Boardman River Trail | Traverse City

The Boardman River Trail is a well-developed network of interconnected trails and recreational paths centered around the Boardman River in Traverse City, Michigan. This trail system is valued for its scenic diversity, accessibility, and range of outdoor activities, making it a key asset for residents and visitors seeking nature experiences, physical exercise, and wildlife observation.

Geography and Layout

The trail system primarily follows the course of the Boardman River, which flows from the inland forests of Grand Traverse County through Traverse City, ultimately emptying into Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan. The trail network is segmented into various sections, each offering unique landscapes and environments, ranging from dense woodlands and wetlands to open meadows and urban green spaces.

The most prominent section is the Boardman/Ottaway River Trail, which extends about 24 miles. This section is largely off-road and winds along the riverbanks, connecting rural, suburban, and urban areas. The trail is also integrated with the broader TART (Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation) Trail system, allowing users to extend their excursions beyond the immediate river corridor.

Trail Experience and Uses

The Boardman River Trail caters to a broad spectrum of users, including hikers, mountain bikers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and bird watchers. The terrain varies from flat, accessible paths suitable for casual walkers and families, to more rugged sections that challenge experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking and Walking: Many parts of the trail feature natural dirt or gravel surfaces that run through forested sections and alongside the river, providing serene settings for day hikes or leisurely strolls.

Mountain Biking: Certain segments, especially those extending into less-developed natural areas, offer technical features and varied terrain, appealing to mountain bikers.

Winter Sports: During winter months, when snow covers the ground, sections of the trail are groomed or suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, extending outdoor recreation year-round.

Nature and Wildlife

The trail system’s proximity to the Boardman River and associated wetlands fosters rich biodiversity. Users frequently encounter a variety of wildlife, including deer, beavers, foxes, and numerous bird species such as herons, bald eagles, and songbirds. The riparian environment supports native plant species and serves as a corridor for migratory birds.

Wetlands adjacent to the trail provide important breeding grounds for amphibians and insects, while the river itself is home to fish species including trout and bass. Interpretive signage along some trail segments educates visitors about local ecology and conservation efforts.

Specific Trail Sections

Boardman River Nature Center Trail: A 1.6-mile loop trail situated within the Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve, featuring easy terrain, boardwalks, and interpretive signs. It is family-friendly and ideal for educational nature walks.

Boardman Lake Loop Trail: This approximately 4-mile loop encircles Boardman Lake and is surfaced with asphalt and crushed limestone. It is popular for walking, running, biking, and rollerblading and connects to the larger regional trail network.

Boardman/Ottaway River Trail (Grawn Section): A 2.7-mile out-and-back trail near the community of Grawn, offering scenic river views and moderate terrain.

Paddling and Water Activities

The Boardman River is also a popular waterway for paddling enthusiasts. Various launch points along the river and Boardman Lake allow canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Notable paddling experiences include guided tours through areas once obstructed by dams that have since been removed or altered, offering light rapids and views of cedar forests.

Paddlers should be aware of portage requirements around remaining dams, such as the Union Street Dam in Traverse City. These water-based activities provide a complementary way to explore the natural environment alongside the hiking trails.

Access and Amenities

Multiple trailheads with parking, restrooms, and informational kiosks are positioned along the trail, including at YMCA South, Sabin Dam, Meadow Pavilion, Medalie Park, and Hull Park. These access points provide convenient entry for different segments of the trail.

The trail system is maintained through partnerships among local government agencies, nonprofits, and community volunteers, ensuring clean, safe, and well-marked paths. Efforts are ongoing to enhance connectivity and expand trail length to reach new areas.

Conservation and Community Impact

The Boardman River Trail is more than just a recreational resource; it plays a critical role in conserving the river corridor’s natural habitats and fostering environmental stewardship. The trail encourages community engagement with local ecosystems, raising awareness about watershed health and conservation challenges.

Events such as guided nature walks, cleanup days, and educational programs support these goals, making the trail a focal point for community recreation and environmental education.

Summary

The Boardman River Trail offers an extensive, diverse, and accessible outdoor experience centered on the natural beauty of the Boardman River corridor in Traverse City. It supports a variety of recreational activities year-round while promoting conservation and community connection to the environment. Its mixture of wooded landscapes, wetland habitats, and urban greenways makes it a treasured natural asset and a cornerstone of regional outdoor recreation.