Boardman Lake Trail, Recreational trail along Boardman Lake in Traverse City, Michigan.
Boardman Lake Trail is a route that loops around the lake with a mix of paved paths, wooden boardwalks, and gravel sections that pass through wooded areas. The trail features extended walkways reaching out into the water cove, with spots for fishing and kayak access, plus observation areas along the way.
The trail developed from a collaborative effort between Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, and Garfield Township, completing in July 2022. This joint project brought together multiple government areas to create one connected pathway through the region.
The trail connects multiple community gathering spaces, linking the library, college campus, and neighborhood shops in a way that reflects how locals move through their city. Walking the route, you see how these different areas work together as one continuous community.
Multiple entry points line the route, with main parking near the library on Hannah Road and at Medalie Park off South Airport Road. The varied surfaces, from smooth pavement to boardwalks and gravel, let you adjust your walk based on your comfort level.
The trail has built-in kayak launches right from the water where you can also watch birds from nearby observation platforms. This setup appeals to people who want both activity and quiet wildlife watching in the same visit.
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