Map of the Betsie Valley Trail
Betsie Valley Trail
Betsie Valley Trail
LENGTH:
22 miles
SURFACE:
paved / unpaved
COMMUNITIES:
Frankfort, Elberta, Benzonia, Thompsonville
HIGHLIGHTS:
Betsie Lake, Crystal Lake, natural areas, farmland, woodlands, wetlands
RELATED LINKS:
The Betsie Valley Trail is a 22-mile long paved and unpaved pathway that extends from Frankfort to Thompsonville in Northwest Michigan. Most of the trail was constructed along an abandoned railroad right-of-way.
The route of the Betsie Valley Trail takes trail users past lovely parks, wanders through residential areas, along the shores of Betsie Lake and Crystal Lake, passes through thick forests and wide open farmland. The trail crosses rivers and creeks and passes through wetlands full of wildlife. Trail users will see historic relics of the railroad along the route, such as picturesque railroad stations and old trestle bridges. the trail is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves change to a myriad of colors.
Conditions
A total of 6-miles of the trail is paved with asphalt, from Frankfort to Mollineaux Road. The remainder has a surface of crushed limestone. The trail is open to bike riding, walking and running. The surface of the trail may not be suitable for all types of bicycles. Dogs are permitted on a leash on most of the trail, but restricted in the section between Mollineaux Road and Beulah. Parts of the trail are open to snowmobiles in the winter.
Communities
The Betsie Valley Trail goes past the following communities: Frankfort, Elberta, Benzonia and Thompsonville.
Points of Interest
The Betsie Valley Trail goes past the following points of interest:
| Frankfort Harbor |
| Betsie Lake |
| Benzie Shores District Library |
| East Shore Marina |
| Betsie River State Game Refuge |
| Crystal River |
| Bay Point |
| Railroad Point Natural Area |
End Points
The west end of the Betsie Valley Trail is located at the end of Waterfront Drive in Frankfort. This trailhead is situated on the Benzie Shores of Betsie Lake.
The east end of the trail is located on Thompson Avenue in Thompsonville.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Betsie Valley Trail in Northwest Michigan.
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