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Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga Forum

Share your comments, questions, opinions, and advice on the Silver Comet Trail and/or Chief Ladiga Trail.
 
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Comet Trail Cycles in Smyrna
 -  + I would not recommend renting or buying from Comet Trail Cycles under any circumstances. Their owner, Jeph, lied and deceived my friend and I, and if for not our outright anger, would have left us str...
Discussion started 03/04/24 11:46:42 AM - 0 replies
anonymous on 03/04/24 11:46:42 AM
I would not recommend renting or buying from Comet Trail Cycles under any circumstances. Their owner, Jeph, lied and deceived my friend and I, and if for not our outright anger, would have left us stranded 45+ miles away on two defective bikes.

We rented two long distance endurance road bikes from Comet Trail Cycles with the intent of doing a 110 mile ride on the Silver Comet Trail. Within 40 miles we had our first flat. Over the course of the next 10 miles, we would have 6 total flat tires occurring on all 4 of our tires. We received help checking and reinstalling inner tubes from a handful of experienced bikers on the trail, yet every time we found ourselves with another flat. The utility kits the bikes came with had one inner tube in each, and minimal supplies to repair a flat. We had already run out of the provided inner tubes and C02 canisters to inflate them. So, after flat tire 2 out of 6, we went to a nearby Walmart to buy more inner tubes, a hand pump, more C02 canisters, and lights to put on the bikes as we now knew we'd be biking back in the darkness.

After popping all the replacement inner tubes we had bought from Walmart we knew this was not simply bad luck, but something was wrong with the bikes, so we called Comet Trail Cycles for help, now being stranded 45 miles away. Originally the store wasn't going to do anything to help us and wanted to leave us deserted on the trail. They eventually gave us the phone number of a random individual who they said might be willing to pick us up. He didn't answer our calls or texts. After getting more and more upset and calling the store back, eventually the store owner, Jeph, agreed to come pick us and the defective bikes up.

Upon returning back to the store, Jeph apologized and admitted there was obviously something going on with the bikes. We told him we had spent just shy of $100 buying replacement tools and parts at Walmart and he kindly offered to pay us $60 for our hassle. Two days later I see my credit card had been charged for $60, not refunded $60. When I called Jeph back to ask him to fix this mistake, he told me that he actually intended to charge me, and that getting flat tires is just part of cycling. So, not only does Comet Trail Cycles rent defective bikes, but they also will lie to you.

If you rent from Comet Trail Cycles, just know that Jeph, the store owner, believes that getting 6 flat tires over the course of 55 miles is normal biking practice, and you might find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere on defective bikes.


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Comet Trail Cycles in Smyrna
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Riding single
 -  + I am riding the Silver Comet for my first time. I rode Smyrna to Rambo and felt safe. I would prefer not to ride single I usually do. I am 76, female and ride an ebike. I would appreciate your thoug...
Discussion started 02/10/24 10:37:59 AM by BJG - 4 replies (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 02/29/24 11:19:34 AM)
BJG from Greenville, SC on 02/10/24 10:37:59 AM
I am riding the Silver Comet for my first time. I rode Smyrna to Rambo and felt safe. I would prefer not to ride single I usually do. I am 76, female and ride an ebike. I would appreciate your thoughts on the safety of the trail.

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 02/14/24 1:35:06 PM
I have rode many times alone and have never had any encounters with trouble. You just road through the most urban part of the trail. The remaining is mostly Rual with a few towns. Save you battery for Mt Trashmore between Rockmart and Cedartown.
Good Luck

 
Travelpump from Rock Hill, SC on 02/28/24 7:23:20 PM
I am 70 and going to be doing the SC trail this spring. I always travel alone. I have an EBike and van and am hoping there are safe places to park along the way.I usually do 30-50 miles out and back each day. Any suggestions for places to park or camp are appreciated.

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 02/29/24 11:13:50 AM
There are many places to park and camp.
Some are camping areas are private. There are multiple parking areas all along the trail. Zoom in on the map above, it picks up more detail as you zoom in. There is a B&B between Rockmart and Cedartown. Motels in most towns are not far from the trail. A lot of the trail runs through State Park areas. West of Dallas you are in Paulding Forest WMA and free camping is allowed. East of Rockmart is a pay camp called The Rock. West of Rockmart is Camp Comet, free, near Don Williams Trail Head Parking. The B&B is also off this trail head.
Make sure your battery is charge up for the Rockmart to Cedartown ride over Mt. Trashmore as it has and 8-10% grade climb.

