Skip to main content

Cycling the Tammany Trace: A Hidden Gem in Louisiana’s North Shore

Cyclist on a touring bike posing on the Tammany Trace trail in Louisiana, with a lake and forested shoreline in the background during a ride from Texas to Florida.

In 2016, while touring by bicycle from Lubbock, Texas to Pensacola, Florida, I had the pleasure of riding one of the most enjoyable car-free stretches of my entire journey: The Tammany Trace in Louisiana.

It’s not often that you get to pedal for miles without worrying about traffic, and this 31-mile trail—running from Covington to Slidell on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain—was just what I needed. I even stopped at a bayou where a game warden told me that a massive alligator was known to hang out along the bank behind me. Sadly, I didn’t see him—but the anticipation made that rest stop unforgettable.

🚲 Trail Overview

The Tammany Trace is a rail-trail that follows a former railroad corridor built in the late 1800s. Converted into a paved, multi-use path in the 1990s, it now welcomes cyclists, runners, walkers, and nature lovers from all over the country.

What makes the Trace truly special is its combination of nature, history, and small-town Southern charm. The trail meanders through:

  • Covington

  • Abita Springs

  • Mandeville

  • Lacombe

  • Slidell

Each town offers something unique—whether it’s a local coffee shop, a brewery, or an old railroad depot now serving as a cultural hub.

🌿 Scenic Beauty & Wildlife

This trail is a feast for the eyes. You’ll ride past:

  • Lush pine and hardwood forests

  • Shaded wetlands and bayous

  • Boardwalks and bridges

  • Scenic waterways like Bayou Lacombe

Keep an eye out for egrets, herons, hawks, and even the occasional alligator. Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers will be in heaven.

🛠️ Trail Conditions and Accessibility

The Tammany Trace is:

  • Fully paved

  • Relatively flat, making it great for riders of all levels

  • Equipped with restrooms, parking, and access points at regular intervals

  • Lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops for mid-ride breaks

You’ll also find bike-friendly towns, public art, and a welcoming vibe throughout the ride.

🏛 Points of Interest Along the Way

  • Covington Trailhead Museum: Learn about the history of the railroad and the region’s culture.

  • Abita Brewery: Stop in for a tour and a cold craft beer if you're not in a hurry.

  • Lacombe Drawbridge: A scenic and peaceful spot worth slowing down for.

  • Camp Salmen Nature Park: Great for a short detour or picnic.

🧓 Why I Loved It as a Touring Cyclist

For me, the best part was no traffic—just trees, towns, and trail. The peace and quiet was a welcome break from highway shoulders and honking horns. And with the wildlife, history, and hospitality, this was one of the highlights of my trip across the South.

If you're planning a ride through Louisiana or just looking for a scenic, relaxing trail ride, the Tammany Trace should be at the top of your list.

Labels:
Location: Lubbock, TX, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know

Does Cycling Make Sciatica Worse? What Cyclists Need to Know Sciatica is no joke — the sharp, radiating pain that shoots down your leg can make even simple movements feel like a challenge. If you're a cyclist dealing with sciatica, you may be wondering: Is cycling helping me or making it worse? As with most things in health and fitness, the answer isn’t black and white. Cycling can both aggravate and relieve sciatica, depending on how you ride, how your bike is set up, and how your body responds. 🚫 When Cycling Might Make Sciatica Worse Cycling can contribute to sciatic pain if certain risk factors are present: Prolonged Sitting Extended time in the saddle can compress the sciatic nerve, especially with a hard or narrow seat. Repetitive Motion Pedaling can irritate the nerve over time, especially if you already have underlying inflammation or nerve impingement. Poor Bike Fit or Posture Hunching over handlebars or riding a bike that isn’t properly fitted can put additio...
Post a Comment
Read more

Boost Your Focus and Mental Clarity with Cycling

  Cycling for Focus and Mental Clarity: How Two Wheels Can Clear Your Mind We all know cycling is great for physical health, but did you know it can also sharpen your mind and improve your ability to focus? Whether you’re struggling with concentration, battling anxiety, or just looking for a mental reset, hopping on a bike may be one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to boost your brainpower. 🚴 How Cycling Improves Mental Focus Cycling isn’t just exercise — it’s a cognitive workout. Here’s how: 1. Increases Blood Flow to the Brain When you cycle, your heart rate rises and blood flow improves — especially to your brain. This delivers more oxygen and nutrients, which can enhance memory, focus, and decision-making . 2. Puts You in a Meditative State Cycling forces you to pay attention: to your breathing, your cadence, the road ahead. This state of flow quiets distractions and trains your brain to focus on the present moment. 3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety Riding a b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Is 30 Minutes of Cycling a Day Enough to Lose Weight?

Cycling is a popular and effective way to lose weight—and for good reason. It burns calories, builds muscle, improves cardiovascular health, and is easy on the joints. But many beginners wonder: is 30 minutes of cycling a day enough to make a difference? From my own experience, I can tell you that when I first got back into cycling after years of being sedentary, 30 minutes felt like a serious workout. I was sweating, tired, and proud of myself. But as I got more consistent, something became clear: if I was still eating poorly, even 60 minutes a day on the bike wasn't going to move the scale much. That's when I learned that weight loss is a combination of exercise and nutrition —not just one or the other. How Weight Loss Works At its core, weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you consume. Our bodies use calories for everything—from breathing to digestion to movement. When we eat more calories than we burn, we gain weight. When we burn more than we eat, we los...
Post a Comment
Read more