New Orleans is one of the more unique cities in the United States. Located on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is 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. It’s also known as the “Big Easy” for its vibrant nightlife and music scene. The options for running in New Orleans have improved in recent years, with new trails and better connections. If you’d like to have an in-person guided running experience in New Orleans, we highly recommend our friends at Go! Running Tours.
There are two main ‘sections’ for running in central New Orleans. A highlight is the recently improved and expanded Riverfront Trail, steps from the French Quarter. Another special experience is to get up early to beat the crowds & heat for a ‘runseeing’ tour of the historic French Quarter. The Lafitte Greenway connects the French Quarter to historic City Park — a lovely green space and popular for running. The other popular area for running is the lovely residential streets of the Garden District, extending to Audubon Park. There are also 20 miles of waterfront running on Lake Ponchartrain, and two long sections of Levee path, called the Mississippi River Trail. The Tammany Trace Bike Trail is a 31-mile path through NOLA’s northern suburbs. For a destination run, head to Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, with scenic trails along boardwalks, a canal, and through protected marshland.
Runner Notes: New Orleans is famous for its heat and humidity, so be wary in the summer months. Use caution!
