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Trace Rules

HOURS OF OPERATION
Sunrise to Sunset
Use during closed hours is strictly prohibited

Trace Rangers, who ensure the safety of all Trace users, are available to answer questions and be of assistance on the Trace daily from sunrise to sunset. Rangers have the only authorized use of motorized vehicles on the Trace.

TRACE ETIQUETTE
1. Roller Bladders yield to Cyclists
3. Joggers yield to Walkers
2. Cyclists yield to Joggers
4. Walkers yield to Horse

PLEASE OBEY THE FOLLOWING RULES:

  • Stay on the appropriately marked designated trails.
  • Stay out of drainage ditches and other such structures not constructed for recreational use.
  • Pedestrians should stay on the right, along each side of the trail.
  • Slower traffic should stay to the right in each direction.
  • Passing traffic should notify slower traffic that they are passing by voice, horn or bell.
  • Submit horses to a Coggins test (required for all horses on the Trace).
  • On the main trail, keep horses at a walk in the area designated for horses.
  • Wear safety equipment: helmets, kneepads, elbow and wrist guards are required for roller bladders.
        Helmets for cyclists and horsemen are strongly recommended.
  • St. Tammany Parish is not responsible for injuries or improper or unsafe use of Tammany Trace
        facilities.
  • Obey all federal, state, and local traffic signs and laws.
  • Park only in designated areas.

    ON THE TRACE OR IT'S FACILITIES, DO NOT:

  • Bring or walk pets
  • Exceed the 20mph speed limit
  • Trespass on private property
  • Disturb plant vegetation
  • Handle or feed wildlife
  • Carry or discharge firearms or fireworks
  • Drive any motorized or electric vehicles, such as ATVs, scooters, dirt bikes and go karts
  • Bring or use alcohol or controlled substances
  • Possess glass containers
  • Erect unauthorized structure
  • Swim, wade or dive
  • Start fires
  • Hunt
  • Litter
  • Camp
  • Race
  • Solicit

    TRACE FAQ's
    What are the hours for the swing bridge in Bayou Lacombe?
    The hours for the bridge are sunrise to sunset. Depending on the time of year these hours are subject to change. You can call the Lacombe Trailhead at 985-882-3486 for more information. Please plan your trip so that you make your connection before the bridge closes.

    Are there plans for a Lacombe Trailhead?
    We did receive an enhancement grant for this project. We have sent the plans to the state and are waiting for their approval. We will keep you updated on the progress.

    What else is there to see and do while we are visiting the Trace?
    Plan ahead and spend some time seeing St. Tammany Parish and all it has to offer. Looking for a place to stay while visiting the Trace and St. Tammany? - Contact the Tourist Commission. There are special events and festivals all year long!

    Where does the money come from to pay for the Trace?
    The Tammany Trace Foundation helps with some of the costs. The Parish Government pays for most of the expenses. We feel that this money spent to maintain the Tammany Trace comes back to us. We have over 10,000 visitors in a month. Most of these people are spending money on food, drink, hotels, etc. The Tammany Trace is economically beneficial to St. Tammany Parish. It is still the only Rails to Trails project in the State of Louisiana. Your tax-deductible donation to the Tammany Trace Foundation will be gladly accepted and greatly appreciated.

    Can I bring my dog to the Trace?
    Please don't bring your dogs to the Trace. No pets are allowed. This is a rule. If you bring your pet you will receive a warning. The second time you may receive a ticket. Just because your dog is "sweet" to you, doesn't mean they will be the same towards the other people on the Trace. We want to make sure the Trace is as safe as possible for all our visitors.

    Where can I rent bikes?
    The Kickstand Café & Bike Rental is located on the corner of Lafitte & Woodrow Streets in Mandeville. Brand new bikes/cruisers, youth bikes, and baby trailers are available for rent. Rent a bike for ˝ day and receive a free t-shirt! Call 985-626-9300 for more information or visit www.kickstand.bz

    Are you allowed to ride horses on the Trace?
    We do not rent horses; you need to bring your own horse! Horses are only allowed on the Horse Trail. The only time horses are allowed on the Trace, is when it is necessary to cross the bridges. We have been working on the trail recently and have added some new areas. Please remember to keep the horses in the grassy areas. The Rangers really don't like those "surprises" in the parking lot and on the Trace. They are not equipped with pooper-scoopers!


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