Home › Michigan › Rochester Hills › Innovation Hills
Innovation Hills
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,919 Google reviews · Running trail in Rochester Hills, Michigan · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Innovation Hills' own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Large park with a river running through it, plus a paved trail & a nature-themed playground.
What runners say about Innovation Hills
“💚 The park is very spacious and clean, with lovely walking trails and a beautiful bridge over the river that gives such a refreshing, peaceful vibe.”
“They have 3 Porto-potties and 2 modern bathrooms, a covered pavilion with 8 large picnic tables, and a beautiful lake beside the playground.”
“💚 The park is very spacious and clean, with lovely walking trails and a beautiful bridge over the river that gives such a refreshing, peaceful vibe.”
“I love the way they space out the various play areas, all for children of all ages and abilities.”
One of the best and most beautiful places for kids! 💚 The park is very spacious and clean, with lovely walking trails and a beautiful bridge over the river that gives such a refreshing, peaceful vibe. What I love most is the creative and safe playground area — perfect for both boys and girls to enjoy freely.
After a long school day, we headed to Innovation Hills Park to let the kids burn off some energy. The park wasn’t too crowded, and the vibe was just right—families having fun, but still peaceful. The kids had a blast exploring all the different playground features, and I was impressed with how unique the park is.
Great park 4 ALL! Kids, adults, and seniors. Large variety of different structures to play on. Multi-mile wooden deck for walking, roller blading, scooter, and biking. Also, natural sand/dirt trails around rivers. Fish in river for fishing. Large shaded picnic area. Large parking lot w overflow area.
One of the best parks in rochester/auburn hills. They have limestone pathways, dirt trails, and wooden deck walkways. You can walk along the clinton river all throughout the park. Tons of insects, wildlife, and a few big bucks too. I live close by and come here to fly fish, totally awesome.
Trail conditions & character
“The layout is wonderful, the parking and restrooms well maintained, and the experience is always a positive for us.”
“They have 3 Porto-potties and 2 modern bathrooms, a covered pavilion with 8 large picnic tables, and a beautiful lake beside the playground.”
“They didn't get past the "slide-tree" and "sled-hill" because it was more than enough fun for them.”
“They have 3 Porto-potties and 2 modern bathrooms, a covered pavilion with 8 large picnic tables, and a beautiful lake beside the playground.”
“My husband was walking the dogs on the trail and saw kids swimming in the river as well!”
“💚 The park is very spacious and clean, with lovely walking trails and a beautiful bridge over the river that gives such a refreshing, peaceful vibe.”
Plan your run at Innovation Hills
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiterochesterhills.org
- Phone(248) 841-2555
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–10 PM |
Running trails near Rochester Hills
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Leach Road Trailhead
4.5 ★★★★★ 24 reviews
River Woods Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 513 reviews
Manicured, leafy park featuring a network of maintained trails, plus a playground & picnic shelter.
Highlands Sensory Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 39 reviews
Avon Nature Area
4.3 ★★★★☆ 66 reviews
Park with a kid-friendly hiking trail and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Riverside Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,441 reviews
Riverfront park with play equipment, a footpath, picnic shelter, barbecue facilities & canoe launch.