Good trail for a workout ¿ went 4 miles in yesterday. Volunteers with chainsaws clearing trail. Lots of families with small children. Didn't see any wildlife but deer prints.

We came down from the Chicago area the week of Thanksgiving to ride a couple rails to trails in Mississippi. This was our second of the two. We did all 44 miles both ways (88miles) over 2 days. Parked in Bassfield and rode the western portion on Sunday Nov 22nd, and left from Residence Inn Hattiesburg, and did the eastern portion, on Monday Nov 23rd. Really enjoyed the ride. Longleaf is very tree covered, so you're shaded most of the way. Bassfield has a great park that seems fairly well maintained. In fact, all the stations/depots/gateways were very well maintained. The trail is very sparse on the western end. In fact, we only saw 4 ppl from Bassfield to Prentiss and back (22miles), on a Sunny and 75 degree Sunday. More ppl obviously on Monday, on the eastern portion, but never felt crowded at all.

The Good. Trail has mile markers. Great signage (really, like a sign for just about everything), impossible to not know where you are on this trail. Crossings are all well marked. Good maps at stops (even showing elevations, milage, restrooms, you can find the map on the longleaf web site). Parking at all the stations/depots/gateways. Quite a few good rest tables/benches between stations. Water fountains outside the stations. No trash on the trail, and it had been cleared/blown recently because no leaves and very little sticks on the path.

The only two downsides were the trail asphalt is starting to show its age as far as how smooth. I wanted to call this out since a lot of the reviews here are 1.5years ago and older. There really isn't any ground that is super bad, or under repair, but in general, after mile marker 4 west of Hattiesburg to Prentiss, there's a lot of intermittent bumpiness from tree roots, every so often. However, some sections are still very smooth. Very small bumps, nothing that will break a wheel, but also very noticeable. We did this on trekking bikes w/ 700x35 size tires and front and seat shocks. We did see a few people doing the trail on road bikes, but on some of the smoother sections. I don't think a road bike w/ 28mm or less width, and no suspension, would be a whole lot of fun to do the entire thing anymore, or even certain sections. Second downside was that the bathrooms in both Bassfield and Prentiss were closed midday on a beautiful Sunday. Rating a 4/5 because of those two things. I'm sure this was a 5 star trail 5 years ago when the tree roots hadn't done their work. Would still recommend it if you’re in the area and haven’t done it.

Loved the tall pine trees. Trail was awesome!! We had time to only walk 6 miles. One of the best we’ve walked. Looking forward to coming back soon and walking the entire trail!!

Wonderfully flat, we rode from the Koop road trailhead (lots of parking) to the end in Slidell. LOTS or road crossings but the locals err on the side of caution and most stop even when not required. Round trip was more than 40 miles and every mile is beautiful. Cool drawbridge that we crossed and then got to watch operate for a boat heading upstream. The rest benches are plentiful at first but thin out further on.

Rode this trail 27 miles from Slidell to Covington to take advantage of prevailing winds. Trail is very flat, mostly tree lined, in good condition, and very scenic. There are many streets/roads to cross...be careful!

Pleasant 3-day trip starting in Covington to Fontainbleau State Park campsite. Trips from there both ways to Slidell, Mandeville, and Abita Springs. Ate a lot of meals in Mandeville which were very enjoyable. The ride to see the old oaks along Lakeshore Dr. is a must. Nice trailheads.

Best roller blading is from Covington (Harbor Freight) to Mandeville Trail head, be careful at the crossings. Do not cross 190 into old Covington it isn’t paved and is very difficult on roller blades. Also it is hard blading from Fontainebleau State Park to Slidell due to the old asphalt, very rough and fatiguing on the feet.

Trail was very well maintained and pretty much flat with no turns. Only complaint would be no markings along the trail at all. You better have a map or you’ll be wondering where you are and missing lots of sights.

It should really be noted somewhere that pets are not permitted on the trail. It was rather disappointing to get off the highway, find somewhere to park my RV, and walk down to the trail, only to find that I could not walk my dog.