TrailLink :: Longleaf Trace

Longleaf Trace:
Mississippi

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Description:

Stretching 41 miles northwest from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg to small-town Prentiss, Longleaf Trace traverses landscapes that range from the bustling heart of Mississippi's third-largest city to the rural farmland that predominates in this area. A designated National Recreation Trail, the trace is the longest rail-trail in the south-central U.S. It runs atop a stretch of Mississippi Central Railroad line that saw much activity as the region's timber industry flourished between the late 1800s and 1920s. As the industry began to fade, so too did the need for the rail service, and although the railroad struggled on into the 1970s, it eventually ceased to be economically viable. Fortunately, a concerted effort by local groups and individuals preserved the corridor, and in 2000 it opened as a trail. Today the route is again active, as cyclists, inline skaters, and pedestrians ply the trail's smooth, well-maintained surface. Eight small covered rest areas along the route provide travelers with shade, restrooms, and vending machines, while three small shelters offer places to wait out brief summer rain showers. Start your trip at the trace gateway on the Southern Miss campus, where welcome center staff can offer advice, provide maps, and help visitors identify the many tree species that line the route, including the namesake longleaf pine. Bike rentals and parking are available here. Over the first few miles, the trail negotiates several tunnels and bridges. Leaving Hattiesburg behind, you'll progress through a range of quintessentially Southern landscapes, from piney woods and wetlands to small lakes and charming towns. Fifteen miles northwest, in Epley, the trail meets a dirt equestrian path that zigzags across the trace some 25 miles to Carson. Thirty-three miles out, just past Bassfield, is a stable, while two miles farther is a primitive camping site. The rolling hills that define this section may pose a challenge to less experienced cyclists. While the grades aren't particularly steep, factor them in if you're on a day trip or traveling with small children. At trail's end in downtown Prentiss, an attractive trailhead provides restrooms, parking, and vending machines. If you've chosen to end your trip in Hattiesburg instead, consider renting a canoe and plunging into Black Creek, a National Scenic River about 10 miles south of the Southern Miss gateway. Like the trace itself, the creek will take you for a gentle, slow-moving ramble through central Mississippi's piney woods.

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Parking & Trail Access:

Directions: To reach the Hattiesburg gateway, take I-59 to Exit 65/Hardy Street and head east. Following the brown trail signs, turn left on 38th Avenue, then right at the next light on Fourth Street. Just past the Southern Miss football stadium, turn left into the trailhead parking lot. To reach the Prentiss trailhead from Hattiesburg, take US Highway 49 about 27 miles northwest to Collins and turn west on US Highway 84. Nearly 20 miles west in Prentiss, the trace crosses the highway near its trailhead in a park. Just shy of this crossing, turn right on Front Street to access the trailhead. Contact: Pearl and Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District 2895 West Fourth Street Hattiesburg, MS 39404 (601) 450-5247

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Reviews:

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Long Leaf

By exbreadman on November 10, 2009

Grreat trail!

In the shade

By ten speed on March 21, 2008

My wife and I have ridden on the Longleaf Trace a number of times. We are here on the coast and do some riding down here, but when we want to make a good ride better, we take it to the Trace. There are places to take breaks, there are refreshment stops, and there are places where one can be picked up if there are emergencies or malfuntions. I see this as an assette to the community and a good place to prove ones ability on the cycles as well. There is no competition between automobiles and the Trace travelers. It is a fantastic situation. A situation that cannot be improved upon! You have the beautiful canopy of trees to help along the way.

Vr,
Wil

By Laddie on October 30, 2007

"Excellent trail, nice rest areas along the way,if you don't have a bike rent one in Hattisburg,friendly helpful staff."

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Trail Facts

Trail End Points: Prentiss to Hattiesburg (Gateway at Southern Miss)
Counties: Forrest, Jefferson Davis, Lamar
Trail Length: 41 miles
Trail Category: Rail-Trail
Trail Surfaces: Asphalt
Trail Activities: Walk, Horseback, Bicycle, Inline Skates, Mountain Bicycle, Wheelchair