Into Alabama, east of Bordon Springs parking lot, you enter Pinhot Wilderness area and free camping is allowed. City of Piedmont allows free camping at their Sports Complex Park on the west side of town. Last camp (pay) is at the end in Anniston. Michael Tucker Park.

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 02/29/24 11:19:34 AM
I am willing to assist you and maybe ride a portion.
You can contact me at bcoyle@paulding.gov.
Let me know some projected dates so I can mark my calender,


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Smyrna Bicycles in Smyrna
 -  + My wife and I live in Smyrna and run on the trail several times a month. My wife was running on Saturday around 1:15 when she was struck by a cyclist from behind and ran over. She was about a mile wes...
Discussion started 02/05/24 2:35:08 PM by Ben Johnson - 0 replies
Ben Johnson from Smyrna on 02/05/24 2:35:08 PM
My wife and I live in Smyrna and run on the trail several times a month. My wife was running on Saturday around 1:15 when she was struck by a cyclist from behind and ran over. She was about a mile west of your shop.
She never heard or saw the rider before impact. She was thrown face first on the trail and has several injuries. She has stitches above her eye and her face, ride shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle all are bruised and swollen. She will be out of work for several days.
The cyclist ended up running over her legs and skidded down the trail. He was a white male, wearing cycling apparel including a helmet. The witness stated that he was traveling over 20 miles an hour when she was hit.
Several people saw the incident and several stopped to help. Several witnesses said his face had some scratches from the fall. He wouldn’t share personal information and acted irritated that it had happened. He didn’t hang around after the incident. A gentleman helped my wife walk about a mile to the Floyd road parking lot where I rushed her to ER.
I’m trying to locate the cyclist that caused the incident. Can you recommend a couple of Bike Facebook pages or forums that I can post this information.
Feel free to share or post in your shop. My number is 7702940714.


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5K Time Trial Bike Races for 2024
 -  + I am from the Atlanta area and did my very first 5K time trial race at the FL Games in December. I am having a lot of trouble finding 5K races on the Internet for 2024. Races on the Internet are not i...
Discussion started 02/04/24 5:21:05 PM by Farley Youman - 0 replies
Farley Youman from Smyrna, GA on 02/04/24 5:21:05 PM
I am from the Atlanta area and did my very first 5K time trial race at the FL Games in December. I am having a lot of trouble finding 5K races on the Internet for 2024. Races on the Internet are not initially labeled for the distance. I am new to racing, so can anyone narrow this down for me? I am interested in all levels of racing- local, regional, and state. I am interested in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, and South Carolina. I see a lot of longer distance races, but in mainly interested in 5K and maybe 10K- for a variety of reasons including the fact that my back can only stay on the arrow bar position for so long.
My email is Farley.Youman@gmail.com Thank you.


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planning to go next month
 -  + Is this a good trail for a road bike?
Discussion started 12/07/23 10:36:42 AM by Gerald Marrero - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 12/12/23 7:47:35 AM)
Gerald Marrero from Aurora, IL on 12/07/23 10:36:42 AM
Is this a good trail for a road bike?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 12/12/23 7:47:35 AM
Yes, paved with concrete and asphalt.
Some of the asphalt sections are rooty / bumpy, slow down.


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planning to go next month
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Shuttle service?
 -  + I have ridden the entire thing but in two separate trips. I am wondering if anyone provides a shuttle service. Doesn't matter which end I start and finish at. I saw where there use to be a Shuttle in ...
Discussion started 01/21/23 7:12:13 PM by Mark M - 7 replies (last reply by Bruce at 12/11/23 4:20:39 PM)
Mark M from Smyrna, TN on 01/21/23 7:12:13 PM
I have ridden the entire thing but in two separate trips. I am wondering if anyone provides a shuttle service. Doesn't matter which end I start and finish at. I saw where there use to be a Shuttle in Anniston but apparently, they are no longer around.

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 01/25/23 8:31:21 AM
Willing to provide assistance.
I am not a service, just a fellow rider.
You can contact me at: bcoyle@paulding.gov

 
Mark M from Smyrna, TN on 01/25/23 10:18:47 PM
Thank you. When I get a date figured out I will let you know more. Probably March or April.

 
Jim and Patty from Lafayette, Indiana on 03/26/23 4:00:16 PM
We rode the trail from Smyrna to Anniston on March 12 and 13, 2023. It's a great ride, one of the nicest rail trails in the US! We left our car in Smyrna and decided to try to find a shuttle back from Anniston. We had read about possible shuttle services in Piedmont and Powder Springs. The PS service was not available, but we got a winner in the Elevated Grounds Cafe in Piedmont. They arranged a ride for the two of us and our bikes with only one day notice! We are grateful!!

