Northshore, Louisiana is known as a welcoming destination and an easy escape. For those who love to hit the trail, it’s the perfect escape for a variety of activities. Just 40 minutes north of New Orleans, halfway between Baton Rouge and the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the communities of the Northshore are home to trails that attract cyclists, nature lovers and those who just want to get out and enjoy the diversity and beauty of region. In addition, some find the Southern hospitality and Louisiana cuisine sometimes make it a difficult place to leave.
The 31-mile Tammany Trace is a main attraction for cyclists and runners from throughout the region and beyond. This Hall of Fame Rails-to-Trails multi-use path connects Northshore communities which give visitors plenty of reasons to stop and stay a while. The trail stretches from downtown Covington through Abita Springs, Mandeville and Lacombe, and ends in Slidell. The Tammany Trace gives users stretches of trail with a feeling of being a world away. Yet the scenic route is dotted with a host of farmers markets, playgrounds, a wildlife refuge, breweries, nearby Lake Pontchartrain’s beaches and more, making it a choose-your-own-adventure experience.
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge (61389 Highway 434, Lacombe, Louisiana 70445; 985-882-2000) encompasses more than 18,000 acres of pine flatwoods, coastal marshes and other diverse habitats. Hundreds of native and migratory bird species can be seen among the fresh and brackish marshes, bayous and forested lands. The half-mile long Boy Scout Road Boardwalk Trail is a family-friendly wooden boardwalk that provides marsh views and interpretive signs that highlight the natural history of the area. Turtles and a variety of birds are popular sights and in spring, the Louisiana iris blooms along the roadside in wet areas. Beyond the boardwalk, the Boy Scout Road Trail offers a four-mile out and back hike on a gravel and dirt path that travels from pine savannah, past a marsh overlook and old oak trees to the edge of Bayou Lacombe. The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is a favorite sighting here in spring and summer. The half-mile Camilia Trail begins near the Visitor Center and winds past a small wetland to a cavern containing an artesian spring, as well as to an overlook of Bayou Lacombe.
There are also hiking and nature trails in the beautiful 2,800-acre Fontainebleau State Park (62883 Highway 1089, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-624-4443). Sprawling on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, this historic park offers beautiful lake views and 2,800 acres of habitat to explore. Established in 1942, this is the most visited state park in the state. Among its amenities are a section of the Tammany Trace trail, in addition to a 1.25-mile nature trail, complete with interpretive signage, and a nearly five-mile hiking trail. Bordered on three sides by water–Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine–the park’s variety of ecosystems and habitats are home to more than 400 species of native animals. For those with mobility issues who want to get out and explore the trails, an all-terrain track wheelchair is available.
Set on 400 acres of preserved pine and hardwood forest along Bayou Castine, Northlake Nature Center (23135 Highway 190, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-626-1238) offers more than eight miles of hiking and biking trails, a raised boardwalk and scenic overlooks. The trails extend through a variety of ecosystems and are complemented by interpretive signage and outdoor classrooms. The site also includes areas of cultural interest and archaeological importance.
For those who prefer mountain biking, Bogue Chitto State Park (17049 State Park Boulevard, Franklinton, Louisiana 70438; 985-839-5707) has 25 miles of trails offering adventure and excitement for bikers of all skill levels. The dual slalom, wall rides and Tower of Terror jump are just a few of the many exciting features. There is also a skills course and two pump tracks for adult and young riders. The park also has equestrian trails open to riders who bring their own horses. In addition, Bogue Chitto Horse Rentals (985-516-4975) offers public and private guided rides and provides horses and all equipment. The park, which also has a seven-mile nature trail, is said to be located amid some of the most interesting topography of southern Louisiana, with the trail head located near Fricke’s Cave.
Splendor Farms B&B and Trail Riding Facility (27329 Mill Creek Road, Bush, Louisiana 70431; 985-886-3747) is a beautiful farm that offers horseback trail rides in addition to a host of other amenities and activities. Guided rides take guests through creeks and woods, across grassy fields and around lakes.
If You Go…
Brooks’ Bike Shop (416 East Gibson Street, Covington, Louisiana 70433; 985-237-3658) rents bikes, skateboards and more. They also offer guided tours through historic areas of Covington and Mandeville, a tour of St. Tammany’s four breweries and a tour of cool places off the beaten path along the Tammany Trace. Bike and skateboard sales and service are also offered here and at their second location, Brooks Bikes/Trikes & Beyond (128 Girod Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-789-5037).
For bike repairs and new bike sales, The Bike Path (2641 Florida Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-674-3254) is a rider-owned shop that offers knowledgeable service and advice.
O’Wheelies Bicycle Company (639 Girod Street, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448; 985-629-4211) sells and rents a variety of equipment for enjoying the trails, from a variety of cruisers to e-bikes, along with skateboards, skates, pit vipers and more.
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