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”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pigeon River State Forest (east of Gaylord, Michigan) is home to one of the largest herd of elk east of the Missippissi. This place is so special. There is nothing more magical than seeing a free-range elk in its natural habitat. However, most people don’t take the opportunity to go find these majestic and shy creatures. Instead, people can visit these animals at Gaylord’s Elk City Park.
Tahquamenon Falls is the perfect representation of the beauty to be found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A popular tourist destination for reasons obvious to any visitor. As a staple of Michigan, this waterfall should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Streaming through the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a beautiful and scenic river known as Presque Isle River. Enjoy hiking a 2.3-mile loop around this stunning river. Waterfalls, potholes, and Lake Superior await you.
Visiting Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a step back in history to a place where nature and humans co-existed. Buried among thousands of acres of old-growth forests and stunning vistas are abandoned mines, echoes from communities long gone. There is no place better within the park to experience the ghosts of the past than Nonesuch Mine.
Sleepy Hollow State Park offers over 2,000 acres of forest, fields, and lake. Within that acreage, the park boasts 16 miles of hiking, running, and biking trail. The perfect location for a trail runner to get some decent mileage in.
Imagine an easy stroll through a quiet forest, ending at one of Michigan’s tallest waterfalls; Laughing Whitefish Falls. Located in the Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site, this waterfall is considered by many to be Michigan’s most spectacular waterfall.
On May 12th, one hundred years ago, the Michigan State Park Commission set out to create wonderful recreational spaces that visitors could enjoy and be closer to the beauty of Michigan.
In 1878 William Cody bought 4,000 acres near North Platte, Nebraska. He built ranch buildings, including a house and a barn. He raised cattle and purebred stallions. He lived here from 1886 to 1913 and called this place Scout’s Rest Ranch. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park The state of Nebraska bought the famous showman’s …
Presque Isle Park is truly a diamond among gems. This 323 acre park is located on a peninsula that juts into Lake Superior in Marquette, Michigan. The park contains two picnic areas, concession facilities, hiking trails (which we took advantage of at least a little), playgrounds, grassy open areas, a historic wood band shell, restrooms, …
Six years ago Steve convinced me to step out of the familiarity of an established campground and venture out into the wilderness to pick a spot and set up camp. The place I picked to do that was Pigeon River State Forest. One night there and I never looked back. With a massive 105,000 acres, …
Fall Creek Falls State Park is a wonderland. It contains Fall Creek Falls, a massive 256 foot tall waterfall, five other waterfalls, 34 miles of hiking trails, a golf course, a campground, and a zip line. Not bad for a state park.
Growing up Steve visited Kitch-iti-kipi with his family. It made such an impression on him that he wanted to revist and share the experience with me. I didn’t know what to expect from a giant spring with a raft suspended on a wire and propelled by human power. A bit of history When the European …
Read more “Kitch-iti-kipi – Michigan’s Largest Freshwater Spring”