Directions: From New Orleans:
Proceed westbound on Interstate 10, exit at I-310 turning south to Airline Hwy
(US 61) exit west on US Hwy 61 and continue @ 5 miles to Norco. The Spillway
Pavilion will be on your right side, just prior to the Spillway Bridge. Turn
right onto the levee roadway, which leads to the Pavilion an Boat Launch.
Trail Information: (The Great Spillway Classic Trail Run is
held each year in July, this years date is July 15th. Check the NOTC website at www.runNOTC.org
for information)
**The Spillway Classic is the 2nd largest trail run in the USA
The Spillway has numerous trails, the Spillway Classic 3 mile trail run begins
adjacent to the Pavilion and proceeds towards the levee. Turn left on top of the
levee and continue north for @ 1-1/4 miles. Then turn off the levee to your left
and proceed into the Spillway Trail. Continue on the pathway towards the canal.
Turn left just before running into the Canal (not advised) the trail continues
parallel back towards the pavilion.
Miscellaneous Information: Beware of critters. Snakes, nutria, wild
pigs, perhaps a gator (that's Alligator) who particularly like flesh from
non-Louisiana residents. Pending rainfall, it can be quite muddy and wet, which
means more fun. Generally the trail is hard packed sand surface with numerous
lower area water troughs and mud bogs, that's Louisiana mud (see note about
shoes later in article) The trail has several extensions that go back towards
the levee, keep to the trail that parallels the canal only. It can be very hot
and humid and mosquito's frequent this area. Bring water and insect repellant.
It might be a good idea also to bring another pair of shoes, take the ones you
wore for the run and throw them away afterwards and put on the other pair.
They're not salvageable.
Chuck George, DIrector, New Orleans Track Club
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