This red caboose, at the Thompsonville trailhead of the Betsie Valley Trail, is across the street from Geno’s Sports Bar and Grill.
Story and photo by Stewart A. McFerran
Just north of the Manistee County line is the village of Thompsonville. Years ago, the village was a hub of activity. Several railroad lines met there. The nearby Betsie River was dammed to generate power for residents. Logs and freight passed through this area from destinations near and far.
All but a short set of tracks were pulled, and the dam removed. Yet, Thompsonville still has power and is at the center of a wide network of railroad grades that remain. As such, this little town is poised to be a main hub in a busy trail system still in the planning stages.
Crystal Mountain weighs in
As the sun sets to the west, Crystal Mountain casts a long shadow onto the village. Condo owners and guests flock to the resort. Many dwell part time on the woody shoulders of Crystal. According to John Rothhaar, a board member of the Betsie Valley Trail organization, Crystal Mountain owners and staff are all “for” the establishment of a trail system that would link activities offered at the mountain.
Crystal includes an extensive network of ski trails that go up, down and ’round the mountain. In warmer months, bikes with fat tires use these trails. Opportunities to link to a regional trail occur at several junctures.
Planners from different units of government are eyeing points to the south for links to the “Greater Thompsonville Area.”
To find Betsie Valley Trail’s Thompsonville trailhead, look for the red railroad caboose with “Thompsonville Junction” written in big letters on the side. Right across the street is Geno’s Sports Bar and Grill, a local favorite. You can ride a bicycle for 12 miles from here to Beulah on an unpaved trail. This portion of the trail runs straight and level on an old railroad grade through 6.5 miles of Pere Marquette State Forest.
