Field guide
The Lafitte Greenway trail in New Orleans for runners
Official information for runners and hikers on the Lafitte Greenway trail. Find details on the 2.6-mile route, surface, hours, and public transit access.
The Lafitte Greenway is a multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists that runs through New Orleans. It functions as a transportation route and a public space with cultural and natural features.
This guide provides practical details for runners and hikers based on official sources, covering the trail itself, how to access it, and what you will find along the way.
Official facts at a glance
- Type of place
- Biking and pedestrian trail
- Location
- Through the heart of New Orleans
- Trail length
- 2.6 miles
- Trail surface
- Biking and pedestrian trail
- Operating hours
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Lemann Pool entry fee
- Free
- Transit access from CBD
- Loyola Avenue bike lane connects to Basin St. Trailhead
- Transit access from hospitals
- Ride Galvez Street 4 blocks northeast from Canal Street
- Transit access from Uptown
- Norman C. Francis off-street path connects at Bayou St. John roundabout
- Bikes allowed
- Yes, shared with pedestrians
- Bike network connection
- Central artery of New Orleans’ burgeoning bicycle network
- Notable features
- Public art, live performances, and creativity
- Nature features
- Native plants, trees, and green spaces for water management
- Farmers Market
- Every Thursday at 436 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy
Sources: Amenities (lafittegreenway.org), Plan Your Visit (lafittegreenway.org). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
The trail route and surface
The Lafitte Greenway is a 2.6-mile trail. The surface is a dedicated path for both pedestrians and people on bikes.
As a shared trail, runners and walkers should be aware that they will encounter bicycle traffic. The greenway is a central part of the city's bicycle network.
Features along the greenway
The trail incorporates public art, spaces for live performances, and areas of creativity. It also features native plants, trees, and green spaces designed for water management.
A farmers market operates every Thursday at 436 N. Norman C. Francis Pkwy. The Lemann Pool, located along the route, has free entry.
Hours and public access
The trail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Runners and walkers can plan activities for any time of day.
The greenway can be reached from several points. The Loyola Avenue bike lane connects the Central Business District to the Basin St. Trailhead. From the hospital area, ride Galvez Street 4 blocks northeast from Canal Street. The Norman C. Francis off-street path connects from the Uptown area at the Bayou St. John roundabout.
Before you go
- The trail is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- The path is a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists.
- The total length of the trail is 2.6 miles.
- Access to the Lemann Pool is free.
- A farmers market is held on Thursdays at a specific address on the route.
All cities: City running and hiking guides.