Carson: Longleaf Trace and Equestrian Trail

The Longleaf Trace runs through Carson, giving the town a direct connection to a longer route. The 44-mile linear park runs from Hattiesburg through Carson to Prentiss. When planning a stay in Carson, you can therefore take both the trail’s local location and its uses into account.

The Longleaf Trace in Carson

The Longleaf Trace can be used for running, cycling, hiking, and horseback riding. The trail is also wheelchair accessible. This offers several options for focusing your stay on different activities. If accessibility is important to your plans, you can consider the Trace’s accessibility as a separate factor. The 44 miles refer to the entire linear park, not just the Carson section.

One access point to the Longleaf Trace is at 742 Old Hwy. 42 in Carson. The address provides a specific local reference point, while Hattiesburg and Prentiss help put the route as a whole into context. The Carson access point and the length of the entire route are therefore two different details that can help with orientation.

The Equestrian Trail Has Its Own Rules

The Longleaf Trace equestrian trail is 24 miles long, has a natural-surface trail, and runs alongside and parallel to the Trace. Horseback riding is permitted only on this equestrian trail; you may cross the paved trail only at designated locations. The 24 miles therefore refer to the separate equestrian route, not the 44-mile linear park. For a horseback-riding outing, the separate route and crossing rule are important considerations that differ from the uses of the main Trace.

Facilities Around Carson

Near Carson Station, there is a group area for primitive camping, a staging area for riders and horses, a group pavilion, and picnic tables. The facilities serve different needs: the camping area and pavilion are relevant for groups, while the staging area is for riders and horses. If you plan to use one of these facilities, check its current availability in advance.

The Carson area has horse stalls for overnight guests and their horses. Carson also has a gravel parking lot that is particularly suitable for horse trailers. Visitors with horses therefore have separate planning needs: parking the trailer, staging the horse and rider, and staying overnight with a horse. The local facilities thus serve different purposes.

A Section with Railroad History

Part of the Longleaf Trace follows the abandoned route of the Mississippi Central Railroad. This historical connection adds a second perspective to the park’s current uses: one section is also about its former role as a railroad line. Those interested in railroad history will find an additional thematic way to explore the Trace’s route through Carson.

Discover more destinations: Prentiss

Go to the main travel overview: Jefferson Davis.