Our Trails

Trail Segment Descriptions and Improvement Needs

A. This segment of historic public railroad bed extends from the terminus of the Betsie Valley Trail in the Village of Thompsonville SE into Manistee County and the Village of Copemish, then continuing into Wexford County. The existing unimproved trail currently accommodates snowmobiles. The segment between Thompsonville and Copemish is currently included in a grant application seeking funding for placement of amenities (trailhead, road crossings, signage) as well as a surfacing of crushed limestone to accommodate non-motorized uses.

B. The historic public railroad bed at this location was a former bridge site that crossed Bear Creek. The long since removed bridge now limits the use of the railroad bed as a snowmobile trail due to the lack of a bridge crossing. This bridge crossing is currently included in a grant application seeking funding for placement of a new clear-span bridge for immediate snowmobile use and future non- motorized uses.

C. This historic public railroad bed extends from the terminus of the Betsie Valley Trail South into Manistee County and the Village of Kaleva. Placement of a bridge over Bear Creek will accommodate immediate snowmobile use, but the corridor is also a priority for surfacing for future use by non-motorized users.

D. This location is a gap in public ownership of the historic railroad bed. The trail reverts to use of adjacent public gravel roads. The segment of historic railroad bed also lacks a bridge for a crossing of Bear Creek.

E. This segment of historic public railroad bed extends from the Village of Kaleva to the unincorporated community of “Chief”. This segment is split by the gap in public ownership, referenced in Point D. The surface of this segment is compacted road gravel and the segment can currently accommodate non-motorized uses along with snowmobiles. Future amenities and improvements may include benches, signage, gates, and surfacing of crushed limestone.

F. This segment of historic private railroad bed extends from the unincorporated community of “Chief” West towards Onekama and then SW in Manistee Township and towards the gateway to M-22 and the Tribal Reservation of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. This segment is entirely under private ownership, with discussions on-going with private landowners concerning property easements, long-term leases or acquisition for placement of the trail along this corridor.

G. This segment of historic public railroad bed extends from the Village of Copemish, East into Wexford County and the Village of Mesick. This segment is currently utilized by snowmobiles and is a priority for surfacing and amenities for non-motorized uses. The segment is regionally prioritized as it will allow for connection to the White Pine Trail in Cadillac.

H. This segment of historic public railroad bed extends from the Village of Thompsonville to the NE into Grand Traverse County and the unincorporated community of Interlochen. This segment is a priority for the Park 2 Park connection and is currently in discussion for inclusion as a State designated snowmobile trail. Future improvements would include amenities and surfacing for non- motorized uses.

I. This is the existing Betsie Valley Trail which is open to snowmobiles and non-motorized uses on an aggregate surface with portions of asphalt. Grant applications have been submitted to place asphalt along the entire length of the corridor.

Snowmobiles

Snowmobiles are permitted on many of our trails. Contact the Benzie-Manistee Snowbirds Club for more information.