Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
North America
United States
Michigan
Oakland County

Auburn Hills

Attractions and Places To See around Auburn Hills - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Auburn Hills offer a diverse range of outdoor experiences. This Michigan region features a mix of natural preserves, trails, and parks, providing opportunities for family friendly outdoor activities. Visitors can explore various landscapes, from woodlands to paved paths, making it ideal for those seeking easy hiking trails near Auburn Hills. These things to do in Auburn Hills MI cater to different interests, ensuring a rewarding visit.

Best attractions and places to see around Auburn Hills

  • The most popular attractions is Paint Creek Trail, a trail that is a 10-mile crushed-gravel path. It is known for its smooth, well-kept surface suitable for various bike tires, with multiple parking areas available.
  • Another must-see spot is Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, a nature reserve featuring woodlands, meadows, and a winding stream. Visitors can expect nature trails suitable for walking and educational programs for all ages.
  • Visitors also love Pond with Fountain in Rochester Municipal Park, a park with a pond and fountain. It offers amenities like lighted tennis courts, open-air shelters, and a connection to the Paint Creek Rail Trail.
  • Auburn Hills is known for its trails, nature preserves, and municipal parks. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural environments to recreational facilities.
  • The attractions around Auburn Hills are appreciated by the komoot community, with 11 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 4, 2026

Paint Creek Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Parking at Rochester Hills Public Library. Trail can be used all year but can be very soft and muddy in early spring.

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve

Highlight • Forest

Great nature trails. Best for walking, but can ride your bike if you're slow and careful.

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

This park has lighted tennis courts, a couple of open air shelters, a skating pond and over a mile of paved parkway. Probably the most interesting amenity for mountain bikers is its connection to the Paint Creek Rail Trail, which heads northwest from here.

Tip by

Save

The Macomb Orchard Trail is a great paved route that starts with a ride under its distinctive barn-inspired archway. On the other side of the road the crushed gravel Clinton River Trail continues into downtown Rochester.

Tip by

Save

Start of Paint Creek Trail to Rochester

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Auburn Hills.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Auburn Hills

Hiking around Auburn Hills

Gravel biking around Auburn Hills

MTB Trails around Auburn Hills

Cycling around Auburn Hills

Running Trails around Auburn Hills

Road Cycling Routes around Auburn Hills

Tips from the Community

Abe
November 21, 2024, Paint Creek Trail

The trail can get quite busy during the summer, so me careful with runners and pedestrians with dogs.

0

0

You can start from Rochester Municipal park, come here and go back. The closer you get to Rochester the more pedestrians you will find on the trail.

0

0

Great place to start your ride and with free parking, lots of trails and gravel roads to choose from in the area.

0

0

This park has lighted tennis courts, a couple of open air shelters, a skating pond and over a mile of paved parkway. Probably the most interesting amenity for mountain bikers is its connection to the Paint Creek Rail Trail, which heads northwest from here.

0

0

The Macomb Orchard Trail is a great paved route that starts with a ride under its distinctive barn-inspired archway. On the other side of the road the crushed gravel Clinton River Trail continues into downtown Rochester.

0

0

Nice place to start your bike ride, mostly flat and it's all paved to Richmond (38k). Be careful with the crossing car streets though.

0

0

This is the northern trailhead for the Paint Creek Trail. The path is roughly 10 miles long and goes all the way to Rochester.

0

0

Paint Creek Trail is a super popular crushed-gravel path covering roughly 10 miles. The trail is smooth and well-kept, and most bike tires can handle the surface just fine. There are multiple parking areas and trailheads, so you don't have to do the entire trail in one go.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in Auburn Hills?

Yes, Auburn Hills offers several family-friendly options. The Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve features nature trails and educational programs for all ages. Pond with Fountain in Rochester Municipal Park provides a paved parkway, tennis courts, and open-air shelters, suitable for family outings. The Paint Creek Trail is also family-friendly, offering a smooth, well-kept path for walking or cycling.

What are the best trails for hiking or cycling in the area?

The Paint Creek Trail is a popular 10-mile crushed-gravel path suitable for both cycling and walking. For a paved option, the Macomb Orchard Trail offers a flat, paved route. If you're looking for nature trails, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve has serene paths through woodlands and meadows.

Are there easy hiking trails near Auburn Hills?

Yes, you can find several easy hiking options. The easy hikes around Auburn Hills guide highlights trails like Innovation Hills Park and sections of the Clinton River Trail, which are generally flat and suitable for beginners.

Where can I find parking for trails and attractions?

Many attractions offer dedicated parking. For the Paint Creek Trail, there are multiple parking areas and trailheads available, including near the Rochester Hills Public Library. Rochester Municipal Park also provides free parking, making it a convenient starting point for accessing the Paint Creek Rail Trail.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in nature preserves?

At places like Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, with its woodlands, meadows, and winding stream, you can often spot local birds, small mammals, and various insects. The diverse habitats support a range of native species.

Are there mountain biking opportunities in the Auburn Hills area?

Yes, the region offers mountain biking trails. You can explore the gravel biking guide for Auburn Hills, which includes routes like the Bald Mountain loop via Paint Creek Trail, suitable for various skill levels.

What is the length of the Clinton River Trail in Auburn Hills?

The Clinton River Trail is a significant pathway in the area. While its full length spans across multiple communities, sections near Auburn Hills, such as those mentioned in the easy hikes guide, offer accessible distances for walking or cycling.

Are there any dog-friendly trails in Auburn Hills?

Many of the outdoor trails in Auburn Hills are dog-friendly, provided pets are kept on a leash. The Paint Creek Trail is a popular choice for walkers with dogs, though it can get busy, so caution is advised.

What are some good options for running trails?

Auburn Hills has several running trails. The Running Trails around Auburn Hills guide features routes like the Harding Green Space – Clinton River Trail loop and various loops starting from Auburn Hills, offering diverse distances and terrains.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Auburn Hills?

Visitors particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails and the natural beauty of the area. The smooth surface of the Paint Creek Trail is often highlighted, as is the serene environment of Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, which offers a peaceful escape from city life.

Are there any hidden gem parks or less-known spots worth visiting?

While not explicitly 'hidden,' places like Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve offer a quieter, more immersive nature experience compared to busier recreational trails. Its focus on educational programs and natural habitats provides a unique charm.

What are the best outdoor activities to do in winter?

During winter, many trails remain accessible for walking or cross-country skiing, weather permitting. The Pond with Fountain in Rochester Municipal Park also features a skating pond, offering a classic winter activity when conditions allow.

Most popular routes around Auburn Hills

Hiking around Auburn Hills

Most popular attractions around Auburn Hills

Lakes

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

WixomNoviFarmington HillsRochester HillsRochesterTroySouth LyonMilfordPontiacFarmingtonOrchard Lake VillageLake OrionOxfordSouthfieldFranklinRoyal OakSylvan LakeKeego HarborBingham FarmsBerkleyLeonardBirminghamWalled LakeWolverine LakeBeverly HillsLathrup VillageClawsonBald Mountain State Recreation AreaMadison HeightsLake AngelusHuntington WoodsOak ParkClarkstonOrtonvilleHollyPleasant RidgeHolly State Recreation Area

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Pontiac

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy