Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion
The Paint Creek Trailways Commission and Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will be hosting the 20th Annual National Trails Day event at Children’s Park, the Orion Art Center, and on the Paint Creek Trail on Saturday, June 2. This year’s theme is ‘National Trails Day on the Paint Creek Trail – celebrating the extension of the Paint Creek Trail and dedicating a new Iron Belle Trailhead at Children’s Park in the Village of Lake Orion.’
National Trails Day June 2
“We’re very excited to bring our event back to the Village of Lake Orion this year. Lake Orion has worked very hard on extending the trail from Atwater Street to Children’s Park, making the Paint Creek Trail a “park-to-park” trail that offers something for the entire family,” said Trail Manager Kristen Myers. Lake Orion DDA Director Molly LaLone is proud to showcase downtown Lake Orion for present and future trail users. “Downtown Lake Orion has so much to offer for our residents and visitors. Paint Creek Trail users will have access to more parking options, public restrooms, Children’s Park, and so many wonderful restaurants, shops, and the historic scenic beauty of the Village of Lake Orion.” This free event starts at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 p.m.
Highlights include
- Ribbon Cutting and Trail Supporter Recognition Ceremony officially opening the Lake Orion Trail Extension and new Iron Belle Trailhead at Children’s Park in Lake Orion
- Free family friendly craft provided by Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve—Make your Own Hiking Stick
- Free Family friendly walk/bike ride on the trail from Children’s Park in Lake Orion to Clarkston/Kern Roads
- Free ice cream at 20 Front Street Creamery
- Free Paint Creek Trail swag, and drawings for Downtown Lake Orion Gift Cards and Paint Creek Trail Merchandise
- Visit with the Oakland County Sheriff Office Mounted Patrol deputies and horses
For 25 years, American Hiking’s National Trails Day has united the trails community on the first Saturday of June with the goal of connecting more people to trails and public lands. In 2018, American Hiking Society will improve 2,802 miles of trail in a single day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System. The 1968 National Trails System Act gave America a gift – the creation and protection of some of Americans’ favorite places to discover the great outdoors.
“It’s easy to hit the trail and enjoy being outside without thinking about the tremendous effort it takes to advocate for, plan, build, and maintain the nearly 250,000 miles of trail crisscrossing America,” explains Kate VanWaes, Executive Director of American Hiking Society. “For National Trails Day this year, we are celebrating America’s magnificent trails system and jump-starting the next fifty years of protecting and expanding upon the legacy we enjoy each time we set foot on the trail.”
This year’s event is sponsored by Friends of the Paint Creek Trail, Paint Creek Trailways Commission, Lake Orion DDA, Orion Art Center, and 20 Front Street in Lake Orion.
About Rochester Media