Project Summary
TART Trails continues to collaborate with Garfield Township to expand the non-motorized trail network and improve mobility options throughout its growing communities. The Buffalo Ridge Trail Extension aims to enhance connections between neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses in the west and southwest areas of Traverse City.
Currently, the Buffalo Ridge Trail is a nearly 1.5-mile paved pathway linking The Village at Grand Traverse Commons to West Middle School and the YMCA. Along the way, it passes notable landmarks such as the TBA-ISD main office and conference center, Historic Barns Park, and the Botanic Garden.
The proposed Buffalo Ridge Trail Extension would add a new segment along Silver Lake Road, stretching from Creekside Drive to Zimmerman Road, and continuing south to East Silver Lake Park. This extension would provide safe bike and pedestrian access for approximately 300 homes in neighborhoods like Silver Lake Farms and Horizons West. It would also connect students and families to schools, including TC West Middle School and the new TCAPS Montessori School, as well as nearby shops, downtown Traverse City, and beyond.
Objectives
- Enhance Connectivity and Accessibility
Extend the Buffalo Ridge Trail to provide safe, non-motorized access for neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses in Garfield Township, fostering stronger connections between communities and key destinations. - Promote Safe Routes for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Create a safe bike and pedestrian pathway along Silver Lake Road, ensuring secure travel for approximately 300 homes in nearby neighborhoods and improving access to schools like TC West Middle School and the new TCAPS Montessori School. - Expand the Regional Trail Network
Integrate the Buffalo Ridge Trail Extension into the broader network of trails, linking it with existing paths like the Safe Routes to School pathway and the Barns Trail to enhance mobility throughout the region.
Status
2025 | Preparations for Conceptual Design
The Buffalo Ridge Trail is part of a larger trail network between Silver Lake Road and US-37. This network includes the Safe Routes to School pathway, completed in 2012, which links Wyatt and Barnes Roads, and the Barns Trail, which was developed shortly thereafter by Garfield Township and the Joint Recreation Authority. The Barns Trail runs parallel to Silver Lake Road, connecting the Buffalo Ridge Trail at Silver Drive to the Safe Routes pathway at Barnes Road.
Ownership of the Buffalo Ridge Trail varies by location: within the city limits, it is managed by the City of Traverse City, while outside the city, it falls under the jurisdiction of Garfield Township.
History of Trail
Phase II Final Design:
Final Alignment
Overall Layout
Documents for the final Public Input:
Final Public Input Meeting Notes
Final Stakeholder Meeting Notes