Bridging the Trails Gap: Van Tassel Pedestrian Bridge

Steel bridge over wide creek in winter

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Michigan is the #1 Trail State in the nation with 2,623 miles of rail-trail conversions and thousands of miles of other linear multi-use pathways. The word “rail-trail” is coming into more common usage and is defined by the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy this way:

“Rail-trails are multipurpose public paths created from former railroad corridors. These paths are flat or gently sloping, making them easily accessible and a great way to enjoy the outdoors. Rail-trails are ideal for many types of activities–depending on the rules established by the local community–including walking, bicycling, wheelchair use, inline skating, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.”

Continue reading

A Sunrise Paddle on the Wilder Side

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Summer is firmly taking hold on the wilder side of Oakland County. It’s a time for exploration and discovery, and without a doubt, it’s the perfect time to greet the sunrise while most of the human world is sleeping and the air is still cool. And so last Saturday morning, just a few hours after the last of the fireflies flickered in my meadow, I strapped my kayak into its carrier and headed for East Graham Lake in the Bald Mountain State Recreation Area. Although the drive took only twenty-five minutes, it felt like I had escaped to a far away hideaway. Continue reading

Nature’s Way Hidden in Plain Sight

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

You need not go on an epic journey to discover, explore and enjoy the ways of nature in the sultry days of summer. You need not leave the county or even leave the city or suburbs. Just walk to small bodies of water with vegetated edges and the subtleties and secrets of nature’s world unfold, often just yards from pavement and manicured lawns. Continue reading

“Slow Row LO” Adventuring on Lakeville Lake

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

There are many ways to explore the wilder side of Oakland County during the sultry days of summer. Paddling our lakes and meandering rivers is one of the most exciting ways. The ever-changing views, sounds, and scents noted from within a canoe or kayak captures the wildness of nature, and of course it’s a healthful activity as well. I recently had the opportunity to explore a paddling location that was new to me, at a later time of day than I normally paddle. Today’s adventuresome and rather fun tale from the wilder side of Oakland County shares details from that exploration and starts with an introduction to Slow Row LO. Continue reading