The best walks and hikes in Benzie County

Yes, Benzie County is very accommodating for families. A great option is the Pete's Woods Loop, a short and gentle walk through the C.S. Mott Nature Preserve. Another excellent choice is the Michigan Legacy Art Park, located at Crystal Mountain, which features an easy two-mile trail with over 50 sculptures that can keep children engaged.

Dogs are welcome on many trails, but policies vary, especially within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Leashed dogs are generally permitted on the Betsie Valley Trail and in the Arcadia Dunes preserve. However, they are restricted from some specific trails and beaches within the national lakeshore to protect wildlife. Always check the specific regulations for the trail you plan to visit. The National Park Service website has detailed information on pet policies.

For stunning views, the Arcadia Dunes preserve is a top choice. The hike from the Baldy Trailhead to the Arcadia Dune overlook is a relatively short walk that rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view. Another popular spot is the Elberta Dunes South Natural Area, which offers a beautiful vantage point over the lake and the Frankfort lighthouse after a short uphill walk.

Yes, there are accessible options. Within the Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve, a universally accessible trail leads to a spectacular overlook of Lake Michigan, making it a great choice for all visitors. Portions of the 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail are also paved and flat, providing a smooth surface suitable for wheelchairs.

Benzie County is spectacular in the autumn. For a classic fall color experience, the Cedar Run Creek Natural Area loop offers a beautiful walk through hardwood forests. You can also take a scenic chairlift ride at Crystal Mountain for panoramic views of the colorful landscape.

While most trails are easy, you can find some longer routes. The Bass Lake loop via Platte Plains Trail is a moderate 5.4-mile (8.7 km) hike within the national lakeshore. For an even longer trek, the Lasso Lake loop extends over 7 miles (11.8 km), offering a more immersive experience in the Platte Plains area.

Yes, the Betsie Valley Trail is a multi-use trail perfect for both hiking and biking. It stretches 22 miles from Elberta to Thompsonville, following the scenic Betsie River. The Dry Hill Trails in the Arcadia Dunes preserve also offer over 10 miles of singletrack that are popular with mountain bikers.

The trails in Benzie County are very highly regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the region's diverse scenery, from the sandy dunes along Lake Michigan to the peaceful, forested paths. The well-maintained trails within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Arcadia Dunes are frequently mentioned as highlights.

For a more secluded hike, consider visiting Green Point Dunes. It's often described as a hidden gem by locals. The trail takes you through a peaceful forest before opening up to a quiet, beautiful stretch of beach on Lake Michigan. The Betsie River Pathway is another excellent choice for a tranquil walk through the woods.

The Betsie Valley Trail is a 22-mile multi-use trail built on a former railroad corridor. It connects the towns of Frankfort, Elberta, Beulah, and Thompsonville. The trail follows the beautiful Betsie River and passes through forests and near Crystal Lake, making it a scenic route for walking, running, and biking.

There are over 20 designated hiking routes in Benzie County. These range from short, easy loops perfect for families to longer, more moderate trails. The majority of routes are found within the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Arcadia Dunes preserve, offering a wide variety of dune, forest, and lakeside scenery.