 
Steve Fleischman from Anchorage Alaska on 04/01/23 5:38:32 PM
Hello! Four of us are hoping to ride from Dallas to Anniston starting on April 23rd but we have not yet found a way to get back to our vehicle on Wed April 26th. Any suggestions?

 
Tim Corbin from Augusta, Georgia on 04/08/23 9:44:54 AM
Jim & Patty,
I would be very interested to know where you left your
vehicle in Smyrna.

 
Nancy B from Hendersonville, NC on 12/09/23 6:03:28 PM
A friend and I are planning to ride from Smyrna to Anniston in April 2024. Where can we leave our cars in Smyrna for 3-4 days? We'll try the Elevated Grounds Cafe for a shuttle back from Anniston to retrieve our cars.

 
Bruce from Marietta on 12/11/23 4:20:39 PM
Most riders leave their cars at the Publix Shopping Center.
Generally inform the manager of Publix.


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How high are any tressels?
 -  + I am considering a spring ride on these two trails. I have read there is at least one high tressell and am wondering if there is a way to avoid it without adding too many miles. I am one of those...
Discussion started 11/05/23 9:32:16 PM by Gary - 1 reply (last reply by bike_mike at 11/07/23 4:47:40 PM)
Gary from Chicago on 11/05/23 9:32:16 PM
I am considering a spring ride on these two trails. I have read there is at least one high tressell and am wondering if there is a way to avoid it without adding too many miles.

I am one of those people with a fear of heights and am used to detouring to avoid them.

Thanks

 
bike_mike on 11/07/23 4:47:40 PM
Just want to say that I'm also not all that thrilled with heights.

However, the pumpkinvine creek trestle that you are referring to is pretty wide and is enclosed by a pretty tall 5 rail wooden fence, it's not a problem for me, at all, even though I really do hate heights, this one feels secure, it's pretty easy to ride across and not even look over the edge, it's about 120 feet tall, but there are a lot of trees on the north side that kindof make it hard to see the actual creek below.

Google pumpkinvine creek trestle, lots of pictures.

Here is a link to it on google maps, i really don't see an easy way around it:
https://www.google.com/maps/search/pumpkinvine+creek/@33.9135875,-84.8834538,16.97z/data=!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu



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parking at Smyrna trailhead
 -  + Does anyone know if there is overnight parking allowed at the Smyrna trailhead?
Discussion started 10/09/23 10:43:18 AM by David - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 10/25/23 12:37:18 PM)
David from Jacksonville FL on 10/09/23 10:43:18 AM
Does anyone know if there is overnight parking allowed at the Smyrna trailhead?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 10/25/23 12:37:18 PM
The Cobb County web site says no overnight parking.
Others have used the Publix Shopping center P Lot up the hill from the Mavell P Lot.


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Rough trail
 -  + I ride a good bit, around 500 miles a month, mostly on a asphalt paved bike trail and asphalt surface streets.....not exactly well maintained, but whenever I get up there and ride the silver comet, wo...
Discussion started 01/05/23 10:36:30 PM by mike_bikes - 3 replies (last reply by mike_bikes at 08/21/23 11:08:26 AM)
mike_bikes from Columbus GA on 01/05/23 10:36:30 PM
I ride a good bit, around 500 miles a month, mostly on a asphalt paved bike trail and asphalt surface streets.....not exactly well maintained, but whenever I get up there and ride the silver comet, wow, on the Georgia side, the concrete is so harsh to me, it beats me up pretty good, neck, shoulders, wrist, even after only 10-20 miles.....it's kind of starting taking the fun out of the silver comet for me.

For example, on the GA side, west of cedartown, there are a 2 short sections where an asphalt road parallels the trail, I take the road...and it's such a physical relief, the roads are not in pristine shape or anything, but relative to the concrete SC trail, it just feels like I'm floating when I'm on the road...Is this just me, I've never really heard anyone else talking about this....

I ride an older 2005-ish specialized allez aluminum frame with carbon forks and seatpost, 25mm tires around 90 psi, but I see you guys and gals out there with your fancy carbon fiber future shock ISOspeed decoupled bikes...do those rigs do a decent job of taking the edge off that concrete ? Anyone switched from an older bike like mine to a domane\roubaix\synapse\defy modern "endurance" bike ?

Also those long slight grades kind of get in my head at times, i'm used to more of a rolling ride with some pretty level sections in between...guess no carbon fiber in the world can help with that...but going down those long grades is great, makes me feel like I'm a real cyclists...i really like the run from around the state line going east back to cedartown.

