trail bike vs road bike

So I have been thinking for awhile now that I might invest in a bike. I would like to do long distance cycling, but the thought of trail riding and investing in a mountain bike sounds like tons of fun too. I live in a very flat area, where long distance riding would be ideal and would have to travel a ways to do the mountain biking.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of bike I should look into getting? Should I invest in a good road bike and buy a less expesnive trail bike? What are some good brands? What should I look for? I dont have any friends here that do this so Im kinda lost in where to start.

Thanks for any advice!

It depends on your needs, will you be using it strictly for exercise or to get around as well?

I got myself a trail bike that I use in the city just because I don't have to deal with long distances and its alot more convenient to be able to jump curbs and tram tracks. And on the off-chance that a day frees up its also plenty of fun to go riding in the woods, which I find to be far more fun than just cruising on a racer.

Go with a hybrid.

I have a cruiser/mountain bike.