Longleaf Trace
4.5(110)google
1.0(1)yelp
HikingNature
Overview
The Longleaf Trace is a 44-mile (71 km) paved pedestrian, equestrian, rollerblade, and bicycle trail between Hattiesburg and Prentiss, Mississippi, United States. Constructed in 2000, the trail follows a portion of the abandoned Mississippi Central Railroad line. It has nine stations along its route (Prentiss, Ed Parkman Road, Carson, Bassfield, Lott Circle, Sumrall, Epley, Clyde Depot, and Jackson Road).
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 day
Best TimeSpectacular from mid-October through November during peak autumn colors or spring wild blooms. Hit the trail early between 6:30 AM and 9:00 AM; as a premier rail-trail, early morning grants you tranquil misty corridors as the sun pierces the dense pine canopy, with frequent wild deer encounters.
Getting ThereThe primary Gateway Trailhead sits in Hattiesburg directly across from the USM campus at 2900 Hardy Street. Take I-59 to Exit 65 for Hardy Street East, drive 1 mile, and turn left into the dedicated Longleaf Trace welcome center lot, which features free parking and bike rentals.
Travel Tips
- This 44-mile rail-trail strictly prohibits smoking and all motorized vehicles, including electric dirt bikes; access is limited to cyclists, pedestrians, and permitted equestrian users.
- Utilize free trailhead lots in Hattiesburg or Columbia to unload equipment; the entire trace shuts from sunset to sunrise and features zero artificial lighting infrastructure.
- Rural mid-sections of the path suffer from frequent cellular network drops; pack self-sustaining water reserves and save local emergency response maps directly to your device offline.
Reviews
Positive
- This is a super long, multi-use paved trail converted from old rails; surrounded by lush longleaf pines, the scenery is pristine.
- Perfect for cycling, distance running, and walking; its true peaceful vibe makes it a top-tier outdoor fitness and fun spot.
- Completely free to the public with multiple convenient free parking trailheads and dedicated rest areas (benches/pavilions) along the way.
- Excellent trail order management throughout; motor vehicles are strictly banned, ensuring top safety with clear mileage signs.
Heads up
- The trail spans 40+ miles, and distance between core trailheads is far; it is hard to find a restroom quickly if thirsty or needy mid-ride.
- Rare remote sections lack streetlights after dark, turning pitch black; occasional cell service drops reduce the sense of safety alone.
- Multilingual trail directions and wildlife alerts are missing; caterpillars and insects swarm the pavement in summer.
- The trail intersects some rural country roads; though stop signs exist, some cars speed by, lacking physical speed traps.