Kensington Metropark is a Detroit region outdoor destination that hardly requires an introduction. With over 4,500 acres of protected recreational prowess, the Metropark receives nearly 3 million visitors each year that enjoy the following amenities:

• Hiking, biking, and equestrian trails weaving through over 700 acres of forests, fields, fens, and swamps
• Boating, paddling, and fishing along the Huron River and massive Kent Lake
• Tee times at its 18 hole golf course
• Family-friendly exhibits and events at its Nature Center and Farm Center
• Playgrounds and beaches
• Ultimate summer fun at “Splash ‘n’ Blast” water park

With its abundance of amenities – and impressive visitation figures – readers of this article might be surprised to have only just learned that the Chief Pontiac Trail crosses through the beloved metropark. If you fall into that camp, then know that you’re far from being alone. In fact, that sentiment is representative of one of the best aspects of the Chief Pontiac Trail experience: leading backpackers through the least-visited segments of an extremely popular metropark.

As you complete the Chief Pontiac Trail, you’ll enjoy stunning natural vistas that remain hidden from the majority of visitors to Kensington. From rolling grasslands to stunning explosions of wildflowers and dramatic ridge lines, the dramatic approach to the Huron River provides a gorgeous finale to your long morning on the trail.

A final descent to Kensington’s “Group Campground” illuminates the finish line of the Chief Pontiac trail: the Group Camp Road Bridge over the Huron River. In true Detroit fashion, there’s no glitzy sign or over-hyped fanfare waiting for you at the end of the trail. Instead, nearly 20 miles of backpacking through the heart of Metro Detroit provides you with the following rewards:

• A lifetime of memories gathered in two days
• Unmatched sense of accomplishment and adventure
• Lasting awe and affinity towards the beauty of Metro Detroit’s outdoors
• Shattered expectations regarding “Pure Michigan” trail experiences
• Stunning views of the shining Huron River

Congratulations on walking in Chief Pontiac’s steps, Detroit.

We can’t wait to see you at another trailhead soon.

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Trailblaze Detroit is a multimedia series co-produced by Visit Detroit and Expedition Detroit. The core purpose of the series is to promote outdoor adventure tourism and discovery throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, as well as highlight the Detroit region’s natural spaces, seasonal activities, hidden outdoor gems, and the individuals that support them.

Are you interested in using adventure marketing to promote your organization or business? Awesome – we’re here to help! Contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com or 734.821.6416 to learn more.