Kensington Metropark Nature Trails - Part Two:

Aspen Trail, Pine Loop, Tamarack Trail

I returned to Kensington Metropark this past weekend to check out the trails I didn't see on my last visit (and for a re-match with the Sandhill Crane). After watching a Great Blue Heron bathing in the lagoon behind the nature center, I started the morning off with Aspen Trail and hit the jackpot (as much of a jackpot as one can get in Metro Detroit).The tall grasses and cattails which line the start of the trail proved an excellent place to spy on a family of Sandhill Cranes. A mother and three young birds picked their way through the vegetation searching for breakfast while I watched from the edge of the trail.

Just before the path curves and enters the woods, a sign encourages hikers to venture off the trail to view what is left of an old summer home from the early 1900s (a couple of chunks of stone foundation are all that remain today). I happened to stop before crossing a small bridge over a stream at the edge of the woods and caught a fawn watching me from the side of the trail a safe distance away. We observed each other for several minutes, then its mother emerged from the trees with another fawn and all three bounded gracefully away to safety. Recognizing me as the suspicious character that I am, she kept a close eye on me, and I was able to watch the little family for several minutes as I made my way down the trail.

Aspen Trail turned out to be the perfect place to encounter wildlife on this particular morning. A couple of wild turkeys ambled across the path in front of me after the deer disappeared into the trees, frogs kicked their way through the many trickling streams, and Sandhill Cranes were a constant presence feeding in the aquatic habitat. The Pine Loop is a short diversion from Aspen Trail which branches northwest through slightly thicker vegetation, and Tamarack Trail winds through a very charming boggy landscape partially protected by a boardwalk.

While taking in this beautiful area, I also imagined what it would look like in other seasons. As I said in Part 1, I am very much looking forward to visiting this network of short trails later in the year when the leaves change to spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow, and later still under a blanket of sparkling snow.More photos can be seen by clicking the Kensington Nature Trails link to the upper right under photos.

Kensington Metropark Nature Trails - Part One:

Wildwing Trail, Deer Run Trail, Fox Trail and Chickadee LoopKensington Metropark is a 4500-acre recreation area surrounding Kent Lake in western Oakland County. It is a beautiful park featuring a paved walking/jogging/biking trail, boating access, golf course, numerous picnic areas, fishing access, a farm learning center, beaches, and a nature center. Near the southwest corner of Kent Lake and close to smaller Wildwing Lake, the nature center is the ideal destination for those looking for a quiet hike through the woods.

Being an outdoor enthusiast, living in Metro Detroit has its share of frustrations. This part of Michigan is a kind of nature dead zone requiring long drives to more remote areas to achieve a decent outdoor experience. This dilemma has been a source of discontentment for me lately as I just don't have the time or desire to drive 3+ hours when the mood to go hiking strikes me. Luckily, there is a solution 40 minutes away from home for spur of the moment weekend hikes.The quiet nature study area around the nature center includes a network of 7 trails where bicycles, jogging, and pets are not permitted. The trails are short, ranging from ½ mile to 2 miles, but multiple loops can be combined to allow for longer hikes and more exercise. I arrived around 8am this past Saturday morning and found the parking lot about ½ full. Despite this, I only encountered a handful of people out on the trails, many of them photographers crouching quietly in the brush waiting for their quarries to present themselves.

I decided to begin with the 2-mile Wildwing Trail which, naturally, circles Wildwing Lake. The start of the trail lead me through a sunny, swampy area before entering the woods. As I approached the trees I could hear a tremendous squawking coming from somewhere ahead of me. As I am only beginning to learn about birds, I had no idea what was making the sound, but I was intrigued. Then, just beyond the curve in the trail ahead of me, barely visible above the tall vegetation, I could see the head of a Sandhill Crane which appeard to be walking on the trail and making its way toward me. I zoomed in my camera lens and prepared for it to round the curve and come into view. Just as I was about to snap a photo, I discovered the reason for its very loud vocalizations: Another hiker was walking toward me and, against the clearly-posted rules, had a dog with her. The huge bird must have taken exception to this flagrant rule breaking and decided it had had enough. It unfolded enormous wings and took off heading directly toward my face. Although I furiously snapped off shots with my camera as it nearly took my head off, I captured nothing except blurry foliage. (The photo to the right was taken from my car, which does not count.) My disappointment was somewhat soothed as I heard the photography-ruining dog walker being reprimanded by another hiker as I wandered into the trees.

