From the hills in the north to the flats in the south, there are plenty of great rides in Louisiana, with thousands of miles of biking trails looping their way across every region.
Louisiana is built for cycling. Explore seamless paved routes, from challenging off-road trails to picturesque rides along the Mississippi River and vibrant city cruises through New Orleans. With thousands of miles of diverse landscapes, there's a trip for every cyclist.
At a Glance: Biking the Bayou State
The 31-mile Tammany Trace is the state’s most iconic paved bike trail, running through pine forests, wetlands and several quaint towns, with rest areas and amenities along the way, while Kisatchie National Forest features over 300 miles of dynamic mountain-biking trails.
Take a scenic levee ride along the Mississippi River Levee Bike Path, which offers long stretches of flat, paved path with expansive views of the river and historic sites. Or go on a backcountry adventure in the Atchafalaya Basin, where gravel and dirt paths travel through cypress swamps and offer opportunities to spot diverse wildlife.
Why Bike in Louisiana?
Louisiana’s varied terrain creates boundless opportunities for cyclists of all abilities. Pedal past nature preserves, ancient oaks, Gothic architecture and lush swamps while enjoying warm weather most of the year.
Bikes That Work Best in Louisiana
Use road bikes along levee paths, city routes and long, scenic roads. Rent a hybrid for state parks, greenways and mixed-use trails. Venturing through a forest or single-track route? Take a mountain bike.
Tip: Many forest trails in Louisiana have sand, clay and roots. Use wider tires and stay hydrated — especially during months with high heat and humidity.
Top Biking Regions in Louisiana
Discover routes throughout the state, each revealing Louisiana’s enchanting natural beauty.
The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
Looking for quintessential Louisiana landscapes? The Atchafalaya Basin Wilderness Trail offers about 55 miles of gravel and packed-earth roads alongside one of North America’s largest river swamp. Bikers should not attempt this route in heavy rain or flooding conditions.
Baton Rouge Area
The paved, 13-mile Baton Rouge Levee Bike Path stretches from downtown Baton Rouge toward Louisiana State University, while the Jackson to Audubon State Historic Site Trail offers 29.2 miles of forest, farmland and creek crossings. Or bike part of the All-American Road to see grand historic homes, moss-draped oaks, river bluffs and scenic farmlands.
Central Louisiana & Kisatchie National Forest
Explore rolling hills, rugged singletrack and forest routes in the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s top mountain-biking destination. Love backcountry views? Take the Wild Azalea Trail, a 24-30 mile singletrack trail — one of Louisiana’s longest.
New Orleans Area
Enjoy flat, scenic levee rides and urban trails like the Lafitte Greenway, ideal for sightseeing by bike. At City Park, find family-friendly loops, shaded paths and connections to bike rentals.
North Louisiana
Explore smooth singletrack trails and challenging courses for all skill levels at Lincoln Parish Park. Whir past piney forests and a gorgeous lake at Lake D'Arbonne.
The Northshore Area
Ride the 31-mile Tammany Trace, a paved trail through peaceful small towns. With rest areas, playgrounds and trailheads along the way, it’s ideal for families and long-distance riders.
Tip: Stop in Abita Springs to visit Louisiana’s oldest brewery, Abita Brewing Company.
Southwest Louisiana
Explore Avery Island’s lush, verdant gardens along the New Iberia to Avery Island Loop, a 25.5-mile journey that highlights winding bayous, expansive marshes and the home of TABASCO®. Chicot State Park features hardwood forests, gentle hills and classic Louisiana swamp scenery.
Don't have an adaptive bike? Many of Louisiana's state parks offer all-terrain track wheelchairs.
City Park's flat, easy trails are perfect for families.
FAQs About Biking in Louisiana
Which are the best biking trails in Louisiana?
Each trail offers unique landscapes and physical trails. Local favorites include the Wild Azalea Trail, the Louisiana Great River Road Trail and the St. Landry Parish Bike Trail.
Is mountain biking available in North Louisiana?
Absolutely. Lincoln Parish Park offers some of the best single-track in the region.
Where can I rent a bike in New Orleans?
Several rental shops operate near City Park, the French Quarter and along major bike corridors. You’ll find cruisers, road bikes and e-bikes.
Are Louisiana state parks good for biking?
Yes — state parks like Chicot, Bogue Chitto and Fontainebleau offer great loops for families, mountain bikers and casual riders.
Biking Trails by Area
Click the map below to find trails in each region of Louisiana.
Glide along the Creole Nature Trail, a scenic route with wide bike lanes. Or check out Prien Lake Park, Lakefront Promenade and Riverside Park.
Experience mountain biking trails at Acadiana Park or quaint streets steeped in Cajun culture.
Enjoy live Zydeco music and views of Bayou Teche as you cycle the banks of New Iberia. On Old Spanish Trail and the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway, glimpse sugar cane, historic homes and turn-of-the-century architecture.
Bike along the bayous, marshes and gulf waters of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary to see cypress trees, migratory birds and Louisiana’s quaint coastal towns.
Bike the Great River Road for sweeping views of the Mississippi River.
Bike the New Orleans Area for unparalleled views including ancient, oak-lined paths, spacious greenways and dense swamp land.
Inducted into the Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame, the Tammany Trace connects several Northshore communities. Along this 31-mile paved bike path, you’ll encounter local breweries, markets and natural beauty.
Explore Louisiana’s capital city or the historic streets of St. Francisville and New Roads.
Along with riverfront trails and parks, the Alexandria area is home to the Kisatchie National Forest. Here, you’ll enjoy the hills, valleys and bends of this beautiful forest.
Whether biking the smooth trails of a state park or the challenging terrain of Kisatchie National Forest, you’ll find your style of trail in Toledo Bend Lake Country.
Explore the historic streets of Louisiana’s oldest city and the natural beauty of the Cane River National Heritage Trail in the Natchitoches-Winnfield area.
In addition to cruising through the charming downtowns, the Monroe-Ruston area offers an abundance of exciting trails, including Lincoln Parish Park, Rock Island Greenway and Forsythe Park.
The Red River provides spectacular views of the Shreveport-Bossier City area, with gentle, winding routes like the Red River Bicycle Trail and Arthur Ray Teague Parkway Trail.