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Home/Northshore/Biking the Tammany Trace
wooden trestle bridge of Tammany Trace bikeway crossing scenic Louisiana bayou

Biking the Tammany Trace

The Tammany Trace is an easy paved long-distance bike trail in Louisiana that takes you through forests and across rivers and bayous in southern St. Tammany Parish.

paved bike path through forest with streaks of sunlight and shadows
Tree-lined bike path curves through Mandeville, Louisiana

The 28 mile long Tammany Trace bikeway inherited its straight and level path from the old Illinois Central Gulf railroad line that was abandoned in the 1980s. The first section of the trace opened in 1994, and it now connects the southeastern Louisiana communities of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell.

paved bike path with guard railes crosses swampy river with highway passing overhead and sun reflecting in water
Tammany Trace bicycle bridge over Bogue Falaya river in downtown Covington

away from traffic

The paved bike and walking trail crosses a number of rivers and bayous along its route that keeps users away from busy nearby traffic. All road crossings are clearly marked for motorists who are required to stop for trail users. At the busiest crossing at US Highway 190 in downtown Mandeville, the bikeway drops into a tunnel below the road.

paved bike and walking path tunnel below highway on a bright sunny day
Tammany Trace tunnel in Mandeville, Louisiana

One end of the bike path starts at the old train depot in downtown Covington. The trail crosses the Bogue Falaya river. Then it’s on to the town of Abita Springs after another bridge at the Abita river. Halfway between Abita and Mandeville there is a large play area with parking for trail riders and families. As the Trace leaves Mandevile the bike path cuts through the tall pines of Fontainebleau State Park. The natural scenery continues with crossings at Bayou Cane and Bayou Lacombe.

bridge and trestle crossing over scenic bayou in the woods
View from Bayou Cane with Tammany Trace crossing overhead

multiple trailheads

The Tammany Trace also features trail heads at several locations that offer parking, restrooms and even play areas. That provides an opportunity to experience different sections of the bike path without having to peddle the entire 28-mile length. But what bikers say they enjoy the most about the experience is the natural scenery and solitude.

Watch this video of highlights along the Tammany Trace

getting there

This bikeway is part of the national Rails to Trails program. You will also see the occasional ranger car providing for a safe experience.

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        Written by:
        Dave McNamara
        Published on:
        January 12, 2021
        Thoughts:
        1 Comment

        Categories: Northshore

        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. Charles Cook

          January 16, 2021 at 10:04 pm

          Definitely on my bucket list!

          Reply

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