Surprise Hill
- + Does anyone know the % grade of the first big hill heading west? Also known as Garbage Hill or the Polk County Pyrenees.
Discussion started 10/15/2012 02:55 PM by Sore legs - 1 reply (last reply by MH at 11/11/2012 01:06 PM)Sore legs on 10/15/2012 02:55 PM
Does anyone know the % grade of the first big hill heading west? Also known as Garbage Hill or the Polk County Pyrenees.
MH from South AL on 11/11/2012 01:06 PM
Been told by a friend it's around 17%-all I know is its a challenge!!
Where to eat in Piedmont AL
- + Found a great place to eat in Piedmont at The Solid ROck Cafe, wasn't on Yelp! or Aroundme apps. Great clean food and delicious fruit smoothies, really hit the spot on our long ride, they even refille...
Discussion started 08/28/2011 03:09 PM by Sallyrider - 2 replies (last reply by Steve H at 11/01/2012 01:00 PM)Sallyrider from John'screek on 08/28/2011 03:09 PM
Found a great place to eat in Piedmont at The Solid ROck Cafe, wasn't on Yelp! or Aroundme apps. Great clean food and delicious fruit smoothies, really hit the spot on our long ride, they even refilled out water bottles. 2 blocks from trail- 105 center st. Piedmont AL Highly recommend.
Old Rider from Pensacola, Fl on 10/13/2012 09:35 AM
Having ridden the Cheaha Challenge several times I have found the people in Piedmont to be very friendly and accomodating.
Steve H from Pelham, AL on 11/01/2012 01:00 PM
I agree about the Solid Rock- cool place to refresh yourself.
Shuttle
- + Does anyone know of any shuttle service that will transport riders and their bikes/gear from one section of the trail to another?
Discussion started 10/27/2012 07:28 AM - 0 repliesAnonymous on 10/27/2012 07:28 AM
Does anyone know of any shuttle service that will transport riders and their bikes/gear from one section of the trail to another?
Piedmont to Cedartown
- + Great flat section. Not many bathrooms Esom's trail head is marked as having a bathroom but does not at least right now. Moore's in Cedartown is closed. Pirkle's Deli is a few blocks off of the trai...
Discussion started 10/21/2012 07:36 AM by Doccus - 0 repliesDoccus from Decatur, al on 10/21/2012 07:36 AM
Great flat section. Not many bathrooms Esom's trail head is marked as having a bathroom but does not at least right now. Moore's in Cedartown is closed. Pirkle's Deli is a few blocks off of the trail on Main Street is wonderful. In Cedartown, go to old depot (right on trail) to find Main Street. All in all a wonderful ride. Trail is very wide and smooth in Georgia. It is asphalt and slightly more narrow in Alabama but still in great shape.
Frankie's Italian Restaurant in Rockmart
- + Good, speedy food, with smaller portioned lunch specials good for sharing if you're just passing through and don't want to get loaded down with food. TONS of cyclists stop here on the weekends. The wa...
Discussion started 10/08/2012 08:39 PM by Brooke - 0 repliesBrooke from Atlanta on 10/08/2012 08:39 PM
Good, speedy food, with smaller portioned lunch specials good for sharing if you're just passing through and don't want to get loaded down with food. TONS of cyclists stop here on the weekends. The waitresses and owners know that bikers are their primary market, so they're good to us, offer to fill our water bottles before we head out, etc. Definitely a must during your trip.
Leaving car near Anniston
- + is there any place that is safe to leave a car for a couple of nights near Anniston where it will be left alone and not get towed? Thanks.
Discussion started 08/27/2012 11:23 AM by Scott - 0 repliesScott on 08/27/2012 11:23 AM
is there any place that is safe to leave a car for a couple of nights near Anniston where it will be left alone and not get towed? Thanks.
Pirkle's Deli in Cedartown
- + This is a wonderful little deli. I highly recommend it. The broccoli salad is out of sight and the toasted sandwiches are mouth watering good. We stopped there on the way there and back.
Discussion started 10/03/2011 10:48 AM by bhake - 1 reply (last reply by camille at 08/27/2012 11:03 AM)bhake from Huntsville on 10/03/2011 10:48 AM
This is a wonderful little deli. I highly recommend it. The broccoli salad is out of sight and the toasted sandwiches are mouth watering good. We stopped there on the way there and back.
camille from alpharetta, ga on 08/27/2012 11:03 AM
I tried the grilled Chicken Salad sandwich and I am still dreaming about it ! Simply the best sandwich ever.....
