by Ken Jacobsen
Join Sierra Club to #OptOutside this Black Friday and burn off those Thanksgiving calories with a refreshing 4.5-mile hike at Proud Lake Recreation Area on November 29. Nestled along the banks of the Huron River, this park features woodlands, wetlands and riverbanks, offering diverse natural beauty and a serene environment. The trail presents a mix of gentle hills and flat terrain, making it an enjoyable challenge for both novice and experienced hikers.
The Huron River is the park’s central feature, flowing for over 130 miles from its headwaters in the Huron Swamp to its endpoint in Lake Erie. As you hike, you’ll follow sections of the river, which provide not only a peaceful ambiance but also a rich habitat for local wildlife. Proud Lake’s connection to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a New Deal-era program from the 1930s, is evident throughout the park. The CCC was instrumental in developing trails, campsites, cabins, pine plantations, and picnic areas that remain integral parts of the recreation area today.
Dress warmly in layers, as late November temperatures can be chilly, and consider packing a snack and water for a break along the way. This hike is not just a post-Thanksgiving workout but also a chance to connect with the natural landscape of the Huron River Valley.
The hike’s leader is Ken Jacobsen. Please text or call (248) 302-8275 with any questions. We will meet at 9:00 a.m. at the trailhead parking area off the main entrance on Wixom Road, beyond the park headquarters, look for Sierra Club signs. Outhouses are conveniently located along the trail.
Participants can register online here https://tinyurl.com/SCPLRAhike , or a signup sheet and waivers will be available at the event. Registering online or in person and completing a waiver is required to participate in the outing.
#OptOutside on Black Friday
Proud Lake Recreation Area Hike
2700 Wixom Road, Commerce Charter Township, MI 48382
November 29, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Leader: Ken Jacobsen, 248-302-8275