Playing in the Great Outdoors

Lovers of the outdoors visiting Covington have an unparalleled opportunity for exploring the scenery right at their feet. The Tammany Trace is the perfect route for combining sightseeing, cuisine, and local culture around St. Tammany with the natural beauty of its green spaces. This 31-mile trail offers a little something for everyone as it winds along the Northshore, beginning in Covington and passing through Abita Springs, Mandeville Lacombe and Slidell.

Jogging, horseback riding, and even rollerblading are common ways to traverse the Trace, but by far the most popular is biking. The long, paved trailway calls to serious athletes and leisurely cyclists alike, so don’t let your skill level deter you.

“Some people really love the social aspect, like those rides that stop at the local breweries and count more craft beers tasted than miles logged,” says Patrick Brooks, owner of the local Brooks' Bike Shop, which has locations in both Covington and Mandeville along the Trace.

Brooks adds that the leg of the Tammany Trace between Covington and Mandeville, densely populated with restaurants and other attractions, is probably the most active. Other stretches spotlight the woods and wetlands of the local scenery and appeal to those yearning for the great outdoors. Fontainebleau State Park is a great stop for nature enthusiasts, campers, birdwatchers, and others looking to get off the main thoroughfare of the Trace as well.

No bike? No problem. Brooks’ has an easy rental service that offers a variety of options for cyclists, from the ever-popular cruiser to more intrepid multi-speeds. Or if your own bike needs a little TLC, the community Bike Shop at the Brooks’ Mandeville location can help you get Trace-ready in no time.

If all this has you feeling a bit too land-bound, try renting a kayak or paddleboard from Brooks instead. The popular nearby Bogue Falaya waterway can give you a different perspective than your average hike and should have you floating on just fine.