The best cycling routes around New Orleans

New Orleans offers a diverse selection of touring cycling routes. There are over 30 routes available, with 29 categorized as easy and 5 as moderate, ensuring options for various skill levels.

New Orleans is characterized by its distinctly flat terrain, offering minimal elevation gain, which makes it accessible for all fitness levels. Cyclists can explore routes shaded by ancient live oak trees, along scenic bayous, and beside the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, providing a blend of urban charm and natural beauty.

Yes, New Orleans is ideal for beginners due to its flat topography. An excellent easy option is the Steamboat Natchez – Washington Artillery Park loop from New Orleans, which is 10.0 miles (16.0 km) and offers views of the Mississippi River and historic landmarks. Another accessible route is the Bayou Metairie – New Orleans City Park loop from West End, a 12.9-mile (20.7 km) path through urban parks and bayou landscapes.

Many routes offer picturesque views. You can cycle along the Mississippi River levee for expansive water views, or explore paths in City Park and Audubon Park, which are known for their ancient, moss-draped live oak trees. The region also provides access to unique bayous and wetlands, such as those found near Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, offering opportunities to observe native wildlife.

While New Orleans is generally flat, there are longer routes for those seeking a greater distance. The 17th Street Canal – Metairie Outfall Canal loop from Delgado Community College is a moderate 26.4-mile (42.4 km) route. For multi-day touring, sections of the Mississippi River Trail extend upriver towards Baton Rouge, passing through small towns and former plantations.

Many routes pass by significant landmarks. You can cycle past historic sites like Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, admire the French Quarter Historic Architecture, or visit iconic spots such as St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. The Steamboat Natchez is also a notable sight along the riverfront.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, making them convenient for touring cyclists. Examples include the Big Lake City Park – Bayou St. John loop from New Orleans, a 22.3-mile (35.9 km) moderate route, and the Bayou St. John – Big Lake City Park loop from New Orleans, which covers 22.5 miles (36.2 km).

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 10 reviews. Reviewers often praise the flat terrain, scenic routes along the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, and the charming urban green spaces like City Park, which offer a unique blend of nature and city exploration.

Absolutely. Parks like Audubon Park offer picturesque 1.8-mile paved paths that are car-free and shaded by oak trees, making them ideal for families. City Park also provides extensive biking paths and attractions suitable for a leisurely family ride.

The best time for cycling in New Orleans is typically during the cooler, drier months, from late fall through early spring (November to April). During this period, temperatures are more comfortable, and humidity is lower, making for a more enjoyable ride. Summers can be very hot and humid.

Many urban routes in New Orleans are accessible via public transport, particularly those within the city's core. The Lafitte Greenway, for example, connects Mid-City through Tremé to the French Quarter, areas well-served by public transit. For routes along the Mississippi River, a ferry can take you from the French Quarter to the Algiers neighborhood, providing access to paths on the west bank.