Longleaf Trace: A Pine-Scented Roll Through Mississippi’s Greenbelt

Longleaf Trace

Distance: 44 miles

Route Map

The Longleaf Trace is a 44-mile paved trail stretching northwest from Hattiesburg to Prentiss along a former rail line. It offers a steady, low-stress ride through Mississippi’s Pine Belt, with mild grades and dependable pavement from town into quiet countryside. Most riders begin at the Gateway Trailhead near the University of Southern Mississippi. The early miles feel close to town, with joggers and neighborhood riders using the path, but the shift to shaded forest corridor happens quickly.

Outside Hattiesburg, the trail is mostly wooded, with stretches of pine and hardwood through long sections of shade. The surface is smooth and wide. Road crossings exist but are spaced enough that they interrupt the ride only infrequently. Mile markers on this Mississippi bike trail help keep track of progress, and the gradual rail grade keeps climbs gentle, making the Trace comfortable for most bikes and most riders. It’s a “find your cadence and hold it” type of route.

Out of the trees, into calm fields

Sumrall is a midpoint break spot, with restrooms, benches, and cold drinks available. Past Sumrall, the surroundings at times open into fields before the pines close back in near Bassfield and Carson. These central segments are typically quiet, especially on weekdays, and it’s common to ride several miles without seeing more than one or two other cyclists. The riding is neither dramatic nor difficult, just steady and shaded. Hydration is important in warm months, since the humidity can build even in the shade.

The trail ends at the Carolyn McRaney Gateway in Prentiss, a clean and well-marked trailhead with parking, restrooms, and places to sit. It is possible to arrange transportation back to Hattiesburg in advance. There is no daily fixed shuttle service on the Trace, but the trail office can provide contact information for local shuttle drivers who regularly transport cyclists and bikes; calling ahead is a good idea. Some riders make arrangements through local bike shops in Hattiesburg, which are familiar with transporting both individuals and groups. Others stage two cars, one at each end, if riding with partners.

Spin some vinyl at the end

Hattiesburg makes the start or finish easier than many trail towns. The Gateway isa short ride from downtown, where cafés, breweries, and casual restaurants create easy options for pre- or post-ride planning. Many cyclists stop at T-Bones Records & Café for coffee before rolling out, and Keg and Barrel, with shaded outdoor seating, has become a place to end a day on the trail. That small convenience—having a comfortable spot to start and finish—adds to the Trace’s appeal.

Win in style with these champion colors!

Cycling in Mississippi - Flat, shady and calm (AI Image)

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