paddle Board; and Trek Marlin 5 Cross Country Mountain Bike - Thank you to Aberdeen Bike for supplying the bike. EXPLORE THE CHELSEA REGION WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT 3. Huron River Watershed Council's "HURON RIVER WATER TRAIL" Claim to Fame: 104 mile water trail is a federally-designated "National Water Trail" administered by the U.S. National Park Service. Challenge Dates: Must be completed within a calendar year Featured Perks: Membership within the exclusive "Huron104" registry of successful thru-paddlers. More Information: https://huronriverwatertrail.org/ In full disclosure, this "Trail Challenge" is currently the only one that's earned a rightful place on my personal bucket list. The 104 mile odyssey that constitutes the Huron River Water Trail ("HRWT") is far more than a typical, multi-day "canoe camping" thru paddle. The Huron River watershed represents the lifeblood of the Detroit region's recreational ecosystem - spanning the vast majority of our Michigan State Parks, Huron-Clinton Metroparks, ultra marathon routes, mountain biking trails, and ski hills - and the HRWT provides an aquatic highway through the heart of it. Starting at Proud Lake State Recreation Area in Commerce Township, the HRWT passes through "Trail Towns" like the Village of Milford, Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and Flat Rock before pouring into Lake Erie. While en route, you'll paddle through 3 Michigan State Recreation and Game Areas, 9 Metroparks, and countless other local outdoor destinations. Your reward for completing the HRWT? Rather than swag or raffle entries, you will have earned your place on the exclusive Huron104 Register, which immortalizes the names of all known successful HRWT paddlers since 2005. As of the publish date of this article, only 2 thru-paddlers have joined the Huron104 Register in 2026. In 2025 there were only 4 names added, which we believe is a testament to the rigor of the HRWT. HOW TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE: The beauty of completing the HRWT rests largely in its simplicity: a point-to-point effort that requires just adequate planning and aquatic stamina. That being said, there are two ways to qualify for the Huron104 Register, each of which must be completed within a single calendar year: Thru-Paddle the HRWT: This typically involves canoe camping across the routes 4 canoe campsites dispersed throughout the water trail in one continuous expedition. However, due to the notable gap in campsites between Hudson Mills campground and Lower Huron Metropark (~40 miles), camping along the river is not required to claim completion by continuous through-paddle. You must still start where you left off on the previous day of paddling. Section Paddle the HRWT: This involves paddling the entirety of the HRWT over the course of a calendar year. Paddlers do not need to complete the HRWT in sequential order; instead, they can paddle any of its segments in any order, slowly but steadily covering the entirety of the route. Joining the Huron104 Register is based solely on the "honor system," so as a final step each HRWT successful paddler must fill out an information form that provides high-level details on their trip. Should be an easy task after completing the journey, and as such is a fantastic means of weeding out any ill intentions. Pontiac Lake Peak, one of the "5 Summits" of Metro Detroit 4. Expedition Detroit's "5 SUMMITS TRAIL CHALLENGE" Claim to Fame: The first "Trail Challenge" located exclusively in Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas found within Metro Detroit Challenge Dates: Must be completed within a calendar year Featured Perks: Novel "5 Summits 2026" patch and trailblazer status as one of the first to complete the challenge. More Information: https://www.expeditiondetroit.com/post/five-summits-iconic-hilltops-near-detroit If you like to explore off the beaten path, pushing both your body and mind to discover new routes and "hiding in plain sight" destinations, then this next "Trail Challenge" is the PERFECT adventure for you! We at Expedition Detroit are proud to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in pioneering the "Five Summits Trail Challenge," covering 5 notable and scenic "summits" located in state parks across Metro Detroit. Here's a summary of the Five Summits: Wayne Hill in Maybury State Park: Highest Point in Wayne County, Michigan. Prospect Hill in Waterloo State Recreation Area: Highest point on the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail Pontiac Lake Peak in Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area: Remote highest point found deep within Pontiac Lake. Mount Kanzer in Highland State Recreation Area: Tallest of the "triple summits" found within Highland Rec. Kerr Hill in Ortonville State Recreation Area: Highest elevation in the entirety of southeast Michigan's state parks and recreation areas. HOW TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE: The "Five Summits Trail Challenge" is a brand