Find the top rated running trails in Pearl, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
We really enjoy this path. The scenery is great and it seems to be well maintained. There are a few places where the paved path surface is broken up, but it’s not bad yet. Be careful, I saw a couple of spandex bicycle riders going too fast for this trail. Also, women walking alone should be alert. I’ve noticed creepy guys out here a couple times.
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 was worried about 2 things. Safety as I ride by myself and heat as it was August and 92 degrees. No problems with either as long as you keep moving. Began at USM to Epley road (I had someone drop off and then meet me at the end-reassuring to have cell signal). Shaded most of the way. It was quiet but about every 5 mins there was another cyclist or jogger. The neighborhoods that I noticed seemed quiet and middle-upper. Not any hills to speak of but good solid stretches were a real work out. I thoroughly enjoyed the rest stops and beaver pond all very well maintained. I’ll try an early morning ride next.
Made trip from Fl. to do 2 trails in Ms and 1 in Al. This trail should be on every to do list. Nice scenery, all rest areas were clean, had several rain shelters. Surface is smooth with a few tree root bumps well marked. We did it round trip over several days while camping at Jeff Davis Lake. It you are adventurous try the connector trail from the campground to the trail near the Prentiss end, it is short but a hilly challenge. Trail is supported well by local community.
Started at Prentiss on the north end about 7:30 am. Got down to downtown Hattiesburg and spent about an hour there getting something to eat an drink then headed back to Prentiss. Stopped lots of times on the trail and did an easy speed. Finished by 4:00 pm. Great rest stops with restrooms. Trail gets a bit busier the closer you get to Hattiesburg, but no issues at all. Went about 30 minutes at one point without seeing another soul!
3/2018
started from the north end and went about half way to Hattiesburg. wonderful trail - great asphalt. lots of long slow hills that don't kill your speed, just cause you to dig a little harder to pull them. great road crossings.
Plenty of support every 10 miles or less for help if you need it.
Great trail, I was told that the western end is the most scenic- cant compare it personally , but this was beautiful.
As this was a Friday afternoon- I ran into very few other bikers, however none were particularly friendly- not sure what was up with that - but I still had a magnificent time, and will look to do it again.
Excellent Hall of Fame rail trail. I rode from Prentiss to Hattiesburg. Elevation drops 300+ ft. Absolutely beautiful and serene on this paved trail. Only concern is the # of roads crossing the trails making it impossible to ride steady speed w/o slowing down for cross traffic. Plenty rest areas. Ride took 3 1/2 hrs. Will ride again.
We started out just before the 5 mile marker in Hattiesburg, we thought it would be good to leave from our hotel (Baymont). Not good, we had to ride through 8 blocks of steep hills, thick traffic on a road not made for bicycles. Once on the trail we started to enjoy riding. The trail is well maintained and provided well spaced stops with vending machines and bathrooms. To Prentiss, there are several upward inclines, not steep, but we had to stay in first gear a lot. Spent the night at the Western (adequate) and returned the next day. Wow! we did it, 80 miles in 2 days!
We drove about 300 miles to ride this trail. We stayed at the Westin Inn in Prentiss and drove to Hattiesburg to start our ride. This was October 29, 2016.
We planned to ride from the beginning of the trail at SMU but SMU took over the trail parking lot for their homecoming. They planned to tow away all cars parked after noon that day. NOT VERY FRIENDLY IN OUR VIEW!!!!
We had to start our ride 7 miles further up the trail at the next parking area. The trail is great. Stopped at Sumrall for lunch. We saw no one else using the trail after Sumrall. It was completely deserted. Expected a 41 mile trail but when the mile markers went to 42, then 43, then 44 miles we began to wonder. We finally got to Prentiss at 44+ miles and rode about half a mile to our hotel.
The Westin Inn is a very nice little hotel. Clean, updated, friendly staff who live on the property and reasonable price.
Signs showing how to get to the trail are everywhere except in Prentiss!!!
We rode this trail from the University trailhead away from the city. It doesn't take long to realize why this is a Hall of Fame Trail. Wide, well-maintained, and excellent support facilities make this a pleasure to ride upon. One of the top 5 trails I've been on. A great positive for this area.
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