Tammany Trace

The Tammany Trace is a paved rail trail on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, running about 31 miles (50 km) from Covington through Abita Springs, Mandeville, and Lacombe to Slidell. The Mandeville Trailhead at 675 Lafitte Street is a convenient starting point, about 45 minutes by car from New Orleans via the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Parking at the trailhead is free, and the trail itself is free to use. No public transit connects directly to the trailhead from the city, so most visitors drive. The corridor follows a former Illinois Central rail line, so the grade is essentially flat with no meaningful elevation gain. This makes the trail well suited to walkers, runners, cyclists, and families, and the Mandeville section works well for outings of 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km), typically one to three hours. The surface is smooth asphalt, and a parallel soft surface path is provided in many stretches for walkers and horseback riders. Shade varies, with tree-lined stretches through pine and hardwood forest alternating with open sections near wetlands and neighborhoods. Landmarks include the Mandeville lakefront nearby, trailheads with restrooms and parking, trailside bridges over bayous and creeks, and access to cafes in the small towns along the route. Walkers can turn back at any point, and there are several trailheads along the way. Water and restrooms are typically available at trailheads, but not continuously along the corridor, so visitors should carry water. Summer heat and humidity are strong, and thunderstorms are common, so autumn through spring is more comfortable. Cyclists should wear helmets and stay alert at road crossings.