No shade on the SC, it's absolutely beautiful, i really like it in the winter in the on-grade sections during leaf-off. You can see the terrain, it's really neat to ride across those valley fills when your way up high and the peak cuts are cool riding in between those walls of rocks...

 
Redeye on 01/06/23 7:47:22 PM
Absolutely ruff conditions. Ive gone with a Jamis Ventura alum/carbon fork roadbike that will hold 32mm tires running about 85psi. Takes the edge off and wasnt a very expensive bike. Double wrap the bars. Im sure a gravel bike would be good also but probably heavier. Ive got an expensive isobar carbon fiber bike and i found them both similar but the 25mm tires are rougher. the carbon bike is faster if you pull but its just really not like the Jamis is a slow bike. I'm lucky to be able to compare both and i was surprised I dont feel like the alum bike is slower.

The 32mm tires are gatorskins. I prefer the Jamis bike on the trail.

Cheers.

 
mike_bikes from Columbus GA on 01/09/23 10:40:34 AM
>Absolutely ruff conditions
Thanks Redeye,glad it's just not me.

Sometimes when I'm riding the SC I think that it sure would be nice if they somehow were able to put a nice smooth layer of asphalt on top of that concrete...sometimes I think way back in the late 90s\early 2000s it was asphalt....but I'm pretty unsure about that...

>Ive gone with a Jamis Ventura alum/carbon fork roadbike
I actually have a ~2008 Jamis Ventura, I figured that it would be around the same ride quality as my Allez. I'm maxed out tire size wize on my allez running the 25s, but yea I'll have another look at my Jamis and see if I can get wider tires on it....

> Double wrap the bars
Ohh yea, thats a good idea


 
mike_bikes from Columbus GA on 08/21/23 11:08:26 AM
Ok, just road Saturday August 19th from 7 miles west of cedartown(to get an even 100 miles) to the end at weaver, AL.

I upgraded my tires from cheaper ones(continental ultra sport iii) to Conti Grand Prix 4 season, 25 mm, worked my way down from 95 PSI to 82.

Game changer, those tires take the concrete vibration(i think it the sidewalls, they seem different than the cheap tires?) that I was complaining about away, and also in general smooth out asphalt also, honestly it's kindof like a new bike. And too boot, they handle great, love the cornering.

With these tires, now I like the georgia side better, pretty pretty smooth. The roots on the Alabama asphalt side are now my new nemesis.

I'm still considering an endurance bike for those roots, looking at trek domane and specialized roubaix with their active suspensions, but also giant defy, canyon endurace, cannondale synapse, felt VR

I just got a used\like new 2015 Specialized Secteur as a backup\guest\kids bike, it supposed to be ~an aluminium version of the Roubaix. Unlike the newer roubaix, it does not have an active suspension(no future shock, pave seatpost), but it is supposed to be a more forgiving frame than my old allez, I'll give that a shot next time, i just wanted a few local shakeout riders first.

Surprised at how much better the shifting on 2015 Claris is over ~2011 105. Bigger jump between gears(8 vs 10 speed), but claris rear shift action is much lighter, does not miss, front shift action is almost not comparable, so so much lighter than my old 105. wow.



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Weaver to Smyrna to Weaver
 -  + Curious about gas stations for refueling ? Are there signs directing to gas stations along the trail? Also are there a lot of stop signs along the trail?
Discussion started 05/12/23 2:58:28 PM by DANIEL COLLINS - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 05/16/23 7:46:17 AM)
DANIEL COLLINS from HOUSTON TX on 05/12/23 2:58:28 PM
Curious about gas stations for refueling ? Are there signs directing to gas stations along the trail? Also are there a lot of stop signs along the trail?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 05/16/23 7:46:17 AM
Use the map and zoom down, most facilities start to show up.
Very thin in Alabama except near towns.


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Weaver to Smyrna to Weaver
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Hiking
 -  + I was curious if one could travel the silver comet by walking instead of riding a bike?
Discussion started 04/10/23 7:09:42 PM by Carrie - 2 replies (last reply by Dan, Smyrna at 04/25/23 1:44:16 PM)
Carrie on 04/10/23 7:09:42 PM
I was curious if one could travel the silver comet by walking instead of riding a bike?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 04/11/23 7:01:17 AM
No problem.
Generally, around most accesses parking lots are a lot of walkers enjoying the trail. The east end, (Smyrna), is more urbanized with subdivisions. Once west of Dallas the trail is in wilderness woods.
Then, you come back into small towns and then back to woods or along, (parallel), a highway.

