Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Michigan
Oakland County
Rochester Hills

Bridge Over Paint Creek – Clinton River Trail loop from Rochester Hills

Routes
Bike touring routes & trails
United States
Michigan
Oakland County
Rochester Hills

Bridge Over Paint Creek – Clinton River Trail loop from Rochester Hills

Easy

3.4

(18)

80

riders

Bridge Over Paint Creek – Clinton River Trail loop from Rochester Hills

01:22

19.5km

80m

Cycling

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 29, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

3.15 km

Clinton River Trail Bridge and River View

Highlight (Segment) • Bridge

This 16-mile trail winds through various green spaces and parks, offering views of the river along the way. This section includes a picturesque bridge that provides stunning views, making it an excellent spot to take a break.

Tip by

2

3.93 km

Harding Green Space

Highlight • Forest

Harding Green Space is a beautiful 26.8-acre natural preserve tucked between Harding Avenue and the Clinton River with scenic bluffs, hiking trails, dense woodlands, and a variety of local wildlife. …

Tip by

3

10.1 km

The Macomb Orchard Trail is a great paved route that starts with a ride under its distinctive barn-inspired archway. On the other side of the road the crushed gravel Clinton River Trail continues into downtown Rochester.

Tip by

4

12.0 km

Bridge Over Paint Creek

Highlight • Bridge

5

14.4 km

Clinton River Trail - Waterfront section

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Nice trail half gravel / half paved along the Clinton River. During the dark hours you still get "some" light from the city and surrounding neighborhoods.

Tip by

6

15.0 km

7

16.0 km

Lake Norcentra Park

Highlight • Lake

Lake Norcentra Park is located on the Great Lake-to-Lake Trails. The lake is part of Rochester University and is open to the public.

This is a lovely tranquil spot which …

Tip by

8

16.0 km

Clinton River Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This 16-mile trail winds through various green spaces and parks, offering views of the river along the way. This section includes a picturesque bridge that provides stunning views, making it an excellent spot to take a break.

Tip by

B

19.5 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.29 km

6.20 km

5.40 km

1.46 km

138 m

Surfaces

6.29 km

6.19 km

5.45 km

1.46 km

110 m

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Sign up to see more specific route details

Sign up for free

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Friday 3 July

34°C

21°C

-- %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: -- km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

guide_signup

Want to know more?

Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.

Sign up for free

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Print

Share

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Description

If you're seeking an easy touring cycling route that blends natural beauty with varied urban and suburban landscapes, the Bridge Over Paint Creek – Clinton River Trail loop from Rochester Hills is a worthwhile option. This 12.1-mile (19.5 km) loop, rated easy, features a gentle 272 feet (83 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes about 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete, making it ideal for a relaxed ride through Michigan's rail-trail network.

What to expect on Bridge Over Paint Creek – Clinton River Trail loop from Rochester Hills

Prepare for a ride that transitions between two distinct rail-trails. The Paint Creek Trail section offers a smooth journey on 8-foot-wide crushed limestone, guiding you through peaceful woods, fields, and wetlands, often alongside the designated cold-water trout stream it crosses 12 times. Keep an eye out for wildlife like muskrats or deer in these quieter stretches. The Clinton River Trail, on the other hand, provides a more varied experience with sections of pavement, crushed stone, and even some rough asphalt, especially around Rochester and Pontiac. While the overall physical rating is easy, the mixed surfaces mean a touring bike with wider tires will offer a more comfortable ride, making it suitable for cyclists who appreciate diverse terrain.

Planning your visit

Before you head out, be aware of current trail conditions. As of early 2026, sections of the Clinton River Trail, particularly between the Letica Trailhead and 24 Mile Road, are closed due to washouts and repairs, with detours in place. The Paint Creek Trail also has a detour near mile marker 31.7 for bridge replacement. Always check for the latest updates on these closures to plan your route effectively. Parking is generally available in Rochester Hills, and starting earlier in the day can help you avoid busier times, especially on weekends.

Trail details

  • Distance: 12.1 miles (19.5 km)
  • Elevation gain: 272 feet (83 metres)
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Estimated time: 1 hours and 21 minutes

Nearby routes

Easy

4.0

19

Hike-Bike Trail

00:46h

13.2km

30m

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy