Longleaf Trace Bike Trail - A History (Part 2)

By Herlon Pierce

From an Abandoned Railroad Line to a National Recreation Trail

Editor's Note: This is the second segment in a 3 part series on the history and development of the trail.

Through the efforts of Mr. James Moore, and a team of dedicated local supporters, the much needed support of the corporate/business community was solicited, and was met with great success. More than $150,000 was quickly raised from sponsorships, donations, and etc. for the early needed funding support for the purchase of the right of way and the eventual construction of the multi-purpose recreational trail, to be known as the Longleaf Trace.

By 1994, the rights of way of the old line had been purchased from west Hattiesburg to Prentiss, a distance of some 39 miles, the Mississippi State Legislature had passed a bill authorizing the creation of local recreational districts and the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District was created. The legislation creating the district provided for a one-quarter (.25) mill tax levy on all taxable property in the counties and municipalities who could, by joint resolution, become members of the district.

The one-quarter (.25) mill was provided for the development, support, and maintenance of the district and its facilities. The counties of Forrest, Jefferson Davis, and Lamar, along with the city of Hattiesburg and the towns of Bassfield, Prentiss, and Sumrall became a part of the district through a joint resolution.

A master plan for the development of the Longleaf Trace and the design of the first phase was completed in 1999. A grant from the Federal Highway Administration administered through the Mississippi Department of Transportation, totaling approximately 2.8 million dollars was secured and construction was begun in February 1999 on the first 39 mile stretch. To the satisfaction of the founders, community leaders, and local advocates and supporters who so willingly gave their time, effort, and money, the Longleaf Trace was finally completed, dedicated and opened for use in September 2000.

The Longleaf Trace was an instant success as it joined approximately 1000 other rails to trails conversions throughout the United States. In 2003, a two + mile extension of the trail was made extending the trail east to near US Highway 49 and adjacent to the University of Southern Miss campus. The extension included the development of the Gateway facility adjacent to the University that houses the district's administrative offices, board of director's meeting room, bicycle rental/souvenir shop, and a group/business meeting room.

Since its opening, approximately 400,000 users have enjoyed a trip along the Longleaf Trace and through its natural pristine setting, while enjoying the splendor of South Mississippi's outdoors. Users have come from every state in the United States as well as from a number of foreign countries. In only its third year, in June of 2004, the Longleaf Trace was awarded the prestigious National Recreational Trail designation. In fact, the Longleaf Trace was awarded this designation more quickly than any other known national recreational trail that is not federally owned and operated, and is listed along with the numerous and prestigious national recreational parks in the United States.

Longleaf Trace Bike Trail - A History (Part 3)

Herlon Pierce is the Executive Director/Trail Manager of the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails-to-Trails Recreational District. Mr Pierce can be reached at (601) 450-BIKE (2453). For more information on the Longleaf Trace, visit LongLeafTrace.org.