From short and sweet nature trails to extensive forest trails, Louisiana has a hiking trail for everyone. For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best trails in Louisiana is the Tammany Trace, a unique rail-trail that weaves you throughout St. Tammany Parish, showcasing picturesque downtowns, waterfront views, and piney forests. This particular trail is one of the longest in the state and is ideal for families with kids of all ages. Let’s take a closer look.

Originally part of the Illinois Central Railroad, the Tammany Trace is one of the best hiking trails in the state.
Tammany Trace/Facebook
The St. Tammany Parish government purchased the abandoned Illinois Central Railroad corridor in 1992 and have asphaulted the walkway, making it a great option for biking or rollerblading.
The trail spans an impressive 31 miles and takes you through five towns in St. Tammany Parish.
Trailsnet/Trip Advisor
If you plan on hiking or biking the entire trail, you’ll head through Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Lacombe, and finally Slidell.

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This paved trail is perfect for both hikers and bikers, and there’s also a separate equestrian trail that runs parallel to the Trace in several spots.
David Schexnaydre/Flickr
So whether you want to hike, bike, rollerblade, or ride your horse - you have options! It's also one of the most kid-friendly hikes in the state, since all of the trailheads are located in major towns with restaurants and bathrooms nearby.
Along the way, you’ll pass through charming downtowns and scenic views of the surrounding woods and wetlands.
Rob User/All Trails
There are dozens of places where you'll want to stop and gaze at the beautiful views. No wonder why it's one of the most scenic hikes in Louisiana! Just look at that view.
Throughout your hike, you'll head through some charming towns.
Kevin King/All Trails
Each town has its own trailhead where you can stop off to take a break before heading on to the next town. When you come to the Abita Springs Trailhead, be sure to stop off at the Abita Brew Pub for delicious burgers and locally made beer.

Have you ever hiked the Tammany Trace? Let us know in the comments below. And once you complete the full 31 miles, maybe you’ll be inspired to take on the Wild Azalea Trail, the longest primitive trail in Louisiana!

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More to Explore

best hikes in Louisiana

Jackie Ann | May 17, 2022

What's the most beautiful hike in Louisiana?

There are plenty of scenic hikes in Louisiana that are perfect for an outdoor adventure. If you’re in the northern part of the state, the trails within Lake D’Arbonne State Park are short and sweet without compromising on scenery. You’ll have beautiful waterfront views along the way, plus ample opportunities to spot wildlife like white-tailed deer and maybe even a bald eagle. Further south, hit the trails at the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area for a beautiful forested hike with a waterfall finish.

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Louisiana?

Getting the kids excited about the outdoors can be a challenge, so you want to make sure you pick the best family-friendly hikes in Louisiana. The Acadiana Park Nature Station offers several boardwalk trails that are great for young nature lovers, and the informative signs along the way make it a great educational opportunity, too.

Can I hike to abandoned places in Louisiana?

If you’re a history buff, you’ll love a visit to the Woodlands Conservancy, a wildlife management area just outside of New Orleans. One of the trails here will take you straight to a collection of WWII Ammunition Magazines, relics from the days when the area was occupied by the military. Today, these magazines sit abandoned, slowly being reclaimed by Mother Nature, but you can peek inside and get a close-up look at them.

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Featured Addresses
Tammany Trace, Tammany Trace Bike Trail, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA