Benzie County Michigan Trail Guide

All trails can be used for hiking, most can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and several for mountain biking. The Shore-to-Shore Trail is also used by horse riders. The Betsie Valley Trail is a former railroad with a long paved section that can also be used by road bikes and roller blades.

In addition to all the wonderful well-known water-based recreational opportunities in Benzie County, there are several lovely trails to explore, all via your choice of human-powered transportation. This guide is for anyone interested in experiencing even more of the outdoor splendor the county has to offer.

The trails explore along streams, rivers, and inland lakes, as well as Lake Michigan's beaches, bluffs, and great views. They travel through woods, meadows, hills, valleys, wetlands, and dunes. Some pass through former farms and orchards or follow old railroads or logging trails. Four of the trails are in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. All encompass myriad plant and animal life and have something unique to offer.

Included in the guide is a road map of Benzie County showing trailhead locations. Many details are provided for each trail, including: URLs to each trail's Web site and trail map; trail lengths, hiking times, and difficulty; GPS coordinates, detailed directions, and Google Maps URLs for each trailhead; as well as helpful tips and comments. Keep this guide in your car or at your cottage for easy reference