Paint Creek Trail – Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve loop from Barn Church
Paint Creek Trail – Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve loop from Barn Church
3.3
(30)
72
riders
Paint Creek Trail – Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve loop from Barn Church
03:57
68.8km
240m
Mountain biking
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
14.2 km
Paint Creek Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
40.2 km
Paint Creek Trail Northern Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
41.7 km
Foley Pond
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
50.8 km
Paint Creek Trail - Dutton to Tienken
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
53.2 km
Dinosaur Hill
Highlight • Forest
Translated by Google •
Tip by
53.4 km
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
54.1 km
Pond with Fountain in Rochester Municipal Park
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
55.0 km
Rochester River Walk
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
68.8 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
47.7 km
9.21 km
5.98 km
3.61 km
2.33 km
< 100 m
Surfaces
41.0 km
10.8 km
5.98 km
5.49 km
5.31 km
268 m
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Elevation
Highest point (310 m)
Lowest point (220 m)
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Weather
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Today
Wednesday 24 June
25°C
10°C
56 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you are looking for a scenic and accessible mountain biking route in the Rochester, Michigan area, the Paint Creek Trail – Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve loop from Barn Church offers a moderate 42.8-mile (68.8 km) ride with 786 feet (240 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in just under four hours. This route is ideal for those seeking a longer, relaxed outing with diverse natural beauty, combining the region's historic rail-trail with a tranquil nature preserve.
What to expect on Paint Creek Trail – Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve loop from Barn Church
This mountain biking route takes you through a journey of varied landscapes. You will spend a significant portion of your ride on the Paint Creek Trail, known for its crushed limestone surface and gentle grade, winding through a wooded corridor alongside Paint Creek. Expect picturesque views of fields, prairies, woodlands, and marshlands, with opportunities to spot wildlife like muskrats, herons, and deer. The trail crosses Paint Creek multiple times, offering serene waterside vistas. As you connect to the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, the terrain shifts to winding singletrack trails through lush woodlands and open meadows, providing a more intimate natural experience. While the overall loop is rated moderate due to its length, the individual sections are generally easy, making it suitable for riders who appreciate a long, steady pace rather than technical challenges.
Planning your visit
The Paint Creek Trail has multiple access points, and one connects directly to the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve via a stairway near Rochester. While the "Barn Church trail" isn't a formally recognized name, this loop likely starts from a local access point, so confirm your exact starting location. The trail is multi-use, shared with walkers and joggers, so be mindful of others. Given the length, ensure you carry enough water and snacks. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them excellent times to explore this route.
Trail details
- Distance: 42.8 miles (68.8 km)
- Elevation gain: 786 feet (240 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 3 hours and 57 minutes
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