LEADERBOARD

Keep track of your Challenge Trail badges and see how you compare with others participating in the Metroparks Trail Challenge. The leaderboard will be updated immediately after submitting your Challenge Trail forms to display Challenge Trail badges earned for additional incentives.

NEW this year, you can sort the leaderboard alphabetically or search to easily find your display name and check your progress.

To upload Challenge Trail selfies, you will scan a QR code at each Challenge Trail Kiosk and submit a form while you’re standing at the kiosk. Remember, you will use the same phone number and display name each time you visit a Challenge Trail.

Where do you find each park’s Challenge Trail?

New this year, all parks will have a Challenge Trail with a kiosk that is pet-friendly and accessible. That means some parks will have more than one Challenge Trail to choose from on your visit to that park. Below are the descriptions of the locations of the Challenge Trails. Icons show which trail option is accessible or pet-friendly, be sure to choose the trail that works best for you. Below are icons that let you know what Challenge Trails are accessible, allow dogs or where no dogs are allowed.

Accessible

Dogs Allowed

No Dogs Allowed

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Delhi Metropark
As you follow the curve of the Huron River along the paved Hike-Bike Trail just beyond the rapids and bridge, look for the kiosk near the comfort station. Enjoy the Huron River view, observe fish, turtles, snakes, frogs, mink, beavers and more. Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/delhi-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Dexter-Huron Metropark
Head east along the Border-to-Border Trail toward the Title IX Plaza to find the kiosk. Take a moment to investigate the Title IX Plaza. This project honors the impact of Title IX legislation on women’s sports in southeast Michigan. Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/dexter-huron-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Hudson Mills Metropark
Along the paved Hike-Bike Trail near Rapids View, head towards the canoe launch to find the kiosk. Hear the water from the Huron River as it tumbles over the rocks, creating homes for fish, turtles, frogs, snakes, beavers, and aquatic insects. Beavers are active in this area; they alter their environment by creating new habitats for plants and animals who rely on them. Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/hudson-mills-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Huron Meadows Metropark
Look for the kiosk near the Maltby Lake Observation Deck accessible by ramp or steps. You can commonly find bluegill, sunfish and smallmouth bass while you enjoy the calm waters. You can also shore fish along the Huron River and Maltby Lake. Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/huron-meadows-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Indian Springs Metropark
Challenge Trail Option 1:
Look for the kiosk located along the paved Hike-Bike Trail, near a large oak tree. Enjoy beautiful wildflower-dotted views of the restored prairie while listening to the relaxing sounds of grassland birds such as the Eastern Meadowlark. Rest under the canopy of the large oak tree, which supports hundreds of native animal species.

Challenge Trail Option 2:
From the Environmental Discovery Center follow the Lupine Loop Nature Trail through the rolling prairie hills to the overlook viewing area, to find the kiosk. This is one of the highest points in the park. Here you get a bird-eye view of the forested Great Huron Swamp, which is home to animals such as owls, coyotes and salamanders. From this swamp flows the headwaters of the Huron River, which flows over 100 miles, through many of your Metroparks, to Lake Erie.

Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/indian-springs-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Kensington Metropark
Keep your eyes open for the kiosk as you explore the paved Hike-Bike Trail between the Boat Rental and the accessible playground at Maple Beach. Also be on the lookout for the birds, aquatic mammals, and many other creatures that thrive along the north shore of Kent Lake, which is a stretch of the Huron River that flows through Kensington Metropark. Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/kensington-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Lake Erie Metropark
Look for the kiosk along the newly repaved section of the Hike-Bike Trail between the Great Wave Area and Cove Point Picnic Area. The paved Hike-Bike Trail offers not just stunning views, but a chance to reflect on the rich history of the Detroit River and Lake Erie in this area. From the rich Indigenous history, to the War of 1812, Prohibition, or to modern day shipping, this region has played a prominent role in shaping the Downriver area. Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/lake-erie-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Lake St. Clair Metropark
Challenge Trail Option 1:
Along the Main Nature Trail located to the left of the Nature Center, the kiosk will be just beyond the first trail intersection. Be sure to stop at the nearby wing photo opps as well and swing into the Nature Center to see displays on wetlands, waterfowl, live animals and the historical use of the area by the French Voyageurs.