 
Dan from Smyrna on 04/25/23 1:44:16 PM
Absolutely. The entire trail is walker friendly (well, I guess the landfill isn't exactly a lovely hike) and the only issue is proximity to parking / resources in some of the more remote parts. I've encountered hikers on every section of the trail


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Elevated Grounds Coffee Shop in Piedmont
 -  + We used the shuttle service at Elevated Grounds to get from Anniston to Smyrna with our bikes. It's great! Flexible, friendly, accommodating. Smooth transition. We recommend!
Discussion started 03/26/23 4:24:38 PM by Jim and Patty - 0 replies
Jim and Patty from Lafayette, Indiana on 03/26/23 4:24:38 PM
We used the shuttle service at Elevated Grounds to get from Anniston to Smyrna with our bikes. It's great! Flexible, friendly, accommodating. Smooth transition. We recommend!


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Country Inn & Suites - Hiram in Hiram
 -  + How far is the silver Comet Trail from the hotel?
Discussion started 03/18/23 2:57:16 PM by BarbG - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 03/24/23 9:46:14 AM)
BarbG from Le Mars on 03/18/23 2:57:16 PM
How far is the silver Comet Trail from the hotel?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 03/24/23 9:46:14 AM
About 1 mile South, down Watts Rd, Right onto Coppermine Rd, Left onto Weddington Rd. You are between MP# 16 - 17. Streets are generally clear, low traffic, easy ride.


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40th bday help
 -  + Hey all, My fionce and myself are traveling down to ride the trail over a cpl days to celebrate my 40th bday!!! My obstacle is we need to get our bikes from Anniston back to Smyrna. We are moving onw...
Discussion started 02/22/23 3:22:56 PM by phil conine - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 03/01/23 12:24:41 PM)
phil conine from Milford, ct on 02/22/23 3:22:56 PM
Hey all,
My fionce and myself are traveling down to ride the trail over a cpl days to celebrate my 40th bday!!! My obstacle is we need to get our bikes from Anniston back to Smyrna. We are moving onward after trail ride to Birmingham then to Nashville before back home. Can anyone make a recommendation on how we could achieve this without backtracking to Smyrna??? We just need a way to get bikes back and could figure something out super awesome if anyone can help or assist. Date we need help on is March 29

Thanks
Phil

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 03/01/23 12:24:41 PM
Willing to provide assistance.
I am not a service, just a fellow rider.
You can contact me at: bcoyle@paulding.gov


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camping along trail?
 -  + Hi everyone....wondering about camping along the trail? I only see one designated campground on the the map index....is camping along the trail allowed?
Discussion started 01/17/23 3:22:40 PM by Benjamin Gibbs - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 01/18/23 8:49:13 AM)
Benjamin Gibbs from MARION, NC on 01/17/23 3:22:40 PM
Hi everyone....wondering about camping along the trail? I only see one designated campground on the the map index....is camping along the trail allowed?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 01/18/23 8:49:13 AM
Generally, yes, when you are in a Wildlife Management Area.
In Paulding County West of MP# 28, (Paulding Forest WMA).
In Alabama, around of MP# 7, (Pinhoti Wilderness Area).


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Ride Report 5/10-11/2022
 -  + Chief Ladiga - Silver Comet Trail Ride May 10 - 11 2022 May 10: 2:00 - 5:30 Anniston AL to Cedartown GA Quality Inn. May 11: 7:30 - 1100 Cedartown to Powder Springs Root Trading Just want to s...
Discussion started 05/13/22 9:42:39 AM by JS - 4 replies (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 01/11/23 11:47:54 AM)
JS from Anderson SC on 05/13/22 9:42:39 AM
Chief Ladiga - Silver Comet Trail Ride
May 10 - 11 2022

May 10: 2:00 - 5:30 Anniston AL to Cedartown GA Quality Inn.
May 11: 7:30 - 1100 Cedartown to Powder Springs Root Trading

Just want to say “Thanks” to Jake and Zach at Root Trading in Powder Springs GA.

My buddy and I decided to give bike packing a try and decided on the Ladiga-Comet as a good test run. I started emailing back and forth with Jake at Root Trading the middle of 2021 about their shuttle services. We finalized our plans early in 2022 with the weather being our only deciding factor. May 10/11 provided us with the perfect weather so it was all systems GO!

We arrived in Powder Springs, surprisingly a quiet, quaint, small town just 25 miles out of downtown Atlanta at about 12 noon. We were unpacked, repacked and in the shuttle with Zach within half an hour. We left the keys to our car with Jake and the parking area looked perfectly safe and secure with lights, cameras and just enough people coming and going etc.

