Nature Preserve Loop

The Scout Trail at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in Swanton, Ohio is an easy hike that covers a lot of beautiful ground! I love this hike and do it several times each season (REALLY recommend the fall for the gorgeous colors!). I am constantly surprised by how few people take advantage of this trail. It is fairly well maintained (though you will definitely encounter fallen trees) and easy to ...

This is a fun, short trip.  Could be completed in about 30 minutes and rentals are available if you cannot supply your own kayaks.  The island is small, with adequate cliffs.  It has littered the water around it with fallen boulders and rocks.  Best done at sunset, as the reflection of the sun off the water makes the rocks and cliff faces seem to glow.  It is an easy and beautiful trip, but can...

North Country Trail: Bawbeese Lake to Osseo is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a lake located near Hillsdale, Michigan.

I hiked this trail on a very cold, blustery day. A winter storm was blowing in across the ice and temperatures were downright frigid. Nevertheless, this trail was enjoyable and offered some great views of the lake. It is a very easy one mile loop and has a couple of side trails for fishing and hunting. I will definitely be returning when the weather gets warmer.

You can launch from many points along Argo Pond (which is the name of this dammed portion of the Huron River), but the most abundant parking is located at Argo Park, Bandemer Park, or Huron Bridge Park. This is a popular place for paddleboarders, kayakers, canoers, and rafters during the summer. Stay away from Argo Dam - it is marked with buoys. One-way trip from Argo Park upstream to Barton Da...

This adventure starts at Argo Park. Rent a kayak for $21 (including shuttle service back) or bring your own. Caution: parking can be limited on the busiest summer days, so be sure to check out the overflow lots and shuttles. Check the livery website for hours and additional parking information. From Argo Park to Gallup Canoe & Livery, you will travel 3.7 river miles. This will take you ...