Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga Forum

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?

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.

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.

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.

bikepacking east to west in the fall..probably October. Rockmart first night. Where to camp after that? planning about 30-35 miles per day.

Wondering the same thing.

Piedmont City Sports complex on the west side of Piedmont.
Zoom in on the map on the West side of Piedmont. Usually check with the Eubanks Welcome Center in down town Piedmont.
About Mile post 15.5 CLT.

I was wondering what is the optimum time of the year to ride both trails? I may be spending my winter months in the Atlanta area.

Generally, any time it is not raining or too hot, (hydrate).
Most of the trail is shaded and generally OK in the summer months.
We do have occasional ice and snow, but it does not last long.
October is our driest month, but that can change depending on a hurricane blown in from the gulf.

We are looking to ride the trail in a 2 day time frame. We will start in GA and stay in Cedartown for day 1. And then on day 2 head to Anniston/Weaver and stay for the night. And then shuttle back to GA on day 3. Any recommendations on where to stay in Anniston//Weaver?

We have a hotel picked in Cedartown but the Alabama side seems like slim-pickings. Any advice/helpful suggestions are most welcomed. Thanks!

On the South end (Anniston) there is McClellan Inn (Others have stayed there and left their car overnight), about 1.5 miles south of the trail head, down Weaver / Anniston Rd.
Or North up the trail, end (P Lot) back to Jacksonville there is a Hampton Inn, about 4.5 miles north to MP 28.5 side trail to Jacksonville HS, then North about 2 miles, up HWY 21 (shoulder / side walk). This is North of Jacksonville HS.
Zoom in on the map as more details show up.

My wife and I just completed the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga trails over a period of three years and four trips. A huge thanks to all of those who provided information about the trails, lodging and anything else that made the trips enjoyable and safe.

Yesterday, after finishing the Cedartown to Rockmart segment, we stop at The Rail Restaurant in Downtown Rockmart to celebrate. The new owners have taken an old brick building and made it into a really cool place highlighting the railroad history. Cold draft beer and cheese curds were our selections but they have a nice menu along with liquor. The Rail is right beside the railroads and is about 100 yards from the trail. Great place to stop for lunch or to finish your day.

** The new restaurant has been open for about six months after renovating the old Frankie’s Italian place so it hasn’t been included on some of these sites. Great place to unwind and props to the owners!!

Good morning, I am planning to do the two trails in three days but my concert is the campsites, we are bikepacking; any recommendation? Please

Other Camping information: Remember MP# 0 (CLT) is the AL / GA line = MP# 66 (SCT).

Piedmont has a nice Sports Complex on the West side of town with pick nick tables and a nice spring. You may wish to inquire if it is available.
The site has a paved trail to it and signage for camping. It is right at the “Welcome to Piedmont “ sign. (about MP# 16 CLT MP) Spring is tasty good water.

At MP# 7 (CLD MPs) is a pay Chief Ladiga Campground I have heard is nice. This where the Pinot Hiking Trail come through (Wilderness). CLOSED

Also there is Camp Comet (free) at MP# 45.5 (SCT MPs) between Cedartown and Rockmart. This is the East side of Mtn. Trashmore.
WILDERNESS PRIMATIVE BUGGY

Also there is a nice camp at Raccoon Creek at MP# 29.5. (SCT). There is a small sign and a trail sign down to the area (also wilderness). This is part of the Paulding Forest WMA and is also free.
This is East of the Brushy Mtn. Tunnel.

Pay campground in Rockmart called The Rock, Turn down McDowell MP# 34.5, (Gravel Road, NO signage and ride across Hwy 113) to return to the Campground, or cross 278 on 113, you will see the Campground on the left.

Here is some information I have posted before: This information was for a couple riding from opposite ends to Rock Campground each day.

