Category: Hikes

  • A Winter Expedition: Exploring Valhalla Park

    A Winter Expedition: Exploring Valhalla Park

    Winter hikes are one of my favorite things to do with my beagle, Brisco. We love exploring new trails, playing in the snow, and enjoying the fresh air. However, as he grows older sometimes the harder hikes through deep snow have been a bit more of a challenge for him.…

  • Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan: A Fall Adventure

    Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain in Marquette, Michigan: A Fall Adventure

    As the crisp air of autumn sweeps across Marquette, Michigan, there’s no better time to lace up the hiking boots and head to Sugarloaf Mountain. This local gem offers breathtaking views, vibrant foliage, and a sense of tranquility that’s perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature.  There’s just something…

  • Hiking to Cedar Falls in Hocking Hill State Park

    Hiking to Cedar Falls in Hocking Hill State Park

    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…

  • The Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park

    The Rock House in Hocking Hills 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…

  • Top 5 Reasons Why Old Man’s Cave is Worth Exploring

    Top 5 Reasons Why Old Man’s Cave is Worth Exploring

    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.

  • My First Adventure on the Big Bay Pathway

    My First Adventure on the Big Bay Pathway

    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…

  • The Running Adventure I Didn’t Want at Proud Lake Recreation Area

    The Running Adventure I Didn’t Want at Proud Lake Recreation Area

    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.

  • The Magic of the Bush Bay Trail

    The Magic of the Bush Bay Trail

    Take a magical hike in the woods on the Bush Bay Trail near Cedarville, Michigan. With beautiful views of Lake Huron, limestone and dolomite formations, and all the moss that would make a fairy garden jealous. This hike is well worth the stop. The Bush Bay Trail has been nicknamed…

  • Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail

    Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail

    Waterloo Recreation Area is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. With 20,000 acres of land, Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula. It includes diverse camping options, 11 inland lakes, and multiple systems. On my visit, I decided to explore the extensive Waterloo-Pinckney Trail.

  • Take a Hike at Maybury State Park

    Take a Hike at Maybury State Park

    Maybury State Park boasts nearly 1,000 acres of rolling terrain, open meadows, and mature forest. Located in southeast Michigan near the town of Northville, this park provides an excellent escape from the city. With trails to accommodate hikers of all experiences, horses, and bikers of all levels, Maybury State Park…

  • A Beautiful Hike at the Huron County Nature Center

    A Beautiful Hike at the Huron County Nature Center

    Take a short hike through an oasis of woods and wetland in Michigan’s tip of the Thumb. The Huron Nature Center is a beautiful, peaceful place with easy hiking for all ages.

  • Sandy Hikes & Lake Huron Views at Port Crescent State Park

    Sandy Hikes & Lake Huron Views at Port Crescent State Park

    If you are looking for a hike that offers sandy beaches, lake views, and can be completed in an hour, Port Crescent State Park has what you are looking for.

  • Snowshoeing in a Winter Wonderland

    Snowshoeing in a Winter Wonderland

    Winter has been lacking in these parts this year. So when a large snowstorm finally rolls through, you can find skiers and snowshoers alike out on the trails. Woldumar Nature Center is one of my favorite mid-Michigan destinations to do just that.

  • Discovering Beckwith Nature Preserve

    Discovering Beckwith Nature Preserve

    If you’re looking for a quick, easy hike, Beckwith Nature Preserve is the place for you. This little trail system provides an escape to nature all with the convenience of being tucked away on the edge of town.

  • Take a Hike in Marquette

    Take a Hike in Marquette

    Hiking options are abundant in Marquette, Michigan. With scenic views everywhere, unique terrain, and waterfalls galore, it is easy to see why Marquette is one of my favorite Michigan hiking destinations. Here are some of my favorite trails to hike in the area.

  • A Fall Hike in the Smoky Mountains: Charlies Bunion

    A Fall Hike in the Smoky Mountains: Charlies Bunion

    Hop on the Appalachian Trail and find beautiful vistas at Charlies Bunion in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is one of my favorite places within the park to experience autumn in the mountains.

  • Running the Trails at Ionia State Recreation Area

    Running the Trails at Ionia State Recreation Area

    Like most of Michigan’s state parks, Ionia State Recreation Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From forested campsites, sandy beaches, and miles of trails, it has adventure around every corner. This pretty park is a great option for a long hike or run.

  • Exploring the Trails at Ingham Conservation District

    Exploring the Trails at Ingham Conservation District

    There are few things more exciting than the first run or hike on a new trail system. I learned about the Ingham Conservation District trail from a local running group and was eager to check them out. I was pleasantly surprised by these trails and can’t wait to get back…

  • A Hike to Mossy Cave

    A Hike to Mossy Cave

    Mossy Cave is located at the end of a short hike in Bryce Canyon National Park in the beautiful state of Utah. Mossy cave isn’t what one might typically think when imagining a cave but with easy access and a unique surrounding area, it is worth a visit.

  • A Blue Ridge Mountains Adventure: Linville Falls

    A Blue Ridge Mountains Adventure: Linville Falls

    The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range and stretch for 550 miles, from Georgia to Maryland. They contain two national parks, miles of stunning vistas, amazing hikes, and gorgeous waterfalls. One such waterfall is Linville Falls in North Carolina.

  • Hiking the Wild McCormick Wilderness Area

    Hiking the Wild McCormick Wilderness Area

    There is a place in Michigan that is incredibly wild and remote. With miles of trails, scenic waterfalls, hardwood forests, and wild rivers, McCormick Wilderness Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. However, the unmarked trails make this place a destination for experienced hikers.

  • A Great Hike at Lincoln Brick Park

    A Great Hike at Lincoln Brick Park

    During Michigan’s Trail Week, I was attempting to hike or run different trail systems every day. This led me to Lincoln Brick Park. Often overshadowed by the neighboring Fitzgerald Park, this small historic place has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts.

  • A Winter Hike at Meridian Riverfront Park

    A Winter Hike at Meridian Riverfront Park

    Meridian Township is home to several parks and recreational spaces. However, none are quite as special as the Meridian Riverfront Park. Consisting of 3 individual parks, this trail system offers diverse wildlife viewing, beautiful scenic spots along the Red Cedar River, and winding trails through young forest.

  • Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Mosquito Falls

    Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Mosquito Falls

    Mosquito Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls tucked away in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It does not have the impressive height of Sable Falls or power of Miner’s, but it is nonetheless just as beautiful.

  • Hiking the Trails of Chippewa Nature Center

    Hiking the Trails of Chippewa Nature Center

    With 1,500 acres of diverse habitat and 19 miles of trail, Midland’s Chippewa Nature Center is the perfect place to spend quality time in nature.