We rode this trail in early October 2011. The Betsie Valley Trailway in Michigan runs from Frankfort to Thompsonville and is a 23 mile rail-to-trail with the first 8 (or so) miles of the trail paved and the rest gravel. We rode it out and back from Frankfort for a total of 47 miles. This was a great trail with a lot of variety. Water, forest, open grassy areas and hills. The trail runs along Crystal lake and then in to secluded forest. The town of Beulah is in-between and has restaurants and shopping and the old depot is a visitors center with bathrooms. Thompsanville has a restaurant and convenience store. http://locojoe.com

My wife and I rode the entire trail and it was awesome. There is not many people on the trail from Beulah to Thompsonville probably because it is not paved. We really enjoyed this trail and would recommend it to anyone that wants to go for a 46 mile bike ride round trip. If you don't want to go that far the most scenic is from Frankfort to Beulah.

My wife and I truly enjoyed running the Betsie trail. The woods are beutiful. There are plenty of wildflowers and wildlife. I saw at least 20 turtles laying eggs alongside the trail one morning. During the week, there was little traffic at all to speak of. The run alongside Crystal Lake will inspire you, whether you are running or cycling. If you are looking for a special trail, this is it.

"Follow Mich scenic M-22 to get to trailhead in Frankfort...bike along beautiful Betsie river, saw salmon migrating, followed shore of Crystal Lake to Beulah, had lunch at Brookside Inn...along US31, great food and bakery...headed back...easy ride with lots to see. "

"My wife & I do very little biking, but the trail from Frankfort to Beulah has become a MUST for us when we visit this scenic area."

"This is a favorite trail of mine. Starting near Lake Michigan and running along the Betsie River, the trail also runs alond the shore of Crystal Lake. This path offers great shade on hot days."

Biked the trail from Frankfort to Beulah...10 miles...paved half way with hard packed crushed gravel the rest...Beautiful path...surpised that a railtrail could curve so much...followed the Betsie River...and followed the shoreline of gorgeous Crystal Lake...Lake on one side and wide range of cottages/homes on the other. Very tame trail would recommend it to all...don't miss this one!

"The improved section of trail only runs from Frankfort to Benzonia. However, If you are looking for a longer ride you can exit the trail on Mollineaux rd and go up 115 turn right on US-31 then left on Walker. Head down the hill to (forgot street name), then turn left and head in to Beulah. From there continue around Crystal Lake on County Highway 704. You can loop back when you get to the end of Country highway 704. Crystal Lake is beautiful so you'll want to see it all twice."

"I rode the Betsie Valley trail during Labor Day weekend 2003 with a crossbike. Frankfort to Crystal Lake is paved and hugs the Betsie River for a couple miles. From Crystal Lake to Benzonia, the trail is crushed limestone.

The trail goes right through the beach on the south side of Crystal Lake. The original railroad right of way has been shaved down to a 10-foot width. East of Benzonia to Thompsonville, the trail was not yet improved. It was overgrown with weeds and railroad ballast."

"This is a nice but somewhat short trail. You sure don't want to go off the edges, and be careful at the road crossings too. The trail offers a lot of shade and a prety much flat, level and new surface."

"This trail is so very scenic (Beulah to Frankfort) with views of Crystal Lake, Betsie River and Lake Michigan (where the trail ends in Frankfort). The trail also has heavily wooded sections. The Beulah residents are very friendly.

We loved this trail."