In New Orleans, cycling happens on a grand stage. The Mississippi River Trail lets you ride above rooftops while freighters slide below. North of the lake, the Tammany Trace winds through small towns, marsh, and pine forest. The city’s growing network now includes shoreline and greenway paths that connect many of these rides into one continuous cycling experience.
About The Trails
Mississippi River Trail — East Bank (Audubon Park → I-310 → Bonnet Carré Spillway)
Begin at Audubon Park and follow the levee upriver past elegant neighborhoods, open fields, and working docks. Beyond I-310, the path reaches the Bonnet Carré Spillway, a marvel of flood control. When open, riders can continue through the spillway service roads and rejoin levee sections beyond.
Mississippi River Trail — West Bank (Algiers Ferry → Gretna → Marrero → Nine Mile Point → Avondale → past I-310)
Take the Algiers Ferry from downtown for sweeping skyline views, then ride upriver through historic neighborhoods, shipyards, and plantation country. Short River Road connectors link levee sections all the way past I-310.
Tammany Trace (Slidell ↔ Mandeville ↔ Abita Springs ↔ Covington)
Rails-to-trails perfection: smooth, peaceful, shaded canopy, and friendly former rail towns every few miles. Cross a draw bridge, pass breweries and markets, and ride through the heart of small-town Louisiana.
Lakefront Shoreline Trail (Kenner → Bucktown via Lakeshore)
This ride follows the Lake Pontchartrain shoreline from the marshes near Kenner eastward along the lakefront, passing the world’s longest bridge — the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway — stretching beyond the horizon. Continue past the marinas to Bucktown’s waterfront park. From downtown New Orleans, access this bikeway by riding the Lafitte Greenway from French Quarter to City Park, then connecting via the Marconi Greenway and Lakeshore Drive. Watch sailboats at sunset and enjoy a cooling breeze off the water.
Back Levee Trail (St. Bernard Parish)
A quiet, little-known path running along a floodwall separating neighborhoods from open salt-marsh vistas — pelicans on one side, playgrounds on the other.
All trails listed above are fully paved with smooth asphalt or concrete surfaces suitable for all bike types.
Distances & Terrain
- MRT East Bank: 20–50 mi round-trip, flat and open.
- MRT West Bank: Up to 40 mi with brief on-road connectors.
- Tammany Trace: 31 mi end-to-end, paved and family-friendly.
- Lakefront Shoreline Trail: 12 mi round-trip, paved multi-use path with gentle breezes.
Riding With A Guide
BuZz NOLA Guided E-Bike Tours lead daily rides from the French Quarter — ideal for visitors who want local narration, effortless pedaling, and great photo stops without route planning.
Getting There
Most trailheads are 15–60 minutes from the French Quarter by ferry or car. For detailed access, seasons, and lodging, see our New Orleans Area Cycling Logistics Guide.