It is roughly a 1.5 hour drive from Powder Springs to the trailhead park on the outskirts of Anniston AL. (Note the time there is central but will have no bearing on anything) Zach was good driver/host and patient while we unloaded, switched into our riding gear, loaded our bike - bags and handed off what was going back to our car with him.

Standing in the park’s open parking lot we both had a moment of doubt. It was full on sun from a cloudless sky and easily tipping the mercury around 85. But - Zach was long gone and it wasn’t like we had any choice. We chatted with another couple who had just completed Cedartown to Anniston for a bit and then hit the trail ourselves where we almost immediately found ourselves comfortably under a heavily shaded tree canopy with a mild breeze blowing - perfect riding weather!

Now, about the trail. With the exception of perhaps 10 miles of our nearly 90 the trail was always in the shade. The trail was also, with the exception of about 10 miles, a bit of a mess - branches, twigs, sticks, pine needles, pine cones, leaves. Keeping in mind this was May 10-11 so I have no idea if that is normal or not. Yet it was also easily and safely rideable and nothing I would even be remotely concerned about. It is after all a “trail” not a road. The trail surface is excellent (paved in AL concrete in GA) with only a handful of “watch-its” along the entire ride.

May as well get this over with now. There is one “hilly” section just past Cedartown headed back to Powder Springs. That’s it. Maybe 3 miles with a few short climbs. You do have the typical rail-to-trail 2% gradient (Cedartown to Powder Springs) but no other hills, mountains, climbs or even any moments of out-of-the saddle. Heck they would be welcome once in a while… Seriously, I think the longest “climb” is Main Street on your way to the hotel in Cedartown. If you have prepared for two back-to-back days of 45 mile rides this isn’t going to be very hard.

Encountered rabbits, snakes, turtles, lizards, suicidal/homicidal squirrels, cats and some deer.

I’ve ridden many rails-to-trails and I put the Ladiga at about a 5 out of 10. Nice, but not really much to see. No “wow, gotta stop and look at that” kind of stuff. Beyond that, Anniston to Cedartown was a pretty typical road ride. Keep pedaling, take a break every 10 miles to stretch the shoulders and then keep pedaling.

WARNING: Our Google maps led us astray in Cedartown. If you pass over the rubber grip matting at or literally on the station platform you have gone too far. That is Main Street and you want S. Main to N. Main and at 1.7 miles the hotel is on the left. Nice, friendly, clean enough, quiet enough. They let us roll our bikes into our rooms. Decent breakfast including one of the waffle makers which is a good way to start a bike day. Zorba’s Greek restaurant just below the hotel was quite good. Lots of good biker food and pitchers of water. [No alcohol is served]. Called it a night a bit after 7:30 and the hotel was quiet and sleep came easy about 9. We did breakfast at 6:30 Wednesday morning and met back in the lobby ready to roll at 7:30.

The trail from Cedartown to Powder Springs jumps from a 5 to 6. A little more varied, a little prettier, a little more to see and several established maintained rest areas too.

We loaded Root Trading in Google maps and turned it on about 15 miles out and it brought us in on the spur trail just below the store - mission accomplished.

Again - thanks to Jake and Root Trading for two clean sizable bathrooms to clean up and change in. We finished packing up and hit Suga’s across the street for lunch before heading back home. The crispy chicken wrap sure hit the spot.

I’m 61 my friend is 59. We bike 2 to 4 times a week both on and off road. Our average mountain bike ride is about 8 miles and our average road ride is just 15. We did a few gravel rides in the high 20s and low 30s and one 40+ road ride to prepare. The added weight of bike packing does make a difference but nothing we couldn’t easily handle. Just take it easy, take a break every 10 miles, have a snack, drink plenty of water and keep on pedaling.

The ROCKBROS pannier bags are fantastic and amazing bang-for-the-buck.

I’d call it about as successful a trip as you could have. Weather/heat aside I’d recommend it as the perfect bike-packing bike-touring shakedown run you could get.

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 05/20/22 9:34:08 AM
Nice report

 
Riverbliss from Nashville, TN on 09/04/22 12:11:09 AM
I'm curious about your rating the Silver Comet a 5 out of 10. What would be your favorite trails?

 
mike_bikes from Columbus GA on 01/05/23 9:13:21 PM
I just rode a few days ago.

