EXPLORING TAMMANY TRACE

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANGIE KAY DILMORE

On The North Shore Of Lake Ponchartrain, Louisiana’s Only Rail-Trail Is A True Gem

My husband, Bob, and I were avid bicyclists when we lived in Pennsylvania, and we often rode on the many rail-trails (recreational trails converted from old train tracks, now used for hiking and biking).

We moved to Southwest Louisiana eight years ago. When I first heard about the Tammany Trace, I was eager to experience a Louisiana rail-trail. It took us years to get there (so many places to explore, so little time), but we finally made the trek earlier this spring.

This gem of a destination hugs the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, and connects the towns of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell with 31 miles of peaceful trail used for hiking, biking, even roller blading.

According to its website, Tammany Trace is the only rail-trail in the state of Louisiana. Unlike the crushed limestone trails in Pennsylvania, this trail is nicely paved, which affords a smoother ride, and much less dust. Originally a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad, the trail is well-maintained and well-used, but not overly crowded, at least not on the day we were there.

We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of shaded areas, and we enjoyed the lovely scenery of woods and wetlands.

We started our ride in Covington, at the western end of the trail. Covington is a charming little town, with antique shops and inviting cafes around every corner. On a Saturday morning, the place to be is the bustling farmers market, held at 609 North Columbus St., 8 am-noon. We couldn’t buy much, as we were traveling by bike, but we saw plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, tempting baked goods, local honey, jams and preserves, farm eggs, herbs and other potted plants, and interesting arts and crafts.

The first stop on the trail is Abita Springs, famous for its popular brewery. The original brewery, now a restaurant called Abita Brew Pub, sits next to the trail near the Abita Springs Trailhead Museum and Park. The Abita Springs Brewing Company is just a few miles out of town, on Route 36. They offer free brewery tours and beer sampling.

The park is situated next to the trail, and offers a picnic area, playground, and splash zone to cool off kids of all ages.

Don’t miss the Abita Mystery House as you pedal out of town. Set in an old vintage gas station, this funky eclectic museum will pique the curiosity of your whole family.

Next stop on the trail is Mandeville. Right along the trail there’s a large cultural interpretive center, where the community gathers for festivals, entertainment and events. On the Saturday we arrived, there was a flea market, and a Jane Austen Literary Festival. Go off-trail to explore the town of Mandeville. This historic town is a bit more upscale, with fine dining, shopping and day spas. For nature-lovers, Fontainebleau State Park offers cabins and campsites. Meander to the marina for a look at the sailboats.

Bob and I ate a fabulous meal at Rip’s on the Lake, touted as “The Best Seafood on the Northshore.” We believe it! I had grouper, and he had mahi-mahi. We shared an appetizer of crab cakes. It was one of those meals where you feel sad when it’s over.

Due to time constraints, we only rode from Covington to Mandeville and back this day. We’ll have to explore LaCombe and Slidell on another visit. Researching online, the primary attractions in LaCombe include historic cemeteries and Big Branch Marsh Wildlife Reserve. Fishing and crabbing are popular pastimes. Buy bait and gear at Bayou Adventure. For good food, check out La Provence, as well as Sal and Judy’s.

Slidell is a larger city, with shopping malls and all the expected chain restaurants, but there is a historic Olde Towne that could be worth the trip.

For more information on the Tammany Trace, visit tammanytrace.org.