Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga Forum

A portion of the Chief Ladiga in Jacksonville is temporarily closed due to storm damage, details and photos:
http://www.annistonstar.com/gallery/chief-ladiga-trail-damage/collection_8ef55c5c-dbd2-11e5-afcc-87b1518a64f0.html

Is there a detour in effect that is easily followed, or do we need to have a map?

Please add Publix at Powder Springs shopping center to the services. It's right across the street from the trail entrance and is a great spot to stop for food, water or restrooms.

3721 New Macland Road
Powder Springs, GA 30127

Do u have monthly rentals and if so how much?

looking at a mid-november out & back ride ... how's the weather, then ......

I intend to run the entire trail (Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga) sometime in the next few months. As you have to be off the trail after dark, this will probably be a 2-3 day run. I'll be running alone - so the proverbial question: is there a safety issue? I'm a not very intimidating male.

A friend and I are looking to bike the trail from Smyrna to Anniston, and I'm wondering about how long it takes? We're not pro bikers or anything, but pretty athletic, so assuming an decent comfortable pace around how long will we be on the trail?

Myself and a group are riding this in October, just wondering if you had a answer to the question?

I rode Smyrna to Rockmart and back in May for 84 total miles. Riding time was 5.5 hours and elapsed time was 6.5 hours. I generally ride 15-20 mph so figure maybe 8-10 hours depending on how many stops you take. I will be riding the whole trail again at the end of October.

From everything I can find -- this motel is permanently closed?

BONESHAKER BICYCLES should be listed next to the comet trail by the Florence road trail head.
Sales,service,parts,rentals.
3401 Florence circle suit 300
Powder Springs GA 30127
770-222-2663
Tue-Fri 11 am - 6:30 pm
Sat 10 am - 4 pm
Sun 10 am - 3 pm
www.boneshakesbicycles.com

Thanks for the heads-up. I have added Boneshaker to the Powder Springs page.
Happy trails!

CYCOLOGY BIKE SHOP should be listed near this trailhead. It's just minutes from the trailhead in the Paulding Exchange shopping center at
4484 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway
Hiram, GA 30141
P: 678-909-2472
Tue-Fri 11 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm - Sun 1 pm - 5 pm cycologybikeshop.com

Thank you for the heads-up; I have added Cycology to the Hiram page.

The water fountain no longer works at the Van Wert Trailhead.

Does anyone know of a lodge or vacation home rental that would sleep 4 couples close to the trail. We wanted to avoid hotels and some of our group does not want to camp.

This Campground is actually at mile marker 34. From Smyrna to Rockmart take the McDowell Road exit off the trail just past mile marker 34 and Coot's Lake. The road dead ends into the campground and is just 300 yards off the trail. There is also a cheap motel across the street called Polk motel. But the campground was nice. The people were friendly. And the cost was just $15 a night. There is no camp store but you can get just about anything you need at the gas station at Coot's Lake less than a mile up the trail.

We were so glad to have you! We hope that you come back and stay with us again!

Anyone know of any regularly scheduled easy to moderate group rides on The Silver Comet, preferably on the eastern side ??? Thanks.

Is overnight parking at any of the eastern trailheads available? safe?

Here is a 'Parking' spot that I know is safe; however, it is maybe too far to the west of "east" for you .... as it is just east of Rockmart; plus, it would cost you $15 or so per day. It is a well run campground called The Rock that has been in business for years. If you chose to inquire with them you will probably find that Lydia is your point of contact, and John is the owner. Here is the webside with the "Contact" page:
http://www.therockrvpark.com/reservations.html
They are available by phone, as well, however, I have found that Lydia is even more responsive by email.
Best wishes on good Silver Comet fun :- ).

is it safe to run the trail or is it only for bikes?

GREAT for running, biking, skating, walking and ever just settin'-a-spell-'n-watching all the above fun times.... :-).

