Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga Forum

My friend and I are going to ride the trail for four days.

Can we park at trailhead? If not please tell me where?

You can call me at 210-373-2038.

We plan to start riding on September 26, 2019.

Jorge Tijerina

Congratulations to Jacksonville, AL trail maintenance department, all ungulations have been leveled, much safer ride now. Would be great if Jacksonville could teach Piedmont and Cleburne county how to mill down the raised asphalt.

Feb 18, 2020
Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The Silver Comet Trail Bridge over Noses Creek in Powder Springs will remain closed another month after heavy rains delayed repair work.

The wooden bridge has been undergoing maintenance for damaged supports and overgrown trees. It is now scheduled to reopen after March 20.

...

Full article:
https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/silver-comet-trail-bridge-closure-extended-after-rains/yDe8HtvGjHVolaOz3iICuK/

Marker is on wrong side of road

Move the marker to the East Church Street location

Also there is a primative camp site on the "U" shaped dip, between MP 45 & 46. This dip is also the actual location of the trail.

The marker is in the wrong place.
Move it to Grady Road.
And the trail highlight is also incorrect.
The trail follows the thin green line over Mt. Trashmore.

FYI

I wanted to see if I could answer this for myself by reading the materials on this site but I confess I have not reviewed everything yet. I hope to do the round trip Smyrna to Anniston and back this March. I have never been there but I see there is a small parking lot at the trailhead in Smyrna. I am slow and expect it to take me 4 days to do the trail so my truck will be in a parking lot for 4 days and 3 nights.

I have some questions I hope someone can help with.

1. Since the trail closes at sunset, does the parking lot also close?

2. If I can keep my vehicle there overnight, is it reasonably safe? Of course there are no guarantees but I guess I am asking whether it is known to be unsafe. It seems to me a solitary vehicle there multiple days overnight will be an obvious target.

3. Is there a particular hotel/motel where they will let me keep the truck there for multiple days if I stay one night, and that is close enough to the trail for me to ride my bike to the trail on somewhat safe roadways?

4. I could start and end somewhere other than the GA trailhead. Is there secure parking (e.g., public, paid for parking in a secure lot) somewhere else along the trail?

Thank you for any assistance.

There is a place to park your bike overnight at the rear of the Weaver Police Department(WPD), which is monitored by camera. Parking is availabe over night also if desired. Motel is about two miles from the WPD.

Thank you very much Sir.

I would park at the Paulding County Government Parking lot.
Address: 240 Constitution Blvd., Dallas , Ga.
It has lights, cameras, and Sheriff patrols.
This lot is in Dallas and you access the SCT by bike trail East on 278 to Tara Drummond Park.

are motor asisted bikes allowed

Did 45 today from Hiram to Rockmart and back. Trail was a mess after last night’s storm. Lots of downed trees and debris everywhere.

You can use an electric bike if 750 watts or less and does not have a throttle, must be a peddle assist only.

I'm thinking of riding from Smyrna to Anniston. Does anyone know of a shuttle service from Anniston to Smyrna? Thank you.

are motor asisted bikes allowed it is not a dirt bike or motorscooter motor asisted bike

Scroll down to a discussion about “E-Bikes” on 4/15/2019. Sounds like it’s okay to me.

are motor asisted bikes allowed it is not a dirt bike or motorscooter motor asisted bike

Have you a map showing lodging spots along the length of the Ladiga/Comet?

Have an opinion of security of car park at the Anniston trailhead?

THANK YOU!

Hi Barry and Candace, please use the following link to see a list of all lodging along the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga trails. This is the Trip Planner tool with "Lodging" selected. As you'll see, you can customize the list to include other types of services as well.

https://bikesilvercomet.com/planner.aspx?scid=14&ecid=1&rt=0&svcs=|3|

If you know of any errors or omissions, please let us know.

Hopefully someone will have some insight on Anniston parking.

Happy trails!

The Silver Comet Trail bridge over Noses Creek, located near the Carter Road parking lot and trail mile marker 8.4, will be closed from Jan. 6 to Feb. 20....

