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Boardman Lake Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 15 Google reviews · Running trail in Traverse City, Michigan · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface: Not reported
Loop distance: Not reported
Shape: Loop
Shade: Not reported
Access: Not reported

Confirmed from Boardman Lake Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

Boardman Lake Trail — running trail in Traverse City, MI, photo 1

Boardman Lake Trail — running trail in Traverse City, MI, photo 2

Boardman Lake Trail — running trail in Traverse City, MI, photo 3

Boardman Lake Trail — running trail in Traverse City, MI, photo 4

Boardman Lake Trail — running trail in Traverse City, MI, photo 5

LoopScenicMile markers

What runners say about Boardman Lake Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (15 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 7 mentions

“It's a great way to see all of the beautiful TC outdoors without ever leaving town”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“Easy trail for families, well marked, and a gorgeous view.”

My boyfriend and I walked the entire trail, enjoyed every minute of it. Good environment, bathroom along the way. Multiple benches to sit along the way. Not super up or down hill. Great for biking, walking, looking at the lake. Would definitely walk her again.

★★★★★ — Danielle , Mar 2024

It is an easy bike ride with flat, paved trails and fun bridges to cross. It is very well kept and about 4-5 miles around.

★★★★☆ — Brandt , Jul 2022

Great place to walk with your dog to keep them away from the Michigan ticks.

★★★★★ — C , May 2023

Easy trail for families, well marked, and a gorgeous view. Had a great time on this scenic loop.

★★★★★ — Justin , Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 15 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

 🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions 
“It's a great way to see all of the beautiful TC outdoors without ever leaving town”
More trails like this →
 🔁 Loop trail 2 mentions 
“Had a great time on this scenic loop.”
More trails like this →
 📏 Mile markers 2 mentions 
“Easy trail for families, well marked, and a gorgeous view.”
More trails like this →

Plan your run at Boardman Lake Trail

The practical stuff

AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.

Where to find Boardman Lake Trail

E Eighth St, Traverse City, MI 49684

Get directions

Running trails near Traverse City

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Hull Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 282 reviews

Traverse City, MI

BoardwalkScenicDog-friendly

A relaxing grassy park for picnics, walking and fishing, along with bike paths.

under a mile away

Hannah Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 38 reviews

Traverse City, MI

Scenic

under a mile away

Clinch Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 2,984 reviews

Traverse City, MI

ScenicDog-friendly

Beach on West Grand Traverse Bay featuring picnic tables, restrooms & seasonal lifeguards.

under a mile away