Southern Express SAG
- + I am trying to find any reviews on this new company for the weekend trip down the silver comet. Does anyone know anything? It sounds just wonderful but would love to know more if anyone can share.
Discussion started 07/09/2012 04:27 PM by Camille - 1 reply (last reply by Camille at 08/26/2012 04:08 PM)Camille from Alpharetta on 07/09/2012 04:27 PM
I am trying to find any reviews on this new company for the weekend trip down the silver comet. Does anyone know anything? It sounds just wonderful but would love to know more if anyone can share.
Camille from Alpharetta on 08/26/2012 04:08 PM
Just wanted to let folks know my husband and I did the weekend trip with Sourhern Express Sag They are the nicest people that are very knowledgable. They provided snacks evey 20 miles. Dinner and a nights stay at Hampton Inn. Check them out at www.southernexpresssag.com
University Inn in Jacksonville
- + I stayed here after my century ride on July 11, 2012 because The campground was closed and the Hampton Inn was full.
The room was better than I expected for the price. Seemed clean and the bed ...
Discussion started 07/12/2012 11:29 PM by HW - 0 repliesHW from Henry County on 07/12/2012 11:29 PM
I stayed here after my century ride on July 11, 2012 because The campground was closed and the Hampton Inn was full.
The room was better than I expected for the price. Seemed clean and the bed was comfortable enough. I wouldn't stay here if I had the choice to stay elsewhere but given the circumstances it wasn't too bad.
Where Cheif Ladiga Trail End?
- + I'm trying to determine where the trail currently starts/ends on the Eastern end. I'm planning a trip in June and had planned to stay in Anniston but it appears the trail stops in Weaver. If it does...
Discussion started 03/15/2012 11:44 AM by BobbyG - 3 replies (last reply by GaryP at 05/01/2012 03:11 PM)BobbyG from Mint Hill, NC on 03/15/2012 11:44 AM
I'm trying to determine where the trail currently starts/ends on the Eastern end. I'm planning a trip in June and had planned to stay in Anniston but it appears the trail stops in Weaver. If it does not end in Anniston, how far and how dangerous are the roads into Anniston from the trail end?
GaryP from Anniston on 04/30/2012 10:32 AM
The trail does end in Weaver which is about 5 or 6 miles north of Anniston. Lots of traffic on Highway 21 going into Anniston from Weaver so it wouldn't be a good ride on bikes. There are a couple of hotels closer to Weaver and a nice lodge at the former Fort McClellan. There is also a new Hampton Inn at Jacksonville.
BobbyG from Mint Hill, NC on 04/30/2012 03:52 PM
Thanks for the help!
GaryP from Anniston on 05/01/2012 03:11 PM
The few hotels close to Weaver are the economy type like Super 8. If it were me I'd stay at the Hampton Inn in Jacksonville or the Long Leaf Lodge at McClellan. You may just want to check them all out online before you come. Hope you are able to make the trip!
Bridges on the trail
- + I have been riding the trail for many years. Never had
An incident until today, 4/29/12. The bridge just north of
Germania Springs is a HAZARD!! Since the boards were
Replaced on it they h...
Discussion started 04/29/2012 12:35 PM by CS - 0 repliesCS from Auburn, Al on 04/29/2012 12:35 PM
I have been riding the trail for many years. Never had
An incident until today, 4/29/12. The bridge just north of
Germania Springs is a HAZARD!! Since the boards were
Replaced on it they have become rough, bucked up,
And virtually impossible to cross at any speed!
Today as I was crossing it I hit the bridge railing and ended up
Chewed up by the wood and iron! Something needs to be done
To correct this dangerous bridge!
shuttles
- + we would like to ride the entire trail west to east in early April.
Are there any shuttle services available for hire at the Smyrna end to get us back to Weaver or Piedmont/
Discussion started 03/18/2012 06:46 PM by glendons - 0 repliesglendons from manistique mi on 03/18/2012 06:46 PM
we would like to ride the entire trail west to east in early April.
