Boardman River Walk
Scenic trails along Boardman Lake and River in Traverse City, offering a 4-mile loop and natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Boardman River Walk
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scenic trails along Boardman Lake and River in Traverse City, offering a 4-mile loop and natural beauty.
"Such a beautiful walk. There are plenty of trail options and the trails are well maintained."
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
The 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop is well-maintained and offers diverse scenery. Perfect for a full circuit!
🐶 Pet-Friendly Paths
Bring your furry friends! Many sections are pet-friendly, with areas for dogs to swim.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boardman Lake Loop
Traverse City
A scenic 4-mile trail encircling Boardman Lake, offering diverse views and access to local attractions.
Boardman River Boardwalk
Boardman River
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river, featuring charming wooden paths and serene natural surroundings.
Brown Bridge Quiet Area
Boardman River
Discover multiple lookouts and trails along the Boardman River, ideal for nature walks and photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Loop
Seasonal Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
The 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop is well-maintained and offers diverse scenery. Perfect for a full circuit! +1
🐶 Pet-Friendly Paths
Bring your furry friends! Many sections are pet-friendly, with areas for dogs to swim. +1
☀️ Beat the Bugs
If visiting in warmer months, consider an evening walk to avoid mosquitoes.
🚲 Bike or Skate
The paved sections of the Boardman Lake Loop are great for biking and skateboarding. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Full Loop
The 4-mile Boardman Lake Loop is well-maintained and offers diverse scenery. Perfect for a full circuit! +1
🐶 Pet-Friendly Paths
Bring your furry friends! Many sections are pet-friendly, with areas for dogs to swim. +1
☀️ Beat the Bugs
If visiting in warmer months, consider an evening walk to avoid mosquitoes.
🚲 Bike or Skate
The paved sections of the Boardman Lake Loop are great for biking and skateboarding. +1
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of scenic spots along the river and lake for beautiful photos, especially during sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Boardman River Walk and Boardman Lake Loop for their beauty, maintenance, and accessibility. The diverse scenery, from lake vistas to wooded riverbanks, is a major draw, and the pet-friendly nature of the trails is highly appreciated. While generally smooth, some sections might have minor elevation changes or crushed limestone.
"Such a beautiful walk. There are plenty of trail options. There are river bridges and wooden stairs at steep hills. We crossed three hand made wooden bridges in the forest for high water areas, so beautiful. There are areas at the river where your dog can go into the water for a swim and drink. The trails are well maintained and for the most part flat and smooth. We had friends go to different trails on the same day as when we came here. They were swarmed with mosquitoes and we had none. There are plenty of benches throughout for taking breaks, if needed or to just enjoy the views. This is a perfect trail for short walks or long walks, your choice."
Barie Fetter
"Great walk! Lots of shade, you will walk behind the beautiful library, you'll walk among the backyard of people's condos and homes, Once you get into it you're committed. Its 4 miles and we'll worth it no matter what time.of year you go, and you're walking along the lake the whole way. Very nice"
Cathy Daniel
"What a beautiful walking area! And it's pet friendly! We haven't done the entire trail yet, but we have been quite a few times, and checked out the new bridge, and the trail. It's a wonderful trail, and we really enjoy walking here!"
Jessica “SnowDogs” Hatch
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Boardman River Walk is accessible from multiple points in Traverse City. The Boardman Lake Loop has numerous access points, including downtown. The Brown Bridge Quiet Area is located further out and requires driving.
Parking is available in downtown Traverse City near the Boardman Lake Loop access points. The Brown Bridge Quiet Area has dedicated parking.
While direct public transport to all trailheads might be limited, the TART Trail system is extensive and connects various parts of Traverse City, which can be reached by local bus routes.
The Boardman Lake Loop is largely paved and flat, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Some sections of the Boardman River Walk might be more rustic.
The Boardman Lake Loop is well-trafficked and considered safe, especially during daylight hours. The TART Trail is also recommended for solo runners.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Boardman River Walk and the Boardman Lake Loop is free and open to the public.
The trails are generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific park areas might have posted hours, but the main loops are accessible anytime.
There are no entrance fees for walking or biking on the Boardman River Walk or the Boardman Lake Loop.
No reservations are needed as the trails are public access. It's a first-come, first-served basis.
Weekends and peak summer afternoons tend to be busier. Weekday mornings or evenings are generally less crowded.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Expect a mix of urban views, wooded areas, lake vistas, and riverfront scenery. You'll find bridges, boardwalks, and fishing decks. 
The Boardman Lake Loop is approximately 4 miles long, offering a substantial walk or ride. +1
Yes, there are plenty of benches located throughout the trails for taking breaks and enjoying the views.
Amenities include benches, fishing decks, and kayak launches. Some sections are paved, while others are crushed limestone.
While there are areas where dogs can swim in the river, designated swimming areas for people might be limited. Kayak launches are available for water access.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Boardman Lake Loop has easy access to several eateries, breweries, and cafes in downtown Traverse City. +1
Picnics are welcome, but please be sure to pack out all trash. There are no specific restrictions on bringing food and drinks.
While not directly on the trail, places like Oryana, The Filling Station, and Right Brain Brewery are very close to the Boardman Lake Loop.
You can find shops and cafes in downtown Traverse City that are easily accessible from the trail.
While not explicitly mentioned, benches are plentiful, and open grassy areas might be suitable for impromptu picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
The bridges, boardwalks, river bends, and lake vistas offer excellent photographic opportunities. Sunset views are particularly stunning.
Absolutely! The diverse flora, fauna, and water features make it a great spot for nature photographers.
Early morning and late afternoon (golden hours) provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local ordinances and park rules before flying a drone.
The newly constructed bridges on the Boardman Lake Loop and the scenic river sections are popular photo spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for spots along the trail where kids can safely interact with nature, like the riverbanks where dogs swim, or simply enjoy the open spaces. The proximity to downtown Traverse City also means you can easily combine a trail walk with a stop for ice cream or a playground visit.
🐶 Dog Owners
Your canine companions will appreciate the varied terrain and the chance to cool off in the river or lake in certain spots. Remember to always follow leash laws and clean up after your pet to ensure these trails remain enjoyable for everyone.
🏃♀️ Runners & Cyclists
It's part of the larger TART Trail system, offering extensive options for longer rides or runs. The loop provides a consistent and scenic route, perfect for training or a leisurely ride with beautiful lake views.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Boardman Lake Loop: A Community Gem
The loop is designed for accessibility, featuring numerous access points from downtown Traverse City, making it easy to incorporate into a day of exploring the city. You can easily connect to local businesses, parks, and even breweries from the trail, making it a dynamic urban-outdoor experience. The completion of this loop has been a significant enhancement to the TART Trail system, offering a dedicated space for active transportation and leisure.
Travelers often highlight the diverse scenery along the loop, from urban backyards to serene wooded areas and beautiful lake views. It’s a versatile trail that can be enjoyed in any season, offering a peaceful escape or an invigorating workout. The continuous path around the lake means you can always complete a full circuit, making it a reliable option for a set distance.
Exploring the Boardman River's Natural Beauty
+1The Boardman River Boardwalk is another charming feature, offering a peaceful walk directly along the river's edge. This area is noted for its serene atmosphere and the gentle sounds of the water. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, especially during the quieter times of the day, and offers opportunities to observe local wildlife.
For those who enjoy a more rustic trail experience, the Boardman River trails can offer wooden bridges and stairs, particularly in areas designed to navigate higher water levels or steeper terrain. These natural elements add to the charm and adventure of exploring the riverbanks.
Social
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