Paint Creek Trail

How long is the Paint Creek Trail?
The developed portion of the Paint Creek Trail is 8.9 miles long. The southern terminus is south of Ludlow Street in Rochester, adjacent to the Rochester Municipal Park. The Trail traverses north north-west to Atwater Street in the Village of Lake Orion. For a map on how to access the trail from the Rochester Municipal Park, download our Trail Access Map.

What is the surface and slope of the Trail?
98% of the Trail is surfaced with crushed limestone. However, from Atwater Street south, approximately 1/4 mile, the Trail is paved with asphalt. The Trail surface is not conducive to roller blades or skateboards, but can accomodate larger stroller wheels and wheelchairs. There are no plans to surface the entire Trail with asphalt. The slope of the trail is generally 2%, going south to north.

Does the Paint Creek Trail connect with the Polly Ann Trail?
Yes and no. There is no direct, official route to connect with the Polly Ann Trail at this time. However, a temporary route has been established. The Trailways Commission has plans to connect with the Polly Ann Trail several different ways in the future. To access the temporary route map, you can download it here.

Where can I obtain a map of the Trail?
Maps are located in the brochure boxes at various points along the Trail. You can also download and print maps by clicking here. Hard copies of maps can also be obtained at local government offices, or by contacting the Paint Creek Trail office at (248)651-9260 or PaintCreekTrail@aol.com

Where are the closest restrooms?
The Trail has one official restroom near the intersection of the Trail and Clarkston/Kern Roads in Orion Township. There is also a restroom, open seasonally, in the Rochester Municipal Park, which is adjacent to the Trail. Restrooms are also available between 8am-8pm at the Paint Creek Cider Mill Building, at the corner of Gallagher and Orion Roads, and at the Rochester Police Department. The Trailways Commission would like to have another facility near Tienken Road, but there are property setback issues that need to be resolved with the City of Rochester Hills.

There are also businesses in the downtown Lake Orion and downtown Rochester area that provide restrooms to customers.

Are there any drinking fountains along the Trail?
Yes, there is currently one drinking fountain, open seasonally, just south of Gallagher Road near Flagstar Bank. This is close to the halfway point of the Trail. The Trailways Commission is always looking for additional water sources for the installation of additional drinking fountains.

Where do I park when driving to the Trail?
There are 8 parking locations for your convenience. Click here for Trail Parking Information.

Are dogs allowed on the Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Trail, but owners must have them under control and on a 6 foot leash at all times. Owners must also clean up after their pets. We currently do not provide doggy "clean up" bags, but hope to have a program to provide them by the end of 2009. For the safety of your dog, and the safety of others, please do NOT let your dog run loose on the Trail.

If you plan on walking your dog into the Rochester Municipal Park, you will need to obtain a special permit from the City of Rochester. For more information, click here.

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Are horses allowed on the Trail?
Yes, horses are allowed on the trail, in limited areas. Because of local ordinances, horses are not allowed in the Rochester or Rochester Hills portions of the Trail. However, horses are allowed north of Dutton, all the way to Atwater Street in Lake Orion. This is approximately 7.0 miles of Trail. As with dogs, we ask that equestrians clean up after their horses. There is no official staging area for horse trailers, but the easiest place to park would be south of Clarkston, west of Kern in Orion Township, near the Trail restroom facility.

Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed on the Trail?
Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are allowed on the Trail. We suggest using a stroller with wheels that can adequately handle the surface, instead of the smaller "travel" strollers. Manual and electric wheelchairs are allowed and encouraged for visitors requiring them. For visitors with mobility disabilities, please read our policy on Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices for a information regarding permissable and non-permissable devices.

Is there a place to rent bikes or horses?
Unfortunately, there isn't a place to rent bikes or horses. However, guests of the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester are given bikes to ride if they would like to explore the area and trails.

Where are the closest restaurants and stores?

• The Paint Creek Cider Mill is open during business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 - 4:30pm. The Cider Mill is located near the halfway point of the Trail, at the corner of Gallagher and Orion Roads.
• There are many restaurants in Downtown Rochester on Main Street near the Trail.
• The Paint Creek Market is located on the east side of Orion Road, north of Gallagher and sells beverages, food, and other convenience store items.
• Also near the halfway point of the Trail, there is the Wyndgate Golf Course and Gatehouse Grille. They are located west of the Trail on Gunn Road.
• In Lake Orion, the trail ends approximately 1/4 mile south of the central business district, with many popular restaurants and businesses. For more information, you can download a map here.

Are there any bike shops or running shops near the Trail?
There is a bike shop and a running shop near the terminus of the Trail in Lake Orion. Paint Creek Bicycles is located on Flint Street, east of Broadway. Their phone number is (248) 693-9620. Hanson's Running Shop is located at the corner of Broadway and Flint Street. Their phone number is (248) 693-9900. Rochester Bike Shop is also located on Main Street in the City of Rochester.

Do you groom the Trail in winter for cross country skiers?
No, the Trail is not groomed for cross-country skiers. Grooming equipment would damage the trail surface, and the Commission policy is to keep the Trail as natural as possible.

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Do we need permission to hold an event on the Trail?
Yes, the Trailways Commission requires a Temporary Use Permit for any organized event. Your group or organization must fill out a Temporary Permit Application, submit a $10 - $30 application fee, (depending on your organization's structure) and add the Paint Creek Trailways Commission as additional insured on your organization's liability or event insurance. You must contact Trail Manager Kristen Myers at (248) 651-9260 to be scheduled on the next available Trailways Commission agenda. The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at either the Rochester Municipal Offices, 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, or the Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion Road, Oakland Township, 48306. (Visit the Commission page for exact dates and locations). For complete instructions and a copy of the Temporary Permit application, download our Temporary Use Permit Policy and Application. For a list of already approved events, visit our Group Events section of the Events page.

How do I donate a bench to the Paint Creek Trail in memory or in honor of someone?
The Trailways Commission has a Bench Donation Policy. The price of a bench varies between $750-$850, including delivery and installation. Click here for more details.

Is there a "Friends of the Paint Creek Trail" group?
Yes! In July, 2010, the official Friends of the Paint Creek Trail group was launched, and on September 30, 2010 a Board of Directors and Executive Board was elected. The Friends group was formed to provide support for the Trail, and assist with environmental stewardship, events, amenity planning, merchandise sales, and fundraising. Membership in the group is free - to join or to donate via PayPal, visit our Friends page.

Where is the Paint Creek Trail office?
Thanks to the generosity of the Charter Township of Oakland, the Trail office is now located at the former Paint Creek Cider Mill building at 4480 Orion Road, Rochester, MI 48306 (at the corner of Gallagher). The Trail office is on the second floor, overlooking the Trail and the creek. Office hours vary, but are generally Monday thru Thursday, 8:00am-3:00pm.

What are the Trail hours of operation?
The Trail is open year-round from 6:00am to 10:00pm.