From East (Smyrna, MP# 0) (Publix Shopping Center), to West, not a lot near the trail.
@ Hiram at the Depot PLot, MP# 15.8, you can go North (Seaboard Dr.), about 3/4 mile into a large commercial area with multiple choices. Zoom in on the map, more details show up.
@ Dallas at the Chamber Parking lot MP# 20.5, you can travel East Hwy 278 on a connector trail (3/4 mi) to the red light at Hwy 61 (across) multiple choices. (zoom in).
@ Dallas at the Tara Drummond Trail head MP# 21.5, you can cross 278 Hwy North for a small restaurant and bakery. This is it you are about to be in wilderness.
@ the Brushy Mountain Tunnel, MP# 31.5, Stop take pictures. (used to be MP# 32, see note below).
@ Coot's Lake Trail Head (MP# 34), is just a convenient store. You are very near the Rock Campground.
Turn down McDowell MP# 34.5, (Gravel Road, NO signage and ride across Hwy 113) to return to the Campground, or cross 278 on 113, you will see the Campground on the left.

From the East (Anniston, MP#33) This will be your hardest day Mt. Trash-More MP# 48-47. Now you are on Chief Ladiga MP#s (Start at MP# 0 C Ladiga T, MP#).
@ Jacksonville State University MP# 33- 7 = 26 CLT, off the trail to the east, multiple choices, but too early into the ride.
@ Piedmont Eubanks Welcome Center, MP# 33- 14.5 = 18.5, little coffee / sandwich shops to the North or about ¾ mile further North fast food. This is it you are about to enter wilderness / rural areas.
@ the Georgia (SCT MP# 62) / Alabama Line (CLT MP# 0), Take pictures No Facilities, still wilderness rural areas.
Now back to Georgia SCT MP#s @ Cedartown Depot MP# 51.5, a little Mexican grocery next to the Depot for large hard pork rinds or North ¾ mile to multiple options.
When you leave Cedartown some travel is on roads / side walk trail, more specifically up Juliette Street, MP# 51, back to the SCT.
@ MP#48 you start your climb over Mt Trash-More and more wilderness.
@ MP# 41.5, you have a Dollar General across the HWY.
@ MP# 38, Down Town Rockmart and Trail Head, you have multiple small shops and eateries and good BBQ. (Zoom in on Map).
@ Vinson Mt. Trail Head, MP# 36.5 , you can go North about 1 mile on, S. Piedmont Ave. to a Dairy Queen or further North another 1 mile to a commercial area, (Zoom in on map).
@ MP# 34.5, turn South down McDowell Rd, NOT marked Gravel Road to cross Hwy 113 to the Campground.

Some of the Georgia MP# are confusing as Mavell used to be MP# 0 and now it is Publix Shopping Center.

The campground is....was....a great place to camp. Unfortunately, it is permanently closed (since Jan 2022) due to the owner's ongoing dispute over repairs to the county road leading up to it. Hate to see this happen. Hoping someone else will develop a primitive camping area along the trail.

My wife and I utilize the Silver Comet regularly and we love the stretch from Hiram to Rockmart. Would there be enough interest to have small cabins for overnight stay on the Silver Comet trail and a house for larger groups. These would be right off trail and have bathrooms and safe place for bikes. Cabins would be simple but nice and you would have outdoor space for bonfires and A/C and Heat with sleeping for 2 - 4 people per cabin and online booking and keyless entry. Cheaper than hotel and Bed and Breakfast!
Looking for honest feedback to help us decide and we think it would be great for families children as well and adults and children with disabilities. Our grand-daughter is going to turn 4 yrs old soon and we take her riding (wheelchair) and walking on trail now. We hope it becomes a sport she can call her own.

I am researching riding on the Comet/Chief Ladiga Trail. I was really dismayed to see how few campsites or affordable places to stay there were along the Comet end of the trail. The Chief Ladiga section has Anniston, Jacksonville and Piedmont for lodging with a really nice looking campsite in Piedmont. I ride these kind of bike trails often and they are real magnets for cyclists looking for campsites or other affordable lodging. Check out the Great Allegheny Passage in PA. Every small town along the way has lodging businesses that are thriving from the trail traffic. This is all to say, YES!, your idea for small cabins or a kind of primitive lodge or bunkhouse is a GREAT idea. If you build it they will come!

