Longleaf Trace Trail

You’ve got to stop at the A.F. Carraway General Store in Bassfield, MS. (see pictures) While you’re there, say hi to Neil, the owner.

But first, you’ve got to get there. And in this case, the journey is even more fun than the destination. So I recommend you start your journey in Hattiesburg, MS.

If you don’t have a bike, you’re in luck. They’ve got plenty of them at the Gateway bike rental center right at the beginning of the trail on the campus of Southern Mississippi University. If you have tried riding a recumbent bike yet, this is your chance. I did it, and I’m glad I did. It was very comfortable and relaxing.

At the beginning of the trail, you’ll notice lots of other bikers, hikers, joggers, & an occasional inline skater. They’re all friendly and congenial, just happy to be on the incredible Longleaf Trace Bike Trail.

Enjoy your fellow trailies while you can, because you won’t see them much longer. Even on a sunny weekend, the other trail users thin out quickly. That’s the beauty of this trail. It gets used a lot close to each of the towns, but there’s plenty of solitude and scenery in between.

Oh but there’s more beauty on this trail. For example, there’s a whole plethora of trees. You can just enjoy their shade and beauty, or you can learn their names. All along the first third of the trail, there are signs introducing you to the Mississipi flora. Hello Longleaf Pine, nice to meet you Sassafras, my pleasure Persimmon, etc. You’ll meet loblolly pines, American holly, red maple, and many more.

As always, you should start your ride prepared for anything, but if you don’t, you’ve still got some options. If you get thirsty, there are vending machines along the way. If it rains, there are many shelters, if you get hungry there are picnic stops.

Each of the little towns you venture through has its own personality. As you peruse the countryside you’ll see a beaver dam, farms, forests, and maybe even a llama or emu ... seriously. There are also restrooms available, but occasionally they are closed for maintenance.

There are hotels available in both Hattiesburg and Prentiss. Although the whole trail can be done in a day, if you are in good shape, I rode from Hattiesburg to Prentiss, stayed overnight, then rode back to Hattiesburg the next day. It was quite invigorating and relaxing at the same time.

Longleaf Trace bike trail in Mississippi
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Image Date: Feb 26, 2008 7:04:43 PM

mile 10 has a patriotic theme
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Image Date: Feb 26, 2008 7:19:01 PM

Longleaf Trace bike trail in Mississippi
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Bike riders enjoy a summer Christmas tree also known as the trail tree.
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Mississippi beaver dam
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Image Date: Feb 26, 2008 7:46:34 PM

Sumrall is one of the towns along the Trace.
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Image Date: Feb 26, 2008 8:55:50 PM

Check out Bama's BBQ on Facebook.
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Image Date: Feb 26, 2008 9:10:43 PM

A military tank & helicopter sit just off the trail.
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This bamboo forest borders the trail.
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not Jefferson Davis, but Jeff Davis
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Image Date: Feb 26, 2008 9:59:51 PM

... in Bassfield, MS
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This is the quintessential country general store.
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Image Date: Feb 26, 2008 11:14:17 PM

... sits outside the A. F. Carraway General Store in Bassfield, MS.
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Image Date: Feb 26, 2008 11:18:32 PM

rail trail bridge
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Image Date: Feb 27, 2008 12:32:15 AM