Source: Tribune Ledger News

Full story:
https://www.mdjonline.com/news/silver-comet-trail-closure-at-noses-creek-bridge/article_f9e62efa-15ef-11ea-a8ab-af3040881248.html

Hello everyone,

I am a runner on the silver comet every weekend and am currently training for a marathon next month (my 6th). For anyone familiar with that process, it's important to get some training runs in with some miles at your goal race pace. That being said, I figured I would ask the most knowledgeable folks this question. Rather than going from Coot's Lake to Hiram (18 miles), is there any stretch that is flat for a long time or at least less hilly than that route that would support an 18 mile run? I am willing to even go out 9 miles, 9 miles back if it means it was on a flat route. Additionally, I have become so familiar with Coots Lake to Hiram that it totally messes with my head now because I recognize certain points. Figured it was worth a shot to ask, or if you know of any long flat stretches in the metro atlanta area or close to it that would support an 18 mile run, whether out and back or not, please let me know! Happy I stumbled upon this forum and hope being a non-cyclist doesn't deter any tips.

Thank you guys!
Garrett

I have found that from Cedartown, GA to Piedmont, AL is the flattest 24 miles with very little other traffic or cross streets.

Is there a shuttle service available at this time? Looking at riding the trail Sept 23-26th, of this year. I have searched and called and do not seem to find anything. Many thanks

Has anyone ridden the trail end to end and utilized Amtrak on the return trip?
I did this on the Katy trail last year and it worked great.

I just called about this 8/2019. While the Crescent line can accommodate bikes, the Anniston station is unmanned so there is no way to get a bike checked into the baggage car. They do not yet have 'walk-on' bike service, but some news outlets have reported that they are working on changing this.

I'm unable to pedal a bike for long period of time. Are e-bikes allowed for pedal assistance?

I do not know IF they are allowed;
however, only wanted to report back to you that 2 weekends ago I saw 3 E-Bikes on The Comet in the Rockmart vicinity.

Of the 33 states that explicitly define e-bikes, some state laws, such as in Arizona, Georgia, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Utah and Washington, specifically allow e-bike operation on facilities such as bicycle paths or greenways, with the caveat that many carve out exceptions for localities to enact stricter operation regulations on such bike and pedestrian facilities. Georgia’s law simply states “Electric assisted bicycles may be operated on bicycle paths.” In Delaware, Florida, Iowa and Nebraska, electric bicycles are defined within the existing definition of a bicycle, therefore there is not a distinction when it comes to operation on trails. Vermont specifies that motor-assisted bicycles are governed as bicycles and have the same rights and duties applicable to bicyclists.

I think there is actually a posted speed limit isn't there (I know I don't have to worry about breaking it on my bicyle! :- )?
What brings this question to mind is the recent other Original Post inquiring if E-Bikes were allowed ... The E-Bicyclists with whom I spoke told me that their E-Bikes travel along at 17mph on level paved surface.

The posted speed limit in the rules of the trails is 15MPH

Is it $15 per person or per campsite?

is there a special rate for 3 or more nights?

Thank God, they put a tobacco mart smack in the middle of a 100 mile bicycle route. Good to know. Gonna get me some smokes to help me through the last 50.
Maybe the next town will have a place I can sell a pint of blood mid-tour?

I'm new to biking and would love to join a group that goes riding on the trail from Powder Springs (Florence Rd). I'm open for mornings or afternoon rides. I just got my bike so you will have to bear with me, I haven't been on a bike for years so I'm a little wobbly. My ultimate goal is to get enough endurance where I can take the ride to Alabama in September.

I am available the first week of April and I am looking for a group I could join. I live in Buford GA. Will start in Smyrna.

I will actually be riding the Comet this coming weekend with a sold out group.
However, would be most interested in riding with you at another time.
Love the SCT.
Since we are both in the Buford vicinity we could do a 'hi/how r u' ride perhaps over at Lanier Islands sometime? Or the Swuannee Greenway?
On the Silver Comet .... what is the most miles you'd prefer to do per day? I may not be 'high mileage nuff 4 u :- ) !
Which is to say .... I am good for no more than 30 per day/fyi.

