This 31-mile rails-to-trails conversion meanders through lovely wooded areas and links five St. Tammany towns. Run, walk, cycle, Rollerblade or even bring your horse (sorry, no pets permitted). The path offers all who traverse it a way to experience both the towns and the natural beauty that so enhance the quality of life on the Northshore.

The Tammany Trace is open year-round from daylight to dark. It is closed to motorized traffic except for authorized emergency vehicles and park rangers who patrol its length. E-bikes are also welcome on the Trace. A 15 MPH speed limit is in place.

Portions of the Tammany Trace close from time to time for maintenance or due to infrastructure projects with state and local government. To check for closures, visit the Tammany Trace website at http://tammanytrace.org/index.php/closures.

Originally a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad, the Trace now is an earth-friendly hike and bike trail stretching from downtown Covington, through Abita Springs, Mandeville, and Lacombe and ending in Slidell. In 2017, the Tammany Trace was inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame.

There are numerous entry spots for the Trace - most communities have their own trailheads with an information/interpretive center, restrooms, a shady place to rest and nearby restaurants and shopping. The official trailhead is located on Koop Drive off Highway 59, at the end of the St. Tammany Parish Administrative Complex. A green caboose serves as the information and souvenir center and ranger office for the Trace. Also here are restrooms, water fountains, a pavilion, the Kids Konnection playground and picnic tables.

• The Covington Trailhead is located at the intersection of New Hampshire and East Lockwood streets.
• The Abita Springs trailhead is in the heart of town as part of the Abita Springs Tourist Park, where you'll find a historic pavilion and a small museum.
• The Mandeville Trailhead features a Cultural Interpretive Center adjacent to the path, amphitheater for live music performances and the Mandeville Community Market on Saturday mornings.
• The Slidell/Carollo Trailhead is located on Highway 190 (Gause Blvd.); you'll find parking, information, restrooms and nearby restaurants and shopping.

Check out our separate listing of parks just for your dog, and dog-friendly eateries and attractions.