These kinds of trail-targeted businesses tend to do very well during times the trails are busy. I would think about having a diverse set of offerings for all sorts of people on the trail. Things I was thinking about:
-Nicer accommodation/cabin for people who like higher-end places to stay
-larger dorm-style accommodations for groups or rentable by the bed when not reserved (perhaps partitionable for flexibility)
-Cheap camping area (grassy field with picnic tables) for people trying to minimize costs
-small general store with ice cream, cool drinks, snacks, and a few emergency and bike supplies. If you have a treat or snack that you do well and is sold at a competitive price point, you can become known for that and become known as a "must-stop" place along the trail.
-a water spigot near the trail for people to fill up water bottles for free.
-Shower rental
-Cold beer

My view of businesses like this is that they do best if they cater to a wide variety of potential customers. A business that caters to a specific "ideal" customer comes across as less friendly and fails to attract sustaining customers.

Hi David from Dallas. I believe, in short, the answer would be yes there is enough interest. I second the comment from bzhayes regarding grassy areas for tent only. As a cycle tourist I look for those first.
Free is best and I expect nothing more than a space. Quite often free comes with a bathroom (portable) such as those found on the C&O in Maryland.
Electric hookup is a plus and warrants a fee anywhere from $5-15 would be reasonable though at $15 Id be looking for a better bathroom and a shower.
I've seen automated systems for check-in and payment as well as honor code boxes. One site on the Katy Trail had an old refrigerator stocked with snacks and drinks, all on the honor system, a purpose built shower cabin and electric. (to recharge USB power)
Do you already have land or looking to purchase as a business venture?
I may be tackling the trail for my first time in April/May and will pay special attention on the section you mention.
I don't know the longterm plans for the trails but Id be surprised if they don't simply continue further and increase usage by long distance riders. I could see many "bike overnights" from the larger metropolitan areas taking an interest.
Ill be interested to see your progress with this venture. Good Luck

We are driving down in a few weeks to ride Anniston to Smyrna and back for a three day trip.
Where is the best place to leave our car for three days in Anniston?
Thanks!

I would recommend renting a campsite at Michael Tucker Park.
It would behind a locked gate.
I have heard of other leaving a car at the Weaver Police Station.
See the map and zoom in more features begin to show up.

I got quite excited at the prospect of a campsite at the end of the trail. But $25 / night seems quite steep.

Has anyone stayed at the Robert's Home Night at the Museum in Piedmont, AL?

We are driving down in a few weeks to ride Anniston to Smyrna and back for a three day trip.
Where is the best place to leave our car for three days in Anniston?
Thanks!

Is there any nearby hiking or other activities such as kayaking?

From any trail head!

Around MP# 7 Chief Ladiga is the Pinhoit Wilderness Trail (Alabama).
North and West of Dallas, GA is some WMAs with dirt roads, but no developed trail system. See Georgia DNR web site for the WMA maps. The SCT runs through Paulding Forest WMA. There is a trail to Raccoon Creek off the SCT at MP# 28.

I have not done any floating but I have heard of some in Alabama at Little River. Also some easy floating on the Tallapoosa River near Cedartown, GA, with put ins.

North East GA is the place to go. The Chattooga River that divides SC from GA is white water. This is the river that Deliverance (movie) was filmed.

We are riding the trail for the first time and was wondering if Smyrna to Powder Springs is a lot of stop and go through the burbs of Atlanta and if it would be best to start at Powder Springs to avoid this although cutting off 11 miles. Thanks!

Not too bad. This end has a lot of walkers. You just have to slow down.

It looks like getting to the trail from the Amtrak station in Anniston is fairly easy, but it looks fairly complex from the Atlanta Amtrak station to the Smyrna trailhead. Has anyone figured out a seamless, fairly simple way to shuttle a car using Amtrak so you can ride the trail?

I've read the advice on here that the best place to leave your car is in Dallas, GA, but as far as I can tell that is impossible to get to using public transit from Atlanta. Plus Dallas isn't very conducive to a one-way bike ride.

I would be taking my kids, so I am not terribly interested in long rides on streets to get to my car. My ideal trip is to leave bikes at the start, drive the car to the finish, leave it there, and take the Amtrak back to the start to begin the bike trip. I realize with the Amtrak schedule (9-10 AM for the southbound train and 7-11 PM) for the northbound train) I would probably have to spend a night in a hotel at the start or conclusion.