Thanks for contacting me. I have done the Greenway few times and always enjoy. The SCT few times only and the most I ride was 12.5 miles each way. With my boys it has been difficult to go farther and now-a-days they are teenagers and they do not even want to ride anymore. I have not done lake Lanier as I think you have to pay $20 or $30 just to park and had the impression the trail was not long enough. Let me know if that is correct. I have been there just for the light shows in December. I have also biked in Dekalb Cty many times over the years by Panola Mtn. It is hilly in some parts, but very nice. Last time we ended at the Monastery. I wanted to do the 98 miles to AL, but my husband told me today to work on the taxes and that there will be light rain this comming week. I am willing to meet with you for a bike ride for a day. Maybe my husband wont mind to join us for a day as he told me he has too much work. Let me know when you will be available and which area you would like to ride. I see you are more experienced. I have to consider when my son goes to work as I am his "taxi driver." Thanks for contacting me and hope you are having a great time this weekend. Magda R.

As you may note, Magda, I just posted an inquiry about if this forum has the facility to do "Personal Messaging" ... because I wanted to offer you a little information on Lanier Islands and I can see where someone would view it as "Off Topic" even tho our objective is to gather together a group of folks from this vicinity to ride the SCT ! :- ).
Lanier Island Front Gate will advise you that you ACTUALLY have FREE entrance IF you are on a bike ! Yup, you heard me correctly. So with the above in mind, here is what works well ... park at the public parking area across from the Sailboats BEFORE the Front Gate and just bike on in. The 10 foot wide sidewalks are gaw-RATE if you wish to stay off the roads.
REGARDING THE SCT ... I am tied up this week mostly due to preparation for the previously mentioned SCT sold out group ride .... however, can be in touch going forward. Later in April my wife would be able to ride as well.

My last comment did not go through. You can use messenger on FB. Look for magda rivera. I am on top area of a gray building. Let me know when we can ride in Lanier lake area. I have trouble setting the gears in my bike.

Huh ... wonder how come it did not go thru?
Meanwhile, regarding FB, I know it is a bit 'unusual' for people not to do FaceBook;
however, I am one of those 'unusuals' that does not.
Permit me to follow up with you later in the month ...
it will be then when I know when my wife will be able to ride.
Regarding your gears ...
is it a mechanical problem OR
is it no one has shown you how to change your gears while riding?
If it is mechanical permit me to recommend Stan, Bike Shop Mgr., at REI Mall of GA.
What he fixes stays fixed and for a reasonable price, in my humble view, at that.
The REI phone no. is 770-831-0676.
His assist., Kelly, is also most helpful.

My problem is I would like to go faster and would like to know how to manage my gears better to accomplish that. You surely are more experienced than me. When we meet we can manage that. Also, I can use my son's bike, although I will have to pick it up in ATL.

Hi Regular Joe: Going to try Lake Lanier next week early morning as the temperature is getting warmer and suspect there's no shade on the lake trail. Timing is almost over. Won't be able over the weekend as my son has soccer games. I have just been bicycling in the gym when visiting there. Magda

WebMaster Ray - For whatever reason I have never opted into the feature/function entitled, "Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga Maps."
The manner in which you have engineered the 'each Town' via the drop down menu is really, really helpful. It is fast, plus, rich with detail.
- Many thanks.

Thanks, glad you like it! In fact, I will be making a bunch of improvements to the website within a month or two, so stay tuned for more features and improved maps. For example, you'll be able to see mileage markers on the maps, plot out businesses/services, and more.

Happy trails!

I also wanted to commend and thank the webmaster for a great job on the mileage chart Very straightforward and easy to use.

Hello all - On this forum do we have a way to do a Personal Email Message?
I apologize if the function is here and I have over looked it.
Reason I am inquiring is because the ability to do a Personal Message could be helpful so that all the Strings/Topics can easily stay ONLY :- )'On Topic.' - Many thx.

