Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga Forum

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.

Nice report

I'm curious about your rating the Silver Comet a 5 out of 10. What would be your favorite trails?

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,

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.

I want to ride my bike from downtown Atlanta to the Trailhead in Smyrna. Bike friendly routes, please. May include MARTA. Thanks.

Same Question, anyone ?

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.

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.

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

Thanks that helps a lot. Great it's at the halfway point of both trails combined. That's what I was looking for... thanks

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...

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?

It is my understanding CLT Campground is closed.

Scroll down further for additional Camp site information bellow.

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.

nvm,

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.

Does anyone know if there are outlets available to charge Ebikes at the trailhead locations or anywhere else along the Silver Comet trail?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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).