The Chief Pontiac Trail is one of the Detroit region's oldest backpacking routes, established in June 1958 by Boy Scout Troop 108. This 16.3-mile point-to-point trail traverses Highland Recreation Area, Proud Lake Recreation Area, and Kensington Metropark in southeastern Michigan's Oakland County. The trail follows the Huron River through diverse terrain including wooded moraine highlands, dense hardwood forests, towering pines, wildlife-rich marshlands, and rolling open hills with sweeping vistas. While historically designed as a Scout credential hike, it offers a rigorous and occasionally challenging backpacking experience just 40 miles northwest of Detroit. This is an excellent introductory backpacking route for those seeking a multi-day trek close to urban areas, though experienced wilderness backpackers may find it less remote than typical backcountry trails.
Access to the trail requires a Michigan Recreation Passport, which costs $16 annually for residents (when purchased during vehicle registration renewal) or $42 annually for non-residents. Daily passes are $12. The passport is required for motorized vehicle entry to all state parks and recreation areas along the route. Purchase at Secretary of State offices, park entrances, or via self-service kiosks at many locations.
Camping along the trail is restricted to designated organizational campsites, primarily the Pines Organizational Campsite in Highland Recreation Area. This site requires advance reservation by calling the park office at 248-889-3750. Group camping is the norm, as these are organizational sites designed for Scout troops and youth groups. Dispersed backcountry camping is not permitted within state recreation areas. Camping stays are limited to 14 days maximum. Check-in is 3 PM, checkout is 1 PM.
For general campground reservations (if using established campgrounds before or after your trek), book through MiDNRReservations.com or call 1-800-447-2757.
The trail is hikeable year-round, but optimal conditions occur in late April through May and September through October. Spring offers perfect hiking weather with minimal bugs and good trail conditions. Late April reviewers consistently report ideal conditions before mosquito season peaks. Fall provides comfortable temperatures and reduced insect pressure, with potential for fall colors in October.
Summer (June-August) brings heavy mosquito activity, particularly in the marshlands and along the Huron River. Bug nets, long sleeves, and pants are essential. Temperatures range from the mid-70s to low 80s°F.
Winter transforms the trail into a cross-country skiing route, with the Chief Pontiac Programs offering dedicated Winter Trek credentials. Expect freezing temperatures (averaging 18-30°F), snow coverage, and potentially icy conditions on high-traffic areas. Boardwalks can be particularly slippery. Winter trekking is established but requires appropriate cold-weather gear.
Avoid late March through early April when snowmelt creates muddy conditions, and be cautious after heavy rains year-round as sections are prone to flooding.
Water availability is limited and somewhat unreliable. The Pines Organizational Campsite has two sections: the upper site features a water pump (and tends to be warmer), while the lower site has a pavilion but no water pump. Critically, these pumps may not be functioning—trail documentation warns that if pumps fail, water must be obtained from the back of the park office building. Assume pumps may be non-operational and plan accordingly.
The trail parallels and crosses the Huron River at Moss Lake Dam, providing a backup water source if you carry filtration equipment. With 13 water sources marked on your route, many are likely seasonal streams or river access points rather than developed sources.
The nearest resupply is in Milford or Wixom, small towns near the trail corridor. Highland Recreation Area park offices may have limited supplies. For a 16.3-mile trek, most backpackers carry all food for 1-2 days rather than resupplying. The two marked resupply points likely refer to park facilities or road crossings where you could arrange a cache or vehicle support.
Navigation is the primary challenge. The trail is described as "rigorous, often overgrown, and occasionally unmarked," requiring hikers to stay alert throughout. The 0.2-mile section between Norton Creek Bridge and Lake State Railway tracks is severely overgrown with thorns, flooded trail sections, and dense brush—described as a genuine "expedition" segment. The final approach to Kensington features rugged, overgrown sections along surprisingly steep ridgelines.
Look for CPT metal arrowhead signs marking the route, but be prepared for sections where blazes are faint or missing. Download maps from chiefpontiacprograms.org before your trip, as phone service may be unreliable in remote sections.
Physical hazards include rocks, roots, steep sections on ridgelines, and potentially hazardous footing. Boardwalks can be slippery with loose boards. Expect downed trees, particularly in the first mile, and mud in low-lying areas after precipitation. Thorn bushes are common, especially noticeable in fall and winter.
Mosquitoes are intense in summer months, particularly in marshland sections. Wildlife is typical for southeastern Michigan—white-tailed deer are common, with occasional coyotes. Black bears are not a concern in this region.
The traditional route runs south to north from Highland Recreation Area to Kensington Metropark. Highland's trailhead is at the Haven Hill Barn Parking Lot, accessed via the Highland Recreation Area Youth Group Campground. Trail Marker #1 is 0.1 miles west toward the Youth Group Campground from this parking lot. Note that some mapping applications show an outdated route omitting the initial 1.8 miles to Pines Organizational Campground.
Kensington Metropark marks the northern terminus, where tradition holds that hikers ceremoniously walk onto the bridge over the camp road to complete their journey. Parking at Kensington requires either a Michigan Recreation Passport or Metroparks annual pass.
Proud Lake Recreation Area provides mid-trail access via the Modern Campground parking area.
From Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), the trail is approximately 50 miles northwest—roughly 1 hour via I-96 and I-275. Bishop International Airport in Flint is 55 miles north. Vehicle access is straightforward on paved roads; high-clearance vehicles are not required.
This is a point-to-point trail with no shuttle services. Most hikers arrange a two-car shuttle (park one vehicle at Kensington, drive to Highland to start) or coordinate pick-up with friends/family. The trailheads are roughly 16 miles apart by road.
Start early from Highland Recreation Area heading north—this allows you to reach Pines Campground at a reasonable hour and finish at the iconic Kensington bridge on day two. The northern direction is traditional for Scout groups.
Bring your own water or filtration capability. Do not rely on campground pumps—carry 3+ liters and plan to filter from the Huron River if needed. In summer, front-load your water consumption to avoid heat exhaustion.
The severely overgrown Norton Creek section is unavoidable—wear long pants, bring trekking poles for balance in flooded areas, and budget extra time. This 0.2-mile segment can take 20-30 minutes of bushwhacking.
If camping at Pines, choose the upper site if you value reliable water access and warmer conditions. The lower site's pavilion provides rain shelter but you'll need to hike to the upper site for water (if the pump works) or filter from natural sources.
Download offline maps and bring a compass. Cell service is spotty, and trail marking is inconsistent. The Chief Pontiac Programs website provides detailed segment maps in PDF format.
This trail sees heavy Scout use in spring and fall. If you prefer solitude, hike midweek or in winter. The winter ski trek is a completely different experience—contact Chief Pontiac Programs for winter-specific guidance.
Pack bug protection for summer: headnet, permethrin-treated clothing, and DEET. The marshlands near the Huron River are mosquito nurseries.
Allow 8-10 hours of hiking time for the full 16.3 miles if completing in one day, though most backpackers split this into a comfortable two-day trek with overnight at Pines Campground.
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