Escape and Explore
Ride your bike, take a long walk or bring your skates to roll the paved Tammany Trace bike path, the first and longest rail-trail in Louisiana. The 138-year-old rail-trail connects several communities together, from Abita Springs, LA, through Old Mandeville, LA, to Lacombe, and all the way to Slidell, LA. The entire trail is 31 miles. Each town along the way hosts family-oriented events at their perspective Trailheads. Between towns, the journey encourages you to enjoy the natural beauty of the Louisiana landscape.
Originally built in 1885, the Tammany Trace was a rail for the Illinois Central Railroad that led to New Orleans, carrying timber along the way. The railroad was abandoned around 1990 and the Tammany Trace was converted to a cycling path in 1993. Learn more about the Tammany Trace at the Abita Springs Trail Head, in the heart of the town.
Abita Springs Trailhead
Mandeville Trailhead
Rules and Guidelines
Abita Springs is a popular stop along the trail. with eclectic and historical attractions, including Abita Mystery House and Abita Tourism Plaza, which houses the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum and children’s playground in the heart-of-town. The museum was originally a 1911 bachelor quarters of the historic Longbranch Hotel, which was moved to the park to serve as history museum, trailhead and visitor center. A few steps from the trailhead is the Abita Brew Pub, Abita Roasting, Mama D’s pizza shop, a local rustic bar, a town bakery and a daily operating local fruit and veggie stand that also sells local honey, hot pepper jellies, local marmalades, and an owner who loves his clientele.
The Mandeville Trailhead hosts a variety of events — a Saturday morning vendor market, Friday night live music, dance events and political speaking. A few blocks off the trail is Lakeshore Drive. Among the large oak trees is a mile-long biking and walking path along the Pontachatrain Lake. This large saltwater body is 629-miles long and 40-miles wide that serves six parishes and approximately 1.5 million people, on both sides. Several Restaurants with beautiful views of the water line Lakeshore Drive and is well worth your time. The Trace also passes through Louisiana’s Fontainebleau State Park, where you can ride throughout the park, and enjoy a small beach or hike on the nature boardwalk.
- Pets are not allowed on the Tammany Trace
- Electric and motorized vehicles are prohibited
- Cyclists must yield to hikers and joggers
- Drugs and alcohol are forbidden
- There is a 15 MPH speed limit
- Camping or fires along the trail are not allowed
Covington Trailhead
Lacombe Trailhead
Quick Stats
The Covington Trailhead hosts a Saturday Farmer’s Market, live music, speaking events, and family reunions. Within a few blocks from the Trailhead are restaurants, bars, coffee shops, boutiques, historical buildings, the parish offices, and other professional and service businesses. The Covington Trailhead Museum and Visitors Center is a small museum including old pictures, artifacts, and the history of the old railroad, maps and pamphlets displaying local information. The museum is free and open to the public.
Lacombe, as of the 2020 United States census, is home to 8,657 people, 3,456 households, and 2,260 families. Bayou Lacombe Bridge is a small historical drawbridge that gives cyclists access over Bayou Lacombe. Built in 2008, the bridge area includes a park ranger station, clean bathrooms, and a public water fountain. Lacombe. Sal & Judy’s, one of the oldest and most popular restaurants in St. Tammany Parish, is located in Lacombe, on Hwy 190. An old Italian family owns this restaurant, as well as others in Louisiana.
- Length: 31 miles one-way
- Western trailhead is in Covington, Louisiana
- Eastern trailhead is in Slidell, Louisiana
- 100% of the path is paved:
- 95% Bike path
- Area Trailheads: Abita Springs, Covington, Koop Drive, Mandeville, Northlake Nature Center, Pelican Park, Fontainebleau State Park, Bayou Lacombe Park (John T Davis Park), Lacombe, Slidell-Corollo, Camp Salmen Nature Park, and Heritage Park.