Wildwing Trail alternatively winds through thick woods and marshy landscapes. There are a few boardwalks and bridges to protect the wetter areas and various aquatic habitats. An Osprey Hacking Tower can be observed on the south side of the lake, and a long, winding footbridge leads hikers over the eastern end where waterlilies dominate the surface.
Next, I decided to combine the Deer Run, Fox, and Chickadee loops before visiting the nature center, which didn't open until 10am. Deer Run Trail primarily circles a marshy bog type landscape where trickling water can be heard throughout the walk. Fox Trail took me over hilly terrain where evidence of glacial activity was more prevalent. Larger rocks are wedged in the earth under foot, and the occasional boulder peeks out from the overgrowth. This short trail leads to the Chickadee Loop, which winds through a dense, quiet forest featuring a variety of trees, some with signs posted on them providing education regarding their type and history.
At the nature center, glass enclosures display various area wildlife and habitats, and replicas of animal tracks can be studied. I am looking forward to future visits this summer as well as fall color viewing and winter hiking as soon as the snow flies. Kensington Metropark is located in Milford off I-96 (use either the Kensington Rd. or Kent Lake Rd. exit) and is open year-round.More photos can be seen by clicking the Kensington Nature Trails link to the upper right under photos.

The Ghost Forest

A fascinating place to visit while hiking lies within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Located in the northwestern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes is home to beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, wilderness camping, spectacular views of ocean-like Lake Michigan, miles of rolling sand dunes, and dozens of trails. Sleeping Bear Point Trail is particularly interesting because it is where the Ghost Forest appears to unsuspecting hikers.

The sand that makes up the landscape of the Sleeping Bear area is constantly moving. This phenomenon is not necessarily noticeable from one day to the next, but year after year the tiny quartz grains shift little by little. Constant winds blow off of Lake Michigan causing the dunes to migrate and expand, and for new dunes to grow.

Over time, the drifting and accumulating sand will bury whatever is in its path. This is true for man-made structures such as the U.S. Life-Saving Station (now a maritime museum) which had to be moved in the 1930s due to encroaching sand, and natural objects such as trees.

When migrating sand moves into a wooded area, it gradually engulfs and kills the trees. As the years pass and the sand continues on its journey, the trees are eventually uncovered. Those that manage to remain standing appear as ghosts – dead, white, and stripped of their branches.

A group of ghost trees haunts Sleeping Bear Point Trail somewhere around the halfway point and is a captivating sight especially if one is not anticipating such an encounter.

These trees once lived happy forest lives but were killed, perhaps hundreds of years ago, when westerly winds blew across Lake Michigan and slowly buried their woodland home in sand. Who knows how long these enduring phantoms will remain, wraith-like as they withstand the elements, surprising innocent hikers and plotting their revenge...More photos can be seen by clicking the Ghost Forest link to the upper right under photos. Shadow Hiker photo taken by Andrea.

Snowshoeing In Metro Detroit

Stony Creek MetroparkThe Metro Detroit area is roughly bordered by Huron River to the south and west, and Clinton River to the northeast. Following these rivers and including Southeast Michigan's five major counties, Wayne, Oakland, Macombe, Livingston, and Washtenaw, a park system provides recreation opportunities year-round.

The Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority was created in 1940 to provide residents of Southeast Michigan opportunities to enjoy the outdoors within a relatively short driving distance. To this end, thirteen Metroparks were developed and serve to protect the area's natural resources.

The HCMA believe their efforts “are guided by the belief that the use of parks and exposure to natural environments enhance society's health and quality of life.” I was very happy to discover the existence of this park system a few years ago, primarily for winter activities.This part of Michigan typically doesn't receive a large amount of snow (so far this season is proving to be a wonderful exception), but when a storm does comes through and blankets the region with a nice layer of fresh white powder, it's great to have a few decent trails within an hour's drive.

So far I have only explored two of the Metroparks, Kensington and Stony Creek, which also happen to be the largest at over 4300 acres each. Last Sunday, following a whopper of a snowstorm that lasted the entire day before, I drove to Stony Creek Metropark in northern Oakland County with my snowshoes, camera, camelbak, and, of course, kleenex. It's such a bummer to forget that cold air makes the nose run and not come prepared.

After paying the $4 entrance fee, I drove north very slowly on the snow-covered road that winds through the park past a golf course to the west (presently used for cross-country skiing), a fitness trail, and several designated picnic areas along the east shore of Stony Creek Lake. The lake is fed by Stony Creek and has three distinct segments; the southernmost is the largest and the center of activity at the park. The middle section hosts a few stray picnic areas, and the northern section exists within a quiet nature study area where activity is limited to hiking or mountain biking. This was my destination. The nature center at Stony Creek provides interpretive displays showcasing the area's natural points of interest and is home base for a handful of trails that wind through this section of the park. I chose the East Lake Trail which is a small network of four connected trails along the eastern shore of Upper Stony Creek Lake. On the western shore, Osprey Trail loops through an area which was part of an osprey re-introduction program that began in the late 90's.

