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.

I was at a teacher training in Harrisburg and did several out and back rides in the evenings and a long ride the day after the training.

Well kept for the most part. There is a parallel horse trail, but it doesn't look used much.

Lots of nice scenery to look at as well as small towns along the way. I was always able to find a nice restaurant after my rides, but not always close to the trail. Had to load up the bike and do a Google search or use my GPS to find one.

Not too far along the trail out of Prentiss is Lake Jeff Davis. There is a side trail going out to the lake. There is also a very small state park campground there. It looks like it would be a nice place to camp and ride the trail. The Longleaf Trace is nice rolling hills with nothing too steep. However, the side trail to Lake Jeff Davis is like a roller coaster ride with a very steep hill as you get close to the lake.

I personally like the NW section of this trail that ends in Prentiss. It winds through the rural areas with fewer crossroads. The terrain varies more that the Hattiesburg area. There are forgiving long hills that are fun. The surface is great with lots of signage along the entire trail. The bathrooms along this trails are spotless, and waste cans are placed at the many rest areas. We are Pennsylvania and pedaled the entire trail.

Stayed in Fontainebleau State Park for a couple of days and rode the Trace to Slidell on January 1st 2019 in miserable weather. Got soaked, returned to the State Park for a change of clothing and continued to ride towards Covington. Didn't realize how early darkness would set in though, not being local and had to turn around at I12. Unfortunately I had to leave the next day. Well, going all the way next time, hopefully this spring. Loved the beautiful Trace.

I rode this trail as I cycled the Southern Tier in 2018 as a solo cyclist. It is a wonderful trail and lots to see. Very well maintained and loved the scenery from the ponds with the lily pods and daffodils plants to the beautiful waters edge at the bridge and dam. Oh and loved that Bathroom stop at almost the halfway point by the bridge. Just wish it went on longer.

Finally…….after months of trying to get down to Southern LA, we enjoyed our best overall rails to trails experience. Not that the TT is the best trail (great surface, clean restrooms, good security and frequent trailheads) rather it’s the whole package; great local restaurants, Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau S.P., water splash pads, Abita Brewery, community fairs (Mandeville on Saturday & Abita Springs on Sunday), drive-thru daiquiris and the IMAX theater at Slidell.

Due to the impromptu nature of our trip, we had to stay in a motel in North Slidell, decent & inexpensive. We planned to tent camp at Fontainebleau or rent a B&B in Mandeville but everything was booked. The east terminus was easy to find but you will have to park across Gause Blvd. at the shopping centers if you don’t park at the trailhead. The trail is pine tree lined with a lot of crossing that will moderate your speed. Eventually, you reach the picturesque, rolling bascule bridge over Bayou Lacombe (bridge hours vary). We arrived at Fontainebleau ($3 entrance fee) to relax at the lake/beach/pier and roll through the campsites all under majestic live oaks, approx. 32 miles round trip.

The following day we drove to Abita Springs to ride the western half. First, we rode to the western terminus at Covington and turned around at the statue of Ronaldus Magnus and returned to Fontainebleau. When passing Mandeville, we explored the harbor area and rode along Lakeshore drive. Upon returning to Abita Springs, approx. 35 miles round trip, we partook of post ride refreshments at the brewery, free beer tokens come with the tour! We are definitely planning to return in the very near future; “laissez les bon temp rouler.”