We decided to do the Metroparks Trail Challenge this year as a way to get out of the house more, explore some new places, and give us something different to do on the weekends. I didn’t really expect it to become one of my favorite things we’ve done this year.

We’ve visited Huron Meadows, Lower Huron, Willow, Oakwoods, Wolcott Mill Farm Center, Lake Erie Metropark and several others. I’ve really enjoyed seeing how different each park is and having a reason to explore areas we probably would have otherwise driven right past or kept saying we would visit “someday.”

Most of the time we make a whole day out of it. We walk the challenge trail, explore more of the park, bring the fishing gear when we can, and sometimes add a random stop for lunch or ice cream afterward. But the best part for me has really been discovering how much there is to see and do within the Metroparks themselves.

I’ve also realized this year that an adventure doesn’t have to mean taking a big vacation or traveling hours away from home. It can be getting up on a Saturday, picking a Metropark we haven’t explored yet, walking a new trail, fishing for a couple hours, finding a part of the park we haven’t seen before, and just enjoying the day together.

The Trail Challenge gave us a reason to actually go to places we had talked about visiting and helped me appreciate how many great places we have so close to home. Even after the challenge is over, there are still more Metroparks and trails we want to explore.

I’m really glad we decided to participate because it has gotten us outside, helped us explore more of Southeast Michigan, and given us some really good days and memories together. -Colette