The best cycling routes around Metairie
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313
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Touring cycling around Metairie, Louisiana, is characterized by its flat geography, which provides accessible and easy-to-navigate terrain. The region features significant water bodies, including Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, offering scenic waterfront routes. Numerous green spaces and local bayous contribute to a varied landscape suitable for cycling. This environment supports a range of cycling experiences, from leisurely rides to longer excursions.
Best touring cycling routes around Metairie
- The most popular touring cycling route is Audubon Park β Audubon Park loop from Kenner, a 27.5 miles (44.3 km) trail that takes 2 hours 33 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers extensive cycling through green spaces and urban parkland.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Port Pontchartrain Lighthouse β Bayou Metairie loop from Indian Beach, a moderate 22.3 miles (35.8 km) path. This route provides scenic views along Lake Pontchartrain and through local bayou areas.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Bayou Metairie β New Orleans City Park loop from West End, a 12.9 miles (20.7 km) trail leading through urban green spaces and along bayous, often completed in about 1 hour 13 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Metairie is defined by flat terrain, expansive lakefront paths, and access to urban parks. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to moderate longer rides.
- The routes in Metairie are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 20 reviews. More than 200 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Metairie's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
3.8
(4)
25
riders
44.3km
02:33
40m
40m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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20
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20.8km
01:15
20m
20m
The Bayou Metairie β New Orleans City Park loop from West End offers a wonderfully accessible touring cycling experience, winding through shaded paths and open green spaces. You'll pedal past ancient oak trees and alongside the tranquil Bayou Metairie, enjoying picturesque views and the flat, paved terrain. This easy 12.9-mile (20.8 km) route, with only 57 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, is a perfect way to spend about 1 hour and 14 minutes exploring the heart of New Orleans' natural beauty.
Planning your visit to this popular cycling trail is straightforward. Starting from the West End, the route is suitable for any fitness level, making it a great option for beginner touring cycling. While specific parking information isn't detailed, the West End provides convenient access to the park. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day or year for the most comfortable ride.
Beyond the scenic ride, this loop is part of a larger network of 24 miles of pathways within City Park, offering plenty of options for further exploration. You'll pass by notable landmarks like the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Botanical Garden. The Bayou Metairie itself has a fascinating history, having been formed by a shift in the Mississippi River approximately 2,600 years ago, adding a unique layer to your ride.
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4.0
(4)
21
riders
27.0km
01:34
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
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17.6km
01:01
10m
10m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
riders
17.0km
01:03
20m
20m
The Audubon Park loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, easily accessible from Tulane University. You'll pedal beneath ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, past serene lagoons teeming with waterfowl, and catch glimpses of the Audubon Golf Course and Zoo. This easy 10.6-mile (17.0 km) route features a mere 63 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, making it a perfect, flat ride for all skill levels, typically taking about 1 hour and 3 minutes.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the park is conveniently located directly across St. Charles Avenue from Tulane. The primary cycling path is a paved loop, closed to vehicular traffic, ensuring a safe and smooth ride. While the core loop is 1.8 miles, this route extends your journey to explore the wider park and the beautiful Tulane campus, offering a longer, yet still very accessible, ride. It's an ideal spot for a relaxed outing any time of day.
This cherished urban oasis provides a tranquil escape from city life, popular among students and locals alike. Beyond cycling, the park accommodates various activities like jogging and rollerblading, and features picnic areas and playgrounds. For those seeking a longer ride, the adjacent Tulane University campus allows for an extended route, adding to the scenic points and overall experience of this popular bike trail in Audubon Park, New Orleans.
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Popular around Metairie
Tips from the Community
As the sun sets over the French Quarter, a striking image appears on the New Orleans skyline: the illuminated cross atop St. Louis Cathedral. Perched on the cathedral's central spire, this cross is subtly yet powerfully illuminated, creating a spiritual beacon in the nighttime cityscape. The cross is not only a religious symbol but also a visual reminder of the city's historical and cultural roots. Visible from Jackson Square and even from the riverfront, it contributes to the mystical atmosphere so characteristic of New Orleans.
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Jackson Square is a historic square in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is named after General Andrew Jackson, who played a key role in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815.
