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 United States. 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 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. In Epley, 15 miles northwest, 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 2 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:
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 49 about 27 miles northwest to Collins and turn west on US 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: [4 trail ratings]
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What a terrific trail!
By gaoakleys in February, 2012
The day before, we drove part of the route to check out trail heads and parking. We travel in a Class B Roadtrek RV and wanted to be certain of space and safety. The parking at the Gateway at Southern Miss was great, we felt like Jackson Road Station was a bit too remote and finally settled on Sumrall since we were staying at Okatoma Resort RV Park near-by. We rode from Sumrall to Lott Circle and back (14 miles) and then Sumrall to Epley Station and back (8 miles). We chose to do "uphill" sections on the way out and hoped for a coast on the return. The trail is pretty flat, but we did experience what another review called "long inclines". We are in our late 60s/early 70s and don't get to ride very often but we handled the trip well and loved the well tended and accurate signage along the way. The February day was wet and cloudy but even that didn't dampen our ride on this terrific trail.
Great Ride
By dscollard in January, 2012
Biked 22 miles of this trail from the Jackson Road Depot to Sumrall and back. The day was one of those gorgeous mid-January spring Saturdays you can only find in the South. Quite a few runners out and very few cyclists. The pathway is very smooth with few cross streets to cause you to stop. Had a good number of rest stops (every 4 - 5 miles) with water/facilities and even an occasional rain shelter. The outbound trip north was very scenic and relaxing. Even better, on the way back you can really hammer it since it is 80% ever so slightly downhill. You can flat out fly. I'm 52 and could pretend my had my 30-something legs were back. I have been on the Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga and other trails and this one compares very nicely with them. Can't wait to try the rest of it.
The Trace is Great
By philipger in January, 2012
I am a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, I love riding the trace any chance I get. I am originally from Hattiesburg and I actually have about 3 or 4 family members whos property lies directly next to the trace. We all love to hunt so its no surprise that there are a few good ole boys walkin around wielding rifles. I havent gotten a chance to ride the trace in its entirety but I can tell you the ride from USM to sumrall is very nice, very little grade in the pavement which makes pedaling simple. I took a 8 mile ride today for fun and I cant wait to do it again maybe tomorrow.
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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: Bike, Inline Skating, Wheelchair Accessible, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking, Walking
TrailLink ID: 6016508

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Guidebook: Learn more about other Southeast rail-trails in RTC's Southeast Guidebook.
Trail of the Month: February 2004
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