Longleaf Treasure June 2nd, 2006

By Rodney Sessions

Spring is here. The earth is once again putting on its coat of green. Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and butterflies are drifting in the warmer air.

It is time to shake off those winter time blues and cure ourselves of cabin fever. I know of no better way to greet the springtime season than getting out of the house and discovering the beauty of one of the Pinebelt’s greatest treasures.

The Longleaf Trace recreation trail started out as the dream of a few community leaders and visionary citizens in 1995. Today that dream has been transformed into a reality. Longleaf Trace Trail is a part of the national Rails To Trails Conservancy Project. The forty-mile pathway runs through the forest and countryside between Hattiesburg and Prentiss, Mississippi. The Trail is back in full operation after a major post Hurricane Katrina clean up.

On any given day you can find people of all ages on the trail. You may see mothers strolling their infants, walkers, joggers, youngsters and oldsters on roller blades, families on a bike outing, racing club members, bird watchers, and individuals just out for a leisurely bike ride. I mention the word "oldsters" because, once, while I was riding my mountain bike on the Trace, a 67-year-old lady from Alabama pasted me on roller blades. I was reminded of the old saying, "We do no quit playing because we grow old. We grow old because we quit playing."

The trail is built upon an old railway bed. Any increases in elevation you find on the pathway are gradual, making for an easy ride. The terrain varies from deep forest to rolling countryside. Both flora and fauna abound on the pathway. There is a tree identification project that has provided markers to identify many of the different kinds of trees you will find on the pathway. During the springtime season the trail is lined with Dogwood and Red Bud trees in full bloom. A variety of wildflowers can be found on this pristine pathway and, if you are lucky, later in the season you can find some Wild Cherries, Dewberries or Blackberries beside the trail.

Trail users are likely to see a wealth of wildlife on any given outing. You can expect to see a wide variety of birds, as well as rabbits, squirrels, deer, and just about any wildlife native to the Pinebelt area. I must also mention that you may see a snake or two warming themselves on the pavement, but if you don’t bother them they won’t brother you. My most unusual wildlife encounter on the trail was with a Bobcat that sat beside the trail grooming itself as I passed by on my bike.

The Eastern Trail Head starts at the University of Southern Mississippi. The Bike Center at USM has excellent restroom facilities and designated parking for trail users. The USM Facility is an excellent place to get more information on the trail, and they have bikes to rent for those who don’t have their own bikes. I have a road bike and a mountain bike, but I enjoy renting one of the recumbent bikes at USM occasionally for a change of pace. You can call Gateway USM Center at 601-450-2453 for more information. Area bike shops are also an excellent source for additional information on the trail.

Should you be serious about getting into cycling check with one of the aforementioned bike shops. The staff in these shops can help you find the bike that is right for you and make sure it is a good fit for your frame. You can spend anywhere from just over a 100 dollars for a good used bike and up to several thousand dollars for a state of the art model. If you are not into biking all you need is a good pair of athletic shoes to enjoy the trail.

While traveling on the Trace you will find several facilities, built to resemble small train depots, spaced out along the trail with bathroom facilities, cold water and drink machines. Numerous groups, businesses, and individuals have adopted portions of the trail. They help maintain these portions of the Trace. You will find many small rest stops, built by volunteers, complete with picnic tables and garbage cans.

Horse lovers will find an equestrian trail that runs along a long portion of the pathway. There are also one or two stables along the trail for those who are interested in learning more about equestrian opportunities.

I encourage you to access the Longleaf Trace website at w.w.w.longleaftrace.org. This is an award winning website with a wealth of information available for those who want to learn more about Longleaf Trace. The website has excellent information on the towns located along the trail as well as lodging and dining information. You can also contact the Trail Manager, Mr. Herlon Pierce at 601-450-5247 for additional information concerning the Trace.

The Longleaf Trace National Recreation Trail is truly a Pinebelt treasure. People come from all over the United States and the world to use this pristine pathway through the Piney Woods. The dollars they bring with them are a plus for local economies, but, more importantly, the trail is a wonderful place for area residents to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. I often travel solo on the trail, but, for safety reasons, I encourage sharing the trace with a friend or partner whenever possible. I encourage all those who use the Trace to be safe, courteous to other trail users, and to leave no trace of their own passing.

Do you need a spring time tonic? Just head out for the Longleaf Trace. It is a wonderful place to renew mind, body, and spirit. Have fun!