Tammany Trace 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 for 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. And 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. Of course 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.