I started at Cedartown and headed east for 25 miles to just outside of Dallas, GA. Some pretty rough patches of trail with tons of leaves and pine straw, branches, and acorns. It was wet under the leaves, so kind of slippery. The pavement was not visible in a few sections of the trail. Completely rideable though, and started improving west of rockmart(I think it's a new county there and it looked better).

Some of those hills are really steep, combined with the leaf litter and wet pavement under, was a little sketchy....be careful, a few of those hills are deceptively steep and your speed picks up quickly, but you can't always get on the breaks heavy due to the wet leaves....a guy died like that on the hill at the dump.

In general I find the trail between cedartown and rockmart tickey tacky, it's off the railroad grade, some really steep little hills and tight corners with limited visibility, just feel like I can't really get up to speed in that section.

After Dallas, i rode back to Cedartown and rode west from Cedartown for about 12 miles, trail conditions were the same, patches of heavy tree litter on the trail, but completely ridable,

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 01/11/23 11:47:54 AM
We had over 4" of rain and high winds prior to you ride.
Generally, takes about a week to get cleaned up and blown off.


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Ride Report 5/10-11/2022
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Bike from downtown Atlanta to Smyrna Trailhead
 -  + I want to ride my bike from downtown Atlanta to the Trailhead in Smyrna. Bike friendly routes, please. May include MARTA. Thanks.
Discussion started 04/12/21 10:24:00 PM by Ginger Lyon - 2 replies (last reply by Bruce E Coyle, Marietta at 01/11/23 11:45:43 AM)
Ginger Lyon from Atlanta on 04/12/21 10:24:00 PM
I want to ride my bike from downtown Atlanta to the Trailhead in Smyrna. Bike friendly routes, please. May include MARTA. Thanks.

 
mike_bikes from Columbus GA on 01/05/23 10:55:11 PM
Same Question, anyone ?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 01/11/23 11:45:43 AM
FYI
No real friendly roads, just a couple of side walks here and there.
Mostly travel on Marietta / Atlanta Road to EW connector. At this intersection the Atlanta Road Trail (Cobb County), picks up to the SC trail.


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Access road to Camp Comet
 -  + Does anyone know how far or what is the closest access road to Camp Comet. Would like to meet up there to spend the night with a relative on their bike ride.Or are there any other places between Rockm...
Discussion started 10/12/22 11:27:39 AM by Gordon - 3 replies (last reply by mike_bikes at 01/05/23 8:51:52 PM)
Gordon from Lavonia on 10/12/22 11:27:39 AM
Does anyone know how far or what is the closest access road to Camp Comet. Would like to meet up there to spend the night with a relative on their bike ride.Or are there any other places between Rockmart and Cedartown to camp.

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 10/13/22 9:29:00 AM
Don Williams TH off Hendrix Road
@ about MP 45.5 and less than 1/4 mile to West to Camp Comet

Zoom in to the map, set your MP# 0 at Smyrna

 
Gordon from Lavonia on 10/13/22 10:18:59 AM
Thanks that helps a lot. Great it's at the halfway point of both trails combined. That's what I was looking for... thanks

 
mike_bikes from Columbus GA on 01/05/23 8:51:52 PM
I was thinking of doing the same thing, parking at the camp ground, camping and riding the next day.

There is a sign at the campground that says something like "Campground is for bike riders only".....which gave me pause about parking and camping...idk I figured if i do it I'll be sure to have my bike in the campground...


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camping on Chief Ladiga Trail
 -  + Is there still camping at the Chief Ladiga Trail Campground outside of Piedmont Ala? I stayed twice in 2021. Are there any other camping locations in Alabama?
Discussion started 10/01/22 5:56:37 PM by Bruce LaRowe - 3 replies (last reply by mike_bikes at 01/05/23 8:47:46 PM)
Bruce LaRowe from Charlotte on 10/01/22 5:56:37 PM
Is there still camping at the Chief Ladiga Trail Campground outside of Piedmont Ala? I stayed twice in 2021. Are there any other camping locations in Alabama?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 10/07/22 10:42:05 AM
It is my understanding CLT Campground is closed.

Scroll down further for additional Camp site information bellow.

 
wdf from Birmingham on 11/06/22 9:00:41 PM
There is a municipal park just west of Piedmont, owned by the City I think. They allowed our Scout troop to camp there last year. Great access to the trail.

 
mike_bikes from Columbus GA on 01/05/23 8:47:46 PM
nvm,


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camping on Chief Ladiga Trail
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we found a lost pit bull on SCT near Floyd Rd. Trailhead
 -  + Extreme longshot, but... Several of us found a loose pit bull on the trail very near the Floyd Road trailhead. Just west, by the intersection with Brookwood drive. We coralled him to keep him out...
Discussion started 12/11/22 1:23:10 PM - 0 replies
anonymous from Smyrna on 12/11/22 1:23:10 PM
Extreme longshot, but...

