Paint Creek Trail Recognized as Pure Michigan Trail at Conference on Tourism

Trails that Receive this Designation are Among the Best of the Best in the State of Michigan

The Paint Creek Trail was recently named a Pure Michigan Trail by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The award was presented to the Paint Creek Trailways Commission at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference on Tourism held in April in Grand Rapids.

Each year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Pure Michigan spotlight some of the state’s best trails, over both land and water, and trails destinations through the Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town designation program. The program – designed to help boost Michigan’s position as the “Trails State” – provides recognition to locations that represent some of Michigan’s best trail experiences.

“With more than 13,000 miles of trail, Michigan is known as the trails state, said DNR State Trails Coordinator Tim Novak. “This year’s towns and trails have broad community support and continue to invest in their local trail systems. They understand and support the economic and social impacts of trails and how important they are to improving quality of life for residents and visitors. That is why we are proud to designate them as Pure Michigan recipients.”

The trails and towns that receive this designation are identified as among the best of the best in the state of Michigan, promoting healthy lifestyles, conserving natural resources, and providing a catalyst for economic activity in their communities.

The aptly named Paint Creek Trail begins in downtown Rochester and meanders north along the creek to where its headwaters flow out of Lake Orion. This beautifully wooded non-motorized trail travels along Paint Creek – one of Michigan’s premier cold-water trout streams – and connects to the Polly Ann Trail and Bald Mountain Recreation Area via connector paths. It was the first non-motorized rail-trail in the state and serves over 100,000 people annually.

“We are excited to be named a Pure Michigan Trail by the Michigan DNR,” said Martha Olijnyk, Paint Creek Trailways Commission Chairperson. “With so many wonderful areas in the state to enjoy nature and recreation, we are honored to be recognized and fortunate to have this gem in our backyards.”

The Paint Creek Trail was the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in the State of Michigan, and traverses through the communities of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and the Village of Lake Orion. The Trail annually serves approximately 100,000 pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, anglers, nature enthusiasts, and users of all ages and abilities. For more information about the Paint Creek Trail call 248-651-9260.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources partners with Pure Michigan on the Pure Michigan Trail, Water Trail and Trail Town Designation Program to spotlight some of the state’s best trail experiences. With a variety of trails developed and maintained through extensive collaboration between state and local governments, nonprofits, foundations, and volunteers, Michigan is earning its reputation as the Trails State. These inviting outdoor recreation resources continue to appeal to many travelers, too.