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The Longleaf Trace is Mississippi’s first and only Rails-to-Trails project and south Mississippi’s premier recreational attraction. The 10-foot wide asphalt trial winds approximately 37 miles between two points, Prentiss and Hattiesburg. The conversion of this historic railway into a recreation trail provides a beautiful setting for biking, walking, roller blading, and horseback riding. The beauty of the trail also makes it a perfect location for other activities such as outdoor photography, bird watching, and picnicking. For horseback riding enthusiasts, a 23-mile equestrian trial runs parallel to the paved trail between the historic communities of Carson and Epley. An environmental asset, the Longleaf Trace offers it users the perfect opportunity to enjoy warm southern hospitality and the unique towns of Sumrall, Prentiss, Bassfield, Carson and Hattiesburg.
Other walking and hiking trails are located throughout the area in city parks, Wesley Medical Center and Paul B. Johnson State Park.
Golf
Hattiesburg is fast becoming South Mississippi's golfing location of choice with over 12 public and private courses within a 30-mile radius. Travelers looking for a respite from cold northern weather enjoy the many year-round golfing opportunities in Hattiesburg.
Tennis
Tennis a favorite sport of area citizens. Matches and tournaments are held year-round on over 50 public/private tennis courts around the Greater Hattiesburg Area.
Fishing, Boating, Camping, and Swimming
Paul B. Johnson State Park, 15 miles south of Hattiesburg, offers numerous facilities for camping, fishing, swimming, water skiing and other outdoor activities.
Fishing enthusiasts will find the Hattiesburg area bounding with opportunities for that trophy catch. Lake fishing is enjoyed at public and private lakes as well as in local ponds filled with bass, bream, which perch and catfish. Bait shops provide everything needed to get to the fishing hole
The Pat Harrison Waterway District encompasses 10 water parks, all located within an easy drive of Hattiesburg. The Little Black Creek Water Park is the closest park to the Hattiesburg area, only 25 miles southwest in Lamar County. All offer cabins for rent, fishing, boating and camping activities. Other campgrounds are available around the area.
For the hunter, south Mississippi is a haven for white tail deer, turkey, squirrel, dove, rabbit and other small game. Hunting in the Desoto National Forest south of Hattiesburg is open to the public. There are many hunting clubs that hold leases for hunting rights to private land. These clubs are by membership only.
