I was first introduced to the Trail Challenge in 2024, and this is my third year doing it. The experience has been truly amazing. Visiting all the different parks and hitting so many different trails has been a journey.

I started off walking at Lake St. Clair Metropark pretty much daily before I discovered the challenge and started going to different parks each weekend. While I haven’t done every trail available, my top 3 so far have to be the Woods Creek Rustic Trail at Lower Huron, the Woodland Nature Trail at Indian Springs, and the East Lake Nature Trail at Stony Creek.

The farm centers at Kensington and Wolcott Mill are also really cool, and I visit them every time I go. I also have to give a nod to the nature centers, which are very informative about the ecosystem of each park, with a shout out to Indian Springs for the underwater room that’s absolutely amazing. That underwater perspective is incredible.

Overall, for me, this challenge has been a vital way for me to reconnect with nature and appreciate everything the outdoors has to offer. -James W.