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”
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.
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 “the Narnia Trail” and for good reasons. There’s something whimsical about it.
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.
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 has something for everyone. This park has been on my bucket list for a long time and I’m happy I finally made it.
Sleepy Hollow is located 4 miles outside of Laingsburg, Michigan. While merely a 30-minute drive from the city of Lansing, this campground still manages to serve up that “up north” feel that most of us drive hours to achieve.
If running through hardwood forests and prairie grasslands is your thing, the Legend trail run in Sleepy Hollow State Park is a race for you.
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.
If you love lighthouses and their history, you must visit Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse in Michigan’s “upper thumb”. This is one of the oldest lighthouses in Michigan and is still active today.
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.
There are few things more exciting than the first blooms of Spring. Life is beginning to awake from the long, cold winter. And with it, adventures are being planned and hikes are being taken.
Camp, hike, and explore all spring long with these bucket list items.
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.
The St. Joseph Lighthouses are located at the mouth of the St. Joseph River on Lake Michigan in the southwest corner of the state.
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.
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.
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.
From the first time I heard about the Powell Township Recreation trails, I could not wait to step foot on them. Located in one of my favorite locations, Marquette County, this trail system has a lot to offer. As part of the Noquemanon Trail Network, it does not disappoint.
Fall in Michigan is a spectacular time of year to celebrate the great outdoors. Crisp cool days, no bugs trying to carry you away, and scenery unlike any other. So refuel your bucket list and get ready for another set of adventures.
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is a haven for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. It has rugged mountain views, wild rivers, and quaint historic towns sprinkled in between. There are plenty of adventures and waterfalls to keep one satisfied. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to visit these 5 waterfalls.
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.
Looking for a sandy adventure that leads to a dip in a Great Lake? Saugatuck Dunes State Park has got you covered. With over 10 miles of hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and access to Lake Michigan, this state park is an excellent place to enjoy the hot summer months.
Looking for a unique adventure? Mount Baldhead in Saugatuck, Michigan has exactly what you’re looking for. Climb the Stair-Climb From Hell for spectacular views of Saugatuck, Douglas, and a glimpse of Lake Michigan.