In earlier days, the railroad was the lifeblood of St. Tammany Parish. Today, the railroad route is an extremely popular recreation, transportation, and educational corridor. Now called the Tammany Trace, it is Louisiana’s first and only rails-to-trails conversion. This multi-purpose, 200-foot-wide public path, created from the former Illinois Central Railroad beds, meanders through loblolly pines, live oaks and magnolias from Slidell to Covington.

Locals and tourists alike can crisscross urban, suburban and rural St. Tammany on foot, skates, bicycles, horses, and in wheelchairs. This 31-mile asphalted trail and parallel equestrian trail connects five communities: Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell. The Trace also serves as a wildlife conservation corridor, linking isolated parks, creating greenways, and preserving historic landmarks and wetlands. From the vantage point of 31 bridges that are actually built on the original railroad trestles, Trace users can observe the natural habitat, bayous, streams, and rivers.

December 31 will mark the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Trace. “It’s hard to believe the Trace is celebrating its tenth birthday,” says Parish President Kevin Davis. “No other parish-wide project has brought as much excitement to our parish. When we finish the bridge over the Bogue Falaya River, it will be possible to bike from Covington to Slidell. This is a dream become reality.”

History

With the help of numerous elected officials, the Trace received a $1.4 million federal grant for the purchase of the railroad corridor on December 31, 1992. Davis, then a member of the St. Tammany Police Jury, was one of the leaders in acquiring the rights of way and/or underlying property to the old railroad tracks. The process of transforming the abandoned rails to a modern, environment-friendly recreation and transportation trail began with a $75,000 planning grant from the Regional Planning Commission.

In 1993, the Tammany Trace Foundation was created as a private, non-profit partner in the development and operation of the Trace. The purpose of the foundation is to raise funds for improvements and operations of the Trace, to market the Trace, and to oversee any businesses that utilize Trace property.

The first section of the Trace to be constructed was the 8.5 miles between Abita Springs and Mandeville. It was an immediate draw for residents and visitors alike when it opened on September 17, 1994.

The trail stops just outside the City of Slidell by the Airport Road Trailhead. The rail lines going into Slidell are still active; the Trace cannot connect to the center of the city until rail rights-of-way become available.

The process of building the Trace will end in 2003. The final piece of the original 31-mile Trace will be the renovation of the bridge over the Bogue Falaya River, connecting the Abita Springs and Covington sections. Bridge construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2003.

Trailheads

Tammany Trace Rangers are stationed at trailheads across the parish. They patrol the Trace and provide assistance at the trailheads. With the assistance of the St. Tammany Tourist Commission, the Rangers have been trained to act as tourist facilitators by answering questions about other attractions, lodging and dining facilities.

The main Trace trailhead is at Koop Drive, between Mandeville and Abita Springs. This trailhead features an old caboose and a playground, as well as restroom and picnic facilities.

Mandeville renovated its train station into a fun community trailhead, including a water-sprinkler system for young tots. The Mandeville Trailhead is located at the intersection of Gerard Street and the Trace in Old Mandeville.
The Slidell Trailhead is located off Highway 190, just east of Thompson Road. This trailhead has restroom facilities and ample parking.

In Abita Springs, the Trace adjoins the Abita Springs Park, where parking, restrooms, and water are available. An additional trailhead will open in Lacombe in 2003.

The Trace Foundation welcomes new members. To become a Tammany Trace Traveler, call 867-9490 and request a membership brochure. Donations are welcome and are tax-deductible.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.