You may think that hiking in the Lansing area means pavement pathways and a disconnect from nature, like most cities. But that’s not the case in Lansing. In fact, within a short drive, trail goers have access to many beautiful forested trails, right in the heart of nature.
It is said that you live a lifetime in an ultra. You have ups and downs. You make new friends. You discover hard things about yourself. You overcome challenges. You fade into darkness. You break into light.
This September I participated in my first 100K. It was hard, uncomfortable, and beautiful.
Don’t be afraid of the name. You’re more likely to encounter mosquitoes than deer flies on this unique and fun trail 5K. The Deer Fly 5 occurs on the pretty, forested trails at Lake Lansing North Park in Haslett, Michigan.
Imagine spending a morning among giant pine trees, fern-covered forest floors, lush bogs, a wide river with waterfalls, and beautiful lakes where moose love to roam. Sound perfect? I thought so. The Tahqua Trail Run takes runners along a spectacular route that has all of those things and more.
Out of all of the races that I have participated in, the Tahqua Trail 25K is one of my favorites. It has everything that I love about trail running on a relatively easy course.
You don’t want to miss Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park.
Ash Cave isn’t like those we splunked through in Cumberland Caverns. It is a type of cave called a recess cave – and it is the largest one in the state of Ohio.
Cedar Falls is one of Hocking Hill State Park’s greatest waterfall by volume. However, don’t get your hopes up of seeing this waterfall roaring with life if you visit any time in the summer. Like the other waterfalls in this area, Cedar Falls is likely to dry up during the warm seasons. Still, the unique …
Read more “Hiking to Cedar Falls in Hocking Hill State Park”
Hocking Hills State Park is well known for its caves. But did you know that there is actually only one true cave within the park? That’s the Rock House.
The Rock House cave is about 200 feet long and 20 to 30 feet wide with a high ceiling of 25 feet. It sits midway up a 150-foot cliff made of Blackhand sandstone and is quite the sight to see up close.
Old Man’s Cave is the most popular area in Hocking Hills State Park. There is so much to see along a short, easy hike that is unique and very beautiful.
Be at the center of it all. Stay at Hocking Hills Start Park Campground and have immediate access to most of Hocking Hills’ hiking trails. Located directly in the park next to the infamous Old Man’s Cave, this campground makes an excellent home base for all your adventures in Logan, Ohio.
Spend a Saturday morning racing on the Lansing River Trail during the Trail Town 10K and 5K event. Enjoy scenic views of the Grand River, wildlife sightings, and help support the maintenance and expansion of the Lansing River Trail.
I love tacos. Who doesn’t? These spicy chorizo tacos are not only delicious but are easy to make. Pre-make at home and warm up at camp or cook over a fire, these are sure to be a favorite.
If you like camping in peace and solitude, off the beaten path but still close to a multitude of things to do, Island Lake Campground is the perfect place for you.
Ever since my first ultra three years ago, I have been eyeing the Rock River Canyon 50K. This race is described as a race for runners who want to “immerse themselves in the wild backcountry of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Zen single track”.
Now that I have completed this race, I can honestly say that is a very accurate description.
When I first discovered the Big Bay Pathway, I was intrigued. I had difficulty finding any information about it other than a tiny image of a detail-less map and that it was used primarily for cross-country skiing. I visited what I had thought was the trailhead a few times but never felt confident enough with …
Trail Weekend is a popular trail race in the area and for good reason. Held in the beautiful Pinckney Recreation Area, it is one of the most challenging courses in the region. Offering 4 distances, it is a fantastic race for anyone who loves the trail.
There is something special about places like that. You never knew the campground existed, but once you discover it, you are hooked.
Crooked Lake Rustic Campground is one such place. Tucked away in Pinckney Recreation Area, this campground is at the heart of it all.
In 2016, we had the wonderful opportunity to backpack through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Since then, it has been a dream of mine to run the length of the park. While this trip was short, it gave me a taste of that experience and made me even more determined than ever to complete the dream.
In 2020, I set off on an adventure to complete my first winter trail run. It was 5 miles through Yankee Springs Recreational Area. It was cold, snowy, and a blast. I’m happy to say I have finally returned to the Winter Trail Fest – West (W.T.F) event and tackled the half marathon. While everything …
Read more “Over the Hills and Through the Creek: Running the Half at Winter Trail Fest – West Side”
Running is hard. It requires physical and mental endurance, determination, and a bit of stubbornness. One way to make it a little bit easier is to find the right gear that makes you feel comfortable and excited about hitting the trails.
No two runners have the same gear. It is a very individualized sport and that includes personal preference for gear. These are my favorites.
When I signed up to participate in the Full Moon 5, I thought it was a great opportunity to get some night-running experience. Little did I know how much fun I was going to have, running on muddy, icy trails in the dark with a bunch of strangers. The sounds of laughter filling the darkness, broken only by an occasional hoot of a Great Horned Owl.
Winter is one of my favorite times to camp and explore the outdoors. There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of winter in the woods. But before venturing out into the cold it is important to have a plan on how to stay warm.
There is something special about reflecting during this time of year. Perhaps it is because the new year feels like a clean slate – we can start over again. Or perhaps it is because things are slowing down as winter begins to settle in – at least for some people.
Now is the time to think about what you might want out of 2024. What is left on your bucket list? Is there someplace special that you want to revisit? How do you want to continue to challenge yourself? Or simply, what do you need to get by?
Every year the Michigan landscape transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Embrace the cold and celebrate all that the state has to offer with some of my favorite bucket list activities for this time of year.
Visiting Proud Lake Recreation Area has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. With over 3,000 acres, including the scenic Huron River, this recreation area provides activities for all outdoor adventurers.
Here are some gift ideas to help find the perfect gift for your favorite trail runner, whether they are just getting started or are long-time trail warriors.