The Betsie Valley Trail is 22 miles long and extends from Frankfort through Elberta and Beulah to Thompsonville in Benzie County Michigan.
The Trail is popular for bicycle and pedestrian use.
Dogs are permitted on most parts of the Trail as long as they are on a leash and under control. Dogs are not permitted on the portion of the Trail between Mollineaux Road and Beulah.
Summer is upon us in full force. Our beautiful trail is getting a lot of use by cyclists, walkers, turtles, porcupines and more! Now is a great time for a midsummer clean up!
I will host a BVT Maintenance Day, Tuesday, July 28th at 9 am. We will meet at Menus on Main in Frankfort, focusing on the trail between Frankfort and M115. The majority of the work will be cutting back over growth within a foot on each side of the trail. We will also remove growth from bridges and benches. Please plan to bring any of the items below if you have them. I will bring tools from our BVT shed and plan to scoop up any significant debris with the Gator as we progress.
Tools: Rake, Broom, Leaf blower, Hedge shears or shrub trimmer, Pruners
Due to poison ivy along the trail, as well as safety: Gardening gloves, Long sleeve SFP shirt highly recommended, Long pants highly recommended, Hat and eye protection recommended, and Water
Please email me if you plan to join us! Steph Kennedy, Trail Care Coordinator, bvtcare@gmail.com
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We were just informed by MDOT that the remaining signs indicating the temporary crossing on M-22 at River Road (northeast of the M-22 bridge) will be removed to encourage use of the permanent trail crossing located southwest of the M-22 bridge.
The temporary crossing was originally installed in 2020 when the permanent crossing was flooded and inaccessible (see images taken during that time). Although some signage remained in place longer than intended, the permanent crossing has long since been restored and is once again the intended crossing location for trail users.
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How cool! ❤️Want to try something different? Explore Crystal Lake in a whole new way at our snorkel event with Beulah Outdoors!
Dive master Eric Billips (co-owner of
Beulah Outdoors / Frankfort Outdoors and Taproom) will teach you basic snorkeling techniques and the D.A.D program (divers against debris). Equipment is provided and attendees will get a 25% discount at his stores!
Meanwhile, Benzie Conservation District’s water team will tell you all about the plants and fish you can find in Crystal Lake.
All skill levels are welcome; attendees must be 15 years or older. This event is free with a suggested donation of $20.
✅ Save the date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 10:00am -12:00pm
‼️ Registration required, this event is limited to 20 people!
Sign up and learn more online: www.benziecd.org/beginner-snorkel.html
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WATCH! Just released the official video of this year's Brew-to-Brew Trail Day! Thank you to all those who participated and volunteered! It was a fabulous day!
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Iron Fish Distillery is a valued business sponsor of the Betsie Valley Trail and supporter of other community development projects. Thank you! ❤️
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Expanding access to those with mobility challenges is an immediate need and today the Friends are launching the Trail Access Accessibility Project! We’re always working towards increasing the use of the trail for everyone of all ages and abilities. We work with the Michigan DNR to keep the trail beautiful… Read More »
Our third annual Brew-to-Brew Trail Day was a big success! Thank you to our event sponsors and everyone who participated! It was a lot of fun! Check out the recap video:
Over 50 people attended the Friends ribbon cutting ceremony in early June marking the completion of the first mile of paving from Beulah to Thompsonville. The joyful occasion recognized those who made this accomplishment possible, including the Michigan Department of Natural Resources who awarded a $400,000 Spark Grant to Benzie… Read More »
