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Boardman Lake Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 379 Google reviews · Running trail in Traverse City, Michigan · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
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.
Paved, shaded lakeside path for biking and strolling, with bridges and benches.
What runners say about Boardman Lake Trail
“Nice, well maintained trail around the lake, that affords numerous vistas of the lake and surrounding shore.”
“Lots of beautiful scenery - swans, ducks, wild flowers, occasional opossum or a raccoon 🦝 Benches to sit and rest, water fountains for those who forgot their water bottles.”
“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.”
“Quiet, beautiful, wild life, lake, and a newly built broadwalk and bridge (Google satellite map needs update).”
“What a great trail, good for walking/running or biking and definitely dog walking.”
We hiked a ways on the new west section of the Boardman Lake loop. The engineers did a wonderful job of designing the lengthy bridge that passes over the southwest corner of the lake. They could simply have made it straight, but, instead, they gave it some graceful curves.
I try to take my dog for one "good" walk every day. This was our first excursion on the new bridge and path. We loved it!! We always wait till later in the day so that we don't encounter too many people and their dogs (my boy is young and still learning his manners). The sunset was beautiful!!
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
Very nice scenic little trail. Good for walking, running, or biking of any kind. Peaceful stroll around the lake. Bicycle, kayak, and canoe rentals available on site.
Trail conditions & character
“Lots of beautiful scenery - swans, ducks, wild flowers, occasional opossum or a raccoon 🦝 Benches to sit and rest, water fountains for those who forgot their water bottles.”
“There are areas at the river where your dog can go into the water for a swim and drink.”
“Very nice local paved trail around the perimeter of Boardman Lake.”
“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.”
“There are river bridges and wooden stairs at steep hills.”
“Theres free parking and a cool brewery/arcade off the trail which was a fun surprise to stop off at during our stroll.”
“Quiet, beautiful, wild life, lake, and a newly built broadwalk and bridge (Google satellite map needs update).”
“Beautiful path surrounded by trees, waterfowl, boardwalk, and bridges.”
“We hiked a ways on the new west section of the Boardman Lake loop.”
“Lots of beautiful scenery - swans, ducks, wild flowers, occasional opossum or a raccoon 🦝 Benches to sit and rest, water fountains for those who forgot their water bottles.”
Plan your run at Boardman Lake Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to 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.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitetraversetrails.org
- Phone(231) 941-4300
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
Miller Creek Nature Reserve
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Hull Park
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A relaxing grassy park for picnics, walking and fishing, along with bike paths.
