While pandemic precautions are keeping you mostly stuck at
home, that doesn't mean you can't explore your own city and get some exercise
while you're at it. New Orleans has some great biking paths, perfect for when you
want to spend a day being active and catching some nice views on two wheels.
Check out these six bike trails that you can visit around
New Orleans:
While it's often used as a space for large events and
festivals such as Voodoo Fest, the Festival Grounds Trail in City Park has
breathtaking views that are great for biking, along the 18-foot-wide path. The trail
is a mile long, with beautiful greenery to keep your ride relaxed and shaded
from (at least some of) the NOLA heat. There are also sports fields, acres of
wetlands, and an exercise area along the path. City Park, 1 Palm Dr.
Big Lake Path
The Big Lake trail located in City Park is just over ¾ of a
mile around the park's Big Lake. The path captivates our city's beauty by
offering a scenic route and displaying our lovely plant life. If you don't have
a bike of your own, you can even rent one from the City Park Boat House on Big
Lake, where they also have special tandem bikes and surrey bikes with canopies.
After your ride, you can venture down to Esplanade Avenue for a bite to eat. City
Park Big Lake. Parking available on Lelong Avenue and in a lot on the north
side of the lake on Friedrichs Avenue.
Lafitte Greenway Trail
Lafitte Greenway Trail spans a little over two miles and brings bikers from Mid-City to the edge of the Treme neighborhood, known for its soul food, music, and more. This trail is an entertaining route filled with New Orleans magic. With connections to and from City Park, Wisner Trail, Jefferson Davis Bike Path, Armstrong Park, and the French Quarter, the Greenway is a perfect way to get around town on two wheels. The path also has two fix-it station locations, with tools for bike maintenance and repair. Lafitte Greenway, Orleans Avenue and Basin Street to Bayou St. John.
Woldenburg Park
Woldenburg Park is a closed-in biking and walking trail that
traces along the Mississippi River. This riverfront park is perfect for those
who love being in our beloved French Quarter. You can enjoy the boats rolling
down the river and sculptures near the docks or stop on the grass for a picnic
or some rest. Go for an early morning ride for a cool river breeze and a view
of the fog rolling off of the Mississippi. Woldenberg Park, 1 Canal St.
Mississippi River Trail
The Mississippi River Trail is for those cyclists who love
long rides. This trail, also known as the Levee Bike Path or Mississippi Levee
Trail, spans over 60 miles towards Laplace, with admirable views of the river. The
trail represents the southern part of an effort to create a paved biking and
walking route along the entire length of the Mississippi. The most popular
segment of the trail goes from Audubon Park to the Bonnet Carré Spillway in St.
Charles Parish. St. Charles Avenue and South Carrollton Avenue
The Fly
The Fly, located at Audubon Park, has charming oaks and
stunning sunsets to help bikers unwind and relax while riding along the
Mississippi River. You can start off with the loop around Audubon Park and end
with the beautiful oak trees that line this area along the Mississippi. Ride at
sunset for beautiful views and look out for barges and steamboats traveling
down the river. Exposition Boulevard
Overall, the flat topography of the city makes it very
bikeable, and there are many more paths and routes to discover, to explore
different parts of New Orleans in a unique way.