Any advice? Anyone work out good logistics?

Amtrak station in Anniston doesn't have an attendant to off load your bicycle so be aware they may not let you take it off the train. Anniston is scheduled to complete the bike trail from present end to the Amtrak station before year's end, and Amtrak will be adding an attendant. Elevated Grounds Coffee runs a shuttle out of Piedmont and will pick you and your bike up and take you to wherever you desire to start your ride, and they are reasonable, very friendly and accommodating.

How long can one leave or park their automobile at trail head

The Cobb County web site says no overnight parking. Most people park 1.5 mile up to the east in the Publix Shopping center, Smyrna, for overnight parking. The Aniston end has a pay campground with some security, locked gate.

Best parking is near MP# 21-22 at the Paulding County Government Complex, 240 Constitution Blvd., Dallas, Georgia. The site has the Sheriff's Department, Jail, Court House, County Admin. Building and a busy Veterans Park and is well lighted and patrolled.

There is a concrete trail, (0.8 miles east), to the Tara Drummond Trail Head.

Hey Bruce,

I am planning to do the USBR21 to Chattanooga and back. I will need to leave my car about 4-5 days. Can I do that at the 1240 Constitution Blvd government complex parking?

Thanks! Jeff

Yes, this is a busy lighted parking lot the services the Court House, County Admin. Building, a park with bathrooms (open 24 hours), Sheriffs Office, and Jail.

Thanks Bruce!
Sorry just one more question.

Would I park over nights in the Tara Drummond lot or the actual gov complex lot?
I'll probably ride out there from Smyrna before my trip to check it out.

Gov. Complex

What is the trail distance from Edomite Hill to Anniston?

Where is Edomite Hill? Never heard of it.....

Easom Hill Trail Head to Aniston about 33.5 miles

Do the trailheads have electrical outlets for charging an e-bike? Or are there appropriate places along the trail that allow charging?

Best parking is near MP# 21-22 (SCT) at the Paulding County Government Complex, 240 Constitution Blvd., Dallas, Georgia. The site has the Sheriff's Department, Jail, Court House, County Admin. Building and a busy Veterans Park and is well lighted and patrolled. There are electrical post near the Park. The parking lot is 0.8 miles west (north of 278 Hwy), of the Drummond Trail Head with a concrete path.

There are a few bathrooms and welcome centers along the way, but they may not be open 24 hours. There is a private campground and bathroom at the Chief Ladiga Trail Head end, (MP#33,Alabama).

Question: I may have a group of 20+ cyclist start in Jacksonville, AL and finish in Smyrna, GA. For a group that large, do we need to get a permit? We plan to ride out and back on April 2nd & 3rd.
Any advice would be appreciated.

There are no permits required to ride the trails.
Just know the Smyrna end has a lot of walkers, dogs, kids on bikes and your group will have to slow down.

Or like the Hikers describe it "just know that there are lots of bikers on the SC trail"

Can you suggest a nice family friendly area along the trail near Cedartown or Easom Hill with parking and restrooms?

https://www.silvercometga.com/silver-comet-polk-county/silver-comet-cedartown.shtml

One of my favorite family friendly rides is from Martin Trail Head, west of Cedartown @ MP# 53, to the GA/AL Line. Total of about 16 miles (both ways 8+8=16). This ride is scenic and flat. Toilet facilities are porta johns and has a gravel P Lot.

Another ride is from Tara Drummond Park, (paved lot), near MP# 21.5, to Pumpkinvine Trestle, (MP#25), to the Brushy Mt. Tunnel (MP#31) and back. This is a total of about 20 miles (both ways 10+10=20). This is mostly shaded woods but it does start with a bathroom at Tara Drummond Park. To make it shorter Park a Rambo Trail Head, (gravel + porta john), at MP# 23.

Zoom in on the map and turn on the Mile Post to see these areas.

Looking for lodging recommendations in or near Rockmart.

Also, best place to park overnight in Anniston.

Thank you in advance for any information!

For a Rockmart stay at The Manor at Becks Lake (bed and breakfast). Zoom into the map near MP 44.5, south down the road 1/2 mile.
Parking at Anniston, reserve a camp site (Michael Tucker Park & Chief Ladiga Trail), at the end or I have also heard of people parking at the Weaver Police station. Again zoom in on the map and information points, pop up balloons with phone numbers.