new, largely still-developing trail challenge, so in its current state the challenge is largely based on the honor system. Most of the summits are unmarked and require intrepid navigation to summit. Personally, I love that expeditious nature of Five Summits, although we will be working with our friends at the DNR to establish formal, uniform summit markers for future photo opportunities. In the not-so-distant future, we will incorporate the best elements of the other trail challenges mentioned here into a new platform that popularizes the Five Summits Trail Challenge and celebrates those expeditious hikers that complete it. For now, you can memorialize your completion of the challenge with a special "Five Summits Trail Challenge 2026 Patch" and a special t-shirt highlighting your accomplishment. If you complete the Five Summits Trail Challenge in 2026, please keep a record of the dates of your summits so that we can memorialize your achievements in a future register! 5. Tree Fort Bikes' "TRIPLE TRAIL CHALLENGE" Claim to Fame: Multi-disciplinary biking challenge covering mountain biking and gravel terrain Challenge Dates: September 18th to 19th (rain date on the 20th) Featured Perks: Post-challenge party at Silver Lake Trailhead; t-shirts and beer glasses available via pre-order only. More Information: http://www.tripletrail.com/index.php Last but certainly not least, close out your summer of trail challenges on two wheels at Tree Fort Bikes' "Triple Trail Challenge"! This epic ride consists of a lightly-supported, ride-at-your-own-pace event, allowing you to tackle the entire 45 mile course or any variation you choose. Since 2020, the Triple Trail Challenge has raised an incredible $100,000 for the Potawatomi Trail's "Poto Revitalization Project." For 2026, the trail challenge will continue its fundraising focus by providing additional funds to maintaining and revamping the DTE Energy Foundation Trails. Every single penny of profit goes directly back into maintaining and improving these incredible trails. HOW TO COMPLETE THE CHALLENGE: After registering online (challenge is capped at 1,000 riders), the Triple Trail Challenge will kick off (and later finish) at Pinckney State Recreation Area's famous Silver Lake Trailhead. From Silver Lake, it progresses as follows: Starting on the Potawatomi Trail, riders will transition to a short gravel road leading to Prospect Hill. Here, you'll experience some truly epic singletrack, exclusively open for the Triple Trail Challenge. Next, you'll navigate a few scenic gravel roads to reach the renowned DTE Energy Foundation Trail, where you'll get a taste of all four loops. The journey then continues onto sections of the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail, another segment specifically accessible only for this event. Finally, you'll loop back to the Potawatomi Trail, where you'll encounter the challenging climbs and exhilarating descents that "Poto" is famous for, all ending in an epic finish and after party at Silver Lake. We'll see you on the trails all summer long, Detroit! Do you promote an outdoor recreation venture, or event that you'd like to promote on ExpeditionDetroit.com? Awesome - shoot us an email at info@expeditiondetroit.com to learn more about special marketing opportunities.

Summer is FINALLY here, Detroit! As you prepare your seasonal adventures across the Detroit region (and beyond), here is Expedition Detroit's "Summer 2026 Preview" highlighting the best outdoor experiences and events to look forward to this summer near Detroit! In Michigan, winter tests you - and summer rewards you. Team Expedition Detroit has mixed feelings on that statement, mostly because we're outspoken "big winter guys" over here. BUT, what remains indisputable is that the Detroit region - and Michigan as a whole - represents an outdoor paradise in the summer months. Just the word "Summer" - which officially kicked off just a week ago on June 21st - stirs up images of outdoor relaxation, recreation, and adventure. From jumping into your favorite local lake and paddling along the Huron River to backcountry camping and watching thousands of fireflies outshine a raging bonfire, summer fully immerses you within each of its fleeting, unforgettable moments. So much so that the season can feel overwhelming. That's where this article comes into play, Detroit. Here is Expedition Detroit's "Summer 2026 Outdoor Preview" - your short guide to planning an unforgettable summer in Metro Detroit's outdoors! 