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Print Friendly MapThe Lafitte Greenway offers a 2.6-mile linear park through New Orleans, from the edge of the city’s French Quarter to Mid-City and the doorstep of its grand City Park. The route was originally a canal—and later the Norfolk Southern Rail Line—that lead to Bayou St. John, which borders the east side of the park. Today, the corridor is a pleasant neighborhood connecter.
The paved pathway begins at Louis Armstrong Park, named for the famous jazz musician; a statue of him is featured within the park’s 32 acres. Here, you’ll also find an auditorium, performing arts theater, and part of the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.
The rail-trail heads northwest, nestled between Lafitte Avenue and St. Louis Street, and ends just blocks from City Park. Amongst the park’s sprawling 1,300 acres, visitors will find any number of recreational amenities, including a sculpture garden, antique carousel, miniature golf course, children’s theme park, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Parking is available at the trail’s southern end in Louis Armstrong Park (701 N Rampart St.), and near its northern end at City Park (1 Palm Dr.).
Rode this trail on a beautiful and warm (sunny, 75 degree F) day in late April 2018. I was staying on Canal Street for a conference, and grabbed a Blue Bike (NOLA's bikeshare system) right outside my hotel and rode through the French Quarter, connecting with the trail on St Louis Avenue at Basin Avenue. At a little over two miles, the trail is short - but it connects a decent network of bike lanes and bike sharrows on city streets, with the beautiful City Park. This is an urban trail - so don't think you'll be riding in the quiet country. However, the trail includes native flowers, parkland, recreation amenities (a neighborhood pool and playground) - and for most of its route it is a very relaxing place to ride. It also passes under an elevated section of Interstate 10. Along the route are several at-grade crossing with city streets. Most include push-button actuated flashing beacons. I found the drivers were very courteous, and quickly stopped to let me cross. The trail traverses neighborhoods that are strongly rebounding - lots of new residential construction. Shortly after crossing N Carollton Avenue, there is a new grocery store (Winn-Dixie) and shopping center immediately adjacent to the trail. Check it out!
Nice cross town bike path ! Will take you into the French Quarter.
Brought my Brompton on the train to New Orleans to ride the Tammany Trace Trail but did not expect to be able to ride to the French Quarter from Metairie Road on a newly paved beautifully landscaped trail to the heart of the city. A great start to being bike friendly!
Serenaded by the vast amphibian life and the views were spectacular, too. Great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of life... Even if just for a couple hours. If you're a reader or looking for a quiet place to meditate, take the walk to the end of the trail and enjoy the open air.
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