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.

Wenceel Pérez is home.

But when will he return to the Detroit Tigers?

The 26-year-old outfielder returned to Detroit on Friday, June 19, after spending a couple extra days in Houston awaiting clearance to fly. He suffered an orbital fracture June 16 when a plyometric band struck him below his left eye during his postgame workout routine.

Don’t expect to see him in MLB games anytime soon.

“It’s not injured, from what I understand, where it’s going to be something long term,” manager A.J. Hinch said before Tuesday’s game against the New York Yankees at Comerica Park, “but it doesn’t mean it heals itself fast. He’s feeling better and better and reporting progress.”

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The fracture doesn’t require surgery.

“We’ve got to pay attention to the bone healing,” Hinch said. “The eye part of it is, the swelling is the main issue. There were a couple of days there where your eye swells shut and the vision is not there.”

Pérez hasn’t played for the Tigers since June 16.

Before the injury, he hit .180 with seven home runs, 14 walks and 29 strikeouts in 53 games.

Parker Meadows injury update

Center fielder Parker Meadows hasn’t played for the Tigers since April 9.

The 26-year-old has been on the injured list with a left radius fracture, a concussion and a right mouth laceration, with the left radius fracture requiring surgery. There isn’t a timetable for his return to the Tigers.

“The bone shattered, so it’s not as simple as healing a simple break,” Hinch said. “I say shattered as a non-doctor, so I’m not sure if that’s the actual term, but I know it’s been a work in progress to continue his ability to do everything with that hand and arm and wrist. It’s been slow, and there’s not much we can do.”

Before the injury, he hit .250 with two walks and 10 strikeouts in 12 games while serving as the everyday center fielder.

“He’s not hitting and doing all those things that would lead you to start to wonder when he’s coming back, but it’s progressing,” Hinch said. “The nature of the injury, as we are learning, has been the slowest a bone heals. It’s by no setback or no issue.”

‘Slow ramp’ for Gleyber Torres

Second baseman Gleyber Torres, who has one of the best on-base percentages in baseball, remains sidelined with a left oblique strain. The 29-year-old received a cortisone shot Friday, but he still hasn’t resumed baseball activities.

It’s his second left oblique strain over the past two months.

Last time, Torres missed one month while recovering on the injured list.

It could be an even longer process this time.

“He’s doing his normal rehab therapy,” Hinch said. “It’ll be a slow ramp for him.”

Before the latest injury, he hit .280 with four home runs, 29 walks and 33 strikeouts in 43 games while serving as the everyday second baseman.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.