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Imposing statue right in the center of the city
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This is a beautiful and well-maintained park that makes for a great picnic spot. There is lots of history, the architecture and landscaping is fantastic, and of course the iconic Louis Armstrong Arch is a must-see.
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New Orleans City Park is the largest outdoor attraction in New Orleans at 1,300 acres, surpassing Central Park in size. It is also one of the oldest parks in the country, and features many different attractions, including the New Orleans Botanical Garden, Storyland playground, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, alongside themed gardens, biking and walking paths, live concerts, and the worldβs largest grove of mature live oak trees. The park offers facilities for various events, recreational rentals like surreys and swan boats, and private gondola rides. Be aware if riding your bike: golf carts are allowed on designated roads but not on bike paths or grassy areas, and they must follow posted speed limits.
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The Greenway is one of the best ways to get from Mid-City to Downtown since it is a fully protected route and not in the street. There are a couple of street crossings with crosswalks.
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An absolute highlight and a must for every visitor to the city - you will inevitably pass by it again and again
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect when touring cycling in Metairie?
Metairie's geography is predominantly flat, making it an accessible and easy-to-navigate area for touring cyclists of all abilities. This flat landscape allows for longer, more relaxed rides without strenuous climbs.
How many touring cycling routes are available in Metairie?
There are over 35 touring cycling routes around Metairie, offering a variety of options for different preferences and skill levels. Most of these routes are considered easy, with a few moderate options for those seeking a longer ride.
Are there any family-friendly touring cycling routes in Metairie?
Yes, Metairie's flat terrain and dedicated paths are ideal for families. Routes like the Bayou Metairie β New Orleans City Park loop from West End are rated as easy and offer pleasant rides through urban green spaces. Lafreniere Park also provides a safe, paved loop perfect for family outings.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see while cycling in Metairie?
While cycling in Metairie, you can enjoy scenic views along Lake Pontchartrain and through local bayou areas. If you venture towards New Orleans, you can explore historic sites such as Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, admire French Quarter Historic Architecture, or see the iconic St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Metairie area?
Yes, many routes in the Metairie area are designed as loops. For example, the Port Pontchartrain Lighthouse β Bayou Metairie loop from Indian Beach offers a moderate 35.8 km ride with scenic views. Another option is the Audubon Park β Audubon Park loop from Jefferson, an easy 18.3 km route.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Metairie?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the flat, accessible terrain, the scenic lakefront paths, and the pleasant rides through urban parks and green spaces.
Where can I find parking for bike trails in Metairie?
Many popular cycling spots offer parking. Lafreniere Park, for instance, has extensive parking facilities. For the Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail, you can find parking at various access points along the lakefront, including near Bucktown and West End. When exploring routes that extend into New Orleans, consider parking near City Park or the starting points of trails like the Lafitte Greenway.
Are there any dog-friendly cycling routes in Metairie?
While specific dog-friendly cycling regulations can vary, many multi-use paths in Metairie, such as those in Lafreniere Park and along the Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail, generally allow leashed dogs. Always ensure your dog is comfortable with the distance and check for specific park rules regarding pets before you go.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Metairie?
The best time for touring cycling in Metairie is typically during the cooler months, from late fall through early spring (October to April). During this period, temperatures are more moderate, making for a more comfortable ride. Summers can be very hot and humid, so early mornings or late afternoons are preferable if cycling during that season.
Can I access New Orleans' cycling infrastructure from Metairie?
Yes, Metairie's proximity to New Orleans allows for easy access to the city's cycling network. You can connect to routes like the Lafitte Greenway, which offers a scenic path from the French Quarter to Mid-City, or explore the extensive paths within New Orleans' City Park, including the Zemurray Trail around Big Lake.
Are there any long-distance touring cycling options in Metairie?
For longer rides, the Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail offers a significant draw, extending approximately 12 miles from Kenner to New Orleans, providing a 24-mile round-trip option. Another moderate route is the Audubon Park β Audubon Park loop from Kenner, which covers 44.3 km.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see along Metairie's cycling routes?
Metairie's routes often feature picturesque lagoons, marshlands, and extensive open lawns, particularly within parks like Lafreniere. The Pontchartrain Lakefront Trail offers expansive views of Lake Pontchartrain, while other routes may take you along local bayous and through tree-lined streets, providing a mix of water views and green spaces.
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