The Longleaf Trace
Contact the Longleaf Trace Directions to the Trace
Run for the Roses 5K April 20, 2019
Note: This is the archived version of the Longleaf Trace web site and dates from 1994 thru 2018.
For current information see the new web site at LongleafTrace.org
Longleaf Trace Trail Manager Herlon Pierce - Obituary
Upcoming Events on the Trace
  Extension to Chain Park is now Completed
 Updated Cycling Information
 2018 Longleaf Trace Progress Report
Revised Gateway Schedule and Rental Rates
Tribute to the Trail Manager Herlon Pierce
See how to become a sponsor of the
Lighting the Longleaf project
 The Jeff Davis Lake owned and managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is open. Access to the lake is provided from the Longleaf Trace on and along the Mayor Buford Blount Contrail. The contrail intersects the Longleaf Trace at near mile post 41 and goes 1.3 miles over to the lake. The Jeff Davis Lake provides day use and over night facilities, primitive and Class A camping.
Reminder for all Golf Cart users to renew their annual permit

The Trace needs design help renovating the structure over the Trace at 7th Street.   See Details

Many Thanks to all the partners of the Longleaf Trace 

The Trace on Facebook

 Additional donors urgently needed for Project Safe Crossing!

The Latest Longleaf Trace
News & Pictures
Other Links to Information about the Longleaf Trace
Souvenirs About the
Longleaf Trace		 Rules of the Trace
Friends on Facebook!
Membership App
Bicycle Rental

Pests on the Trace?

  Become a
FRIEND of the TRACE
Lake Thoreau
Environmental
Center		 Gateway Southern Miss
in Hattiesburg		 Maps 
and Pictures
Camping, Fishing,
RV Parking
Cycling Towns along the Trace, including
dining and lodging information 

Related Links
 Events on the Trace
Also check on facebook		 Thanks to our Sponsors Equestrian Facilities Services 
Make a Donation Logbook  
of Trace Users		 Archives of pictures
and news		 Send Feedback  or questions to the Trace
  Weather Forecast
for the Trace		 How's business
along the Trace?		 Weather Stations
and Rest Stops		 Buddy's Place
Pet memorial


This is South Mississippi's premier running, biking, hiking, equestrian trail. It is a beautiful linear park,  41 miles long and fairly flat (a rails-to-trails conversion), extending  from Hattiesburg (elevation 220') through Sumrall (290'), Bassfield (460'), and Carson to Prentiss (336'). The trail is 10 feet wide and paved with asphalt. It has been extended to the USM campus, and to downtown Hattiesburg. And can you imagine the impact of someday extending it from Prentiss to Natchez, thus connecting it to the Natchez Trace and Mississippi River Trails?


The Trace is being used daily by many bikers, runners, and hikers. PLEASE BE CAREFUL. Signs are up to warn both motorists and trail users of crossroads. There are many intersections of logging roads and seldom used access roads. But don't be lulled into complacency by these sleepy crossings. The next crossing, which looks very similar from a few yards away, may be a major thoroughfare, with vehicles coming at you at 55 mph.   


As the sign shows, walkers should yield to equestrians, and bikers should yield to both walkers and equestrians. Be courteous and let other trail users know of your approach.   Even if there is plenty of room to pass,  give a warning. A jogger may hear your bicycle coming at the last second and (as recently happened) try to get out of your way in the wrong direction. Horses are also easily startled, and a startled horse can be very dangerous for the rider, and even more dangerous for the walker/biker/skater that startled him.  In all cases, be sure the other party knows you are there before passing. 

Parking Area and Rest Room at Epley. This is just off Highway 589 at Epley Road

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

Many Thanks need to be given to the private sponsors who stepped up early in the project (1995) when we needed initial matching funding and also needed to show public support for the idea of a trail in order to get the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation. These people donated their money when the trail was just an idea in Stone Barefield's mind, before the land was purchased from the railroad, and before the cities and counties had signed on. Their enthusiasm and early support was instrumental in the eventual success of the Longleaf Trace. Please read the list of original sponsors, and Current Sponsors, and thank them the next chance you get. 

 

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