My 13 year old son along with me and my 21 year old nephew just completed a three day 172 mile trip along the trail. Other than being extremely hot we had a blast. We parked in Jacksonville at the old train depot on Thursday morning. We were on mountain bikes which are not great for speed on the trail. We had lunch at a local place called Knuckle Heads in Rockmart. Good atmosphere and the food was good. The ride up to the Brushy Mountain tunnel was a gradual incline the entire way. We spent the night in the Sleep Inn and Suites in Hiram. Very easy access to the trail. Lots of good restaurants within an easy walk of the hotel. The next morning my 13 year old slept while me and my nephew rode on to Smyrna. This was a very easy 28 mile round trip. Back to the hotel for naps and dinner. We were back I. The trail at 6:30 am. Hiram to Rockmart was fast and easy. Of course Rockmart to Cedartown is no joke. The heat index got as high as 112. We had lunch in Piedmont at the Solid Rock Cafe. Excellent food. We got there about 2:30. 76 miles total and we got to Jacksonville about 4:39. Great trip, but I want to go in the fall to see the fall colors.

We have started a new SAG business down the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga Trail every Wednesday and Thursday rotating between Georgia and Alabama. We would love for you all to join us! Our website address is southernexpresssag.com

Thanks,
Winston and Tammy

We loved the 2 day bike ride with you all and hope to get the word out as much as possible. It was just a blast with the new friends we made and perfect weather. This is the perfect weekend and we were so well taken care of, and I would even use the word pampered :) The Hampton Inn hotel was brand new, cozy beds, and great outdoor pool. The dinner was delicious complete with a shuttle to the place. Great breakfast on Sunday and the ride back was so fun. We will be doing this again very soon. Thanks to Tammy and husband, and Winston and Heather.

contact info of SAG please

Anyone interested in starting a no drop Saturday morning group ride from the Silver Comet Depot?

Do police bike patrol the Silver Comet Trail?

Yes. There is a patrol car half the width of the trail that makes rounds. I've seen it primarily between Hiram and Rockmart, but never beyond that point.

My wife and I plan to ride from Rockmart to Anniston, spend the night at a B&B and ride back the next day. I am wondering where I can safely leave my car overnight in Rockmart. Safe from both thieves and tow trucks.

Does anyone have suggestions on where to park?

i am wondering if anyone has had experience staying at motels other than the holiday inn express in cedar town? there are no rooms available there on the nights we need. there is the country hearth inn? and another one of which i can't remember the name.

The Inn is approximately 1.2 miles from the trailer when you use the Tara Drummond Trail Head.

My riding buddy and I will be riding the SCT and Chief Ladiga trails (round trip) in early May. We'll have an overnight stay in AL.

Neither of us have ridden it before and have no idea about motel/hotel accommodations or eating places in AL. Would appreciate any hints/help anyone can give.

I am also a little concerned about the hills (I'm 80 years old)....are there several "notable" hills on the trails? If so, where?

Would appreciate any "lessons learned" if you are willing to share them with us.

Thanks.

I have ridden the Chief Lagida/Silver Comet Trail several times. There are some steep hills between Cedartown and Rockmart. The steepest hill are from Cedartown to about 5 miles to the east. There is also a steep hill on the west side of Rockmart. A few of these hills are steep enough the many people have to walk their bikes up the hill. The rest of the trail is either flat or has gradual climbs and descents. The hotel that I have recently stayed at on the Alabama side is the Hampton Inn in Jacksonville. I had a good stay there in March 2014.

The Eubanks Welcome Center has a website that lists the motels on the Chief Ladiga.
http://www.piedmontcity.org/ladigatrail.htm

I'd park in the middle and ride to one end and back on day one and then ride to the other end and back on day two. Nothing close to the trail in Alabama as far as I can tell. Rockmart Econolodge is not far from the trail and fairly centrally located and Rockmart is a better place to RON (remain over night) compared to Cedartown, IMHO.

