Contact Us

We Welcome Your Input!

The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail is a non-profit organization composed of local individuals who advocate, promote and encourage the development and successful operation of the Betsie Valley Trail in partnership with the Betsie Valley Trailway Management Council and the DNR.

We have established the following Vision and Mission Statements for the Betsie Valley Trail:

Vision Statement: A World-class Trail in Benzie County that Connects Healthy and Active Communities.

Mission Statement: Facilitate the continued development and accessibility of the Betsie Valley Trail eventually linking with a growing network of Michigan trails.  We accomplish this by creating awareness, raising funds, and coordinating efforts of individuals, civic groups, local businesses, and government entities.

Who Benefits: Individuals, families, visitors, and businesses will enjoy the benefits of access to new and improved non-motorized pathways that promote outdoor recreation, health, environmental and cultural preservation, and economic development.

 

The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail Board welcomes questions, comments or suggestions from Trail users.

  • To subscribe to our e-newsletter or to make a general inquiry email us at info@betsievalleytrail.org
  • For information about trail rules, conditions (trees down, water damage, etc) or other trail problems (perceived dangers, rule breakers, vandalism, etc), contact our Trail Care Coordinator Charlie Gregory.
  • For information about how to volunteer, contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Avace Wildie.
  • Please direct media inquiries, picture submissions, story ideas, etc. to Public Relations Manager Jim Gribble (231) 227-1164 (NOT a public info line about the trail, email: info@betsievalleytrail.org for general questions about the trail.)
  • To become a member or make a donation, visit our Donation page and follow the easy instructions.
  • Contact our Treasurer, Doug Cook (231) 930-8722 about planned giving or donating to the Wm R Olsen Endowment Foundation.
  • Contact our President, Jed Maker about any other trail or FBVT questions or concerns or if no response from the others.

The Trail is owned by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and is operated and maintained by Benzie County. The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail (FBVT) is a Michigan not for profit corporation formed in 1993 “to advocate, promote and encourage the development and successful operation of a recreational trail on the former Ann Arbor Railroad corridor in Benzie County.” FBVT is a benevolent friend of the trail. It supports the efforts of the DNR and County and intends to see that the trail is maintained and enjoyed.