Macomb Orchard Trail:
Michigan
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Description:
Named for the rich assortment of fruit trees in southeast Michigan, this trail cuts a 23.5-mile arch across the northern portion of Macomb County. Regardless of where you begin, the entire route is relatively flat. Running east to west, the trail starts out in the urban landscape then enters the countryside, as it passes through townships and connects the villages of Romeo and Armada.

You will find lots of fruit orchards, crop fields and dairy farms before ending in the city of Richmond. The western end is perhaps the most attractive portion of the trail. Within the first few miles you will cross the Clinton River over a bridge that has large platforms on each side, where you can stop and view the pastureland and the Clinton River. Or try your hand at catching some trout.

The trail ends in the heart of Richmond at a trailhead park, with a gazebo, restrooms, picnic tables, benches and a path to the municipal parking lot. In addition, a 10-mile section for an equestrians runs between Romeo Plank Road and Lowe Plank Road.

At its west end the Macomb Orchard Trail connects to two other trails, the 16-mile Clinton River Trail and the 8.5-mile Paint Creek Trailway via the Rochester City River Walk.

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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the access point in Richmond, take I-94 and exit west onto Fred W. Moore Highway/Division Road. Turn right onto State Route M-19/Main Street. Turn left onto Water Street. The trailhead is at the intersection of Water and Parker streets.

To reach the access point in Washington, take State Route M-53 toward Washington. Exit at 26 Mile Road then turn right on Van Dyke Road. Turn left onto West Road; the trailhead is 0.4 miles head on the right.

The access point in Shelby Township near Rochester is from a parking lot on the west side of Dequindre Road just south of 24 Mile Rd./Parkdale Rd.

For more information, contact Macomb County Parks & Recreation: (586) 979-7010 ext 2.

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Reviews: [5 trail ratings]
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What a great trail!!!!!
By winterjr in December, 2011
I posted a review in '09 when there was gravel between Richmond and Romeo . . not so good. This trail is now completely paved and is absolutely gorgeous. I have ridden the full length of this trail many times the past year and fully enjoy it. I thought the Richmond to Romeo part of the trail would be kind of boring, but it is the best part of the MOT. If you live close to this trail . . . . RIDE IT!!!
Orchard Trail open now all the way :)
By marlin1893 in August, 2011
I'm a newbie just started riding again this june for health reasons and found this trail just north of me. Its now paved all the way and the bridge past Romeo is finished. Very nice and peaceful ride good for the soul. Lightly traveled during the weekdays but still not bad on weekends. Lots of friendly faces and if you venture off the trail in the towns you will find very nice little shops and very nice people. Try Armada and its quaint beautiful century old homes and quiet downtown. I sometimes start there by going up North Ave all the way and park just on the north side of the trail just east of the road. At 59 yrs old I hope to enjoy riding for many years and have lost 30#s this summer just having fun on the trails.
Wow! What a difference from the last time.
By fastrnu in July, 2011
Parked at 33 Mile/Romeo Plank roads and rode to Richmond and back. Totally paved for this distance! Used to be loose gravel. Many people on the trail now and all pass with a smile. Trail marked well for road crossings and some stretches almost fully shaded. Like riding in a tunnel. You can really enjoy this section of trail now. Will be out there more often for sure.
Browse Trails by Activity:
between Armada and Romeo
Trail Facts
Trail End Points: Dequindre Rd. (Shelby Township/Rochester) to Division Rd. at Main St. (Richmond)
Counties: Macomb
Trail Length: 23.5 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt, Concrete
Trail Activities: Bike, Inline Skating, Fishing, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Walking, Cross Country Skiing
TrailLink ID: 6197361

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