History of the Trace
In the early days, the railroad was the lifeblood of St. Tammany Parish. Today, this spur is an extremely popular recreation, transportation and educational corridor. Now called The Tammany Trace, it is Louisiana's first and only rails-to-trails conversion. This multi-purpose public path, created from the Illinois Central Railroad corridor, meanders through loblolly pines, live oaks, and magnolias from Slidell to Covington, Louisiana.
"The White House Millennium Council chose The Tammany Trace as one of
50 Millennium Legacy Trails."
Like our first explorers, you can crisscross urban, suburban and rural St. Tammany on foot, skates, bicycles, and horses and in wheelchairs. This 31-mile asphalted trail and parallel equestrian trail connects five communities--Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell.
The Trace, as locals call it, also serves as a wildlife conservation corridor, linking isolated parks, creating greenways, and preserving historic landmarks and wetlands. You can observe the natural habitat, bayous, streams and rivers from the vantage point of 31 bridges built on the original railroad trestles.
Experience the Tammany Trace!
The community is diverse yet connected by the Trace and a bountiful heritage that makes it uniquely the North Shore. There are many ways you can get involved.
Trace Funding
The St. Tammany Parish government purchased the abandoned Illinois Central Railroad corridor on December 20, 1992. With the help of grants and federal dollars, the St. Tammany Parish goverment has asphalted 31 miles, remodeled railroad trestles into pedestrian bridges and maintained the Trace.
Support the Trace
Even though the St. Tammany Parish government has provided the staff and funds to make the Trace what it is today, the Tammany Trace Foundation was formed to serve as a fund raising board for the Trace. The Tammany Trace Foundation is a private, nonprofit corporation that raises funds for continued improvement and expansion of The Tammany Trace. The Foundation hosts the annual Holiday of Lights, numerous races and various events to help fund Trace activities.
We're always looking for volunteers and donations.
Tammany Trace Foundation
Kevin C. Davis, Chairman
Bruce Wainer, President
Ted Brandon, Secretary
Fannie Bennett
Tanya Witchen
Helen Lambert
Susan McHugh
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Marie Hammons
Susan Meyer
John Schroder
Debbi Smith
Vicky Talley
Cheryl Marrs
Laura Tobin
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Trace Rangers
Trace Rangers, who ensure the safety of all Trace users, are available to answer questions and be of assistance on The Trace daily from 7:00 a.m. to dark. Rangers have the only authorized use of motorized vehicles on The Trace.
Ranger duties are as follows:
- Protect public property
- Provide public safety
- Provide the public with information, directions, guidance and perform visual inspections
- Patrol the Trace
- Performs regular safety inspections of the trail
For more information on becoming a Tammany Trace Ranger Contact the Tammany Trace office.
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