Biking in Northwest Louisiana.

BY ADAM BAILEY

Do you want to enjoy skyline views along the Red River or explore the forests of Lincoln Parish? Do you want a leisurely ride, or should you pack the mountain bikes for a camping weekend? It’s summer—the perfect time to hit the road (literally) and find your favorite bike routes, trails, and endless scenery options across North Louisiana.

Red River Bicycle Trail – Shreveport

The Red River Bicycle Trail runs through the heart of Shreveport— offering views of both the Red River and Shreveport-Bossier skyline along the way. This nearly seven-mile-long path starts at Riverview Park in downtown Shreveport, where visitors can enjoy a variety of gardens and sculptures. As you proceed south, trail passes through several recreation areas—Veterans and Freedom Park, the Clyde Fant Memorial Disc Golf Course, Stoner Avenue Skate Park, and Stoner Sport Marina, and ends at Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park, a 17-acre public open space with a picnic area and boat launch. If you’re looking to enjoy a day of walking or biking—the Red River Bicycle Trail is a great choice!

The Monkey Trail – Keithville

The Monkey Trail is a series of loop trails throughout 800+ acres of mature hardwood forest at Eddie D Jones Park. It has 10-plus miles of some of the best biking trails around—mostly singletrack with plenty of climbing. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it will take the average rider over three hours to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking—but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Yes, dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.

Arthur Ray Teague Parkway Trail – Bossier City

The Arthur Ray Teague Parkway Trail is an 8-foot-wide, fourmile-long pathway situated on the bank of the Bossier City side of the Red River—providing unobstructed views of the water and surrounding greenery. The trail also provides vital connections for commuters, with links to destinations such as the Brookshire Grocery Arena and Walker Place Park. Along the trail, you’ll find benches, restrooms, and a park at the halfway point—making it convenient for families with children.

Big Tree Hiking Trail – Bossier Parish

Don’t let the name deceive you (it isn’t just for hiking). This seven-mile-long, intermediate-level mountain biking trail is located at Barksdale Air Force Base near Bossier City (so you’ll need base access if you want to ride the trail). There are more than 50 tree species in this hidden gem of a preserve, many of which you’ll see when riding over the long (and sturdy) bridges that span its marshes.

Bodcau Recreation Area – Bossier Parish

Bodau’s seven-mile biking trail was originally a hiking/nature trail that has been redesigned to provide the mountain biker with some of the finest single-track riding in Louisiana, with several of the longest and fastest single-track downhill sections in the state. Perfect for those who are wanting a taste of big hill riding right here in Louisiana—for it will definitely get your heart rate up. This trail is the secret training ground for many ranked Louisiana racers. It is said that one seven-mile lap here is the equivalent of one eleven-mile lap at Lincoln Parish Park (keep reading).

Lincoln Parish Park – Lincoln Parish

Ruston is a city known by many visitors and locals as the Peach Capital of Louisiana. But for mountain biking enthusiasts, the area is known for Lincoln Parish Park. One of the premier trails in this region, and host to the AMBC Series race in the fall of each year—the trail is ten-miles long, and has a little something for all skill levels—hills, downhills, rocks, switchbacks, turns and inclines galore are all worthy of the hype. The trial crosses the park roads about 5 times, so you can stop if you’ve had enough.

– Ruston

If you want to join a local bike club to satisfy your need for adventure, here are a few to consider:

Shreveport Bicycle Club

Dating back all the way to 1979, this club is a recreational bicycle club with the goal of promoting safe and friendly biking. They have regular bike rides on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Sunrise Triathlon Club

Shreveport-Bossier is very lucky to have a healthy triathlon community in the area. This club is a non-profit organization comprised of athletic-minded members of all levels and ages who swim, bike, and run in Shreveport-Bossier and beyond. Originally known as the Sunrise Swim and Tri Club, it was established in 1993 by a small group of intrepid athletes who swam regularly at sunrise (hence, the club’s name) and soon began adding running and cycling to their routine. Today, the