Friends of the Clinton River Trail Promote National Trails Day
By Michael Dwyer
American Hiking Society
New Signs for the Clinton River Trail
The American Hiking Society is celebrating their 21st annual National Trails Day on Saturday, June 1; a day devoted to the individuals that help maintain the trails and help build new ones. Thousands of public events take place across the country to honor this day. Trail users and enthusiasts will hike, bike, bird watch or ride a horse on one or more of the many trails in America.
“With the total number of National Trails Day recreation activities increasing year after year, finding an event near you has never been easier,” said Gregory Miller, President of American Hiking Society. “Events have a huge depth of variety, ranging from leisurely guided hikes to trail building, horseback riding, kayaking and more. Regardless of whether you consider yourself a hiker, mountain biker, equestrian, bird-watcher, or simple nature enthusiast, there is bound to be an event to fit your needs. Many events offer family options, so even the littlest ones can participate.”
A couple bikes along the Clinton River Trail in Rochester Hills
Friends of the Clinton River Trail
The Friends of the Clinton River Trail (FCRT) will be setting up a booth at the Downtown Rochester Riverwalk and Clinton River Trail intersection. From 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., volunteers will be handing out trail maps for the Clinton River Trail, the Paint Creek Trail and the Macomb Orchard trail.
“It is a chance for FCRT to meet several trail users, provide information about the trail and other trails in the area, and chat about what is important to users,” said Fred Philips, President of the friends of group. “We offer trail users a water break and try to engage in conversations about what they would like to see improved along the trail, where they are coming from/going to, how frequently they use the trail, etc. It gives FCRT direct feedback on issues we may have not heard about otherwise.”
Goals for the Friends of the Clinton River Trail
- Short Term: Safe Crossings – Improving Major Road Crossings
- Mid-Term: One Trail/Five Cities – Consistent “Look & Feel” in all Communities
- Mid to Long Term: Complete the Remaining Gap in Pontiac
- Long Term: Become a World-Class Destination Trail
The Clinton River Trail Crosses at Crooks Road in Rochester Hills
Next Big Event
Save the date, Saturday September 28, for the ninth annual Fall Classic Ride & Walk. It’s a family-friendly, all-ages tradition and you may find out more by visiting the booth of the Friends of the Clinton River Trail on June 1 for National Trails Day or by visiting their website: www.ClintonRiverTrail.org
Michael Dwyer is a freelance writer and travel columnist. Michael writes about happenings in the Rochester area, travels across Michigan and destinations around the world. Contact him at Michael@RochesterMedia.com
About Michael Dwyer