Bogue Chitto State Park Trail: Tower of Terror
At LOOP NOLA, we have taken our Outdoor Adventure Club students on mountain biking trips, and it’s always a hit. We realized that lots of people who live in New Orleans or visit the city are unfamiliar with the local mountain biking options. We hope that you get to explore these fabulous trails and enjoy some local mountain biking adventures!
Mountain biking enthusiasts, welcome to the city of New Orleans! Though the city is known for its phenomenal food scene, unique cultural, and incredible music history, New Orleans also offers fantastic opportunities to get involved in the outdoors. Whether you are a local or just visiting the Big Easy, anyone interested can immerse themselves in New Orleans’ remarkable mountain biking opportunities. The four biggest trails in the area are the Bogue Chitto State Park trail, the Spillway trail, BREC trails, and the newest of the four, the Parc Des Familles trail. See which of these four excellent trails is the right fit for you and experience something new this city area has to offer!
Bogue Chitto State Park
Practice jumps
The Bogue Chitto State Park trails offer a biking experience unlike any other. Approximately 90 minutes north of New Orleans in Franklinton, these amazing trails offer the widest variety of trail styles and difficult levels. The State Park offers multiple high-quality trails at various skill levels, easy and challenging for any individual or group. For novice riders, the park offers gentle, flatter trails that allow beginners to enjoy the natural scenery at an easy pace. These trails are well-maintained and well-marked, making it easy to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with the area. This park also has plenty to experience for more intermediate and advanced riders as well. There are multiple trails that offer thrill-seeking aspects such as narrower paths, tighter switchbacks, and steeper drops. For those who feel comfortable and able, Bogue Chitto State Park allows you to push yourself to your limits and hone your skills. However, regardless of skill level, remember to bring a helmet to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Keep in mind too that trail conditions can vary due to weather (especially after it rains), and that you should check to ensure that trails are not too muddy to ride. And finally leave no trace! Respect your natural surroundings and be careful not to litter or leave any belongings behind.
BREC
Intro level incline
The BREC mountain bike trails are located about an hour from New Orleans in Baton Rouge, and there are two trails to choose from. Newer riders will likely prefer the Hooper Road Bike Trails. They include mostly smooth and scenic riding with mild elevation. More advanced riders might prefer the Comite River/Kerry Stamey Trails. These trails include more elevation changes, tight turns, and opportunity for skill building. Both trail options are over five miles long, and helmets are required.
Spillway Trail
Single track through wildflowers
The Spillway Trail is another great option for local mountain biking. Around 30 minutes west of New Orleans in Norco, this trail allows visitors to experience the natural beauty of the forest and surrounding lake. At about 8 miles long, this trail is what you make of it, meaning both novice and more advanced riders are able to partake and compete at a skill level most comfortable for their personal preferences. There are many flat sections that allow beginners to take things at a slower pace and soak up the beauty of the Spillway Trail area. For more extreme riders, there are many opportunities to push your skill level with some rooty terrain and the occasional jump. Before visiting, make sure to check their website for trail updates and possible closures, respect the trail etiquette and those around you to ensure an enjoyable experience for all, and always make sure to remember a helmet! Make sure you and everyone in your party stays hydrated as well.
Parc de Familles
It’s so new, we haven’t even tried it yet. Check the videos though — they look great!
And lastly, the newest addition to the New Orleans area mountain biking scene is the Parc Des Familles trails about 30 minutes south of New Orleans in Marrero. Located in the swamp of the Parc des Familles property, this new trail allows for a fun and family-friendly experience! The length of the trail is just about 5 miles, making for good exercise for beginners. While there are some tighter parts of this single-track trail, there are also more open points, allowing for anyone at any skill level to partake in the fun.
All three of these trails are operated and maintained by volunteers and club members, so they rely on trail users to help keep the trails in good shape. Please be respectful while out in the parks, and never ride wet trails. As the saying goes, “If you’re leaving a rut, you’re doing it wrong.” And just like on every excursion, remember to hydrate, to bring proper safety equipment, to be conscious of others around you, and to enjoy the adventure!