Unfortunately there is no way to send private message through the forum. As an open forum, all communication is through simply posting.

I appreciate your concerns about staying on-topic, but we're pretty tolerant of any topics related to cycling. Your other discussion on teh forum is not a problem.

Happy trails!

Thank you Sir.
Plus ....
THANK you for all you have and are, as well as :- ), anticipate doing to keep this site working so well.

Cobb expands Silver Comet Trail marker program

Cobb County is expanding its Emergency Locator Marker program to the Silver Comet Trail.

Cobb is the first county in Georgia to use the trail markers that are designed to direct rescuers more quickly to 911 calls from a trail.

While the SCT project is underway, the markers are coming to more trails this year.

“We have signs that are going up on all trails that are approximately a quarter-mile apart,” said Cobb County Police Park Ranger Sgt. Dave Ablashi in a county statement.

“There is an eight-digit number; and when you call 911 and give that location, it doesn’t just show up as a place on a trail. It actually shows up like a home address or business address, and it puts it on the responder’s map on a computer,” Ablashi explained.
...

Full article: https://www.ajc.com/news/local/cobb-expands-silver-comet-trail-marker-program/mf87LBGvB7AzNIS9IXGUbI/

Source: AJC

60 plus couple plan to ride Chief Ladiga Trail a second time at a leisurley rate in one day Looking for shuttle since we don't want to try the 60 miles plus miles. Question was asked in older messages but didn't see any answers. Could not find any recent mention of shuttles.

New CSX lease addresses passenger rail, Silver Comet

"... CSX also agreed to abandon more than two miles of unused rail to be converted into an extension of the Silver Comet Trail in exchange for $10. ..."

Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Full article:
https://www.ajc.com/news/local-govt--politics/new-csx-lease-addresses-passenger-rail-silver-comet/CusA2GMHVV8QpwsP5s30uK/

I'm on vacation from May 25th to July 8th. I'm looking for someone or a group to ride the trail during this timeframe. I would like to start in GA and ride to Anniston. E-mail me if you're interested. Thanks!

Hiram retailer invests in Paulding bicycle rentals for trail users

"...users of the Silver Comet Trail have a Paulding County outlet for renting bikes and receiving minor repairs for the first time this decade.

Cycology Bike Shop in Hiram recently reopened a long-shuttered building adjacent to the trail’s Hiram trailhead for use as a bike rental and trail snacks outlet..."

Full story: http://www.mdjonline.com/neighbor_newspapers/west_georgia/business/hiram-retailer-invests-in-paulding-bicycle-rentals-for-trail-users/article_b50f4296-6e96-11e8-bf3f-0ba85ab70770.html

(Source: West Georgia Neighbor newspaper online)

what is the exact distance to between piedmont and cedartown? the mileage chart lists it at about 24 miles but the listed at 38 miles to Cedartown to Piedmont or vice versa when looking at the town link itself. I googled the distance via 278 and it is 25 miles. The trail distances can vary but your link has as I stated above 38 miles and 24 miles. can you correct this. also there appears to be nothing between Piedmont and Cedartown except the Chief Ladiga campground which I assume has potable water and a local Pure gas station/store.

I rode the Silver Comet Trail in Oct while visiting my sister in Athens GA-80 miles east of Smyrna. Loved it. looking forward to doing it on the 8th of June. concerned about issues of safety. I ma used to riding long distances and on trails but I am in the mountains so even hot summers are cooler in the mountains. We have had nothing but rain the past few weeks with temps in the 60s and 70's. cool for even here almost 600 miles north. I have ridden the Great Allegheny Passage and C &O Canal towpath form Pittsburgh to D.C in one trip. 335 miles.

The mileage chart is correct. I mapped out the whole trail on Ride With GPS. It is 23.9 miles between Main St. in Cedartown and Center St. in Piedmont ...which is where the Solid Rock Cafe is. From what I've read you don't want to miss that. Unfortunately my trip was cut short by bad weather. I didn't get to ride that section. But my thorough research agrees with yours. There is nothing in between. That local Pure gas station/store may be wishful thinking on your part. I was planning to stay at Chief Ladiga campground, but the idea of waiting out a 40° rainy day in a tent deterred me. They don't have electricity or water hook-ups at the sites ...but I'm sure they have potable water at the restrooms/showers.

