TART Trail – West Bay & Boardman Lake

The Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails network (or TART) is comprised of eight multi-use trails across Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties, including the namesake TART Trail, which spans 10.5 miles across downtown Traverse City. At the east end, the trail begins at Bates Rd in Acme. To the west, it connects with the Leelanau Trail at Carter Road.

We’ve mapped the most scenic section, where the TART wraps around Traverse City’s West Bay for about 2.5 miles. Paralelling West Grandview Parkway, you’ll pass West End Beach, the marina, and Clinch Park before the path crosses the Boardman River and turns inland.

Great Add-On: Boardman Lake Trail. From the eastern end of the route, head south on the TART for 0.8 miles to join the trail, which then goes for 2 miles along the water to W. South Airport Rd. There’s a 1/2 mile loop around Medalie Park. Views in parts, wooded in others.