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 and safe. 

The present day gravel lot located along River Road.

For example, the River Road trailhead near Adams Road is a prime access point for a popular paved segment of the trail that would be an ideal staging point for those of all abilities. Unfortunately, the current gravel parking surface does not provide accessibility accommodations.

For over a year, former Friends Board President, Jed Maker, has worked with the DNR to establish a plan to upgrade the parking area along River Road. The DNR advises and requires, where possible, ADA standard facilities for disabled access to recreational areas. In this case, the River Road parking area is controlled by two divisions within the DNR.

“We worked with both the trails and boating divisions within the DNR and we created a plan upgrade acceptable to both,” stated Jed Maker. “The current gravel space will be transformed to accommodate those with mobility challenges, while complementing the beauty of the Betsie Valley Trail. Included are two paved parking spots for disabled staging and paved walkways, each meeting ADA requirements. One of the parking spots will be designated for boaters accessing the Betsie River. The project will also include the installation of a Huff Cut precast concrete ADA compliant vault toilet. Other aspects of the project include the relocation of the existing entrance off River Road as well as some tree removal, new plantings and other beautification features.”

The above plan sketch has been further enhanced and altered. When we have an updated sketch, we’ll replace this image.

Besides the River Road parking area upgrade, the Friends’ Trail Access Accessibility Project hopes to also add two ADA-compliant parking spots at the trailhead parking area in Elberta along M-22 (pictured below).

Joy-2-Ride Benzie, one of the Friends’ non-profit partners, is eager to add these trailheads as staging and starting points for their weekly rides on the trail. The group’s specially designed piloted bikes allow people of all abilities to enjoy a ride on the trail. The Friends’ storage facility at the River Road trailhead was installed with the intention of offering Joy-2-Ride the opportunity to store their equipment. Adding mobility accessibility at River Road would relieve Joy-2-Ride from transporting their equipment for each ride.

“Having the ability to park our vans and have fully accessible access to the trail at these trailheads is a real game-changer for Joy2Ride!,” exclaimed Carol Kraak, the program’s director. “This will make staging so much easier for our riders and we could not be more excited about this project! I hope people will step-up and donate to help make both the River Road and Elberta accessible parking areas a reality.”

Current estimate for this entire project is $130,000 to $150,000. The Friends hope to fund this project through grants which with cover about $100,000 of the total cost. That leaves $30,000 to $50,000 that will need to be raised through individual donations. We need you!

Donations to this Project Before December 1st will be Instantly DOUBLED!

GREAT NEWS! A couple who loves the trail recently learned about the Trail Access Accessibility Project and have just stepped up in a big way—offering a $10,000 matching challenge to fuel this fundraising effort! That means every single dollar you give prior to December 1st will be matched dollar-for-dollar, instantly doubling your impact!

The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, commented, “The Betsie Valley Trail is our favorite place to bike. We enjoy getting on it from the River Road entrance and either biking to Frankfort/Elberta or along Crystal Lake toward Beulah. It’s amazing how you can ride the same trail over and over and have it be different every time. We’ve had some amazing and memorable wildlife encounters. Once we heard and then saw a beautiful bobcat who seemed to be calling to her kits. We decided to turn around at that point and not to disturb them. That experience was a little more exciting than the usual turtles and frogs we enjoy regularly! We are thrilled to support the Friends’ Accessibility Project and we hope that others who love the trail as much as us will donate to the matching campaign.”

We are extremely grateful for this wonderful pledge and now it’s your chance to turn $10,000 into $20,000 and help us achieve our vision of a world-class trail in Benzie County that connects healthy and active communities. Together, we can help make the Betsie Valley Trail much more accessible to everyone who wants to experience the beauty and serenity of beautiful Benzie County.

>>>>Please go here to donate now!<<<<

Or mail a check to: Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail · PO Box 474 · Beulah, MI 49617

Be sure to indicate your donation is for the Trail Access Accessibility Project