Oakland, Charter Township (Oakland, MI)
Oakland, Charter Township (Oakland, MI)
2210 Orion Road
Oakland, MI 48363
The Paint Creek Trail is 8.9 miles long and travels through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion. It was Michigan’s first ever Rail-to-Trail project, that opened in 1983.
Its limestone surfacing provides a solid but natural surface for non-motorized uses, including bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, jogging and cross-country skiing. While using the path, remember to respect other users. Travel on the right side of the path, announce when passing, and keep all pets on leashes. Horses are allowed north of Dutton Road only. Check with Michigan DNR regarding fishing rules and regulations in Paint Creek.
The trail is a day-use facility only. It is closed between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The trail is owned and operated by an intergovernmental agency known as the Paint Creek Trailways Commission. The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. either at the Rochester Municipal Hall or the Paint Creek Cider Mill. For meeting dates and locations visit www.paintcreektrail.org/commission.
To obtain a free map and guide to the trail, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
Paint Creek Trailways Commission, 4393 Collins Road, Rochester, MI 48306.
In Oakland Township limited parking is available at Dutton Road, Silverbell Road, Paint Creek Cider Mill, Gallagher Road, Paint Creek Junction Park, and the Clarkston/Kern Road crossing. For a complete list, visit www.paintcreektrail.org.
Restrooms are available at Rochester Municipal Park, Paint Creek Cider Mill (M-F, 9-3, closed Holidays), Paint Creek Junction Park, and at the Clarkston/Kern Road crossing.
Please remember that all dogs MUST be leashed and cleaned up after.
Many species of viewable wildlife decline along the trail edges when dogs explore the brush. Off-leash dogs prevent turkey and other birds from ground nesting, may discover and harm fawns, and push mammals further into the woodlands, thus decreasing the park experience for all visitors. Dog excrement is both unpleasant and a health issue. Clean-up bag dispensers are available at the Dutton Road crossing and the Gallagher Road parking lot.
