The best cycling routes around Metairie
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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 – 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 – 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 – 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: May 14, 2026
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20
riders
20.8km
01:15
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
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26
riders
44.3km
02:33
40m
40m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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12
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
riders
17.0km
01:03
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Metairie
Tips from the Community
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 world’s 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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Bayou Metairie was created when the Mississippi River shifted 2,600 years ago, and now it's the centerpiece of a city park. There are a number of bridges, benches, and lookouts that are meant for viewing the bayou. The trails in and around the wetlands are great for jogging.
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This pleasant park in the heart of Uptown New Orleans is mostly frequented by residents and students from the nearby Tulane and Loyola universities, although tourists also come to admire its magnificent oak trees. The park has a 1.8-mile paved loop that is most useful for jogging and rollerblading but can be cycled as well for a quick tour of the park.
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Traversed by a few paved roads, the City Park can be partially visited by bike and with plenty of places to park, it can also be a good point to start a route. The park is an exuberant respite of nature in the middle of the city and its ancient oak trees and moss canopies make it evident that this is one of the oldest urban parks in the country.
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This popular pathway is one of the few paved segments of the entire trail that runs along the shores of the Mississippi River, all the way from Lake Itasca, in Minnesota. This section is locally known as the Levee Trail, as it goes on top of the levee for a long while. It is frequented by road cyclists and runners.
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Literally the big lake within City Park. It is surrounded by art sculptures and a natural habitat for many birds. There is a small bike path on a pier going a bit over the water.
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Nice run goal, or runway, if you like less through the city. Has a special flair in the dark, the partially illuminated trees are very impressive.
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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 – 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 – Bayou Metairie loop from Indian Beach offers a moderate 35.8 km ride with scenic views. Another option is the Audubon Park – 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 – 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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