On The Trail
Trail Courtesy
Safety & Etiquette on the Trail
A Guide to Safety & Etiquette on the Paint Creek Trail
Trail Courtesy – It’s easy to Achieve!
Cyclists – Pass with care
Stay to the right, pass on the left. “Do the right thing – pass with a ring!” Please announce with a verbal “on your left”, or ring a bike bell. All trail users will appreciate it! Please use safe speeds on the trail.
Pedestrians and Cyclists – avoid spreading out
Yes, it’s fun to walk, ride, or run the trail in a group. But please don’t block the width of the trail. Stay to the right, and watch your surroundings – a cyclist may be trying to pass you on the left (with an announcement, or bell of course!). Cyclists and pedestrians must both yield to horses on the trail.
Mind your Dog
Dogs are allowed on the Paint Creek Trail, but must be kept under control and/or leashed at all times. We love to let our dogs run too – but we don’t want them getting run over by a bicycle (and getting hurt!), or causing a collision. Dog waste must be picked up. If you forget your bags, we have Dog Waste Bag dispensers conveniently located along the trail. Please help keep the trail clean!
Mind your Horse
Horses are allowed north of Dutton Road. Horse manure must be picked up, or at least removed from the trail surface. No one want to ride or walk through it.
Educate your Children
We love seeing children enjoying the trail! Please start trail etiquette education early – stay to the right, pass on the left, and if on bike, announce when passing. We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable visit!
If you are on the trail, and come up on a family, please slow down and give them enough time and room to know you are there.
Be smart with Headphones
Headphones are allowed on the trail, but you must be careful. Being aware of your surroundings is very important. Cyclists want you to hear them when they announce their presence. Many pedestrian/cyclist collisions can be avoided if you maintain an “ear” while on the trail or can hear ambient noise.
Electric Bicycles
Electric Bicycle Use on the Paint Creek Trail Policy
Adopted April 17, 2018
Background: On October 30, 2017, Michigan Governor Snyder signed new legislation (HB 4781, HB 4782, and HB 4783) authorizing the use of Electric Bicycles in Michigan. Now called PA 138, PA 139, and PA 140 of 2017, the new laws affected the Paint Creek Trail and gave Electric Bicycles their own classification. Electric Bicycles by definition in the new laws are considered “non-motorized”, thus not subject to the Paint Creek Trail’s prohibition of motorized vehicles. As of January 28, 2018, Class 1 Electric Bicycles could be used on the Paint Creek Trail, unless the Commission decided to “Opt-out” by prohibiting them on the trail. Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles were not be permitted on the Paint Creek Trail unless the Commission “Opted-in”. The classifications for Electric Bicycles are as follows:
Class 1 Electric Bicycle: an electric bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that disengages or ceases to function when the electric bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 Electric Bicycle: an electric bicycle that is equipped with a motor that propels the electric bicycle to a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour, whether the rider is pedaling or not, and that disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied.
Class 3 Electric Bicycle: an electric bicycle that is equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that disengages or ceases to function when the electric bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.
The Commission decided to hold a public hearing on March 20, 2018, to receive public input and comments, and to decide whether or not to “Opt out” by prohibiting Class 1 Electric Bicycles on the Paint Creek Trail for non-disabled users, and/or “Opt-In” and allow Class 2 and Class 3 Electric Bicycles. After receiving public comment, the Commission approved the following policy on April 17, 2018:
The Paint Creek Trailways Commission will continue to allow Class 1 electric bicycle use for everyone on the Paint Creek Trail, and “Opts-in” to allow Class 2 electric bicycle use for everyone on the Paint Creek Trail. Class 3 electric bicycles are still prohibited for general use. Use of all three classes would still be allowed under our Other Power Driven Mobility Devices policy for those with mobility related disabilities as defined in the policy.
Horses
Horses are allowed and welcome on the Paint Creek Trail, in limited areas. Because of local ordinances, horses are not allowed in the Rochester or Rochester Hills portions of the Trail. However, horses are allowed north of Dutton in Oakland Township, all the way to Atwater Street in Lake Orion. This is approximately 7.0 miles of Trail. Keep in mind that the last 1/3 of a mile of the trail to Atwater is asphalt, so we encourage you to stay on the limestone trail to reduce the risk of damage to the asphalt.
As with dogs, we ask that equestrians clean up after their horses. If you are unable to dismount, please walk your horse to the grassy areas to the sides of the developed trail, so manure will not be left in the middle of the trail for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate through. In addition, please ride on the right, and pass on the left. We appreciate your courtesy!
There is official parking for horse trailers at the new Paint Creek Junction Park, 2210 Orion Road, Oakland Township, 48363. The park also features a grass surface horse trail to the Paint Creek Trail.
Other places to park along the trail include the following locations:
- The Trail parking lot south of Clarkston, west of Kern in Orion Township, near the Trail restroom facility.
- The Paint Creek Cider Mill parking lot, 4480 Orion Road, Oakland Township, 48306
- The Charter Township of Oakland municipal offices parking lot, 4393 Collins Road, Oakland Township, 48306
Looking to connect with other equestrians in northern Oakland County? Visit the Addison Oaks Trail Riders Facebook page.