Information
Landmark: Longleaf Trace TrailCity: Hattiesburg
Country: USA Mississippi
Continent: North America
Longleaf Trace Trail, Hattiesburg, USA Mississippi, North America
Overview
The Longleaf Trace Trail runs 41 miles from Hattiesburg to Prentiss, Mississippi, winding along a former railroad corridor shaded by tall pines.Famous for its lush scenery, easy access, and plenty of ways to play, it draws cyclists, walkers, runners, and anyone who loves the outdoors along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, where the salt air drifts in from the water.The trail winds through whispering pine forests, soggy wetlands, quiet little towns, and gentle rolling hills, offering a changing backdrop and glimpses of local wildlife along the way.Hardwood and longleaf pines border most of the trail, their branches casting cool patches of shade that feel welcome when the summer sun beats down.Along the route, bridges and trestles open onto sweeping views of creeks, winding rivers, and wide green fields, letting visitors feel tied to the land’s natural beauty and its layered history.Recreational Opportunities The Longleaf Trace Trail offers something for every cyclist, with smooth, paved stretches perfect for an easy afternoon ride or a fast, heart‑pounding sprint.The trail’s flat spots and gentle rises are perfect for walkers, joggers, and runners, whether you’re strolling in the shade or picking up speed.Horseback riding is welcome on certain stretches of the trail, and a nearby stable’s wooden gate opens right onto the path.Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers flock to the trail, where marshes and woodlands draw herons, egrets, bright-feathered songbirds, and sometimes a shy deer stepping through the trees.Trailheads appear every so often, each with parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and a cool splash from a water fountain, making it easy for visitors to start or finish their trip wherever they like.Along the Longleaf Trace Trail, travelers find themselves cycling past pine-scented air, weaving together recreation, natural beauty, and a touch of history.In the early morning, you can ride through the woods in peaceful silence, hearing only the crunch of gravel under your tires; by afternoon, families start to stroll or pedal past, chatting as they go.Spotting wildlife, catching the sharp scent of pine, and hearing leaves whisper in the breeze draw you into the heart of the Mississippi landscape.Signs along the trail share stories of the old railroad and nearby towns, turning a simple walk into a richer journey-you might pause at one to read about a station that once echoed with steam whistles.The trail blends leisurely strolls with energetic hikes, all while safeguarding and honoring the region’s rich history.It’s a safe, scenic path where you can jog, take the kids for a picnic, or wander under tall maples, and it links several towns along the way, boosting local tourism and drawing people outdoors.The Longleaf Trace Trail shows how an old railway can become a thriving path for walkers and cyclists, proving that historic infrastructure can be reused in ways that last.On the Longleaf Trace Trail, you can jog past towering pines, watch a red-tailed hawk glide overhead, and trace the footsteps of local history-all in one trip, making it a standout spot for anyone exploring central or southern Mississippi.