Is overnight parking available at the trailhead for cyclists riding the Silver Comet? And is it a safe place?

The Cobb County web site says no overnight parking. Most people park 1.5 mile up to the east in the Publix Shopping center for overnight parking.

Planning a trip with about 30 other good, strong riders. We're looking at a weekend in April 2022. Planning to start at Anniston and spend the night in Smyrna, and return to Anniston the following day. With so many riders, are the trails wide enough and is there a limit in speeds?

The trail is about the with of a car lane (give or take a few ft). A group of 30 riders would be waaaay too big

Generally the trail is 12' wide. The Smyrna end (asphalt) has a lot of walkers with dogs and kids. Just slow down around them. Once out West of Dallas (concrete) wide open with very few road crossing.

Hi all. My family would like to bike part of the silver comet on thanksgiving and spend the night We me thinking of biking in Alabama. Any suggestions of which town to stay in and which is a good part to bike since we won’t be doing the whole trail. I will probably drop them off and take my car to next point and bike out to meet them. Thanks

One of my favorite rides is from Martin Trail Head (West side of Cedartown, Georgia) to Piedmont, Alabama (Eubanks Welcome center). This is mostly wilderness with nice scenery. The trip is about 19 miles one-way. I would stay in a hotel in Piedmont.

Is it ok to leave a car here for 2 nights while we ride the trail west ?

With all the current rain, even though it’s supposed to clear up this weekend, is it likely that the trail will be flooded in parts?We planned to do the whole trail this weekend.

Looking to shuttle from Powder Springs to Anniston and ride back over two days. That looks like about 40miles/40miles. Where is the best, nicest place to stay in Cedartown? Price doesn't matter. Best place to eat and can you walk/bike there from the trail? THANKS!

Zoom in on the map, more information and facilities show up.
About 1.5 miles North of the Cedartown Depot is a Quality Inn and some others. Call make sure they are open.

Willing to assist with shuttle.
Contact me at: bcoyle@paulding.gov

Am I able to leave a car overnight to return and grt it the second day?

Generally the Cobb County Web site says: No Overnight parking.
Some people have parked in the Publix Parking lot at MP# "0".
Safest overnight is at the Paulding County Government Complex Parking Lot about 0.8 miles, (off trail with Bike Path) from Tara Drummod S. Comet Plot MP# 21.5. This is lighted with a Sheriff / Jail Office and Marshalls patrol frequently.
Address: 240 Constitution Blvd., Dallas, Georgia

Am I able to leave a car overnight to return and grt it the second day?

This service is no longer available.

I would like to ride this route on Christmas break this year. I would like to stay in the 30-40 mile per day range and make it about a 2.5 day trip. Looking at the site, there are not many options for camping. Just me, the bike, a small trailer and a two man tent. Are there any camping spots along the way that are not listed on this site.

Camping question:
Near MP# 30 is Racoon Creek. Past the creek on the North side of the trail is a dirt path leading down to Racoon Creek. Area is a WMA and free camping is allowed, (no facilities).

Next would be MP# 34 Rock Camp Ground. This is off the trail (South) on a dirt drive across a Hwy and is a pay site.

Next would be MP#46 Camp Comet. No facilities, free.

Mid point MP# 51 Cedartown, in town No camping or ask at the visitor Center (Depot) on trail.

Next would be Chief Ladiga Camp ground MP# 7 in Alabama, @ about 70 mile total. On right pay facility.

Next would be on the west side of Piedmont, Al., there is a park with a nice spring run by the City of Piedmont. Check at the Piedmont / Eubanks Welcome Center.

Zoom in on the map and more features start to show up.

Hope this helps.

I am looking to ride the CLT and SCT IN NOVEMBER. Is the Martin trail head a good place to park over night

Short answer, NO. Martin is a isolated Gravel Parking lot in the middle of no where. Has a gate that they lock at night and it is next to a County Green Box dump site. Better to go to the Cedartown Parking lot in town, but I have also heard there are issues there. May be best to go a hotel Plot in town and ask permission.