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Longleaf Trace, MS
Trail Location: Hattiesburg to
Prentiss
Trail Length: 41
miles
Counties: Forrest, Lamar, Jefferson
Davis
Nearby Towns: Hattiesburg, Eppley,
Sumrall, Carson, Bassfield,
Prentiss
Activities:
Walking,
Horseback Riding, Biking, In-line Skating, Wheelchair
Accessible, Wheelchair, all non
motorized
Trail Surface(s):
Asphalt
Trail Description:
From the Trail Website (www.longleaftrace.org):
This is southern Mississippi's premier running, biking,
hiking and equestrian trail. This former railroad
corridor is now a beautiful, flat linear park extending
41 miles from Hattiesburg (elevation 220') through
Sumrall (290'), Bassfield (460'), and Carson to Prentiss
(336'). Plans are now underway to extend the trail to
the USM campus, and there has even been some talk of
bringing the trail into downtown Hattiesburg.
The Trace is open and is being used daily by
many bikers, runners and hikers. BE CAREFUL. There are
signs posted to alert 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.
Parking & Trail Access:
From I59
if coming from the South: Go west on US Highway 98
(Hardy Street) past Turtle Creek Mall about two miles to
Gravel Pit Road. Turn right (north) on Gravel Pit Road
at Lake Serene Grocery/Amoco. Gravel Pit road will wind
around and dead end at 4th Street. Turn left (west) on
4th street, then take the first right on Jackson Road.
Jackson Station will be on your left in 1/4
mile.
From I59 if coming from the North: As
above, or alternatively, turn north on US Highway 49
toward Jackson, and immediately (at light) turn left on
Classic Drive. Continue on Classic Drive past the USM
golf course (turning left at the stop sign for the
Village) and past the Hattiesburg Country Club till
Classic Drive dead ends at Jackson Road. Turn left and
Jackson Station will be in view, with parking on both
sides of the road.
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. For the Hattiesburg terminus
see I59 instructions above.
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 Mobile on US
Highway 98 or from the coast on US Highway 49 (they
intersect just south of Hattiesburg): Continue (or 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.
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