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.
All flat trails and easy to walk or pedal. Well maintained.
This 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
For 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.
I 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
I 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.
The 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. .
Great 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.
Been 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.
Hidden 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.
Have 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.