Residents I saw were friendly, if maybe a little surprised to see me. The Longleaf resembles, in some segments, a smaller version of the Natchez Trace, with close vegetation and trees overhanging creating a canopy broken in some areas with occasional pastures and fields. In some places deep-cut right of way reminds one of the Old Natchez Trace. At larger intersections trail users must stop. It seems wise to remain alert at ALL crossings in that road users, particularly with low use of the Longleaf, will not be accustomed to cyclists, hikers and joggers, passing through and may not stop.
Caution seems advised.
The trail is in most cases smooth blacktop surface about 10 feet wide - the stuff cyclists dreams are made of. One concern of mine was that the scattered rocks from the railroad bed might cause a flat on my not-new tires, but this proved no problem and undoubtedly with maintenance and time the rocks will be swept clear. A rough path for horseback riding is being cut through the foliage, parallel to the asphalt and is well along in its construction along the middle point of the Longleaf. Portions of the Longleaf run alongside highway 42 which seemed to have some traffic without being truly busy. I think passing through the towns along the way is a major attraction of the Longleaf.