The Clinton River Trail is a section of rail Trail stretching between the Macomb Orchard Trail, to the North East and the West Bloomfield Trail to the southern portion. There are no major signs to distinguish the separation between theses trail sections, so look for the signed posts.
The Grand Trunk Railroad laid tracks along this route in 1879. In 1998 this section of line was retired and The Friends of the Clinton River Trail group was formed to acquire and develop the Trail system. There are several historical signs with more information about the area along the trail.
The Trail cross several road that can be very busy and the rail trail diverges from the original linear line past Auburn Hills and Pontiac where you run through neighborhoods before returning to the original line. In this section look for markers on the ground and signs. There is also a long term reroute of the Eastern part of the trails that connects to the Macomb Orchard Trail. This reroute takes you into the rolling hills of Rochester onto sidewalks. This reroute is necessary due to trail loss, that resulted from a devastating flooding event, that completely destroyed a section of trail. The reroute is marked and there is a map posed for reference. The Reroute does add a bit more milage, making the out and back a little more than a 50k.
There are several public primitive bathrooms along the route as well as public fountains for drinking, making this an extremely easy self supported or unsupported route.
This was a near perfect day to run, weather wise, with the added bonus of being memorial day and the ability to stop at 2 separate rememberence ceremonies. I was ab6to carry all my own fuel and hydration, but was very tempted to stop for ice cream in Auburn Hills at the stand right near the track. There are also several restaurants within easy access of the trail that look amazing.