In an age of constant technology, nature provides a needed break. College can be a stressful time, and many students struggle to balance academics with self-care. The Longleaf Trace offers a nearby place to unwind, connect with nature and stay active.
The Longleaf Trace is a 44-mile paved trail that starts in Hattiesburg and ends in Prentiss. It was created as part of a Rails-to-Trails conservancy project in 2000. Since its creation, it has grown into a beloved feature in the area. Every day, there are tons of people walking, running, and biking. The main trailhead begins right behind the Century Park North dormitories, making it the perfect place for students to escape to.
“It’s nice to just be immersed in nature,” said Noa Williamson, president of the Golden Eagle Conservation Society. “It’s a good learning environment, but also just good for being outside and getting an appreciation for the local biodiversity.”
For college students who may not get enough exercise, having access to a nearby trail can make a difference. A study from the National Institute of Health says, “research shows a significant decline in physical activity participation and an increase in sedentary behavior during young adulthood during the college years.” This underscores the value of a walking trail close to campus, which encourages students to stay active in an accessible way.
The Trace also offers educational opportunities related to local wildlife and plant life. Dozens of native plants grow on and around the trail. Some USM professors will even send their students out to find particular species and things, making the trace a valuable classroom tool.
“I had to go out and find pictures of different animal phyla for my zoology class,” marine biology student Aliah Hammack said. “The trail was the best place for me to do that, because there are so many kinds of animals there.”
Mississippi as a whole lacks walkable infrastructure. The Trace is the main trail in this area that allows for transportational freedom without a car. It connects the campus to downtown Hattiesburg and surrounding areas, empowering locals to get where they need to go. This consequently helps to keep residents safe by reducing drunk driving. In the past year, more than 13,000 people have died in drunk-driving related accidents. The Trace offers an answer to this by giving the residents of Hattiesburg a way to walk home instead of getting behind the wheel after a night out.
“Because the Trace is so central to not only the university, but the surrounding communities, some people find it preferable to walk to school as opposed to driving,” says Williamson. “The roads around here are pretty abysmal, so it is nice to have that bit of walkability.”
Studies also show that time in nature can significantly reduce stress levels, something very necessary for students. A study from Harvard Health found that even 20 minutes spent in nature a day can significantly impact your body’s levels of stress hormones. As stated earlier, the Trace’s proximity makes it the perfect place for a stressed out student to go to after an exam to reconnect.
Overall, the Longleaf Trace provides a space for both recreation and reflection in the Hattiesburg area. Whether walking, running or studying local wildlife, students and residents alike can use the trail to connect with themselves, nature and their community.