The best cycling routes around Troy

The Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve – Old Train Station and Cabin loop is a truly extensive touring cycling route that will test your endurance and reward you with diverse scenery. You'll navigate through serene woodlands, open meadows, and along winding streams, particularly within the 16-acre Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve itself. The route also traverses old farm fields and former rail lines, with some sections potentially unpaved and challenging, offering a varied and engaging ride.

This difficult cycling adventure covers 65.9 miles (106.1 km) with 837 feet (255 metres) of elevation gain, requiring approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Parking is available at Lot 7 Student and Visitor Parking, making it easy to begin your journey. Given the length and difficulty, plan for an early start to ensure you have plenty of daylight to finish the loop comfortably.

Beyond the natural beauty, this route is designed to connect various natural preserves with historical points of interest, including the Old Train Station and Cabin mentioned in its name. The broader region is rich with lakes, wetlands, and extensive forests, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting, including white-tailed deer and various bird species, making it a rewarding experience for nature lovers.

The Bridge Over Paint Creek – Clinton River Trail loop offers a fascinating blend of Michigan's natural and urban landscapes, perfect for touring cyclists. You'll pedal along the picturesque Paint Creek Trail, renowned for its tree-lined paths and stunning fall foliage, before transitioning to the Clinton River Trail, which weaves through diverse settings from downtown areas to quiet residential neighborhoods. Expect a mix of crushed limestone and paved surfaces, with some sections of the Clinton River Trail presenting rougher crushed stone, adding a touch of adventure to your ride.

Planning your outing for this moderate 18.5-mile (29.8 km) loop, which typically takes around 2 hours and 4 minutes with 368 feet (112 metres) of elevation gain, is relatively simple. Trailheads in the Auburn Hills area provide convenient access, and you'll find useful amenities like hydration stations and Bicycle Fix-It stations along the Clinton River Trail. For the best experience, consider cycling during the spring or fall to enjoy comfortable temperatures and the vibrant seasonal colors, especially on the Paint Creek Trail.

This route is a significant part of Michigan's rail-to-trail legacy, connecting two historic corridors that once served as vital railway lines. The Paint Creek Trail holds the distinction of being Michigan's first non-motorized rail-to-trail, opened in 1983, and is recognized as a "Pure Michigan Trail." The Clinton River Trail further connects to larger networks like the Iron Belle Trail, making this loop a key link for exploring the broader region and its rich history.

The Bridge Over Paint Creek – Clinton River Trail loop from Rochester Hills offers a pleasant touring cycling experience, blending the serene natural beauty of the Paint Creek Trail with the more varied landscapes of the Clinton River Trail. You'll glide along crushed limestone through woods and fields, often paralleling the Paint Creek, a designated cold-water trout stream, before encountering sections of pavement, crushed stone, and even some rough asphalt on the Clinton River Trail. This 12.1-mile (19.5 km) route, with its gentle 272 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes, making it a great option for a relaxed ride.

Before you go, it's crucial to check for current trail closures; as of early 2026, both the Clinton River Trail and Paint Creek Trail have sections closed for repairs and bridge replacement, with detours available. A touring bike with wider tires will handle the mixed surfaces of the Clinton River Trail more comfortably. Parking is typically accessible in Rochester Hills, and an early start is always a good idea to enjoy the trails at their quietest.

Both the Paint Creek Trail and Clinton River Trail are part of Michigan's extensive rail-trail network, built on abandoned railroad beds, which explains their relatively flat grades. The Paint Creek Trail holds national recognition as Michigan's first rail-to-trail and connects to the Clinton River Trail via the Rochester River Walk, linking into larger regional networks like the Iron Belle Trail. This historical context adds a unique layer to your ride, showcasing Michigan's commitment to converting old railway lines into accessible recreational paths.