News

Watch Out for Poison Ivy Along the Trail

Recently, we received the following comment by a trail user: “Two days ago my wife and I hiked the BVT from the parking area at River Rd and Adams Rd toward 115 along the river. It is our favorite hike. Both sides of the trail are bordered by a luxuriant stand of poison… Read More »


Ongoing Flooding Makes Murky Future for Betsie Trail Segment

Record high water levels in Lake Michigan and the Betsie Bay continue to cause significant flooding to the Betsie Valley Trail in the Frankfort/Elberta area. With large sections of the trail underwater with no way to know when the water will recede to even allow for a damage assessment, the… Read More »


The Trail is Open and We Need Volunteers to Help Out

Volunteer help is particularly needed this year because our typical annual grant from Michigan DNR for routine maintenance is frozen and unavailable, at least for now, due to state spending cut backs. Here’s the latest information about volunteering to help with the Betsie Valley Trail: The restrictions on group activities… Read More »


Volunteer Spotlight on Our Trail Care Coordinator

At the heart of our mission is the successful operation of the Betsie Valley Trail. We could not achieve this mission year-after-year without the tireless dedication of our Trail Care Coordinators. We’ve been very fortunate for the past four years to have John Rothhaar serving in the role of Trail… Read More »


Trail Care Coordinator Report for the Betsie Valley Trail

Dear Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail and All Trail Users, In a normal year, right about now I’d be scheduling trail clean-up work days encouraging groups to get out and police the trail for litter and downed trees or limbs. Unfortunately, this year is about as far from normal… Read More »


UPDATED 4-25: Resources and Advice for Betsie Valley Trail Users During COVID-19

APRIL 25th UPDATE: A new governor’s order has been released. Face coverings are now required in enclosed places. Also bicycle maintenance and repair shops may reopen.  Download the entire order here. APRIL 10th UPDATE: A new governor’s order has been released. Read the entire order here. The stay at home… Read More »


Share the trail infographic covid19

Get Out and Enjoy the Trail — Safely

Please note: The issue of closing public places and facilities related to COVID-19 is rapidly changing. We recommend everyone should adhere to all guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our local public health and safety officials for the most up-to-date information. UPDATE March… Read More »


Jim Gribble, Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail Director of Marketing

Meet our New Director of Marketing

We’re pleased to introduce Jim Gribble, our new Director of Marketing. Below is our press release about Jim’s hiring in November. Jim will be focused on activities related to membership growth, fundraising, and volunteer recruitment and engagement. Most importantly, will be Jim’s role in opening a dialog among all the… Read More »


Bestie Valley Trail reconstruction plan map

Betsie Valley Trail Receives $150,000 DNR Recreation Passport Grant for Trail Reconstruction

Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail (FBVT) and Betsie Valley Trailway Management Council are announcing the official approval of a $150,000 Michigan DNR Recreational Passport grant. The funds, which require a minimum of 25% additional matching, will be used to reconstruct a 1.5-mile non-motorized segment of the Betsie Valley Trail… Read More »


family riding bikes on community trail

Research Study Shows Area Trails Provide Positive Economic, Health, and Community Impacts

Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails and University of Florida researchers recently released the results of a trail survey study they conducted on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail and the Leelanau Trail. Over 800 surveys were completed by trail users along with extensive surveys from business owners and health care professionals.… Read More »