Dozens of horse-riding enthusiasts
gathered on the Longleaf Trace to celebrate
an official re-opening of several miles of
trail set aside for horses. About 60 riders
from the Longleaf Trailriders Club took part
in an inaugural ride from Sumrall to Epley
Road and back.
That's a 4-mile stretch of trail that
suffered from fallen trees and overgrowth
after Hurricane Katrina. But, after several
months of clean-up, the trail is now open
for use.
"Everyone has loved the trail," said
Stephanie Wheeler, vice-president of the
Longleaf Trailriders Club. "It's nice,
there are no dangerous spots, so they are
real tickled with it, they'll be back,"
Wheeler said.
Club members and other volunteers say
they are committed to restoring the
remaining 17 miles of trail on the Longleaf
Trace that was originally set aside for
horseback riding.