Rode Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet 5/13-14/2015. Started at Anniston; overnight in Rockmart/Econolodge; ended in Smyrna. Beautiful. Honeysuckle smells all the way; scenic; no flats or other issues. The 'hills' between Cedartown and Rockmart at just rollers; short and steep with the operative word being short. 400 yards max but you MUST be in your lowest gear and hammer (maybe stand up) to get up....I was on a road bike (52/39 in front) and 12/25 in back....no real issues; my buddy on a hybrid missed a shift and wound up walking twice but only for a hundred yards or so....enjoy the ride. Pirkles Deli is the best place for lunch in Cedartown but they close at 3. Econolodge is hidden past McDonalds and behind AutoZone on 268 but you can get there thru the parking lots and avoid the highway. Enjoy and ride safe!

Would love to see development of coffee houses and restaurants along the Silver Comet trail. We like to do some leisurely biking and it would be great to be able to stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner along the way. We recently took some guests biking but missed bring able to take a break on a patio or terrace.

The Silver Comet is a great opportunity to get out in nature. And you want to clog it up with development? Why don't you just go walk or bike around your nearest mega-shopping mall?

what is the trail surface?

From what I've read, the entire trail is asphalt/cement/paved.

I haven't riden it from the state line over to Atlanta, but the entire AL side is paved.

The entire trail is paved.

Rode the entire distance of both trails this past weekend.

Saturday - Anniston, AL to Smyrna, GA

The trail for the entire length is in great condition. There are portions east of the state line on Silver Comet that were littered with some tree debris, such as branches and pine cones. Also, there's a few sections in GA that had standing water on the trail. Other than those items, I have zero complaints.

With respect to the elevation & difficulty of the ride, there's a couple serious climbs east of Cedartown, GA that are challenging, if you're not an experienced rider. Heading east out of Rockmart, there's a 6 mile gradual climb up to Brushy Mountain Railroad Tunnel. It's not steep, but it's long.

Between Piedmont and Cedartown, the trail is very remote with no chances to refill a water bottle or purchase food. Be fully stocked with plenty of both if the intention is to traverse that section.

I saw LOTS of wildlife that included rabbits, a couple small snakes, cows and dogs. These were all ON THE TRAIL! Not only did I have my firearm with me for protection, I also carried pepper spray in the event I had a run in with a not-so-nice dog (or any other animal). Fortunately, I didn't have to use either items.

Sunday's return trip was good. I think the climbs east of Cedartown and much more difficult traveling East to West. One of the climbs near the trash dump rewards riders with a fantastic view of the countryside looking north. Take a moment and enjoy the scenery.

is there a shuttle that will transport you and you bike from either end of the trail to the other?

I found a resource on craigslist that will drive me and a biking buddy from Smyrna back to Cedartown for $150; not cheap but it appears there are not many options at all. Another option we are evaluating is to stay in Cedartown and ride to Anniston and back one day and then to Smyrna and back on day two; makes for long days but avoids needing lots of logistics support. Even with two cars there would be lots of shuttling back and forth...another form of hassle. I'll be curious what you do since I'm riding in June after BRAG.

Riding both trails from west to east and back on a Saturday/Sunday in mid to late April. I'm an avid cyclist, but not hardcore. Average pace will probably be in the 14-16mph range. I will be staying at a friends' house in Marietta Saturday night. Wouldn't mind a companion for the trip, one way or the other, or both.

Please add Cycology Bike Shop as the only bike shop near this trail head. The Chain Station has been closed for a few years now.
Visit http://CycologyBikeShop.com or email me for more info.

Several of us (at least 2, maybe 3 or 4) plan to ride Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet following BRAG in June. If we stay in Cedartown, does anyone know of a resource that can drop us off in Alabama Sunday morning and/or pick us up at Smyrna on Monday afternoon?
Taxi probably doesn't work since we'll have bikes....

was out of town for several mths. but heard the horrible story about the woman who was beaten severely on the silver comet trail. have they caught the jerk who did that yet?

I read some on-line reports from a few years back (2008 and 2009 as I recall) of some trouble on the trail. Riders attacked/robbed.

Has this nasty problem been taken care of?

Are there sections of the trail that those who ride it frequently avoid?

