Many years ago, the Illinois Central Railroad played an important role in the growth of St. Tammany Parish. As technology advanced, the railroad became less appealing as a method of transportation both for products and people, leaving miles and miles of railroad tracks abandoned. In 1992, St. Tammany Parish purchased the abandoned section of the railroad with the hopes to revive it and make it a popular method of transportation once again, this time as a rail-trail experience for pedestrians and cyclists in Louisiana.

Louisiana’s only rail-trail conversion is an absolute must for both hikers and bikers alike.
Tano Gentile/Google
The Tammany Trace covers 31 miles and will take you through several different towns in St. Tammany Parish.
George Mampilly/Google
You can start your adventure at any one of the five trailheads.
Sinida Milos Simovic/Google
The trailheads are located in Slidell, Abita Springs, Covington, Mandeville, and Lacombe.
Abita Springs Trailhead Museum/Google

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Each trailhead offers something different.
Stephanie Wilson/Google
Many offer restrooms and visitors information, but also activities like playgrounds and splash pads.
As you make your way from trailhead to trailhead, you might even stumble into a concert, special event, or a farmers market.
Anjelica Timms/Google
Each trailhead is pretty centrally located in each town you'll pass through, and you'll have many restaurants and cafes to choose from if you want to take a break and fuel up.
While the trailheads can be quite popular (especially on the weekends) you might just find you have certain parts of the trail all to yourself.
Dawn Juul/All Trails
In between the stretches of towering pines, you'll be rewarded with lovely waterfront views.
Kirt Moret/All Trails
You might even spot a gator or two!
Richard Frazier/Google

Visit the Tammany Trace Bike Trail to learn more, and start planning your adventure on this Louisiana rail-trail today! Once you’ve tackled the longest rail-trail in Louisiana, lace up your hiking boots and explore the Wild Azalea Trail, the longest primitive trail in Louisiana.

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Tammany Trace Bike Trail, Covington, LA, USA