1. Relax Along the Detroit Riverfront Destination: Detroit Riverfront | Detroit, MI When to Experience: All summer Recommended Adventure: Enjoy one, two, or ALL of the events hosted by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Every season of the year, you can find Detroit's outdoor community recreating, relaxing, and connecting along the Detroit Riverfront Trail. That being said, the riverfront's activity kicks into high-gear during the summer months, thanks largely to the full spectrum of events hosted by our friends at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. In full transparency, the sheer quantity of riverfront shindigs going down this summer can feel overwhelming at first glance. Don't worry - that's where we come in. We've rolled up our sleeves, dug deep into the DRC's calendar of events (+general "To-Dos"), and highlighted the following for your recreational pleasure: Cruise down the Riverwalk at a "Motown Roller Club Meetup" event, occurring on the first and last Tuesday of each month. Learn foraging skills at a Riverwalk Herbal Walk event, taking place on July 13, August 10, and September 14. Explore Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, the Riverfront Trail's newest family-friendly destination, including weekly "Movie Nights" on Wednesdays. Join WeRun313 for one of their weekly 5K or 10K Thursday runs. Close out summer with celebrating Detroit's trails at the "Soiree for the Greenways" event on September 18, a masquerade fundraiser benefitting both the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Joe Louis Greenway Partnership. 2. CELEBRATE AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY AT A 4TH OF JULY RACE Destination: Downtown Milford | Milford, Michigan When to Experience: July 4th Recommended Adventure: Running the "Milford Firecracker Run" race Happy 250th birthday, America! Kick off your holiday with the annual "Milford Firecracker Run," which includes a full suite of 1 Mile, 5K, and 10K distances to choose from. While the race largely follows the familiar Milford-Kensington Trail from "Run Milford" races past, the Firecracker's route starts at Christ Lutheran Church (north of GM Road) before venturing east towards Kensington Metropark and Camp Dearborn, before turning around to head north towards Hubbell Pond Park - before turning around again to finish at the Church. As is tradition, be sure to head back to Main Street in Milford after the race for the marvelous 4th of July Parade! Pre-Race Information Registration available online. Packet pick up and registration on site at Christ Lutheran Church starting at 7 AM Race is professionally chip-timed with age group awards and photos. Swag Details All finishers receive a custom race medal All participants will receive a custom race shirt Awards for top male and female in each event along with top 3 in each age group ***JOIN EXPEDITION+ AND SAVE 20% ON ALL RUNNING VENTURE RACES*** 3. GET IN THE WATER AT BELLE ISLE Destination: Belle Isle State Park | Detroit, MI When to Experience: July 10th-11th Recommended Adventure: Paddling and/or Swimming in a Special Event Belle Isle Park has always represented the epicenter of the Detroit's outdoor recreational ecosystem. With its nearly thousand acres located conveniently in the heart of the Detroit River, the isle has provided a natural escape for Detroiters throughout the entirety of the city's storied history. The legacy proves especially notable - scratch that, essential - during the hot summer months. While bathing at Belle Isle's beach or picnicking within its green spaces are favored pastimes, Summer 2026 provides two world-class opportunities to cool off in the water at these awesome events: Swim Across America's Motor City Mile Open Water Swim: July 10th, 8:30 AM at Belle Isle Beach. Distance options include 0.25 mile, 0.5 mile, 1 mile, and epic 2 mile swims! Belle Isle Classic: Annual paddle and row event geared around discovering Belle Isle! Get in the water with some of the best paddlers found within the Great Lakes region, or complete the non-competitive "Belle Isle Circumnavigation" challenge. EXPLORE BELLE ISLE STATE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 4. FINALLY CROSS THE GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE Destination: Gordie Howe International Bridge | Detroit, MI and Windsor, ON When to Experience: Hopefully Summer 2026 Recommended Adventure: Biking from the Iron Belle Trail to the Trans Canada Trail Out of all the world-class events listed within this article, the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is easily the most transformative - and controversial. The "Great Trails Connector" linking Michigan's Iron Belle Trail to the behemoth Trans Canada Trail has been subject to repeated delays in opening, first for logistical reasons and now, apparently, political. As of the date of this article, this month's grand ribbon-cutting ceremony has been "delayed indefinitely" due to alleged "lingering trade tensions and unresolved issues." Just as a primer on the Gordie Howe Bridge, the 1.5-mile-long (2.4-kilometer-long) bridge will constitute far more than a third connection between Windsor and Detroit. Named after the Red Wings' legendary player, the bridge will provide a vital economic, logistical, and (most importantly for Expedition Detroit) recreational artery between Canada and the United States. The bridge will provide the first and only pedestrian-only means of biking or hiking across the Detroit River, thereby directly linking thousands of trail connections. At this point, only