Thanks for any information.

Four of us rode in June of 2012 and had no problems. We rode to the end and back over three days (Fri-Sun). I too was concerned and researched the issue but it appeared to be isolated. When we rode we saw many people on the trail. Most everyone was riding with at least one companion.

I have rode the entire trail from end to end about ten times and not once have I even felt a little bit threatened. Of course I am a male but overall this is a pretty safe trail. I am more concerned with bad weather (lightning) than I am of humans on the trail. The trouble on the trail in 2009 came about when we had the flooding rains that shut down sections of the trail due to erosion and trail damage. Seems like it brought out a bad element of people looking for thrills but I haven't heard of much since then.

This "nasty problem" will never be taken care of as long as evil people that want to hurt others have access to the trail.

The problem can be minimized to you personally IF you take care to provide yourself the means to repel such attacks.

My preference for that is an openly carried pistol with the mindset and ability to use it if the need arises.

If you're going to carry around something of such great value (your life), you might as well carry something to keep it from being taken from you.

my friend and i will be riding the CLT and the SCT starting on Oct 29. We will ride west to east and back. Do i understand correctly that the section between cedar town and rock mart is highway? not the trail? and.... very hilly? how busy is this highway, please? 12 miles of highway is a little bit disconcerting, to say the least. thanks

also, sorry. where would i be able to leave my car in anniston for 2 days ?

It's been several years ago since my husband and I rode this trail, and I was not a regular cyclist. I had never cycled more than 15 miles at one time EVER. You will be on a trail the entire way, you will cross over roads, but I don't recall being on a highway at any point, beside a highway several times, but never on the highway always on a trail. The only area that's of major concern is between Grady Road and Cedar Town, it's about 6 miles. I actually had to walk up several hills and you're in a very remote area, you actually break away from the original rail trail and this is kind of a detour from society. Your cell phone won't work and there will be a few hills that you will wish you'd never met! If I were concerned, I'd try to somehow skip this section, but if you're not in a rush, do like I did and walk when you have to walk, jump on the bike, ride down the hills and go up as far as gravity will take you and then walk again if you have to! Completing the ride is an awesome feeling!!! I would certainly start in GA and end in AL. Enjoy your ride!

There is a small park at the end of the trail, but I don't know about the parking rules there.....there's also a SONIC just down the road, possible they'd let you park there if you let them know what you're doing....??

thank you both for you input!!

We did this trail several years ago and unless it's been re-routed, we were on an actual road for a little bit. Not a major highway, but on back roads going through little neighborhoods. Somewhere between Rockmart and Cedartown. One section was very sketchy, though. Make sure you go through that part in the daylight. Have a great time and enjoy!

There is also a place where you are on the trail, but it's right next to a highway. That's in Rockmart. The other place is in Cedartown where you are on city streets for a little bit.

how far is it from the Chief Ladiga Campground to the State line please.

Its either 32 or 33 miles. I live in weaver. every year i ride from weaver to Ga state line and back. Its a 64 mile round trip

Hello, I am planning on riding the trails again. I am looking for groups that ride in the Dallas, GA area. Do you know of any groups that ride there?

What kind of facalaties are at the comet campground

The Parker House Bed and Breakfast would love to pick you up from the Anniston trailhead when you arrive and bring you to the B&B overnight. You'll be well taken care of, rested, and breakfasted and ready to hit the return trip the next morning.

If you're up for an adventure, we can help arrange mountain bike rentals, and shuttle you to Coldwater Mountain, the south's premiere IMBA built mountain bike trail system! Start the Silver Comet on Friday, and we'll pick you up. Bike Coldwater on Saturday, and we'll shuttle you there. Return on the Chief Ladiga on Sunday... if you think you're legs can handle it! Otherwise make it a day of rest, and return ride on Monday!

We've been open for two years, and are the only lodging in Anniston with a five-star rating on TripAdvisor.com! Many of the reviewers were cyclists coming from Atlanta!!

