Vacation!
Bike Betsie Valley Trail: This 22-mile multi-use
trail meanders along the Betsie River and the beautiful Crystal Lake shoreline, and through birch, maple, ash and evergreen forests. Watch for wildlife along the trail, paved from Frankfort into Beulah, with an aggregate trail surface ideal for mountain bikes between Beulah and Thompsonville. A popular ride involves parking at the Frankfort trailhead and riding to Beulah and back, about 20 miles roundtrip. Bonus: you can call to arrange for the Benzie Bus (231.325.3000) to pick up your posse and your bikes at a trailhead and drop you off anywhere along the trail, so you can ride one-way back to your car. Beulah is 10 miles one way; Thompsonville is 22 miles one way. BETSIEVALLEYTRAIL.ORG.
ANGELA BROWN
Big M: One of the first Nordic trail systems in the United States, the Big M today lays out 50 miles of trails that roll through the Manistee National Forest. Most are singletrack paths and all are marvelous gifts to mountain bikers and cross-country skiers. The dense forest makes for a cool ride through the Udell Hills. Four distinct segments range from easy to difficult. M-22, from Frankfort north: One of the region’s most scenic drives, M-22’s wide shoulders, smooth pavement and stunning views also make for great biking. Ride early to avoid car traffic in peak summer travel times, and savor the stretch that hugs the shoreline of aquamarine Crystal Lake as you pass century-old resorts and gorgeous vistas. For a beach break on the big lake, take the turn toward the iconic and muchphotographed Point Betsie Lighthouse.
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Photo Spots 5Platte Bay
Cattails cluster along the Platte River’s shores, alive with butterflies and dragonflies, then give way to sugary sands and photogenic waters at the mouth of Platte Bay. From Frankfort, take M-22 north 12 miles to Lake Michigan Road, and turn left to the end, to reach this birders’ favorite.
Arcadia Overlook
The boardwalk offers ever-changing perspectives as you climb the 210 steps to the top of the Arcadia overlook. The newly built top deck offers a great place to toast—’er shoot—the view from one of Lake Michigan’s highest points, which looks down upon one of its deepest. Located two miles north of Arcadia on M-22.
Elberta Bluffs
You may capture some hang gliders in your photo at this favorite take-off point for soaring in the wind. Wildflowers and dune grass dot the sandy bluffs that tower 400 feet above Lake Michigan. From Elberta village, take Furnace St. to Bye St., turn left to reach the bluff.
Manistee Lighthouse Pier
Perhaps the most symbolic icon of the Victorian Port City, the North Pierhead Lighthouse is also a photographer favorite. Take a stroll along the catwalk, added in 1927, to the 39-foot-tall light built of cast iron. From Highway 31 in Manistee, take Memorial Drive west toward Lake Michigan and watch signs for 5th Avenue Beach.
Mouth of Pere Marquette River
The Pere Marquette River meanders over some 180 scenic miles and then spills into the Pere Marquette Lake. Capture gorgeous shots of the river mouth from the eastern bank, where Buttersville Park offers high bluff views of the Ludington North Breakwater lighthouse. Find it on S. Lakeshore Drive, just past Historic White Pine Village. MyNorth 2013 Vacation! 7