Trace Rules and Etiquette

With the help of $1.4 million in federal dollars through Transportation Enhancements, the Parish preserved this rail corridor through the federal government's railbanking program, which allows out-of-service rail corridors to be used as trails. The entire Trace has been surfaced with asphalt, and as a result, it is a handicapped-accessible facility that allows for a variety of uses, including walking, running, skating, and bicycling. A separate equestrian path parallels the Trace in several places.

• Rollerbladers yield to Cyclists
• Cyclists yield to Joggers
• Joggers yield to Walkers
• Walkers yield to Horses
• Stay on the designated trails that are marked appropriately. 
• Stay out of drainage ditches and other structures not constructed for recreational use.
• Pedestrians should stay on the right, on each side of the trail.
• Slower traffic stay to the right in each direction.
• Passing traffic should notify slower traffic that they are passing by voice, horn or bell.
• All horses on the trace must be submitted to a Coggins test. You can learn more here.
• On the main trail, keep horses at a walk in the area designated for horses.
• Wear safety equipment: helmets, knee pads, elbow and wrist guards are required for roller bladers. Helmets for cyclists and horsemen are strongly recommended.
• St. Tammany Parish is not responsible for injuries or improper use of Tammany Trace facilities.
• Obey all federal, state, and local traffic signs and laws.
• Park only in designated areas.
• No Pets Allowed.
• Please do not feed the wildlife. 

About

Louisiana’s only rails-to-trails conversion, the 31-mile Trace winds through the Northshore, a paved ribbon connecting five communities interspersed with lovely green space. The path offers all who ride, walk or even rollerblade it, a way to experience both the towns and the natural beauty that so enhances quality of life on the Northshore.

Originally a corridor for the Illinois Central Railroad, the Trace now is an earth-friendly hike and bike trail stretching from downtown Covington, through Abita Springs, Mandeville and Lacombe and ending in Slidell. 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 government has asphalted 31 miles, remodeled railroad trestles into pedestrian bridges and maintained the Trace.

Some visitors come to the Trace for a leisurely stroll with their families. Others power-walk the path, getting their daily exercise and a dose of fresh air. Serious cyclists ride through from beginning to end (and sometimes back). Others pedal slowly, just soaking in the restorative scenery. The community is diverse yet connected by the Trace and a bountiful heritage that makes it uniquely the North Shore. Today the parish is one of the fastest growing in the state. Despite the rapid growth, however, this 27.5-mile corridor is blessed with beautiful views of woods and wetlands.