Hi there,
I am planning to ride the Silver comet Trail this year. Are there any shuttle services available to make this a one way trip.
Or can somebody tell me how long it takes to ride the entire trail round trip in a comfortable speed not race speed?

I have the opportunity to ride the trail the first week of Dec 2013 and have the same question. If I had another rider we could work a shuttle between us. Any info would be good

My son and I are athletes but not bike riders. We biked both trails in a weekend. We live in Anniston. So I had my husband drop us off in Smyrna and we biked home. I pulled a trailer with our camping gear. I suggest riding Smyrna to mm 34 and camping at The Rock campground. Then biking Rockmart to Piedmont, AL and camping at chief Ladiga campground mm 7. That puts you at about 35 miles each day. If my 10 year old and me pulling a trailer can do it-anyone can!

My wife and I own the Parker House Bed and Breakfast in Anniston. www.parkerbnb.com

We offer the service of picking you up at the trailhead in Anniston, and bringing you to the B&B overnight, putting you back on the trail the next day.

If you don't think you can do the entire trail in a day, my advise is to stay the night in Cedartown (and break it into 4 days), or put in at Cedartown (or nearby) and come to Anniston, and back the next day.

We've been open for two years, and are the only lodging in Anniston with a five-star rating on TripAdvisor.com! Many of the reviewers were cyclists coming from Atlanta!!

What are the prevailing winds on the Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga in early May? Should I ride east to west or west to east?

Depends, you need to watch the weather a few days before your ride but normally you'll want to ride west to east. Just remember before a front arrives, the wind backs to the northeast which signifies a falling barometer and generally rain.

I have a friend coming in a month or two and would like to go cycling and would need to rent bike for my friend.

Floyd Rd trail head bike shop.

Great Place to Shop go by Frankie's and get some of their Honey Straws for energy on the trail.

Can someone give me directions? I can't seem to find a good address to plug into a GPS. Last time we went, we had a hard time finding a parking place. I think we ended up at Esom Hill-Isn't there a State Line Park? Coming from Birmingham.

Yes there is a parking lot near Esom. Sorry I can't give directions but I know it's there.

Did the recent ice storms cause any damage to the trail in Georgia or Alabama? Are any sections closed and if so is there an estimate on when the trail will be completely open?

My son and I spent the weekend biking the entire trail. My husband dropped us off in Smyrna, GA and we planned to bike home to Anniston, AL. My fist bit of advise is to be sure you have an actual map of both these trails. The locations on this website (and all the others) needs to be updated and in some areas is just wrong. Call ahead to all your stops (which I did ) and be sure to ask specific directions and distances from the trail ( learned that the hard way after stop 1). The amenities at several of the stops are permanently closed. Not only that but between Smyrna and Dallas segments of the trail were closed. And I mean CLOSED. The construction workers threatened to have us arrested if we didn't get off the trail. I explained to them I was 80 miles from home and was pulling a heavy trailer and had my 10 year old son with me. And asked very politely if they could tell me were to go around, how far the trail was closed, where did it open up again, where could we re-enter the trail. They claimed they didn't know and again threatened to call the cops, looking back I wish I had let them. I bet the police would have at least directed us to the safest rout around the construction areas. We went around to next entry only to be booted off the trail again, but at least I found a someone who knew where it re-opened at and how to get there. This segment was a nightmare! And there were additional closings posted for end of Feb. early March.

Now Sunshine Inn. My 10 year old son and I spent the weekend biking the entire SC/CL trails this weekend. We started at the beginning of the trail in Smyrna and Dallas was to be our first stop. It was snowing/raining so we planned on staying at this hotel which the web site states is at MM 19.3 and only one mile from the trail. There is no exit at Old Harris Road, the road the hotel is on as far as I know and according to those we talked to in town. If there was ( and again there might be- maybe someone familiar with the area can fill is in) it would be a safe easy ride and only 1 mile. BUT if you exit at MM 19.3 you will have to go up the side of HWY 278 for 1.5 miles. I was pulling a trailer with our camping gear and had my son with me. SCARY. That being said, the hotel was the perfect place to stay once we got there. The cost was about $66 and had a kitchenette. We were able to bring our bikes and trailer into the room for the night. Walking distance from a Subway, minimart, house of Chen and a Mexican restaurant. The precious family who owns the Inn... I can't say enough wonderful things about them!! The wife insisted on taking my son and I to the trail the next morning so we wouldn't have to go down HWY 278 again.

