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Rode this trail 27 miles from Slidell to Covington to take advantage of prevailing winds. Trail is very flat, mostly tree lined, in good condition, and very scenic. There are many streets/roads to cross...be careful!
Pleasant 3-day trip starting in Covington to Fontainbleau State Park campsite. Trips from there both ways to Slidell, Mandeville, and Abita Springs. Ate a lot of meals in Mandeville which were very enjoyable. The ride to see the old oaks along Lakeshore Dr. is a must. Nice trailheads.
Trail was very well maintained and pretty much flat with no turns. Only complaint would be no markings along the trail at all. You better have a map or you’ll be wondering where you are and missing lots of sights.
It should really be noted somewhere that pets are not permitted on the trail. It was rather disappointing to get off the highway, find somewhere to park my RV, and walk down to the trail, only to find that I could not walk my dog.
Stayed in Fontainebleau State Park for a couple of days and rode the Trace to Slidell on January 1st 2019 in miserable weather. Got soaked, returned to the State Park for a change of clothing and continued to ride towards Covington. Didn't realize how early darkness would set in though, not being local and had to turn around at I12. Unfortunately I had to leave the next day. Well, going all the way next time, hopefully this spring. Loved the beautiful Trace.
I rode this trail as I cycled the Southern Tier in 2018 as a solo cyclist. It is a wonderful trail and lots to see. Very well maintained and loved the scenery from the ponds with the lily pods and daffodils plants to the beautiful waters edge at the bridge and dam. Oh and loved that Bathroom stop at almost the halfway point by the bridge. Just wish it went on longer.
Finally…….after months of trying to get down to Southern LA, we enjoyed our best overall rails to trails experience. Not that the TT is the best trail (great surface, clean restrooms, good security and frequent trailheads) rather it’s the whole package; great local restaurants, Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau S.P., water splash pads, Abita Brewery, community fairs (Mandeville on Saturday & Abita Springs on Sunday), drive-thru daiquiris and the IMAX theater at Slidell.
Due to the impromptu nature of our trip, we had to stay in a motel in North Slidell, decent & inexpensive. We planned to tent camp at Fontainebleau or rent a B&B in Mandeville but everything was booked. The east terminus was easy to find but you will have to park across Gause Blvd. at the shopping centers if you don’t park at the trailhead. The trail is pine tree lined with a lot of crossing that will moderate your speed. Eventually, you reach the picturesque, rolling bascule bridge over Bayou Lacombe (bridge hours vary). We arrived at Fontainebleau ($3 entrance fee) to relax at the lake/beach/pier and roll through the campsites all under majestic live oaks, approx. 32 miles round trip.
The following day we drove to Abita Springs to ride the western half. First, we rode to the western terminus at Covington and turned around at the statue of Ronaldus Magnus and returned to Fontainebleau. When passing Mandeville, we explored the harbor area and rode along Lakeshore drive. Upon returning to Abita Springs, approx. 35 miles round trip, we partook of post ride refreshments at the brewery, free beer tokens come with the tour! We are definitely planning to return in the very near future; “laissez les bon temp rouler.”
Rode the eastern half of the trail, parking in Slidell. Big parking lot, restroom building, visitor's log. Dead flat trail (what else would you expect in the bayou?), wide, smooth, scenic, with a very rural feel and few road crossings. Talked with the trail manager at the lift bridge, which itself was a neat attraction. Turned around at Fontainbleu State Park for a 25 mile round-trip. The trail crosses the entry road with no trailside facilities, rather than traverse the park.
I would have liked to see another developed trailhead with full facilities; about every 5 miles is ideal. While in Covington I drove by that trailhead. The western half of the trail seems to get more urban, and I would expect to see a higher concentration of street crossings. Next time I'm in the area I will probably ride this trail again, and explore further west from Fontainbleu.
Woke up by 0600. I ate 3 eggs with spinach, finished it with a nice up of coffee. I started trail by 0945. The route from the trail head to lake airey was good. Got to lake airey and had a 30 minute lunch. Got back on trail by 1200. The first few miles towards POW lake were flat and easy at about the 11.5 miles it will get dense but nothing hard. The trail will go from 4 feet wide to about a foot wide. After the 12 mile marker, just know you will need to hike about .7 miles untill POW.. It was a great trail and worth every step
What an amazing trail! We sailed along on this flat paved partially-shaded surface loved every minute until I got a migraine and had to stop after only seven miles. 😞 Plan to try again tomorrow.
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