Challenge Trail Option 2:
From the main parking lot in front of the Thomas Welsh Activity Center, hop on the Hike-Bike Trail and follow Black Creek down toward the gazebo. The kiosk will be located past the gazebo as you continue the loop back towards the parking lot. If you listen carefully you will hear the buzz of pollinator insects and may even see a deer or fawn hiding in the tall grass. Each made possible by the addition of “Let it Grow Zones” throughout the park.

Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/lake-st-clair-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Lower Huron Metropark
Along the paved Hike-Bike Trail, look for the kiosk visible from the road north of the North Fishing Site. Part of the Iron-Belle Trail, which extends from the western-end of the Upper Peninsula to Belle Isle in Detroit, this trail allows users to view some of the most beautiful places in Michigan! Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/lower-huron-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Oakwoods Metropark
Challenge Trail Option 1:
Outside of the Nature Center, look for the kiosk by the new accessible observation deck overlooking the backwaters of the Huron River. Here you can enjoy the sights and sounds of wetland plants, such as Cattails and Water Willow, and animals like Muskrat or Bald Eagles. Enjoy the serenity of this scenic overlook.

Challenge Trail Option 2:
Look for the kiosk along the paved Hike-Bike Trail west of the railroad tracks and the Horse Staging Area. Grasslands, like those in this area, are home to numerous plants and animals that are exclusive to this habitat. Look for birds such as Savannah Sparrows and Wilson’s Snipe, watch for Meadow Voles or Blue Racers going across the trail, or view wildflowers like Butterfly Weed or Queen Anne’s Lace. There is plenty to see in these fields!

Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/oakwoods-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Stony Creek Metropark
Challenge Trail Option 1:
From the Eastwood Beach parking lot you will see the kiosk on the paved Hike-Bike Trail near the sign for the Fit Trail. The Fit Trail can be used for a quick run or walk along three different length trails, with exercise stations. The course provides a balanced routine of physical activity, offering 0.75-mile, 1-mile, and 1.75 miles of trail.

Challenge Trail Option 2:
Look for the kiosk at the Shelden Trails along the Rollercoaster Trail. Park in lot F of the West Branch picnic area. If mountain biking, ride the B-Line Trail from intersection 5 to 7 continuing on to intersection 8 located between the Rollercoaster and The Snake Trails. If hiking follow the two track from the parking lot to intersection 38 turning left to 7 and continuing to intersection 8. This is Mt. Shelden which may feel like the highest elevation in the park but to actually find that you will need to continue down the Rollercoaster Trail for another .5 mile to Fibber Mountain Peak.

Click here to view park map and Shelden Trails map, https://www.metroparks.com/stony-creek-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Willow Metropark
From the Washago Area, you will head north on the paved Hike-Bike Trail to find the kiosk along the Big Bend area of the river, where work has recently been done to improve and restore the area. Click here to vie park map, https://www.metroparks.com/willow-metropark/#parkmaps.

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Wolcott Mill Metropark
Challenge Trail Option 1:
A short walk on the Historic Center paved trail from the parking lot towards the main buildings you will find the kiosk. From 1847 to 1967, our historic grist and feed mill helped support the everyday functioning of the farm communities. Today, this historic center remains much the same as it was 50 years ago, with some historic equipment still in operation – although at this time the inside of the building is closed.

Challenge Trail Option 2:
From the Historic Center parking lot, look for the kiosk about .75 of a mile on the rustic Settlers Trail along the North Branch of the Clinton River. You can continue the Settlers loop for a 2.5-mile hike traversing wooden boardwalks and steep embankments through wooded forest land passing by some early sites of Ray settlements that time and weather have worked hard to reclaim.

Click here to view park map, https://www.metroparks.com/wolcott-metropark/#parkmaps.

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