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Road cycling routes
United States
Michigan
Grand Traverse County

Chums Corner

The best road cycling routes around Chums Corner

By Fede from komoot

·

Updated June 2, 2026

If you've ever tried to plan road cycling around Chums Corner, you know how quickly the options can become overwhelming. With so many roads and trails, it's tough to tell which routes are genuinely worth your time and effort, and which are just filler. We get it, and that's exactly why we're here to help.

At komoot, our community has mapped, ridden, and reviewed countless miles in this beautiful corner of Michigan. This guide is your curated shortcut, highlighting the routes that truly deliver, saving you the guesswork and ensuring your legs are spent on the best possible rides. Road cycling around Chums Corner is defined by a diverse mix of picturesque lakes, winding rivers, lush forests, and gently rolling terrain. You'll find everything from easy, well-paved surfaces perfect for a relaxed spin to more challenging routes with rewarding elevation changes, particularly as you venture out from the immediate Boardman Lake area towards Traverse City.

If you're looking for a solid, moderate challenge that showcases the region's varied landscapes, we'd start with the Traverse City – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area. At 33.6 miles (54.0 km) with 757 feet (231 m) of climbing, it offers a fantastic blend of urban and natural settings. For a slightly shorter, easier ride that still delivers on scenery, the Boardman Lake Trail – Traverse City loop from Traverse City is a great choice at 22.4 miles (36.0 km), winding along the lake and through town. With more than 430 road cyclists already exploring Chums Corner with komoot, you're in good company. Dive in and discover your next favorite ride!

If you only do 3 of these routes

  1. 1

    Traverse City – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Trattoria Stella
  2. 2

    Boardman Lake Trail – Traverse City loop from Traverse City
  3. 3

    Boardman Lake – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Grand Traverse Mall

Compare these routes at a glance

Trail

Distance

Elevation

Difficulty

Traverse City – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Trattoria Stella

54.1 km

230 m

Moderate

Boardman Lake Trail – Traverse City loop from Traverse City

36.0 km

240 m

Easy

Boardman Lake – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Grand Traverse Mall

25.8 km

80 m

Moderate

Boardman Lake – West End Beach loop from Miller Creek Nature Reserve

16.9 km

50 m

Moderate

Vasa Singletrack – Trailhead loop from The Highlands

27.7 km

190 m

Moderate

1.

Traverse City – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Trattoria Stella

54.1km

02:45

230m

230m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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5.

Vasa Singletrack – Trailhead loop from The Highlands

27.7km

01:26

190m

190m

Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

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Tips from the Community

oliviakellis
July 7, 2024, Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park

Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park is a scenic park in Traverse City, offering beautiful beaches, camping, hiking trails, and recreational activities. It's a popular destination for nature lovers in Grand Traverse County, providing stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay and vibrant, local wildlife.

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Natalie
December 22, 2023, DeYoung Natural Area

Park up your bike for a moment to explore the DeYoung Natural Area. You can walk eastwards along the boardwalks, through the woodland and pop out at Cedar Lake. Or head inland to the historic farmstead that has been in operation here since 1855.

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Traverse Area Recreational Trail (TART) is a beloved pathway in Michigan, offering scenic biking and walking routes. Spanning 10.5 miles, it showcases Traverse City's natural beauty, connecting parks, forests, and communities.

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oliviakellis
October 11, 2023, Traverse City

Traverse City, located in Northern Michigan, is a charming waterfront city nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay. Famous for its cherry orchards, it's often referred to as the "Cherry Capital of the World." This vibrant city is beloved for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, wineries, and festivals.

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oliviakellis
October 11, 2023, Boardman Lake

Boardman Lake, nestled in Traverse City, is a serene urban oasis with a wide network of bridges and marked footpaths. This scenic lake provides recreational opportunities like hiking and kayaking, offering a peaceful escape amidst the city's natural beauty.

