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.
Next Tuesday, January 27th at 9 AM at the County building the Friends will be asking the Board of Commissioners for their approval to have Benzie County to act as the applicant for two Michigan DNR grants. The general public will have the opportunity to provide comments during the meeting. The Friends plan to use the funds from these grants to towards the following projects:
6.3 Mile Paving Case to Pioneer Road: Total project cost is $2,053,224. MDOT has conditionally approved a TAP grant of $1,530,420 for this project. In order to claim these grant funds, the Friends need to raise the needed matching funds and engineering costs of $522,804. A Michigan DNR Trust Fund Grant of $400,000 applied for by the County would be used to cover the majority of these costs. The Friends would need to provide the remaining funds of $122,804.
Trail Access Accessibility Project: The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail have been raising funds (see previous posts and website) to upgrade two popular trailhead parking lots -- making them fully accessible. The estimated cost for the project is between $130,000 and $150,000. The Friends would like Benzie County to serve as the applicant for a DNR Recreation Passport Grant of $91,000 that requires a minimum 25% match. The Friends contribution to this project will be from $30,000 to $50,000, of which $17,000 has already been raised through individual donations.
Learn more about the Accessibility Project: betsievalleytrail.org/2025/09/friends-to-improve-trail-access-launch-matching-campaign/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you to the Benzie Manistee Snowbirds for clearing and grooming the trail! A reminder that the 12-mile segment of the trail from Beulah to Thompsonville is a designated snowmobile trail by the DNR. Please be aware that when conditions are appropriate like they are currently, you can expect there to be a number of snowmobiles on this section of the trail. Snowmobilers submit your pics to media@betsievalleytrail.org 📷
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Careful out there if you decide to do some winter cycling. Here’s some helpful advice.
9 Tips for Cycling in Cold Weather and Through the Winter Months
bikepush.com
Get 9 essential tips for cycling in cold weather, covering layering, wind protection, bike maintenance, and hacks for riding all winter.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We ❤️ business trail sponsor Iron Fish Distillery! Yummy, cozy, and fun —what a great day for that! 
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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 »
