The best road cycling routes in Benzie County

Benzie County offers a diverse range of landscapes for road cyclists, including scenic sandy dunes, pristine inland lakes like Crystal Lake, and forested river paths along waterways such as the Betsie River and Platte River. You'll also find routes near the stunning Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve, providing varied and picturesque scenery.

Yes, Benzie County has several easy road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Crystal Lake loop from Frankfort and the Crystal Lake loop from Chimney Corners Resort are both easy options that offer beautiful lake views. The Betsie Valley Trail also has many paved, easy-to-ride segments.

The warmer months, typically spring through fall, are ideal for road cycling in Benzie County. This period offers pleasant weather to enjoy the region's natural beauty, including its lakes, rivers, and forested areas. Annual events like the Bike Benzie Tour also take place during this time, showcasing the best of the county's routes.

While Benzie County offers many moderate routes, some longer options combine various scenic elements. The Crystal Lake and Betsie Valley Trail Loop is a moderate 42.5-mile route, and the Betsie Valley Trail – Beulah loop from Frankfort covers nearly 43 miles. Some routes may also include unpaved segments or elevation changes that add to the challenge.

Road cycling routes in Benzie County offer access to several notable landmarks and viewpoints. You can enjoy views of Crystal Lake, Betsie Bay, and the Betsie River. The Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve features an Overlook Trail with a universally accessible path leading to a viewing platform overlooking Lake Michigan Overlook.

The Betsie Valley Trail is a prominent option, extending 22 miles and largely paved, making it excellent for road bikes. While some sections, particularly along Crystal Lake, consist of crushed aggregate, many parts offer a smooth ride through scenic areas.

Parking is generally available at various access points along popular trails like the Betsie Valley Trail, which runs through towns such as Elberta, Frankfort, Beulah, and Thompsonville. Specific parking locations can often be found near trailheads in these communities.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from sandy dunes to inland lakes and forested river paths, and the well-maintained network of routes that cater to various ability levels.

Yes, Benzie County offers several excellent circular road cycling routes. Examples include the Beulah – Betsie Valley Trail loop from Frankfort, the Beulah – Betsie Valley Trail loop from Sagaser Nature Preserve, and the Mont Minnie Nature Preserve loop from Lake Township, providing varied distances and scenery.

While specific rental locations are not detailed in the guide, towns like Frankfort, Beulah, Thompsonville, and Elberta, which are central to many cycling routes, are good places to inquire about bike rentals to support your road cycling adventures.

E-bikes are generally permitted on road cycling routes in Benzie County. Notably, they are allowed on all routes for the annual Bike Benzie Tour, indicating a welcoming environment for e-bike users on many of the area's cycling paths.

Benzie County is home to several beautiful natural preserves accessible by bike. These include the expansive Arcadia Dunes: The C.S. Mott Nature Preserve, Mont Minnie Nature Preserve, Embayment Lakes Nature Preserve, Fruithaven Nature Preserve, and Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve, offering trails through diverse landscapes.