Almost all of the resources at this location are closed down permanently. And ALL of them are closed on Sunday including the Depot which locals told me is almost never open anymore. I was biking through with my son and had planned to stop there to eat. NOT the best part of town.

How much are the camp sites per night and are they open year round?

I stayed the result last night. It is one of the most beautiful locations on the trail. The cost is $15 a night and the location is mile marker 7 off Chiefl Ladiga trail. The caretaker , Terri was so friendly and kind. Just choose your site when you arrive and he'll come and check on you. Plenty of firewood and nice restrooms. I never heard or saw a car the entire time we were there.

I saw in doing a "Google" search on the Silver Comet Trail that Cobb County (eastern 13 miles of the trail) plans on doing construction work that will periodically close parts of the trail in Cobb County in winter and spring 2014. Please check http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov/silvercomet.htm
for updates.

AudaxAtlanta,com a randonneuring group sponsors a 300K ride on Solstice weekend in June. Challenge is round trip from Cedartown dawn to dusk. Official challenge is do it in less than 20 hrs. This is for registered randonneurs. See RUSA,org for membership.

I realize helmets are always a good idea...but are they required?

No, see CODE OF GEORGIA TITLE 40.40-6-296 (e) (1) unless you are under age sixteen. Soooooo, when a club or weekend event requires everyone to wear brain buckets on Public Right of Ways they are contrary to State Law. Hummm.

This is a good spot to stop. Big parking lot, also a store near by with great Americans running it. Get supplies, beverages, lottery tickets, and by all means get a hunk of hoop cheese to take with you for snacking. signs are in place to direct you to slaughter grocery. Good People!!!

July 2012, I camped at Camp Comet with a group of Boys Scouts. While I am thankful for a camping spot that is half way between Smyrna and Anniston. The lack of water, picnic tables and road access, severely limit the usefulness of the campsite. Water for drinking and washing is an absolute necessity after a day of biking.
This summer I biked the Montour / Great Allegheny Passage / C & I Canal trails in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Those trails have campsites with water (old fashioned hand pump), picnic tables and porti-johns every 10 miles or so.

I think I accidentally dropped my spare key in the Smyrna (Nickajack) parking lot. It has a black plastic handle, which has a Toyota emblem on it. The lock/unlock clicker is also on the key ring. If anyone sees it, please reply to this thread. Thanks!

I found a pair of sunglasses at the state line if you can describe them I will return them.

A new bike shop is opening near to the Seaboard Ave trail head in Hiram (1/2 mile). It's called Cycology Bike Shop.

This is a great park. It would be nice to see grills with the pavilions. It would make a nice picnic area for the family.

Are dogs allowed. My dog would be heart broken and so would I if she couldn't go.

Yes dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept under control and on a short leash. You also must clean up after your pet.

Enjoy the trail (both of you!)

Are there parking lots available for trail riders for out and back trips? If not, where is a good place to leave vehicle starting at Peidmont?

Try Walmart. We just did Anniston to Smyrna and back and left our vehicles at Walmart in Anniston with no problems. 200 Miles of sweet smelling honey suckle! Woderful.

Thanks a lot. Good suggestion. I didn't know the Anniston section was finished yet...but i am just learning and getting started.

We are planning a bike trip on the Silver Comet & Chief Ladiga Trails Oct 8-12. Are there any events scheduled like a mini marathon bike race etc.

Anyone know the condition of the silver comet trail. I heard parts of it were flooded recently.

Today we rode from Van Wert to GA/AL line and no problems. Just a little run off in some places but nothing over our tires