Louisiana’s Family-Friendly Bike Trails

Take the kids on a two-wheeled adventure and make time to see the sights along the way.

Biking with the family at Lake D'Arbonne

Get out into nature with the whole family on these bike trails.

Tammany Trace 

Slidell/Covington: Tracks laid down by the Illinois Central Railroad were converted into paved walking and biking paths known as the Tammany Trace. This rails-to-trails project runs 31 miles between the St. Tammany Parish cities of Slidell, Abita Springs, Mandeville and Covington

Along the trail, you can expect to see pine forests, peaceful bayous, birding galore and plenty of opportunities to see local city sights. Slidell highlights include the beautiful waterfront restaurant Palmettos on the Bayou and the shops of the historic downtown itself. In Abita Springs, you’ll find dining spots including the Abita Springs Café and Abita Brew Pub, and attractions like the out-of-this-world Abita Mystery House. Sit down for a meal at The Barley Oak, or take a side trip to Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville. In Covington, where the Tammany Trace ends, check out souvenirs at boutique shops and  lively community events.

New Orleans City Park 

New Orleans: New Orleans City Park is a hive of activity — and it’s perfect for families on bikes. Paved trails weave through City Park’s 1,300 acres, past numerous attractions that include the New Orleans Museum of Art, Carousel Gardens (its spectacular hand-carved carousel figures, some of them more than 100 years old, are not to be missed!), Louisiana Children’s Museum and New Orleans Botanical Garden

If you’ve pedaled around the park and are still looking for more to do nearby, take Esplanade Avenue to the French Quarter — there are designated bike lanes throughout the route. Learn more about things to do in New Orleans City Park.

Levee Bike Path 

Baton Rouge: Situated on top of a levee overlooking the Mississippi River and downtown Baton Rouge, the appropriately named Levee Bike Path is a 4.31-mile paved trail that ends at Farr Park. The Levee Bike Path goes past some of Louisiana’s capital city’s best attractions for families, including the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, the USS Kidd Veteran’s Museum and the Old State Capitol. Bike or walk the streets of downtown Baton Rouge to grab a bite to eat at Cocha, The Vintage, Downtown Seafood & Grill or Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar.

Note: The USS KIDD Veterans Museum is temporarily moving to Houma for repairs projected to last through 2025. The museum will remain open throughout repairs. Patrons are invited to visit the museum's website for virtual tours, too.  

Red River Bicycle Trail

Shreveport: The Red River Bicycle Trail is a riverfront path that begins in downtown Shreveport and runs for several miles by the riverfront. Along the way, you’ll find two of the city's most exciting family attractions, Sci-Port Discovery Center and Shreveport Aquarium, plus a number of urban green spaces including Veterans Park.

Discover more biking trails across Louisiana.