Are there any shuttle services available for hire at the Smyrna end to get us back to Weaver or Piedmont/
Chief Ladiga Trail Campground in Piedmont
- + 12/4/11 – Stayed in the campground. Set up a tent by the river and all you could hear was the sound of running water. This is a very remote location and extremely quiet. The campground is so big that...
Discussion started 12/05/2011 08:36 PM by Getnmotion - 0 repliesGetnmotion from Huntsville, AL on 12/05/2011 08:36 PM
12/4/11 – Stayed in the campground. Set up a tent by the river and all you could hear was the sound of running water. This is a very remote location and extremely quiet. The campground is so big that you should have no problem finding a site well away from the crowd. Some sites have picnic tables and really nice fire rings. The bath house has the biggest private showers I have ever seen; they even have their own light for each shower. The people operating the place were real nice. I would gladly stay here again.
Econo Lodge Inn & Suites in Rockmart
- + A great place to stay. Clean and comfortable with a helpful, friendly staff. Restaurants and Silver Comet Trail nearby.
Discussion started 10/19/2011 12:29 PM by JTS - 0 repliesJTS from Tennessee on 10/19/2011 12:29 PM
A great place to stay. Clean and comfortable with a helpful, friendly staff. Restaurants and Silver Comet Trail nearby.
Two day out and back
- + Looking to do an overnight trip with two out and back rides. Thought about staying in dallas and riding east one day, and west the other day. Out to Rockmart or Fish Creek, and the other day, maybe do...
Discussion started 09/13/2011 02:14 PM by Brian - 0 repliesBrian from LaGrange GA on 09/13/2011 02:14 PM
Looking to do an overnight trip with two out and back rides. Thought about staying in dallas and riding east one day, and west the other day. Out to Rockmart or Fish Creek, and the other day, maybe down to Smyrna Trail head. Two Questions: 1. Does anyone have a thought, or better recommendation for this type trip? I have about 4-6 guys riding, and we are looking to do about 40 miles per day. and 2. Staying in Dallas or Hiram is an option it seems. Preferences, and good eats in both?
Also, would the beginning of October be a good time to do this trip? Weather is starting to cool off a bit, but not too cold.
Smyrna/Anniston/Smyrna - 2 days
- + I am in ATL visiting my father and am planning an end to end ride with a stay in Anniston for the night then back the next day. Any thoughts about getting a hotel in Anniston?, Trail conditions? Weath...
Discussion started 07/31/2011 07:38 PM by Paul - 1 reply (last reply by Scott at 08/22/2011 01:02 PM)Paul from Anna Maria Island, FL on 07/31/2011 07:38 PM
I am in ATL visiting my father and am planning an end to end ride with a stay in Anniston for the night then back the next day. Any thoughts about getting a hotel in Anniston?, Trail conditions? Weather this time of the year? Safety and any tips for first time solo trail rider? I am scheduled for the FL IM in 2011 so this should be a good primer. Any thoughts would be welcome. Thanks
Paul
Thanks
Scott from Atlanta on 08/22/2011 01:02 PM
Paul,
Trail conditions are great. It can certainly be hot this time of year so get out early.I would also watch for late afternoon storms if you get a late jump.Smooth riding after about 10 miles from Symerna. Gets a bit crowded with families. I have only been to the AL line and back and did not stay. The SCT is really fantastic!~ Enjoy
Using Amtrak for a return trip
- + The Amtrak Crescent runs between Atlanta and Anniston, which in theory could provide a return option for cyclists wishing to ride the entire 100 miles. However, Amtrak does not provide bicycle racks ...
Discussion started 02/24/2011 10:19 PM by Nelson Binggeli - 1 reply (last reply by Paulie at 04/21/2011 10:33 AM)Nelson Binggeli from Atlanta GA on 02/24/2011 10:19 PM
The Amtrak Crescent runs between Atlanta and Anniston, which in theory could provide a return option for cyclists wishing to ride the entire 100 miles. However, Amtrak does not provide bicycle racks on the Crescent (as they do on some other routes). Please consider contacting Amtrak to request that they provide bicycle racks on this route.
Paulie from Knoxville on 04/21/2011 10:33 AM
Nelson, I've contacted Amtrak on this very issue. Its like talking to a brick wall. I bike the Katy via Amtrak and its great way to expereince the trail.
Terrapin Creek Lodge in Piedmont
- + Extremely warm and inviting place to have a event or stay. Nice place to have class reunion. the owners are very nice people and seem to be interested in helping you if they can. However, their ma...
