Rails to Trails: Betsie Valley Trail in Michigan
Start: Beulah Trailhead & Visitors Center in Beulah.
Route: Ride west to Frankfort and back.
Distance 25 miles round trip.
Weather: Sunny to Overcast. Temp: 60-70 degrees.
Low Elev 580, Hi Elev 635. Feet Ascended: 300
Trail Material: Gravel/Sand/Limestone and Asphalt.
Rating: TWO Thumbs Up.
For some reason I thought the Betsie Valley Trail was all paved and was quickly disappointed to find a Limestone/Sand/Gravel type surface at the trailhead. Had even more apprehension about riding the trail when after a short distance on the trail the gravel got sandy and loose making it hard to ride on. Luckily there was a parallel road mere feet away. After about 3-4 miles when the trail turns away from Crystal Lake and headed southwest the trail surface becomes smooth asphalt. This is one flat trail on the portion I rode. The unpaved trail continues southeast from Beulah for many miles all the way to Mesick.
Today was a short half day ride for I was planning to drive 450 miles to Ohio after the Betsie Trail ride.
Highlights of this trip: For a short ride, there was plenty to see along this trail. The clear waters of Crystal Lake were beautiful. The swamps along Betsie River were interesting. Wildflowers were abundant all along the trail. The lakes and beaches were enticing. Bicycles were everywhere. There was a wide variety of scenery making this a TWO thumbs up type ride.