Signups are underway now to take part in a 5K Fun Run and 1 mile walk coming up on June 16 at 9 a.m., starting at the Silver Comet Trailhead in Rockmart. Contact theloseys@gmail.com to learn more and register.

Source: http://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/polk_standard_journal/news/local/standard-journal-area-calendar-of-events-from-the-wednesday-may/article_51ec0e08-56cf-11e8-a6bc-a7be148a50a3.html

Connect The Comet Sees Progress In Mission To Connect Silver Comet With Atlanta Beltline

"... Cobb County’s government has listed a 3.4-mile Silver Comet Trail extension as part of a list of trail initiatives at CobbTrailPlan.com. The extension would bring the trail inside I-285 and nearly to Moore’s Mill Road in Atlanta.

Full article:
http://cobbcountycourier.com/2018/05/connect-the-comet-sees-progress-in-mission-to-connect-silver-comet-with-atlanta-beltline/

Source: Cobb county Courier

I just want to update the trail conditions from the Georgia State Line to Michael Tucker Park, Anniston, AL.

There are many more root problems that will increase in severity with time and inattention. The ones listed below are the more serious and warrant this warning.

There are serious bumps from root growth below the asphalt between the following mile markers in Alabama:

2

4 to 5.5

7.5 to 8.5

10 to 10.5

15 to 19

The roots have pushed the surface up in some places two to three inches, creating a surprise that can catch both cyclist and hikers off guard and result in injury in an isolated area.


Splits in surface from ground movement (large enough to trap a narrow tire):

0.5 to stateline

Sand and mud accumulation (narrow tire hazard):

1

There is also a WalMart just up from the Henry Farms mile marker. It's a straight shot from there. Subway and Deli inside for meals. Taco Bell out front.

There is a water meter embedded in the trail around mile marker 39 in front of Haney Farm and Ranch, Inc. The water meter is recessed in the trail surface resulting in a sharp concrete lip surrounding the meter that is about 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep. Last weekend I hit this thing and got not one but two flat tires as a result of hitting it! I went back a week later and looked at it and took pictures and noted that the top of the hole is worn away and jagged from so many people hitting it. As a result, I am sure I am not the first to hit this hole and perhaps get flat tires. I think this needs a metal plate installed over the top. Does anyone know the best resource to forward this recommendation to, including pictures? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, Tom

I'm sure you've already checked, but maybe the Haney Farm & Ranch or Haney Powersports can point you in the right direction. Rockmart? Polk? Sorry you had to TOFTT.

The hole is still there as of 10/27/2017, it's painted orange so it's a little visible but still could take someone out. For the record it's on the right side headed towards Atlanta (East). Thanks for making this post since I was looking out for it after reading this before leaving.

I just finished riding the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga Trails. I drove down from Washington DC to ride it. I had a wonderful time riding since the weather was slightly hot, but not overwhelmingly so and my daughter accompanied me as a sag wagon, should I need one. Thanks to not having any rain or bike breakdowns, I rode the entire stretch from Smyrna to Anniston.
The only challenge on the trip occurs between Rockmart and Cedartown where the blogs and websites warn of some hilly terrain that can be tiring. Let me correct that impression. These are reclaimed highways designed for Chevys and Fords for 12 miles. There are a dozen hills of at least 1/2 mile that are, without Lance Armstrong's steroids, impossible to climb on your bike. It took me 2 and 1/2 hours to go about 7 miles. I walked my bike up half the hills and rested for 20 minutes each at the top of three of them. No one anywhere warns you sufficiently about this stretch. This is a conspicuous and dangerous riding section that the fine people in Georgia tend simply to not say a thing about. I almost died on this stretch. After my heart attack a year ago, I was not ready for this challenge, and I emailed my relatives immediately to sue the state for their conspicuous avoidance of a sufficient warning of this dangerous stretch.
My guess is that most of you already know this section exists because in my 2 and 1/2 hours only two other riders passed me. I suspect those of you from the area simply ride west from Cedartown instead of east and those in Rockmart merely head east (only) to avoid it. But those of us coming from out of state are trapped by this section without warning.
Did anyone else out there suffer from these misleading messages that fail to warn anyone of what tremendous difficulty is involved in this stretch of road (it's not a trail)?

