Category: State/City Parks & Forests
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Don’t Miss the Incredible Ash Cave in Hocking Hills
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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.
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Hiking to Cedar Falls in Hocking Hill State Park
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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…
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The Rock House in Hocking Hills State Park
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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…
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Over the Hills and Through the Creek: Running the Half at Winter Trail Fest – West Side
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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…
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The Running Adventure I Didn’t Want at Proud Lake Recreation Area
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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.
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Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
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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.
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Take a Hike at Maybury State Park
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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…
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A Weekend Camping Trip at Sleepy Hollow State Park
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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.
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Running The Legend at Sleepy Hollow State Park
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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.
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Sandy Hikes & Lake Huron Views at Port Crescent State Park
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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.
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Running the Trails at Ionia State Recreation Area
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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.
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A Wooded Hike to Lake Michigan at Saugatuck Dunes State Park
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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.
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Experience the Elk at Gaylord’s City Park
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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…
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A Michigan Must: Tahquamenon Falls
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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.
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The Waterfalls of the Presque Isle River
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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.
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Discover History at Nonesuch Ruins
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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…
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The Challenges of Running at Sleepy Hollow State Park
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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.
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A Stroll to Laughing Whitefish Falls
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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.
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100 Years of Michigan State Parks
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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.
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Camping & Touring Scout’s Rest Ranch
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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…
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Why Presque Isle is a Must
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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…
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Pigeon River: There’s No Place Like Home
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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.…
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A Tennessee Gem: Fall Creek Falls State Park
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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.
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Kitch-iti-kipi – Michigan’s Largest Freshwater Spring
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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…