Discussion started 02/26/2011 02:57 AM by neverknow - 0 repliesneverknow from gadsden on 02/26/2011 02:57 AM
Extremely warm and inviting place to have a event or stay. Nice place to have class reunion. the owners are very nice people and seem to be interested in helping you if they can. However, their manager who also runs a food place at a trade day on Sundays is not concern about renting the place are helping you out at all. she will not return your calls. she has very poor communication skills and does not care how inconvient she makes your experience. The place is like a little second job that she does not want to be bothered with.
Trail Conditions after 2011 Storm
- + Has anyone ventured out to the trail this week?? Is it iced over like everything else in Atlanta? Want to know trail conditions for my long run on Sat Jan 15. Starting at zero mile marker to mile ma...
Discussion started 01/13/2011 02:37 PM by Nicole - 1 reply (last reply by denton at 01/18/2011 01:53 PM)Nicole from Atlanta on 01/13/2011 02:37 PM
Has anyone ventured out to the trail this week?? Is it iced over like everything else in Atlanta? Want to know trail conditions for my long run on Sat Jan 15. Starting at zero mile marker to mile marker 6. Many thanks!
denton from jonesboro, ar on 01/18/2011 01:53 PM
How was your 1-15-11 trip? What kink of trail conditions from Annison to Atlanta, paved for a road bike? What hotels or motels or B&B close to the trail in Annison?
chief ladiga PAVED?
- + Is the entire Chief Ladiga trail paved now, or not the eastern 12 miles? Is it suitable for road bikes 25 c tires?
Discussion started 08/12/2010 06:27 PM by martha - 0 repliesmartha from taos,nm on 08/12/2010 06:27 PM
Is the entire Chief Ladiga trail paved now, or not the eastern 12 miles? Is it suitable for road bikes 25 c tires?
Overnighting in Hiram or Smyrna
- + Planning on starting in either Piedmont or Cedartown and riding east. Are the motels easier to get to by bike in Hiram or Smyrna? Which is the better town overall to stay in? Can you safely get from ...
Discussion started 08/09/2010 10:57 AM by Steve - 0 repliesSteve from Huntsville on 08/09/2010 10:57 AM
Planning on starting in either Piedmont or Cedartown and riding east. Are the motels easier to get to by bike in Hiram or Smyrna? Which is the better town overall to stay in? Can you safely get from the trailhead to downtown Atlanta by bike? I'm thinking not, so are there cabs or shuttles that will get you there? Any guidance will be helpful, thanks.
Terrapin Creek Lodge in Piedmont
- + We went with our family a couple of summers ago and had a great time. the main house was very comfortable and all the outdoor seating gave so many great views of the creek and beautiful surroundings....
Discussion started 08/05/2010 10:07 PM by wendy - 0 replieswendy from atlanta on 08/05/2010 10:07 PM
We went with our family a couple of summers ago and had a great time. the main house was very comfortable and all the outdoor seating gave so many great views of the creek and beautiful surroundings. it was a great adventure for us and our daughter. she loved riding in a boat with her dad!
Buckled pavement west of the Martin trailhead
- + Be alert for buckled pavement just west of the Martin trailhead
Thanks Kitty!
Discussion started 07/31/2010 12:02 AM by Webmaster - 1 reply (last reply by Webmaster at 07/31/2010 06:18 AM)Webmaster on 07/31/2010 12:02 AM
Be alert for buckled pavement just west of the Martin trailhead
Thanks Kitty!
Webmaster on 07/31/2010 06:18 AM
That's by Cedartown, in the area of mile 53 to 54 - just to clarify.
Frankie's Italian Restaurant in Rockmart
- + Fankies is <1/10 from the comet, not 8 miles. Great food and people
Discussion started 06/11/2010 07:52 AM by steve - 0 repliessteve from atlanta on 06/11/2010 07:52 AM
Fankies is <1/10 from the comet, not 8 miles. Great food and people
Parking-East End
- + I would like to do an end to end out and back and would need to leave my car from early one morn until the next afternoon. Any suggetions on overnight parking near the east end of the SC ?
Tha...
