We began walking with our dog on parts of the Clinton River trail. The First walk we took we parked on Adams Rd across the street from Wal-Mart. We headed East and walked to Crooks Rd and back. It was a great walk. Lots of wildlife.

The 2nd time we walked was a few days later. We parked at the lot on Opdyke Rd and walked East again all the way to Squirrell Rd and then went through the Riverside park there where there is a Restroom and drinking fountains, then walked back to Opdyke.

The 3rd time a few days later we parked at the lot on Livernois Near Avon Rd. We walked west and this part of the trail was absolutely amazing! It was about 7pm after a rainstorm. The sounds of the birds and the smells of the wildflowers were beautiful!

The 4th time a few days later we parked near the beginning of the trail in Downtown Rochester at the lot on Second St/ Leticia. We got there near dusk so we didnt get to walk far. This part of the trail is also very beautiful. There are alot of areas where you can see the River and its beautiful!!!

I cannot wait to explore the rest of this trail that we havent seen yet and would highly reccommend this trail to anyone!! I give it 5 stars!!

I was a little bit dissapointed with some of the trail however. It looks like that when they toe out the metal and railroad ties from the railroad they left quite a bit of metal and wood debris down on the edge of the banks off the trail. I would like to see that removed from this beautiful peice of natural land.

Thanks!! HAPPY TRAILS TO ALL!!!

The stretch of trail through Sylvan Lake is a very easy ride. The trail has a somewhat smooth surface with minimal ruts and potholes. It is not particularly scenic but not ugly either. Nice sense of history as you ride along the old right-of-way.

The trail essentially ends at Telegraph. There are plans for a bridge over Telegraph, but for now the easiest way around (or over) Telegraph is to use the Orchard Lake Road bridge. It is not an easy crossing and can be nerve-racking during high traffic. Go south on Old Telegraph to get back on to the trail.

The trail through Pontiac is mostly ballast. If you have a hybrid or a mountain bike, you're fine. You will be alternately surprised by the scenic stretches of nature and urban decay. I rarely see other cyclists (or anyone for that matter) along this stretch of the trail.

The trail ends abrubtly at Bagley St. in Pontiac. Head south until you reach South Boulevard and head East for about three miles. This stretch is through blighted areas of Pontiac. The traffic is light to moderate. Once you reach Opdyke, head North for a half-mile or so to re-join the Clinton Trail. (Note: You can pick up the railroad ROW going westbound, but it is extremely rough and ends in the middle of a desolate manufacturing distric in central Pontiac with no real way out. For obvious reasons, I wouldn't recommend following the old RR ROW through Pontiac.)

Once you head away from Pontiac, the Clinton Trail is in excellent condition. It is rather scenic through most stretches, especially when you begin to parallel the Clinton River. The ride is pretty easy. After several miles you will reach Rochester. The trail essentially turns into the Macomb Orchard Trail at this point.

--D. Garvin

"4/27/2006
Users of the West Bloomfield and Clinton River Trails in Oakland County. CAUTION! There are no signs or markings of any kind at the new trail crossings at Orchard Lake Road, 5 lanes, in Sylvan Lake, and the crossing at Iverness within the Village of Sylvan. I have contacted county, township, and Sylvan Lake officials to no avail about getting signage asap. The trail has been useable since last fall."