Join us for 4.5-mile hike at Proud Lake Recreation Area! 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.
Meeting Time and Location:Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Proud Lake Recreation Area, 3500 Wixom Road, Commerce Charter Township, MI 48382, at the trailhead parking area off the main entrance on Wixom Road, just beyond the park headquarters (east of Wixom Road and south of Sleeth Road).We’ll hike from 9:00 a.m. to about noon.
Hike Leader:For questions, please email
sierra.club.semg@gmail.com.
Participation Details:For all our hikes, please remember to bring comfortable hiking shoes, a water bottle, food, and the season’s weather appropriate clothing. Participation in Sierra Club activities requires registration and acceptance of a waiver, which you can complete online at the link above. Electronic copies of the required waiver are available online or by request and will be accepted automatically by signing-in to the event.
All hikes are free and open to everyone, but donations are gratefully accepted to help support ongoing stewardship and programming. If you’re able to contribute, you can do so at
https://givebutter.com/FKXYFbAs a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, donations allow us to lobby and sometimes litigate for environmental protections. This tax status gives us a broader ability to enact change, but it also means that gifts to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible. Whether you’re able to give or not, everyone is welcome on our hikes, and your support in any form is appreciated.
Cancellation Policy:The hike will proceed rain, snow, or shine. However, if an
Extreme Weather Warning is issued by the
National Weather Service, the hike will be canceled for safety reasons.
Park Pass Information:When visiting a Michigan State Park, a
Recreation Passport is required. The cost per vehicle is
$14 when purchased during license plate registration renewal through the
Secretary of State. Entrance to
Metroparks requires a
$40 annual pass or a
$10 day pass. You may be able to purchase a day or annual pass at the park entrance booth.
Hikes are
free and
open to the public. However, sometimes we do activities that require a fee which would be noted in the description of the event.
Location:Proud Lake Recreation Area, 3500 N Wixom Rd, Commerce, MI 48382, at the trailhead parking area off the main entrance on Wixom Road, beyond the park headquarters east of Wixom Road and South of Sleeth Road.
Level: Moderate