Equestrian Facilities

 

Links to Information on Equestrian Facilities along the Longleaf Trace
More Pictures
of the Horse Trail		 Horse Trailer Parking

Four K Stables and RV Park in  Bassfield
Latest News on conditions on the Horse Trail Longleaf Trace TRAIL RIDERS


The trail leaves Epley, heading west toward Sumrall. Note the 
horse and mountain bike trail (just to the right of the paved trail). 
This side trail covers 25 miles from east of Epley Station at the
Beaver Pond, all the way to Carson Station.


Paved trail to the left, horse trail on the right, between Epley and Sumrall.

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Californian Aimee Meyer on Bandit (left), and Nicole Blackburn on Doc,
unload at Epley and start out the horse trail


Much of the trail is well shaded, with wonderful natural landscaping. 
Deep cuts and high embankments through low areas add to the interest. 
   

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There are several gravel parking lots especially suitable for horse trailers. One is in Carson, 
and this one is at Lott Circle between Bassfield and Sumrall.  Both are visible from highway 42.

 
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Four K Stables is a deluxe stable near the Trace in Bassfield, and has parking 
for horse trailers, RV's, and large groups. See pictures of their facilities. 
Primitive campers are also welcome, plus a bunk house is available.
See the 4K Stables web site for more details. 
To get to 4K from Highway 42, turn at the Texaco station and go 1 block to General
Robert E. Blount Boulevard. Turn right and 4K will be the first gravel drive on your 
left (Just after Jefferson Street)

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A picnic pavilion erected by Johnny Kerley in memory of his father, 
Jack Kerley, is just across the Trace from the parking area in Bassfield

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Parking area along 42 across from the Post Office in Carson.
Also see pictures of trailer parking and primitive camping area.

The Longleaf Trace Equestrian Trail is currently in excellent condition. The Longleaf Trace recently (8/2013) opened a 1 ½ mile extension to its equestrian trail, from the Beaver Pond east of the Epley Station, west to the Carson Station. The state of the art, native soil, trail parallels the asphalt surfaced biking/hiking trail and occasionally crosses over. Equestrians can  enjoy the entire 25 mile trail from on horseback or by wagon.  The 15 +/- foot wide trail generally follows the natural terrain with the exception of low-lying areas which are elevated with drainage pipe.  Turn-arounds and watering stations are available along the route.  Staging/parking areas are provided at Epley, Sumrall, Lott Circle, Bassfield, and Carson.  The Carson area also includes horse-stalls, a primitive camping area, a pavilion, picnic area and tables, and etc. to accommodate overnight guests and their horses. 



All low wet area had culverts installed and fill used to improve the footing


Signs are being put up at all equestrian crossings.
They were of course printed in ultrasonic ink and visible only to horses, but
after some complaints human readable versions were added.


Mile Markers (from Epley) are also being erected
 There may be some wet sections during rainy weather. Remember that you can always bypass problem areas by going out on the main trail, just stay on the shoulder and be alert for other users.


Some wagons pause along the horse trail to eat lunch at LaTori's