Tammany Trace Trail is a 27.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Covington, Louisiana that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from October until March. Horses are also able to use this trail.
Just across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, the Tammany Trace is Louisiana's premier rail-trail. "The Trace," as the locals call it, has so much to offer for trail users of all ages. From the brewery and brew pub in Abita to the numerous playgrounds and parks that line the trail, you won't lack things to see and do as you make your way from Covington, LA to Slidell. Many visitors to the Tammany Trace will access this trail from New Orleans. But don't worry about leaving the cajun cuisine behind when you leave the Big Easy. Some of it will follow you to the other side of Lake Pontchartrain to St. Tammany Parish. You can find great places to eat in Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell. In between, you will see some beautiful Louisiana countryside and wildlife, especially in the Fontainebleau State Park and two different wildlife refuges. The trail is almost entirely flat and can even be ridden on a single-speed bicycle with no problem. In fact the trail is ideal for tandem, recumbent, mountain, hybrid, or road bikes. It is also nice for walking, inline skating, and jogging. Portions of the trail are also available for horseback riding, but horses are not allowed to cross the Bayou Lacombe drawbridge. Bike rentals are available at the Kickstand Cafe in Mandeville where you'll find cycling stuff on the first floor and a wonderful little restaurant on the second floor. If you stay at the Camellia House Bed & Breakfast in Covington, you will have access to loaner bicycles. Accessibility: The trail surface is paved and typically at least six feet wide. The grade is flat (all estimated under 1%) so most wheelchair and stroller users will likely find this trail navigable.
You can park in a lot near the trailhead in Covington or on the streets. You will also find parking in Abita Springs and Mandeville.
trailsnet.com http://www.trailsnet.com/tammany_trace.html Tammany Trace website http://www.tammanytrace.org/
Due to it's low elevation and southern location, this trail tends to be a good choice for fall and spring biking. It even offers pleasant trail conditions throughout many parts of winter. Of course, you should check the weather before hitting the trail. Another great trail that's not too far away is the Longleaf Trace trail in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Pack plenty of water on both these trails. Dogs are not allowed on the Tammany Trace.
From New Orleans, cross Lake Pontchartrain and keep driving until you get to Covington. Although the official trailhead is in the middle of town, you may want to start near either the Blue Willow or Camellia House Bed & Breakfasts. Parking is available on the streets.
December 11, 2020Great scenery on a December ride.
October 10, 2020Nice little bike ride
October 3, 2020All flat trails and easy to walk or pedal. Well maintained.
September 29, 2020September 25, 2020Love riding the Trail and along the Lakefront.
August 8, 2020August 3, 2020How can I get the Mileage of each trail
June 22, 2020This was the best run ever but you can ride bikes walk and just stroll I did a run for a 15 mile stretch and it was wonderful I came from Colorado so I had been looking for a nice trail and I definitely found it I got at least 27 miles to play with and I love it
May 10, 2020For an easy, paved walk, jog, run or bike. This is the place to be. The Tammany Trace is part of the larger Rails to Trails initiative which is worth looking into if you’re searching for different areas of light adventure. With small footbridges crossing creeks, and most roadway crossings being easy to manage, the Trace tends to be the place to be when people are looking for a nice place to walk... Like now.. during the Covid-19 Pandemic. One bit of warning: Most “day bikers” haven’t grasped the concept of bikes yielding to pedestrians. And “On Your Left” is seldom heard. On the plus side.... You could walk many different stretches and find different little spots to eat to break up the day if you’re putting in some miles.
January 26, 2020Beautiful, easy bike trail with nice stops along the way. Can't wait to do it again.
April 23, 2019No dogs allowed? For real?
March 31, 2019I love this trail but why can’t you walk your dogs on it??? Seems silly you can ride horses but can’t bring your dogs. If they don’t except leashed dogs and people that clean up after them , I will not use it and will continue to ask and tell people about the no dogs policy!!!!! Stupid!!!!! Louisiana needs to become more dog friendly like other cities where I have taken my dogs and they were welcomed in restaurants, trails, beaches, shops, etc. My dogs are better behaved than most people ‘s kids. The Lakefront allows dogs. I wish someone who is in charge of the Tammany Trace would address this
September 25, 2018I live in the area. I just wanted to comment that the trail is not best from March thru October, but instead October thru March. The reason for this is that our summers are unbearably harsh, and our winters are mild and beautiful. Back to the appropriate commentary; this is a wonderful trail.
September 3, 2018The Trace as the locals know it is a 31 mile stretch of paved path stretching from downtown quaint town of Covington through Abita Springs, Mandeville,Lacombe and ending in Slidell . The scenery is varied from beautiful shady oak trees to sunny marsh areas . The Trace is appreciated by locals and visitors from leisurely walking to serious cyclists . Bike rentals are available in Covington and Mandeville for the day. .
July 27, 2018Great biking trail, not a lot of scenery besides the typical swamp land. Well maintained paved trail. Depending on your skill level it can easily be navigated in a day. It's a hot ride but passes by several areas with water, food, shops, etc. Take water and snacks with you just in case. It is very hot during the summer months, we enjoy the ride more during the cooler months.
July 14, 2018Been here several times, both walking and biking. Black top tip to tip with marked crossroads, and there's alot of them on certain sections. No dogs allowed. All flat ground. Several entrances and exits, but very few bathroom facilities on the trail so be prepared. Horses are allowed on parts of the trail but I've never seen any.
November 30, 2017Great for long, relaxed bike rides and runs. A good cycling community shows up almost every weekend day.
July 18, 2017Loved biking on the trace! We stopped at Abita for a quick sample of the brewery and to have lunch at a cute little local spot.
July 4, 2017Great fitness trace and patrolled by security - awesome!
September 17, 2016Nice easy flat trail. Doing this to helped my new scout son get used to hiking. Only did 5 miles on it as a start.
August 25, 2016not finished yet
May 29, 2016We parked at Koop Rd. in Covington and walked to Abita Springs, had lunch and returned. The trail was beautiful. I bet it would be great on a bike too.
March 8, 2016It is our most favorite place to cycle!!! Beautiful at any time of the year. Exceptionally clean and road bed well- maintained. The Trail rangers are terrific group!
April 26, 2015it is awesome!
January 22, 2015We had a great time! We especially loved going into Fountainebleau State Park, it was gorgeous. We started at the Camp Salem trailhead and went to the park and back. It was about 28 miles round trip.
July 14, 2014Great place for a chill ride. Nice paved roads for biking, skating, anything with wheels. Also, some trails off the paved road for some off-road. If you go through Abita check out the Brewery for some free beer and some AC. All around great ride.
June 26, 2013Hidden small trails...If you go around the circle in town and come out by the large pavilion and park, walk back past the kids playground. You will see the lion head with the Abita Springs water coming out, fill up and keep walking straight towards the forest. It has a few little trails to wander around. Not challenging at all but pretty.
May 31, 2013Have made this ride several times. Scenery is good changing from wooded to wetlands past the state park on the trail. Very enjoyable ride for any level. Gets crowded on the weekends as this trail runs through several towns and has a lot of access points. Easy flat ride.
March 13, 2012The Trace is great this time of year. Be sure to stop at the Abita trailhead for the brew pub.
November 24, 2011It goes from Slidell through Mandeville and ends in Covington.
