Built in response to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the Bonnet Carré Spillway serves to redirect water from the Mississippi River to flow into Lake Pontchartrain, which then makes its way down to the Gulf. It’s only been opened a handful of times since it was constructed, including twice in 2019, and most recently in April of 2020. In addition to flood management, the area is also a protected wildlife management area, home to countless creatures both on land and in the water.
While fishing and crabbing is certainly a popular pastime along the spillway, there’s a beautiful bike trail that’s perfect for a springtime hike, and you’ll want to tackle it as soon as you can.
The Bonnet Carré Spillway Trail, also known as the Nomambo Mountain Bike Trail, is a 5-mile trail that runs along the spillway.
Tano Gentile/Google
With several ramps, bridges, twists, and turns, it’s no wonder why it’s one of the best trails in Louisiana for mountain bikers to tackle.
Jon Hebert/Google
But even though it’s primarily used by bikers, hikers can use it too.
Stacey Duarte-Thomas/All Trails Typically, bikers tackle the trail in a clockwise direction, and hikers walk counter-clockwise.
Whether you’re on a bike or on foot, the trail lends itself to adventurers of all skill levels.
Robert Lee/All Trails You’ll have several options along the trail where you can assess the difficulty and challenge yourself.
If you time it right, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful wildflowers!
Robert Lee/All Trails Typically, you’ll see these lovely flowers bloom from March through May, and they certainly add a splash of color to an already beautiful hike!
The trail will lead you through the canopies of trees…
Emily Hernandez/All Trails
…and wide-open areas where you can marvel at the scenery and do some birdwatching.
Kelly King/All Trails
And the views? Simply mesmerizing.
Amanda Knezevich/All Trails You’ll see some top-notch spillway scenery along the way.
Have you ever hiked the Nomambo Mountain Bike Trail? Let us know in the comments!
Tano Gentile/Google
Jon Hebert/Google
Stacey Duarte-Thomas/All Trails
Typically, bikers tackle the trail in a clockwise direction, and hikers walk counter-clockwise.
Robert Lee/All Trails
You’ll have several options along the trail where you can assess the difficulty and challenge yourself.
Typically, you’ll see these lovely flowers bloom from March through May, and they certainly add a splash of color to an already beautiful hike!
Emily Hernandez/All Trails
Kelly King/All Trails
Amanda Knezevich/All Trails
You’ll see some top-notch spillway scenery along the way.
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