the powers that be know when the Gordie Howe Bridge will finally open. Regardless of that date, we can make two promises to you: Team Expedition Detroit will be there to celebrate this historic feat of recreational engineering; and The greatest era of the Detroit region's outdoor economy will have officially begun. Photo courtesy of Social Life Project 5. WATCH THE FIFA WORLD CUP IN A LOCAL PARK Destination: Campus Martius Park | Detroit, MI When to Experience: June and July Recommended Adventure: Joining a Detroit City Football Club or similar watch party in a local park The historic 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, with the "Knock-Out" phase JUST STARTING LAST NIGHT with Canada's 1-0 win over South Africa. If you haven't had the opportunity to catch all of the action during the "Group Stage" - including the United States' top-place finish - then don't fret. The tournament's best days are still ahead, especially when viewing in Detroit's outdoors. For U.S. fans, there's no better place to watch the Knock-Out matches than the "Best Public in America": Campus Martius Park. Hosted by our resident Detroit City Football Club, these watch parties begin 90 minutes prior to kick-off and require online pre-registration (free entry though). The City of Windsor has also hosted watch parties in their public spaces throughout the tournament, featuring large screen TVs, food vendors, and other World Cup-related amenities. As the U.S., Canada, and Mexico (hopefully) continue to progress through the Knock-Out rounds, expect these watch parties to get more energetic and engaging. We can't wait to cheer our boys on at Campus Martius with you over the next month! 6. GRIND INTERNATIONAL GRAVEL ACROSS THE DETROIT REGION Destination: SE Michigan and SW Ontario When to Experience: Throughout July and August Recommended Adventure: Riding in one of the Detroit region's international gravel riding events Did you know that the international Detroit region has been heralded as one of the premiere up-and-coming destinations for gravel biking? From the rolling terrain of the Jackson Interlobate Range to sprawling lakeside country roads, our local environs are increasingly playing host to world-class gravel riding festivals across both sides of the border. Here are our recommended gravel races for planning top-tier summer rides: BIG Gravel Grind: July 5th, Thedford, Ontario One Helluva Ride: July 11th, Chelsea, Michigan De Ronde Van Grampian: August 1st, Oxford, Michigan The Watermoo: August 8th, Dexter, Michigan 7. BACKPACK THE POTAWATOMI TRAIL WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT Destination: Pinckney State Recreation Area | Pinckney, Michigan When to Experience: July 11th - 12th Recommended Adventure: Thru-Hiking "Poto" on a Weekend Getaway Fireflies sparkle as you gaze into a roaring campfire, surrounded by several new friends and adventure partners. You've spent the day backpacking through one of Metro Detroit's storied and beloved wilderness areas, and are sharing stories as waves lap against the shore in the background. It's the idyllic conclusion to a perfect day backpacking in the Detroit region. The best part? You have another one waiting just over the horizon. That's just a teaser of what you can expect when joining Expedition Detroit on a guided backpacking trip through Pinckney State Recreation Area along the fabled Potawatomi Trail this summer! Last year and this past April, the Expedition Detroit team experienced firsthand the magic of backpacking the 17.6 mile Potawatomi Trail. In honor of the trail's 60th anniversary, we thru-hiked its entirety with an overnight at Blind Lake Campground - the top-rated backpacking campground in the Detroit region. Do yourselves a favor, Expedition Detroit community - join the adventure and book a mid-summer backpacking adventure getaway along Poto. EXPLORE PINCKNEY STATE RECREATION AREA WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT! 8. CELEBRATE THE MTB LIFE AT A MOUNTAIN BIKING FESTIVAL Destination: Stony Creek Metropark and Lakeshore Park When to Experience: All Summer Recommended Adventure: Riding in the celebrated Tree Farm Relay or one of Stony Creek Metropark's events For Team Expedition Detroit, summer unofficially kicks off at one of our favorite annual events: the "Milford Bike Fest," occurring during the first week of June and featuring over 100 miles of MTB-accessible trails. While "Bike Fest" technically goes down in late spring, the Detroit region's summer months are jam-packed with mountain biking-related festivals, races, and other events complementing peak riding season. Here's a short list of our recommended MTB fests: BIG Bang XC MTB Race: Stony Creek Metropark, July 18th Tree Farm Relay: Lakeshore Park, July 25th Shelden Mountain Bike Fest: Stony Creek Metropark, September 26th What are your recreation plans for this spring? Are there any destinations or top outdoor experiences near Detroit that we should highlight for the Expedition Detroit community? Let us know in the comments!