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Betsie Valley Trail

A cyclist on a crushed gravel path

Betsie Valley Trail

Contact
Phone: 231-723-7422

The 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail follows the former Ann Arbor Railroad from Frankfort to Mesick, offering stunning views of Betsie Bay, the Betsie River, marshlands and hardwood forests. The first 6 miles from Frankfort to Crystal Lake are paved, while the remaining section to Mesick is open to snowmobiling Dec. 1 to March 31. Restrooms are available at the Frankfort, River Road and Beulah trailhead parking areas.

Along the way, visitors can enjoy local amenities such as parks, restaurants, ice cream shops, campgrounds and lodging.

To learn more about the section of trail between Frankfort and Thompsonville, visit betsievalleytrail.org.

During the winter, Dec. 1 to March 31, the trail is open to snowmobiling from Beulah to Mesick.

Although cross-country skiing is a popular activity on the trail, it's not groomed. Snowshoers: please be courteous and avoid cross-country tracks if visible.

There are several established trailheads that include parking:

  • Frankfort: From US-31, turn west on M-115, then onto Forest Avenue. Turn left on 5th Street/Frankfurter Street, followed by a left onto Waterfront Drive. Parking is on the right.
  • Elberta: From US-31, turn west on River Road, then left on M-22/Lake Street. Parking is on the left.
  • River Road Boating Access: From US-31, turn west on River Road. The parking lot is on the right after 3.5 miles.
  • Mollineaux Road: From US-31, turn west on M-115. The Crystal Lake boating access site with parking is on the right after 2 miles.
  • Beulah Trailhead and Visitor Center: From US-31, turn west on Spring Valley Street toward downtown Beulah, then right on Crystal Avenue. Parking is on the left.
  • Thompsonville: From US-31, turn east on North County Line Road. After 6 miles, turn left on South Pioneer Road/Weldon Road for 0.5 miles, then right on Lindy Road for 1.5 miles. Turn right on Front Street, then left on Thompson Avenue. Roadside parking is available along Thompson Avenue.

Trail activities

bicycle trail symbol

Biking

A section of trail (6 miles) from Frankfort to Crystral Lake is paved and suitable for bicycles. Please note: During the winter, a portion of the trail is open to snowmobiling (Beulah to Mesick, Dec. 1 to March 31).

cross-country ski trail symbol

Cross-country skiing

Cross-county skiing is a popular activity on the trail; however, the trails are not groomed. A section of trail (6 miles) from Frankfort to Elberta is plowed for general trail activities. Please note: During the winter, a portion of the trail is open to snowmobiling (Beulah to Mesick, Dec. 1 to March 31).

hiking

Hiking

Please note: During the winter, a portion of the trail is open to snowmobiling (Beulah to Mesick, Dec. 1 to March 31).

snowmobile symbol

Snowmobile

During the winter, Dec. 1 to March 31, the trail is open to snowmobiling from Beulah to Mesick.

snowshoeing symbol

Snowshoeing

Trails are not groomed, but please be courteous and avoid cross-country ski tracks if visible. Please note: During the winter, a portion of the trail is open to snowmobiling (Beulah to Mesick, Dec. 1 to March 31).

Area and trail map

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Photos