New Orleans is one of the more unique cities in the United States. The city on the Mississippi River is world-famous for its plenitude of unique architectural styles, which reflect the city’s historical roots and multicultural heritage. Its historic districts remain largely intact and are a popular tourist attraction. Known as the “Big Easy,” New Orleans is also known for its elegant galleries and restaurants, scenic shops of the Riverwalk esplanade and America’s greatest river, the Aquarium of the Americas, cobbled courtyards, wrought-iron balconies, and stucco walls. This is our guide to the best places to go running in New Orleans, Louisiana.
There are some good running options in New Orleans. There are paths along the Mississippi River, beautiful parks with graceful southern foliage, a pleasant run in the Garden District, and unique paths such as the Levee. The heart of New Orleans running focuses on the river paths near the Audubon Aquarium, out St. Charles St. and into the Garden District, and the Audubon Park/Tulane University area. City Park is a running oasis about 4 miles north of the French Quarter. One can also run through the streets and architectural wonders of the French Quarter, but proscribing a particular run is a challenge and the area tends to get very crowded. A brand new 2.5 mile bike/pedestrian trail, the Lafitte Greenway, now connects the French Quarter to City Park, paralleling Canal St. Running on Canal St., the heart of the downtown commercial area, is not so hot.
And speaking of heat, New Orleans is famous for its heat and humidity, so be wary in the summer months.