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0

Amy
October 18, 2022, West End Beach

The perfect place for a swim, picnic or volleyball match. The beach has great views over West Grand traverse Bay. There are toilets and places where you can buy food.

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"Vasa Singletrack" is a great MTB trail system near Traverse City that has been built by Michigan Mountain Biking Association. There are currently 16 miles of marked mountain biking trails. The rule is: You ride the loops clockwise in even years and counter-clockwise in odd years. More information about the Vasa trail system can be found here: https://nmmba.net.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Chums Corner?

There are 7 road cycling routes around Chums Corner available on komoot. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy rides to more challenging excursions.

What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes near Chums Corner?

The region around Chums Corner offers diverse terrain for road cyclists. You'll find a mix of well-paved surfaces, rolling hills, and routes with varying elevation changes. The landscape features picturesque lakes, rivers, and lush forests, providing scenic backdrops for your rides.

Are there easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners in Chums Corner?

Yes, there are 3 easy road cycling routes around Chums Corner. A great option for beginners is the Boardman Lake Trail – Traverse City loop from Traverse City, which is 22.4 miles (36.0 km) long and leads through scenic paths along Boardman Lake and urban areas.

Are there any challenging road cycling routes with significant climbs near Chums Corner?

While Chums Corner offers rolling terrain, routes like the Traverse City – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Traverse City feature over 339 meters of elevation gain, providing a moderate challenge. For more extensive climbs, the broader Grand Traverse area, including the Leelanau Peninsula Loop, offers routes with more significant elevation changes through vineyards and hills.

What are some scenic viewpoints or landmarks I can see while road cycling in the area?

Road cycling routes around Chums Corner often feature beautiful views of the region's natural landscapes. You can expect scenic paths along the Boardman River system and various lakes like Boardman Lake. The broader Grand Traverse area also offers stunning coastal views of Lake Michigan and the dramatic sand dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, though these are not directly on the routes listed here.

Are there any family-friendly road cycling routes in Chums Corner?

Yes, the region offers routes suitable for families. The Boardman Lake Trail, which is part of several routes like the Boardman Lake Trail – Traverse City loop from Traverse City, is known for its accessible paths and scenic environment, making it a good choice for family outings. The Timbers Recreation Area also offers universal access trails.

Are there loop road cycling routes available around Chums Corner?

Yes, all the road cycling routes listed for Chums Corner are loop routes. For example, the Traverse City – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area is a moderate 33.6-mile (54.0 km) path that winds through diverse landscapes and returns to its starting point.

What do other road cyclists enjoy most about road cycling in Chums Corner?

The road cycling routes around Chums Corner are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 4 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, the beautiful natural settings along lakes and rivers, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable riding experience.

What is the best time of year for road biking around Chums Corner?

The spring, summer, and fall months generally offer the best conditions for road biking around Chums Corner. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer offers warm weather, and fall provides stunning foliage. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, especially in spring when conditions can be variable.

Are there cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the road cycling routes?

Many of the routes around Chums Corner, especially those that pass through or near Traverse City, will have access to cafes, restaurants, and other amenities where you can stop for refreshments. Routes that incorporate the Boardman Lake Trail often pass through both urban and natural settings, increasing the likelihood of finding convenient stops.

Where can I park my car when accessing road cycling trails near Chums Corner?

For routes that start from Traverse City or the Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area, you can typically find parking facilities. For instance, routes like the Boardman Lake – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Northwestern Michigan College Boardman Lake Campus suggest starting points where parking is usually available, such as college campuses or public access points near the lake.

Are there any longer road cycling routes for experienced riders?

For experienced riders seeking longer distances, the Traverse City – Boardman Lake Trail loop from Traverse City covers 37.0 miles (59.5 km). Additionally, the wider Traverse City area offers popular routes like the Leelanau Peninsula Loop and the Old Mission Peninsula Loop, which are known for their scenic beauty and longer distances.

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