| Links to Information about the Longleaf Trace | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Directions to the Trace |
Mr. Herlon Pierce Trail Manager |
Map
of the Trace |
Sponsors |
| Souvenirs | Rules | Emergency Numbers | Contact the Trace |
| How's business along the Trace? | Join the Friends of the Trace | Longleaf Trace Board, and contact information | Short term Weather Forecast |
| First
Aid on the Trace |
Take a tour of the Trace |
Want to start a trail in your area? | Return to Main Page |
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Directions
to the Longleaf Trace From US Highway 49 from Jackson: At Mendenhall turn south on Highway 13. At Prentiss turn west on US Highway 84. The Trace crosses 84 just south of its terminus at the park in Prentiss. Take a side street to the beautiful park (see pictures below) and parking area. To access the Trace at Sumrall or Epley from Highway 49: Turn west on 42. Turn left on Epley Road (first paved road) to go to Epley, or straight to continue to Sumrall. In Sumrall turn left on 589 and the parking area is a few blocks on your left. If you are coming from the coast on US Highway 49: Turn west on US 98 to I59 north to Hardy Street. Then follow the directions from I59 above. If you are familiar with Hattiesburg and USM, another more scenic way to get to Jackson Road is to stay on 49 into Hattiesburg, and then turn north on 4th street right after you pass the football stadium. Go north past the Reed Green basketball arena, and Jackson Road will be on your right in about 4 miles (You may have to detour some if the bridge at Mixon's Creek is still being repaired, estimated completion date of 9/02). That way you get to see more of the fabulous hub city and USM. To start at Epley or Sumrall, follow the directions above. Highway 42 will be on your left about 3 miles after you cross under I59. |
Most pictures of
the Trace have been miniaturized to keep the page from
being too slow. Click on the thumbnails to see the pictures full sized.
Map of the trail
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Mileage Chart |
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Mileage |
Prentiss | Ed Parkman Road | Carson | Bassfield | Lott Circle | Sumrall | Epley | Clyde Depot | Jackson Road | Gateway Southern Miss |
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| Prentiss | Prentiss | 2.8 | 6.3 | 11.0 | 18.3 | 25.1 | 28.9 | 32.7 | 36.1 | 40.2 |
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| Ed Parkman | 2.8 | Parkman | 3.6 | 8.2 | 15.5 | 22.3 | 26.1 | 30.0 | 33.3 | 37.5 |
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| Carson | 6.3 | 3.6 | Carson | 4.6 | 11.9 | 18.8 | 22.5 | 26.4 | 29.8 | 34.0 |
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| Bassfield | 11.0 | 8.2 | 4.6 | Bassfield | 7.3 | 14.2 | 18.0 | 21.8 | 25.3 | 29.5 |
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| Lott Circle | 18.3 | 15.5 | 11.9 | 7.3 | Lott | 6.8 | 10.5 | 14.4 | 17.8 | 22.0 |
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| Sumrall | 25.1 | 22.3 | 18.8 | 14.2 | 6.8 | Sumrall | 3.8 | 7.6 | 11.0 | 15.2 |
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| Epley | 28.9 | 26.1 | 22.5 | 18.0 | 10.5 | 3.8 | Epley | 3.9 | 7.2 | 11.4 |
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| Clyde | 32.7 | 30.0 | 26.4 | 21.8 | 14.4 | 7.6 | 3.9 | Clyde | 3.4 | 7.6 |
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| Jackson Road | 36.1 | 33.3 | 29.8 | 25.3 | 17.8 | 11.0 | 7.2 | 3.4 | Jackson | 4.1 |
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| Gateway Southern Miss |
40.2 | 37.5 | 34.0 | 29.5 | 22.0 | 15.2 | 11.4 | 7.6 | 4.1 | Gateway Southern Miss |
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Mr. Herlon Pierce, Trail Manager,
has done a superb job of overseeing the construction and maintenance of the
trail.
To contact Mr. Pierce call 450-5247.
For suggestions or questions about items on the web site, please send us an e-mail.
Staff of the Longleaf Trace
Teresa Sigrest, Kellie Sigrest, Jimmy Harper, Roland Byrd, Larry Byrd, Herlon
Pierce, Mary Scruggs (not shown)
The Trace is being used daily by many bikers, runners, and hikers. BE CAREFUL. All the signs are up to 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.
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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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 sponsors and thank them the next chance you get.
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The Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District, a governing authority, and its "Longleaf Trace" is a joint venture of the counties of Forrest, Jefferson Davis, and Lamar and the municipalities of Bassfield, Hattiesburg, Prentiss, and Sumrall, created by the authority granted in MS Code Section 55-25-1 et seq. Member counties and municipalities support the district through a one fourth (1/4) mill tax levy on all taxable property in those counties and municipalities comprising the district, for the purpose of providing economic development and multiple recreational opportunities, while improving the quality of life for their citizens. |
