Paddling through a canopy of colorful trees and enjoying the natural beauty of an enchanted, quiet trail aren’t just activities for warm spring and summer weather.
In fact, those activities and things like cross-country skiing, running, hiking, and sledding make getting outside during the latter half of the year just as enjoyable, if not more so!
Metroparks’ 13 parks allow visitors to experience nature in the unique ways only fall and winter weather can provide.
Paddling & Cross-Country Skiing
The Huron River is a popular destination for year-round activities like canoeing and kayaking.
“Moving waters don’t freeze, so you can paddle year-round, something that is especially stunning when the colors peak during fall,” said Danielle Mauter, Metroparks’ Chief of Marketing and Communications. “You get this tree-tunnel kind of experience you won’t get by driving.”
To continue enhancing visitors’ experiences, the Metroparks are utilizing $500,000 in grant funding and over $450,000 in matching funds to expand and improve access along the Huron River Water Trail. Habitat restoration work is taking place at the river headwaters in Indian Springs Metropark. In addition, the Rapids View area of Hudson Mills Metropark has been redeveloped with an expanded parking lot and accessibility improvements, including an accessible launch. Starting in 2023, Dexter-Huron Metropark will see similar improvements.
When the snow starts to fly, cross-country skiing is an excellent activity for enjoying winter weather on Metroparks’ trails, both groomed and ungroomed. The Huron-Meadows location even makes snow during the winter to ensure visitors have that option.
“It’s a great workout, a great way to be active,” Mauter said. “You use many muscle groups, and it’s also a way to take in scenic trails differently by covering ground while gliding. It’s a pleasing aesthetic as opposed to trudging through the snow.”
Some Metroparks locations allow families to rent cross-country skiing equipment at a low cost. Mauter said kids and people with disabilities have taken advantage of the available resources.
“When you see a kid age 6 or 8 fumbling their way through learning, it’s such a joy,” Mauter said.
Sledding
Sledding is one of Metroparks visitors’ favorite winter activities. Locations like Indian Springs, Kensington, Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Stony Creek, and Willow have excellent sledding slopes.
“It’s a really popular, fun, and free activity for families,” Mauter said.
Combating Depression
Going outside to enjoy nature is also an excellent way to avoid depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). People experience SAD with the changing seasons, often when days get shorter, and the sun sets sooner.
“Forest bathing—connecting with nature—it bridges that gap,” Mauter said. “Being active, even when it’s cooler, allows you to get out of artificial light and get fresh air to benefit your physical and mental health.”
Mauter added that exercising elicits our brains to release endorphins, which also combats feelings of unhappiness.
“Walking, cross-country skiing, doing something in nature will give you vitamin D and that endorphin release,” Mauter said.
Annual Pass Deal
Metroparks is currently offering a discount on its $40 annual passes, which went on sale Nov. 1. Residents who purchase a pass in November or December will receive $5 off and get the bonus of having additional months to utilize it.
“Annual passes are a great value because they give you that year-round option that allows you to be active 365 days a year,” Mauter said. “It’s literally the same price you’d pay to take the family to the movies once….and it’s cheaper than a gym membership.”
If we’ve said enough to convince you, head over to their website and grab yours today!
Redefining Outdoor Activity
Mauter said that although people were usually more sedentary during the cooler months in the past, the COVID-19 pandemic has shifted their behavior.
“We’ve really seen visitors rediscovering their parks; they’ve been busier than in the past,” Mauter said. “We’ve seen families come out and reconnect with snow…and it’s nice knowing kids are going to continue to feed their love of nature for years to come.”
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One of America’s premier metropolitan park systems, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have served the people of Southeast Michigan since 1940. Managed by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the Metroparks are made up of 13 properties in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. Available activities include fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, winter sports and more. The Metroparks also provide educational resources on science, nature, history and the environment. Learn more at Metroparks.com.
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