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: [0 trail ratings]
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Longleaf Trace
By mhwillems on June 12, 2010
This deserves a top award for being well kept, plenty of rest stops, restrooms, cold water and beautiful.
Trees are marked as to origin, wide asphalt, plenty of shade in this hot weather. It is obvious the
residents are very proud of the trail and want to keep it that way. I plan to go back and it is over 500 miles from my home.

MW
Beautiful trail
By torgrot on April 03, 2010
This is one of the nicest trails I have ever ridden. Wide paved, plenty of cold water available, clean well kept facilities. My wife and I have been down here three times from Chicago to ride the trail in the spring. There is nothing like warm weather, sunshine and flowers to get one out of the winter doldrums. We have ridden the length of the trail most years. Prentiss is the only bad spot for us. For whatever reason the facilities there are always locked. That is the western trail head. It is a fairly long climb from Prentiss, so save yourself some work and start in Bassfield or someplace further east.
Review of Longleaf Trace
By rbear on February 21, 2010
This is a great trail, best in Mississippi, probably best in the South, maybe even world. 10' wide, 12' in places, paved and almost level. The equestrain trail is great for horseback riding and wagons, and also great for trail runners, hikers, and mountain bikers. Lots of connecting trails for more variety. Has an award winning web site with lots of information. Extensions planned in Hattiesburg and Jeff Davis County.
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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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