Dear Friends,

As I step into my new role as FCRT President, I want to thank Melinda Hill for her past leadership and support during the transition.  Melinda’s dedication to improving the trail and countless volunteer hours have motivated me to consider what I can do to make our communities even more vibrant.  For me, this starts with my involvement with Friends of the Clinton River Trail.

As I look ahead, there are many exciting projects and possible challenges anticipated in 2025.  I am happy to report that the City of Pontiac plans to construct a 1.5-mile segment of trail on the former railroad corridor.  This is a major step forward toward extending a more modern and compliant CRT into the heart of Pontiac.  At the same time, the City of Rochester is working to obtain necessary funding to address the major washouts that have damaged and closed the eastern end of the trail.  FCRT supports this important work and will help in any way to see these projects through to completion.

FCRT is also about hosting events on the trail for your enjoyment and keeping you informed on our socials.  This year, the Rails to Trails Conservancy has designated Saturday, April 26 as Celebrate Trails Day.  We invite you to join us at one of two locations along the trail:  Diversion Street Trailhead or downtown Auburn Hills.  FCRT will have some swag for our ‘Friends’, trail information, and a lot of enthusiasm as we celebrate the Clinton River Trail on what should be a beautiful spring day.  Stay tuned to our website and socials for more details and a list of future events.

To do what we do, we need your participation and feedback.  Trails don’t just happen; people make them happen.  Friends of the Clinton River Trail continues to be a 100% volunteer organization that exists only because of the passionate support of individuals like you.  If you enjoy trails, get involved.  Support us with your time, share your ideas on how we can improve the trail, or consider making a donation.  Help us make the Clinton River Trail a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.  Friends of the Clinton River trail accepts donations through the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  All donations go directly to support the trail.  We meet the last Tuesday of every month, usually at the Auburn Hills Community Center.  Stop by and join us!

Josh Eichenhorn,

President FCRT 

For years, FCRT has advocated for a safer crossing from the Leach Road Trailhead to shopping and restaurants on the north side of Adams Road.  The City of Rochester Hills and the Road Commission for Oakland County collaborated to make the crossing become a reality.  Late last fall a new HAWK beacon and marked crosswalk were installed.  As with all mid-block crossings, trail users are encouraged to use caution and make sure drivers are obeying the HAWK beacon before crossing the roadway.  Drivers and trail users can learn more about how a HAWK beacon works from this video or our Facebook post.

Last summer nearly one-million gallons of water burst through the berm built 140 years ago by the railroad.  In the process the Clinton River Trail, AT&T’s fiber optic cable, numerous mature trees and all other vegetation were washed away.  

FCRT has partnered with the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester and the City of Rochester to establish a fund to help with restoration efforts.  The repairs are estimated to cost in the MILLIONS of dollars.  The City, with assistance from Oakland County, is approaching multiple funders to help offset the cost of the project.  In addition, the City has committed significant funds toward bringing the trail back online as soon as possible.  

Washout #2 in Rochester is nearly as significant as Washout #1.  The Clinton River makes a sharp bend to the east just after passing under the M-150 Rochester Road bridge.  Over time the river has elbowed its way to the north and has partly destroyed the retaining wall supporting the trail.  Roughly half the width of the trail is collapsing while the remainder of the trail is still passable.  The City of Rochester has contracted with the local engineering firm AEW to propose potential reconstruction methods for both washouts.  AEW has provided initial cost estimates which the City is using to seek needed funds for the reconstruction.

If you would like to donate to help with washout repairs, please use the button below:

Every dollar contributed through this link goes directly toward washout repair and brings us closer to being able to fill the gap, fix the washouts, and re-open the trail!

April 26:  CELEBRATE TRAILS DAY:  Rails to Trails Conservancy proclaims the fourth Saturday of April each year as Celebrate Trails Day.  FCRT will be on-trail with SWAG and information.

June 7: NATIONAL TRAILS DAY: American Hiking Society proclaims the first Saturday of June each year as National Trails Day.  Watch FCRT’s social media as plans evolve.

June 7: OPC 5K RUN/WALK FOR MEALS ON WHEELS: Annual event benefits Meals on Wheels.  Event details.

June 7: PADDLEPALOOZA: 17th Annual eight-mile event.  Races and untimed adventure paddling on the Clinton River.  Event details. Contact Auburn Hills Recreation: (248) 370-9353

June 8: LEADER DOGS BARK AND BREW: Leader Dogs for the Blind day-long event with new route to avoid CRT closure.  Starts at 8am followed by 5k run/walk.  Special event space open all day.  Event details.

June 21: TABLE TO TABLE RIDE: 4th Annual bike ride from Drafting Table in Wixom to Sylvan Table Restaurant in Sylvan Lake.  Register here.

June 20-21: AUBURN HILLS SUMMERFEST: Starts Friday, June 20 at 4pm.  Includes Ice Cream Social, Maker’s Market, Classic Car Show, Live Music, and Food Trucks.  FCRT information booth, Friday, June 20th at 4 pm in downtown Auburn Hills.  Event details. Contact Auburn Hills Recreation: (248) 370-9353.

Bagley Sidepath: The City of Pontiac made improvements and re-paved Bagley Street in 2024.  During construction, a new eight-foot wide sidepath was also installed on the west side of the road between South Boulevard and the CRT.  However, the path doesn’t connect to the trail just yet and ends about 375 feet south of the trail.  At this time, it is unknown when the sidepath will be completed and linked to the trail.

Meadow Drive/CRT Extension: The City of Pontiac plans to construct a 1.5-mile segment of trail on the former railroad corridor in 2025.  This extension of the CRT, commonly known as the “North Spur,” will extend between Opdyke Road and Eastway Drive.  (See the blue/orange dashed line on the right side of the map below.)  Most of the trail will be a crushed limestone surface while a few short sections will be paved. A new HAWK beacon and marked crosswalk are also planned to be installed at the crossing on Opdyke.  Pontiac has advertised the project and is awaiting bids from prospective contractors in mid-April.

Pike Street Connector: This represents the final phase of connecting the CRT across Pontiac and into downtown.  (See the dotted orange line in the center of the map above extending between Bagley Street and the North Spur).  The City is expected to begin the utility coordination, preliminary engineering and design work in 2025 and construction is anticipated in 2027/2028.

Woodward Loop Reconstruction: The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is planning to do a major reconstruction project on the Woodward Loop that will return two-way traffic to the roadway.  Part of the redesign includes a pathway that will help to make walking and biking easier between the neighborhoods and downtown.  The MDOT provided graphic below shows the new traffic flow patterns and how the future Clinton River Trail - Pike Street Connector will cross Woodward and link to downtown.  More details here.  

Frequent trail users may have noticed something missing from some of the trailheads this spring.  The long-serving and well-worn trail-side map boxes have been retired from service after nearly two decades.  Paper maps are still available from the various city offices and an electronic version is available on the FCRT website.  Kiosks and road crossing monuments all have maps of the trail as well.

Helping the owner-cities build, maintain, beautify, and, when needed, repair the trail is what the FCRT is all about. Your engagement with us will be an important part of those efforts. Trails don’t just happen; people make them happen. So, get involved. Come to our monthly meetings. They are on the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm at the Auburn Hills Community Center. If we change the time or location, we will post on our social media and website. Financially support our efforts with a donation using the button below.