Discussion started 05/23/2010 01:44 PM by Paulie - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 06/08/2010 04:37 PM)Paulie from Knoxville on 05/23/2010 01:44 PM
I would like to do an end to end out and back and would need to leave my car from early one morn until the next afternoon. Any suggetions on overnight parking near the east end of the SC ?
Thanks, Paulie
Anonymous from smyrna on 06/08/2010 04:37 PM
Im looking for someone to do and end to end ride with. I live on the comet at mile 0.0 an have space in my driveway. Shoot me an email with your plans.
thanks
Stephen
suba706@yahoo.com
Terrapin Creek Lodge in Piedmont
- + WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO STAY! Having recently stayed a week at Terrapin Creek Lodge, I can HIGHLY recommend it. It is a WONDERFUL PLACE and GREAT VALUE. It is on a beautiful 5-acre property with ...
Discussion started 05/21/2010 12:22 AM by Alicia - 0 repliesAlicia from Tahlequah on 05/21/2010 12:22 AM
WHAT A GREAT PLACE TO STAY! Having recently stayed a week at Terrapin Creek Lodge, I can HIGHLY recommend it. It is a WONDERFUL PLACE and GREAT VALUE. It is on a beautiful 5-acre property with magnificent views of the creek & mountains. The home is very well and lovingly done and high quality – with hand made furniture, art & accents. It has an extremely well equipped, large kitchen and a gorgeous huge dining room overlooking the creek. We watched canoers and wildlife sitting in the dining room and on the decks. We cooked hotdogs and s’mores on the fireplaces... It was a lot of fun to float Terrapin Creek – a real, secret treasure. We also took trips to Little River Canyon (just 30 minutes away) that was fun. We really enjoyed having old-fashioned fun – swinging on the swings over the creek, playing games at night.and spending quality time together. Terrapin Creek Lodge has to be one of THE best places to stay in Alabama or the South, hands down. What fun we had! We look forward to another stay at Terrapin Creek Lodge...
motels in Cedartown and Rockmart
- + there are several motels in Cedartown and Rockmart, but you don't list them. Was this an oversight or a conscious decision? I am thinking about doing an out and back section from Jacksonville to Ced...
Discussion started 05/12/2010 08:38 AM by Steve - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 05/13/2010 05:32 AM)Steve on 05/12/2010 08:38 AM
there are several motels in Cedartown and Rockmart, but you don't list them. Was this an oversight or a conscious decision? I am thinking about doing an out and back section from Jacksonville to Cedartown with my family and would like to have a good place to stay overnight. Thanks.
Ray (webmaster) on 05/13/2010 05:32 AM
Sorry, technical problem, which is now fixed. You will now see lodging listings on both the Rockmart and Cedartown pages.
Does anyone know the hours for the Cedartown Depot
- + Or the phone number? I can't find the number anywhere on the net. Thanks
Discussion started 05/05/2010 07:02 AM by Jigsawdiva - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 05/05/2010 10:19 AM)Jigsawdiva on 05/05/2010 07:02 AM
Or the phone number? I can't find the number anywhere on the net. Thanks
Ray (webmaster) on 05/05/2010 10:19 AM
Yes, the phone is 770-748-2090. The hours are:
Mon-Fri 9-5
Saturday 9-3
Sunday 1-5
Closed occasionally for a one-hour lunch break, sometime between 11 and 2. Also closed sometimes on holidays.
I'll update the website listing to include this information.
Spring is here
- + and the trail is calling
Discussion started 04/05/2010 07:46 PM by Me - 1 reply (last reply by anonymous at 04/05/2010 09:37 PM)Me on 04/05/2010 07:46 PM
and the trail is calling
Anonymous on 04/05/2010 09:37 PM
Good time to ride - before the mosquitos get too big & mean!
trail open?
- + Is the trail fully open now (no longer closed from last fall's floods)?
Discussion started 03/12/2010 07:03 AM by Psychlist - 1 reply (last reply by Ray (webmaster) at 03/13/2010 09:26 AM)Psychlist on 03/12/2010 07:03 AM
Is the trail fully open now (no longer closed from last fall's floods)?
Ray (webmaster) on 03/13/2010 09:26 AM
Yes, the whole trail is open. However, there is still damage on the sides of the trail around mile 16 (between Hiram and Dallas) and cyclists are asked to keep their speed under 10MPH in that area.
Keep an eye on the "Trail Conditions" section, about halfway down the home page of this website.