Hiking Trails

Happy Michigan Trails Week, Oakland County!

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

Celebrate Michigan Trails Week, Sept. 18-25, on an Oakland County trail. The county and its surrounding areas offer miles and miles of trails for your fitness and enjoyment. Fall is the perfect time to get outside to see the changing colors on the trails. Take a stroll, jog through a park, bike with friends, kick up some dirt at Holly Oaks ORV Park, saddle up on a horse, or paddle down a river. Whether you’re looking to get some vitamin D, exercise, or just want to enjoy some quiet time with nature, there’s no shortage of trails to meet your needs in Oakland County.

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Explore the Interactive Light Show at Glenlore Trails

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
interactive forest lights

A half-mile hiking trail in Oakland County has been transformed into Glenlore Trails, an interactive light show.

Along the wooded trail located within the Multi Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township, this sensory experience is designed for people of all ages to enjoy.

The experience is a blend of programmed and interactive light that includes 10 light installations, projections, and display technology.

blue faces on trees

The magical place was designed by Bluewater Technologies Group, Inc. of Southfield, a woman-owned company that produces live events and AV experiences for strong brands.

Bluewater designed the experience to be outdoors with no-touch interactions. The Glenlore Trails path is 8-10 feet wide and has 6′ increments marked at check-in lines.

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Easy Hiking at Crooked Lake

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

October is not the time to stay indoors and wish you were outside. In the past few weeks I’ve had inquiries from folks that are new to the world of hiking and want to start the hiking experience on trails that are “easy to hike” while enjoying the splendor of October. Easy can be interpreted in different ways by different people. It’s been ten years this month since I hiked up what was billed as the “easy” side approach of Mount Kilimanjaro. I struggled at times in the thin air, but made it to the 19,340 foot high summit. It was not easy. Let’s forget the word easy for now; if you are looking for a trail that’s family-friendly, embraces nature, and perhaps most importantly, won’t get you lost, I have one for you. It’s a real gem with great lakeshore views, and if you hike on the weekend you will never be alone.
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Why Hike Now? Why Not! Here’s Why.

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments
An asphalt path winds through a wooded area

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

If you aren’t a hiker, you may hold unanswered questions as to why your friends seem excited about meandering through the woods for an hour or two on a chilly and overcast day, or look forward to spending a week trekking backcountry trails with a backpack tugging at their shoulders. Perhaps it’s the words of T.S. Eliot that drives the latter group, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” Today’s nature ramble however will focus on those that want to get started in the nearly cost-free, extremely healthful and lifelong, often nature-embracing, activity of hiking. Continue reading →