Betsie Valley Trailway:
Michigan
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Description:
Northern Michigan's natural splendor is on display during a trip along the 23-mile Betsie Valley Trail. Stretching north and west from Thompsonville to Frankfort, the crushed limestone and asphalt trail travels through Pere Marquette State Forest, and along the waters of Crystal Lake, the Betsie River, and Betsie Lake. Some parts of the limestone sections of the trail are quite soft, and road bikers should follow signs indicating an alternate route for the section from the town of Beulah to Molineaux Road.
Thompsonville's Crystal Mountain Resort Area, which offers lodging, dining, and bike rentals, serves as the starting point for this journey. (If you choose to start from the trail's southern terminus, there is parking at the ballfield just north of Lindy Road)
In the 13-mile section from Thompsonville to Beulah, you will travel the former Ann Arbor Railroad corridor through forest and fields; 6 miles of this portion passes through the naturally beautiful Pere Marquette State Forest. Also along the way are several historical remnants, including the old turbine from the dam that was once the sole source of electricity in this area, and the ghost town of Homestead, where railroad maintenance workers lived in boarding houses at the turn of the 19th century. While the limestone surface may be soft in spots, the trail offers a nice, gradual descent along the 5.3-mile stretch between Aylsworth Road and Beulah.
Once you arrive in Beulah, stop by the historic rail depot for visitor information, bathrooms, and historic memorabilia (there is also ample parking if you choose to start or end your journey here). Shops, bicycle and kayak rentals, a public beach, and a playground are also located here.
Just west of Beulah, the trail meets the south shore of Crystal Lake. Here, the trail winds through a row of beachside cottages, and the lake, lives up to its name, with hues of deep sapphire and turquoise shimmering in the sunlight. Be sure to abide by signs warning trail users that dogs are not allowed within this segment. Trail users must stay within the 10-foot trail easement and adhere to a speed limit of 10 miles per hour for the short segment to Railroad Point Natural Area.
This beautiful 67-acre Railroad Point Natural Area offers a 1-mile stretch of county-preserved beach along Crystal Lake. Here, the waves lap up against shady stands of birch, aspen, pine, and hardwood maple. Take a swim, enjoy a picnic, and, above all, take time to enjoy this slice of lakeside splendor.
At Molineaux Road, near mile 15, the trail surface becomes asphalt, and the route veers into the woods and soon begins following the Betsie River. At an overlook jutting out above the river, peer down for a birds-eye view of the fish jumping in the waters below.
More wildlife viewing awaits in the village of Elberta. The Audubon Society built a wooden viewing platform overlooking the marsh and wetlands at the mouth of the Betsie River, and lucky visitors will spot herons and all sorts of migrating waterfowl and marsh birds, including ducks, geese, snipes, and rails. Cross State Highway M-115, and in seconds you will reach another observation deck overlooking Betsie Lake, which is the access waterway to Lake Michigan. From here, the trail travels along the shore to the public marina, which offers a safe haven for Great Lakes boaters.
The small town of Frankfort, at trail's end, serves up culinary delights and overnight lodging if you're ready for a meal and a bed. There is also a bike-rental shop in Frankfort, if you plan to start your journey from here.
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Parking & Trail Access:
To reach the Thompsonville trailhead, take State Highway M-115 to Thompsonville, and then follow Thompsonville Road north to Beecher Road The parking area is on left side of Thompsonville Road.
To reach the Frankfort trailhead, take State Highway M-115 to 9th St. in Frankfort, and turn left to access the trailhead.
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By aka_locojoe in November, 2011
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
By bandnkelly in July, 2010
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.
By theroadgoeson4ever in June, 2009
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.
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