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Print Friendly MapThe Boardman Lake Trail connects Traverse City neighborhoods, businesses, two parks and the district's library on a scenic route along the eastern shoreline of a large natural lake. Completely encircling the lake, the trail is 4 miles and is mostly paved with sections of crushed limestone and boardwalk.
Medalie Park offers a nice place to begin your journey with a picnic shelter, restrooms and river overlooks. As the trail winds north around the lake it heads through dense woodlands. At the southern end of the lake, the Boardman Lake Loop Trail enters its most scenic portion as it crosses the lake on the Boardman Lake Bridge, giving trail users scenic panoramic view of the lake for a short section.
Another great spot along the trail is Hull Park at the north end of the lake, which provides access to the water with a boathouse and dock. The trail rounds the lake and ends at Lake Avenue in a commercial and residential area.
To continue your journey, a short diversion in Hull Park can take you to the Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART), which travels 11 miles across the city and links popular attractions like parks, beaches and a zoo. Take a trail spur north to Franklin Street/Railroad Place and go east a short distance along the roadway to reach the TART.
Parking is available at Medalie Park (next to Logan's Landing off S. Airport Road) at the southern end of the trail and at Hull Park (off Hannah Road) on the northern end of the trail.
I have ridden my bike on this trail multiple times at different times of the year. It’s a nice easy 4 mile loop. There’s a good pizza restaurant nearby. Nice views. It’s pleasant seeing people pushing their babies in strollers, riding bikes, and walking, and enjoying this beautiful scenery.
Very nice addition to TC, highly recommend to get out of the (relative) hustle and bustle of downtown traverse.
This is a nice trail. The trail has been completed so that it does go all the way around Boardman Lake. It is about 4 miles, mostly shaded, and mostly paved. There are sections of boardwalk and a small section of hard packed dirt/gravel.
Not very much foot traffic, very green, some parts over grown, the way it should be. Running water and still water. Butterflies and chipmunks. All around a peaceful afternoon hike.
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