The best traffic-free bike rides in St. Bernard Parish

There are 8 dedicated no traffic road cycling routes in St. Bernard Parish featured in this guide, offering a variety of experiences for cyclists.

Yes, St. Bernard Parish is predominantly flat, making it ideal for beginners. This guide features 7 easy routes, such as the New Orleans Holocaust Memorial loop from New Orleans, which is just under 28 km. The parish's commitment to expanding its bikeway infrastructure also ensures many accessible options.

Cyclists can enjoy diverse scenery, from rides along the Mississippi River Trail, offering views of historic sites, to routes winding through the parish's intricate network of bayous, wetlands, and bottomland hardwood forests. You might also encounter picturesque stretches like the 'Tunnel of Trees' on St. Bernard Highway.

While most routes are easy, there are longer options for those seeking more distance. For example, the New Orleans City Park – Lafitte Greenway loop from New Orleans covers over 63 km, providing a moderate challenge with extended riding.

The mild winters and pleasant spring and autumn months generally offer the most comfortable conditions for cycling in St. Bernard Parish, avoiding the peak heat and humidity of summer. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Port Pontchartrain Lighthouse – Big Lake City Park loop from New Orleans, which offers a scenic circular ride.

St. Bernard Parish offers a rich history. Routes can pass by significant locations such as the Los Islenos Heritage Site, Chalmette National Historic Park, and Jackson Barracks. Cycling through coastal communities like Yscloskey and Delacroix also provides a glimpse into local culture and traditions.

Given that nearly 75% of St. Bernard Parish is water, with diverse marshes and bayous, you can expect to see a variety of wetland wildlife. St. Bernard State Park, for instance, is a stop on America's WETLAND Birding Trail, making it a great spot for birdwatching. For more information on nature watching, you can visit visitstbernard.com.

St. Bernard Parish has been actively developing its bikeway infrastructure, with approximately 100.78 miles of bikeways, including multi-use trails, bike lanes, and shared lanes. This is part of a larger plan to create a 183-mile regional bikeway system, ensuring a growing network of traffic-free and low-traffic options.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience in St. Bernard Parish, with an average score of 4.375 stars. Reviewers often praise the flat terrain, which makes for accessible rides, and the unique blend of riverfront, wetland, and historical scenery found along the routes.

Yes, a popular cycling destination is the route towards Delacroix Island, often nicknamed the 'End of the World.' This area allows cyclists to experience coastal cultures and wildlife, passing through places like Yscloskey and Delacroix, known for their seafood and traditions. While not explicitly listed in the guide's routes, it's a well-known local cycling adventure.