Expressnews
Did you know biking is one of the best ways to explore Louisiana’s seamless paved routes, from challenging off-road trails to picturesque rides along the Mississippi River? Louisiana’s varied terrain offers boundless opportunities for cyclists of all abilities and ages, taking bikers along a vibrant journey through nature preserves, ancient oaks, Gothic architecture, cityscapes, lush swamps, and more for a unique adventure.
Louisiana’s Popular Biking Trails in a Glance
Each biking route throughout the state reveals Louisiana’s enchanting natural beauty.
For those looking for quintessential Louisiana landscapes, the Atchafalaya Basin Wilderness Trail offers about 55 miles of gravel and packed-earth roads alongside one of North America’s largest river swamps and opportunities to spot diverse wildlife at the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge.
In the Baton Rouge Area, the paved, 13-mile Baton Rouge Levee Bike Path from downtown Baton Rouge toward Louisiana State University, the 29.2-mile Jackson to Audubon State Historic Site Trail through forests, farmlands and creek crossings, and the All-American Road’s grand historic homes, moss-draped oaks, river bluffs and scenic farmlands are biking havens.
In Central Louisiana, explore rolling hills, rugged singletrack and forest routes in the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s top mountain-biking destination, featuring over 300 miles of dynamic mountain-biking trails or take the Wild Azalea Trail, a 24–30-mile singletrack trail, one of Louisiana’s longest, for serene backcountry views.
More biking adventures await in Toledo Bend Lake Country, offering everything from smooth trails to challenging terrainand the Creole Nature Trail, Prien Lake Park, Lakefront Promenade, and Riverside Park’s scenic biking routes in the Lake Charles Area. Lafayette’s mountain biking trails at Acadiana Park, or quaint streets steeped in Cajun culture, or a scenic levee ride along the Mississippi River Levee Bike Path, which offers long stretches of flat, paved path with expansive views of the river and historic sites, are popular among bikers.
Along popular biking trails lie several small towns and big cities that provide the perfect stop for overnight halts or a glimpse into the cities’ cycling opportunities.
New Orleans offers various biking opportunities and unparalleled views within the city, from flat, scenic levee rides and urban trails like the Lafitte Greenway, ideal for sightseeing by bike, to City Park’s family-friendly loops, shaded paths and connections, and bike rentals.
In Ruston, in North Louisiana, explore smooth singletrack trails and challenging courses for all skill levels at Lincoln Parish Park, which offers some of the best singletrack in the region, or whir past piney forests and the gorgeous Lake D’Arbonne. In addition to cruising through the charming downtowns, the Monroe-Ruston area offers an abundance of exciting trails, including the Rock Island Greenway and Forsythe Park.
Northshore Area’s 31-mile Tammany Trace is one of the state’s most iconic paved bike trails, running through pine forests, wetlands and several quaint towns, and is ideal for families and long-distance riders. One of the stops in Abita Springs is home to Louisiana’s oldest brewery, Abita Brewing Company, a must-visit while covering this route.
If you find yourself in Southwest Louisiana, explore Avery Island’s lush, verdant gardens along the New Iberia to Avery Island Loop, a 25.5-mile journey that highlights winding bayous, expansive marshes and the home of TABASCO®. Enjoy live Zydeco music and views of Bayou Teche as you cycle the banks of New Iberia or spot sugar cane, historic homes and turn-of-the-century architecture on the Old Spanish Trail and the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway.
Explore the historic streets of Louisiana’s oldest city, Natchitoches, and the natural beauty of the Cane River National Heritage Trail in the Natchitoches-Winnfield area or bike along the bayous, marshes and gulf waters of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary to see cypress trees, migratory birds and Louisiana’s quaint coastal towns in the Houma, Thibodaux, and Grand Isle Area. Moreover, the Red River provides spectacular views of the Shreveport-Bossier City area, with gentle, winding routes like the Red River Bicycle Trail and Arthur Ray Teague Parkway Trail.
Ultimately, state parks like Bogue Chitto and Fontainebleau offer great loops for families, mountain bikers and casual riders, while Chicot State Park’s biking routes feature hardwood forests, gentle hills, and classic Louisiana swamp scenery.
So, get your pedals ready and explore the diversity of Louisiana on its biking routes.