Because of the heavy snowfall the previous day, the mixed forest surrounding Stony Creek was so serene that I couldn't help but smile as I looked around. I thought I would stumble upon the secret entrance to Narnia at any moment. I spent a very peaceful two to three hours walking through the arresting winter woods. The trail loop is only around 3 miles long, but when practically everything I see begs to be photographed, progress tends to be very slow.

I am very much looking forward to exploring more of the trails within the Metroparks in my area. As I write this, another day's worth of snow is accumulating outside making this weekend another prime opportunity.
More photos from the East Lake Trails can be seen by clicking the Stony Creek Snowshoe link to the upper right under photos.

The Ice Storm of Yore

A couple of years ago in January, Southeast Michigan was hit with an awesome ice storm. Even though it is a bit sad to see many trees damaged by the force of the ice, the scenery created is so beautiful that it is difficult to avoid falling in love with the sparkling aftermath.
I was working in the Ann Arbor area at the time and during the days that the ice was present, my commute was treacherous due to everyone's eyes (including my own) focusing on everything but the road. The diamond encrusted trees along the way transformed the normally boring 45-minute stretch of concrete into a gleaming crystal highway.I spent a few hours ("visiting clients") walking along the Huron River through Gallup Park and Furstenberg Nature Area marveling at this amazing frozen world - a situation that obviously made it impossible for me to work on that particular day. Projects and clients would still be around tomorrow; I couldn't say the same for the ice with any certainty, so my priorities were clear.Although it was mid-January and winter was well underway, a few trees still had their leaves including an Oak whose leaves had turned bright orange instead of the typical brown during the past fall. Suspended in a clear icy coating, they shone in the bright sun and made me wish I had come better prepared for taking photos.A few swans and mallard ducks braved the chilly water of Geddes Pond as I crossed the adjacent bridge and slowly followed the slippery path through the woods along the north bank of the river.
The ice encapsulating grasses, bushes, branches, berries, and leaves gave a distorted look to everything around me. Buds and leaves seemed magnified, and scenes like the one below gave me the impression of watercolor paintings due to the surreal quality the coat of ice gave everything.I returned to this park the following day but the temperature had warmed up just enough to begin the melting process and it just wasn't the same. The ice storm's time had passed but I was very happy to have been able to enjoy it while it lasted.More photos of the January 2007 Ice Storm can be seen by clicking the Ice Storm link to the upper right under Photos.

Snowshoeing in the Upper Peninsula

Giant Pines Trail, Tahquamenon Falls State Park Although not officially winter yet, I'm currently sitting at my dining room table watching my dogs play in what is shaping up to be the first accumulating snow shower of the season in Metro Detroit. Tromping around on some Michigan trails in my slightly obnoxious yellow Redfeather snowshoes soon is an exciting prospect. I got a great deal on them a few years ago and I have to assume it is because few people would voluntarily pay full price for equipment in such a color.

According to last night's weather report, the west side of the state near Lake Michigan and the Upper Peninsula already have a respectable amount of snow. In the cold months the U.P. is a winter paradise so it was fitting that a few years ago my sister Andrea and I traveled to Tahquamenon Falls State Park located near the town of Paradise, MI for a couple of days of snowshoeing. Eight inches of snow had recently fallen atop the already impressive existing white blanket and a phone conversation with a park ranger assured me that the prime winter conditions were not going to change any time soon.

Cold weather attracts many people to Michigan who appreciate the beauty of the northern woods by snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing more than 6000 miles of trails found throughout the state forests. Winter tourism accounts for 1/3 of Michigan's tourism industry and snowmobiling is king in the northern reaches of the state. Generating over $1 billion a year in economic activity, snowmobilers pour into the streets, many of them sporting neon outfits matching the loud hues of their snowmobiles. Unfortunately, this popular sport is also relatively dangerous and before the trip was over Andrea and I would find ourselves in a bar eating lunch next to a booth containing the remaining, uninjured members of a bummed-out snowmobiling party. Their seriously injured comrade was being transported to a hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, 60 miles to the east, leaving them stranded in Paradise while their car was in Newberry, almost 40 miles to the west.

A pink sun rose over the chunky pack ice of Whitefish Bay early in the morning on our first full day in Paradise and after braving the complimentary hotel breakfast, we set out for the Giant Pines Trail. This section of Tahquamenon Falls State Park winds through a stand of huge old growth white pine, many over 150 years old. As we walked across the hotel parking lot to the car, a bald eagle bade us good morning by soaring quietly 10 feet or so above our heads. We decided it was a sign that the day was destined to be a good one.