An apt description of that stretch. The SCT is a meandering trail for the most part and is only of fairly moderate difficulty, however, and I have never made it a secret when telling others about it, that 12 miles, as noted above, is Difficult. Not for the big shot riders, of course, but for the average rider, which is about 98%, it's a test. Yes, many go west from Cedartown or east from Rockmart, that's the easier thing to do. I remember my travails the first time I did this stretch and while not walking I was certainly spinning. Also, this 12 miles is situated nearly in the 'middle' of the Anniston to Smyrna ride and is s big psychological hurdle for the average rider as they get nearer, and nearer, this stretch. It is enjoyable though, and makes the SCT more, er...'interesting'...:-)

Also, that stretch is out in the 'boondocks' so one will see relatively few riders along this area. I would always suggest a buddy if doing the full stretch from Symrna to Anniston, or simply through this 12 mile stretch.

Your description is the best of the Alps section of the SCT. We stopped to rest on one of the benches and scrawled by an obviously weary hand stated THIS PART SUX. Compared to most of the SCT how hilly is the Chief Ladiga trail.

The Chief Ladiga is flat, flat, flat. Since it is entirely an old railway, very slight grades here and there. Going east, you won't hit a real grade until you get to Cedartown. Planning on riding the SCT from Cedartown to Dallas this weekend. Your description makes me a little nervous.

Though I have not ridden it, a person is responsible for knowing what kind of condition he is in, and besides those kind of hurdles are part of the adventure. Try riding across "flat" Nebraska, with an incessant headwind.

The hilly portion is there as a detour because... that part of the old Silver Comet RR is still active with trains on it. So it's best to have a low gear of less than 36 gear inches(G.I.). See sheldonbrown.com

As a 52 year old beginner, I expect the worst, and hope for flat ground. When I rode down the hill, I wondered why there was a bench half way down, I was wrong, the bench was half way up, for a reason. I made the ride without stopping until I reached the top. I rested with the 20 year olds who were tired also. If you wish only for flat ground, get a stationary bike.

You want flat ground, try riding the Cowboy Trail in northern Nebraska. (www.bikecowboytrail.com) You can ride from one county road to the next and it will show you what the whole trail is like. Warning: they have the Texas goathead sandburr and it is attracted to bicycle tires. It went through my Kevlar tires on my Burley trailer.

Give me a break, sue because it was to hilly? I am 50 and road/walked it on my longboard skateboard in the 188 mile 3 day stage race that goes the whole length of the Chief Ladiga and the silver comit trail and back. Damn sue happy USA nothing should be a challenge/adventure. I say to you stay at home next time.

IF it took you 2 1/2 hours to go 7 miles due to the hill(s) then you might consider NOT riding at all and sticking to a gym or simply ride flat trails. The Washington & Old Dominion trail (in your area)has hills and dozens of crossings making it a challenge of sorts. I hate losing momentum while riding. I live in West Virginia where we have LOTS of hills.

This I over Garbage Hill dumb ass. Dah go sue your own ignorant stupid ass for not researching data.

hello. my buddy and I are planning to ride the CL and SC trail starting on oct 19 through the weekend we did this a few yrs ago. I am wondering if anybody knows if there was damage on the trail from Hurricane Irma? damage that hasn't been repaired or can not be repaired? thanks

Hope you get some answers. I'd like to know too.

There were no issues with the SCT trail from mile 0 to mile 52 (cedartown), and likely no problems that i've from that to the state line. As to CL, i wouldn't know. You can see where a number of trees fell down, but those have been cut up.