Several of us found a loose pit bull on the trail very near the Floyd Road trailhead. Just west, by the intersection with Brookwood drive. We coralled him to keep him out of the road and away from other trail-user's dogs, and eventually after an hour of trying to find a person he belonged to or getting animal control to come help, one of our group ended up taking him to Cobb County Animal Services.

He was super well behaved, extremely friendly - I am sure he is somebody's pet. If you lost your brindle pit bull anywhere near this area, please post back here and I'll try to help you get back with him.


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we found a lost pit bull on SCT near Floyd Rd. Trailhead
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Ebike Charging
 -  + Does anyone know if there are outlets available to charge Ebikes at the trailhead locations or anywhere else along the Silver Comet trail?
Discussion started 10/02/22 3:27:19 PM by Jacquie - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 10/06/22 9:08:36 AM)
Jacquie on 10/02/22 3:27:19 PM
Does anyone know if there are outlets available to charge Ebikes at the trailhead locations or anywhere else along the Silver Comet trail?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 10/06/22 9:08:36 AM
About South and west on a side trail from Tara Drumming Park is the Paulding County Government complex. It gas some 110 v charger pilons along the side walk of the park.


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Silver Comet Rockmart Group Ride
 -  + Hi, Im interested in a group ride on the Comet- starting in Rockmart. Are there any upcoming group rides in Sept/Oct 2022? Also, can anyone supply info on how I can find a group ride on it? It looks...
Discussion started 09/15/22 8:29:07 PM by SA - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 09/30/22 11:10:07 AM)
SA from TN on 09/15/22 8:29:07 PM
Hi, Im interested in a group ride on the Comet- starting in Rockmart. Are there any upcoming group rides in Sept/Oct 2022? Also, can anyone supply info on how I can find a group ride on it? It looks like a great ride & I love trestles!
Thanks!

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 09/30/22 11:10:07 AM
There is a "RIDE FOR WISHES" event October 8, starting from the Paulding County Gov. Complex @ 8 am. This is just a 22 mile event from the Gov Complex to the tunnel and back (11 out & 11 back).
Note this is in Dallas.


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Hometowne Lodge in Hiram
 -  + Im looking for block rooms for about 15 to 20 ladies for 1 night stay Sat Oct 22nd. Do you have the availability? We would like 2 double or queen beds. Could you let me know.
Discussion started 09/25/22 9:20:46 PM by Marcia W Wiggers - 0 replies
Marcia W Wiggers from Senoia on 09/25/22 9:20:46 PM
Im looking for block rooms for about 15 to 20 ladies for 1 night stay Sat Oct 22nd. Do you have the availability? We would like 2 double or queen beds. Could you let me know.


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Shuttle from Bama to Smyrna
 -  + Hello, we want to ride from Smyrna to the state line and then have someone shuttle us back. Around 5 riders. Anyone use a business which offers?
Discussion started 08/29/22 3:16:11 PM by Red Rider - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 09/15/22 8:50:19 AM)
Red Rider from Marietta on 08/29/22 3:16:11 PM
Hello, we want to ride from Smyrna to the state line and then have someone shuttle us back. Around 5 riders. Anyone use a business which offers?

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 09/15/22 8:50:19 AM
Willing to help. Not a service, just a fellow rider. Buy some gas.
I have a 4 door PU with 3 bike carrier. Someone would have to ride in the back with some bikes, unless you are small guys.
You can contact me at: bcoyle@paulding.gov.


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Fish Creek
 -  + I am thinking of expanding my ride from Dallas to Rockmart and on to Fish Creek. I can't find any information on Fish Creek. It almost seems like it should be avoided. Please advise.
Discussion started 08/27/22 6:15:59 PM by John - 1 reply (last reply by Bruce E Coyle at 08/29/22 8:10:24 AM)
John on 08/27/22 6:15:59 PM
I am thinking of expanding my ride from Dallas to Rockmart and on to Fish Creek. I can't find any information on Fish Creek. It almost seems like it should be avoided. Please advise.

 
Bruce E Coyle from Marietta on 08/29/22 8:10:24 AM
The west side of Rockmart comes to and parallels 278; with what they call the 278 Rollers. It then turns into cross country. When you leave 278 you are in the Fish Creek community; pastures, farms, and woods to the bottom of Mt. Trashmore.


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Fish Creek
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