Despite the recent covering of snow, the temperature was very mild and we had to adjust our many layers upon setting out. Earlier in the season Andrea and I had taken a brisk morning snowshoe in 7º weather and vicious winds at a park near my home, so this was a very unexpected but welcome surprise. The 4-mile Giant Pines loop was in beautiful winter glory and hardly a sound was heard. The heavy snow clung to the trees in such a way that many dead trunks looked as if they held marshmallows on their tips.At some point we branched off the Giant Pines Trail to explore the path that connects the Upper and Lower Falls along the Tahquamenon River. Due to the unstable snow and ice – the weather had bounced back and forth between bitter single digit and below zero temps to almost balmy periods of mid and upper 30's – we weren't able to walk across the river to explore the many tiers of Lower Falls which was a little disappointing. Still, the there-and-back-again side trip was still fun even without the added element of surprise unstable ice could offer. Plus, Andrea got the added bonus of watching me clumsily squeeze into an outhouse like a drunken, yellow snowshoe-wearing Sasquatch. In my defense, the door would only open part way because a mound of frozen snow blocked its path. While I was extremely thrilled to find the outhouse in my moment of need, I was even more joyful that I had the foresight to bring kleenex as the roll inside was completely frozen with many a frozen bug corpse embedded in the first few layers. After finding our way back to the car, we headed to cozy and cabinesque Tahquamenon Falls Brewery for dinner which included pasties and Porcupine Pale Ale. Once back at our hotel, I gazed out the patio door at the lights of the Canadian shore across the 30-mile expanse of Whitefish Bay while Andrea got to have an engaging conversation about what the heck snowshoeing is with a shirtless (of course), crazily colored pants-wearing snowmobiler guy in the vending room. Good stuff!More photos from this trip can be seen by clicking the Tahquamenon Falls-Winter link to the upper right under photos.

Hartwick Pines State Park

In the late 1920s, 8000 acres of land near Grayling in Michigan's Lower Peninsula were donated to the state as a memorial park. Included in this land were 85 acres of old growth white pine which had been spared during Michigan's booming logging industry days. Only 49 acres of this original growth forest remain today as a fierce wind storm destroyed nearly half of these massive trees in 1940.
Interpretive displays at the park visitor center tell the story of the park and surrounding Au Sable River Valley. Trails leaving from the visitor center wind through the park allowing hikers to observe maple, beech, oak, birch, hemlock, and red and white pine trees. The Old Growth Trail loops through its namesake stand of 300-400 year old white pine.When I arrived at the park after leaving Wyandotte Lodge, the morning continued to be cold and crisp. I was thankful for the hat and gloves I had thrown in the car at the last minute. Although the early October weather had been warm and sunny so far, this could change at any minute and I had to bundle up as I set out to walk through the forest. The sunny sky above the tree canopy shone a bright blue, but the thick covering of leaves did not allow much warmth to penetrate to the forest floor. Patterns of light and shadow on the green, yellow, and orange leaves created a beautiful display as I walked through the cold and quiet woods.Trails throughout the park are open year round and some are groomed in winter for cross country skiing. Despite the beautiful fall day, I began to experience the onset of Winter Fever. Another old growth stand of pines can be found in the Upper Peninsula in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and I had the pleasure of snowshoeing the Giant Pines Trail a few years ago after a beautiful snowfall. Hartwick Pines State Park would be another ideal place to visit during the cold months for an undoubtedly stunning winter hiking experience.

Also observed along the Old Growth Trail is Chapel Of The Pines: a log Chapel built in 1953. The tiny but beautiful Chapel sneaks up on you as you curve through the forest and is a fun diversion from the trail. Inside, below the structure's most dominant feature – a large cross-shaped window – visitors can read “Nature's Prayer”: a plea for guidance in protecting our natural heritage.


The last stop before returning to the visitor center (or the first depending upon your direction of travel) is the Logging Museum. Two log structures were built in the 1930s to display exhibits and artifacts from a time in Michigan's history where the log industry generated more money than all the gold extracted during California's gold rush. One building houses tools, photographs, and displays showing how the trees were cut and moved from the forest to the Au Sable River which was used as a highway to transport the huge logs. The other building shows how loggers lived in a typical Michigan logging camp. On the grounds surrounding these two buildings one can observe various piece of old equipment used to cut and transport felled trees.


Hartwick Pines State Park is located just northeast of Grayling close to I-75. The park and visitor center are open year-round; the Logging Museum is closed November-April.

More photos can be seen by clicking the Hartwick Pines State Park link to the upper right under Photos.