Summer is a time to get out and enjoy nature. Of course, in New Orleans, that usually means an early morning jog or a late evening walk, avoiding the dense heat of midday. Even if you’re trying to beat the heat, there are still some great trails around New Orleans on which to walk. No matter which trail you choose, there is a bus or streetcar stop nearby that offers quick access so you can start enjoying the natural beauty of the city.

Uptown

Mississippi River Trail

By far the longest trail on our list, the Mississippi River Trail extends 60.8 miles from Audubon Zoo to St. Charles Parish. The trail is a part of a series of disconnected trails that make up the whole Mississippi River Trail which extends from the mouth of the river all the way up to Minnesota. Though we discourage walking the whole 3000 miles in the summer heat, the New Orleans part of the trail still offers a relaxing walk or bike ride along the bend of the Mississippi River.

The Mississippi River Trail can be accessed by the Broadway at Camp stop on line 32 – Leonidas/Treme or the Audubon Zoo stop on line 11 – Magazine.

Audubon Park Trail

Nestled among ancient oak trees and along the ponds of Audubon Park, the Audubon Park Trail is 1.8 miles long, wrapping around the edges of the park from Magazine Street to St. Charles Avenue. Even on the hottest days, the trail offers great shade for walking and bike riding. With several gazebos and benches, you can rest while watching geese and wild ducks splash around in the lagoon. In addition to an asphalt trail, there is also an adjacent dirt trail for the more experienced runner or biker.

Audubon Park can be accessed by the Magazine at Oak Mall stop on line 11 – Magazine or the Tulane/Loyola stop on the St. Charles Streetcar line.

Mid-City

Lafitte Greenway

In the heart of Mid-City is the Lafitte Greenway. Stretching from Basin Street to Jefferson Davis Parkway, the Lafitte Greenway Trail offers an asphalt stretch on which to walk or bike, and crosses many major streets in case the experienced runner or biker wishes to weave through the different neighborhoods in the heart of New Orleans.

To access the Basin end of the trail, use the Basin at Treme stop serviced by line 62 – Morrison, line 64 – Lake Forest, and line 65 – Read/Crowder, or the Basin at Essence Way stop on line 32 – Leonidas/Treme.

The Jefferson Davis Parkway end of the trail is a short walk from the Orleans at Moss stop on line 32 – Leonidas/Treme.

Jefferson Davis Trail

Branching from the Lafitte Greenway Trail, the Jefferson Davis Trail runs along the beautiful Bayou St. John from Orleans Avenue to Washington Avenue. The trail is a popular option for dog walkers, and is a push-off point for kayakers who wish to test the waters of the bayou. Additionally, the trail runs by some of Mid-City’s most popular pubs and eateries.

The Washington Avenue end of the trail is best accessed by the Washington at S. Jefferson Davis stop on line 27 – Louisiana Ave. The Orleans Avenue end of the trail begins near the Orleans at Moss stop on line 32 – Leonidas/Treme.

City Park

City Park has several trails for all levels of runners and bikers. Every trail offers views that are unparalleled in the city, from the concrete walk around the edge of Big Lake to the nature trail along the east bends of Scout Island in the heart of the park. Additionally, visitors can rent tandem and kid bikes for a little extra fun. After a few hours of exercise, cool down in the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden or stroll under the covered walkways of the Botanical Garden.

City Park is best accessed by three lines: 27 – Louisiana Ave, 60 – Hayne, and 48 – Canal/City Park streetcar.

Marigny/Bywater

Crescent Park Trail

One of the newest trails in the city, the Crescent Park Trail runs along edge of the Mississippi River. Runners and bikers can enjoy views of the cityscape while exercising among freshly planted gardens. The trail also boasts a dog run and areas to sit and enjoy a quick snack.

The ends of the trail can be accessed by the N. Peters at Franklin or the Chartres at Alvar stops on line 5 – Marigny/Bywater.

New Orleans East

Lake Forest Boulevard Trail

Extending from Read Boulevard to Wright Road, the Lake Forest Boulevard Trail is a great concrete running trail on neutral ground. It offers runners and bikers ample shade beneath towering oaks and magnolia trees while a variety of birds in the bird sanctuary serenade the boulevard. Additionally, the trail runs along the Louisiana Nature Center.

The Lake Forest Boulevard Trail can be accessed by the Lake Forest at Read or Lake Forest at Wright stops on line 64 – Lake Forest.