Category: Adventures

  • 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.…

  • Choose Your Michigan Outdoor Winter Adventure

    Choose Your Michigan Outdoor Winter Adventure

    Winter in Michigan is a magical time of year. The landscape transforms into a breathtaking winter wonderland. This bucket list will guide you on your journey of discovery, helping you embrace the cold and uncover the hidden gems and unforgettable experiences that make Michigan winters truly special.

  • 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…

  • Don’t Miss the Incredible Ash Cave in Hocking Hills

    Don’t Miss the Incredible Ash Cave in Hocking Hills

    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.

  • 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…

  • Running on the North Country Trail: Pictured Rocks

    Running on the North Country Trail: Pictured Rocks

    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…

  • Over the Hills and Through the Creek: Running the Half at Winter Trail Fest – West Side

    Over the Hills and Through the Creek: Running the Half at Winter Trail Fest – West Side

    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…

  • Finding Adventure in 2024

    Finding Adventure in 2024

    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.…

  • 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 Weekend Camping Trip at Sleepy Hollow State Park

    A Weekend Camping Trip at Sleepy Hollow State Park

    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.

  • Running The Legend at Sleepy Hollow State Park

    Running The Legend at Sleepy Hollow State Park

    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.

  • 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.

  • Exploring the Historic Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse

    Exploring the Historic Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse

    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.

  • 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.

  • An Outdoor Michigan Spring Bucket List

    An Outdoor Michigan Spring Bucket List

    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.

  • 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.

  • The St. Joseph Lighthouses

    The St. Joseph Lighthouses

    The St. Joseph Lighthouses are located at the mouth of the St. Joseph River on Lake Michigan in the southwest corner of the state.

  • 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.