TART Trail

TART Trail. The TART Trail is a 13-mile multi-use trail located in Traverse City, Michigan, United States, that connects Traverse City to Acme, Michigan, passing through East Bay Township, Michigan, and Garfield Township, Michigan. It is part of the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation trail system, which also includes the Leelanau Trail and the Boardman River Trail. The trail is managed by the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails Council, a non-profit organization that works with Grand Traverse County, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan Department of Transportation.

Introduction

The TART Trail is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, including hikers, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers, offering scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay and surrounding countryside. The trail is also used by commuters traveling between Traverse City and nearby townships, such as East Bay Township, Michigan, and Garfield Township, Michigan. The TART Trail is part of a larger network of trails in the region, including the Leelanau Trail, which connects to Suttons Bay, Michigan, and the Boardman River Trail, which connects to Mayfield, Michigan. The trail system is supported by local organizations, such as the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, and Traverse City Tourism.

Geography

The TART Trail spans 13 miles, from Traverse City to Acme, Michigan, passing through a mix of urban, suburban, and rural landscapes, including East Bay Township, Michigan, and Garfield Township, Michigan. The trail follows the former Chicago and West Michigan Railway corridor, which was acquired by Grand Traverse County in the 1990s. The trail passes through several wetlands, including the Boardman River watershed, and offers scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay, and surrounding countryside, including Old Mission Peninsula, and Leelanau Peninsula. The trail is relatively flat, with a maximum elevation of 600 feet, making it accessible to users of all skill levels, including those from nearby Interlochen, Michigan, and Kingsley, Michigan.

History

The TART Trail was developed in the 1990s, as part of a larger effort to create a network of multi-use trails in the Traverse City area, with support from organizations such as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan Department of Transportation. The trail was built on the former Chicago and West Michigan Railway corridor, which was abandoned in the 1970s, and acquired by Grand Traverse County in the 1990s. The trail was constructed in phases, with the first section opening in 1998, and the final section completing in 2008, with funding from organizations such as the Federal Highway Administration, and Michigan Department of Transportation. The trail has undergone several improvements and expansions since its opening, including the addition of trailheads, parking lots, and restrooms, with support from local organizations, such as the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, and Traverse City Tourism.

Recreation

The TART Trail offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from nearby Interlochen, Michigan, and Kingsley, Michigan. The trail is also used by commuters traveling between Traverse City and nearby townships, such as East Bay Township, Michigan, and Garfield Township, Michigan. The trail passes through several parks and natural areas, including the Boardman River watershed, and offers scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay, and surrounding countryside, including Old Mission Peninsula, and Leelanau Peninsula. The trail is also home to several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Traverse City Cherry Festival, and the Iceman Cometh Challenge, which attract visitors from nearby Suttons Bay, Michigan, and Mayfield, Michigan.

Management

The TART Trail is managed by the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails Council, a non-profit organization that works with Grand Traverse County, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan Department of Transportation to maintain and improve the trail. The trail is also supported by local organizations, such as the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, and Traverse City Tourism, which provide funding and resources for trail maintenance and development, with additional support from organizations such as the Federal Highway Administration, and Michigan Department of Transportation. The trail is patrolled by Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Department, and Michigan State Police, which help to ensure user safety, and enforce trail rules and regulations, with support from local organizations, such as the Traverse City Police Department, and Traverse City Fire Department. The trail is open year-round, except for occasional closures due to weather or maintenance, and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts from nearby Interlochen, Michigan, and Kingsley, Michigan, as well as visitors from Suttons Bay, Michigan, and Mayfield, Michigan.

Category:Trails in Michigan