Silver Comet / Chief Ladiga Forum

what is the trail surface?

From what I've read, the entire trail is asphalt/cement/paved.

I haven't riden it from the state line over to Atlanta, but the entire AL side is paved.

The entire trail is paved.

Rode the entire distance of both trails this past weekend.

Saturday - Anniston, AL to Smyrna, GA

The trail for the entire length is in great condition. There are portions east of the state line on Silver Comet that were littered with some tree debris, such as branches and pine cones. Also, there's a few sections in GA that had standing water on the trail. Other than those items, I have zero complaints.

With respect to the elevation & difficulty of the ride, there's a couple serious climbs east of Cedartown, GA that are challenging, if you're not an experienced rider. Heading east out of Rockmart, there's a 6 mile gradual climb up to Brushy Mountain Railroad Tunnel. It's not steep, but it's long.

Between Piedmont and Cedartown, the trail is very remote with no chances to refill a water bottle or purchase food. Be fully stocked with plenty of both if the intention is to traverse that section.

I saw LOTS of wildlife that included rabbits, a couple small snakes, cows and dogs. These were all ON THE TRAIL! Not only did I have my firearm with me for protection, I also carried pepper spray in the event I had a run in with a not-so-nice dog (or any other animal). Fortunately, I didn't have to use either items.

Sunday's return trip was good. I think the climbs east of Cedartown and much more difficult traveling East to West. One of the climbs near the trash dump rewards riders with a fantastic view of the countryside looking north. Take a moment and enjoy the scenery.

is there a shuttle that will transport you and you bike from either end of the trail to the other?

I found a resource on craigslist that will drive me and a biking buddy from Smyrna back to Cedartown for $150; not cheap but it appears there are not many options at all. Another option we are evaluating is to stay in Cedartown and ride to Anniston and back one day and then to Smyrna and back on day two; makes for long days but avoids needing lots of logistics support. Even with two cars there would be lots of shuttling back and forth...another form of hassle. I'll be curious what you do since I'm riding in June after BRAG.

Riding both trails from west to east and back on a Saturday/Sunday in mid to late April. I'm an avid cyclist, but not hardcore. Average pace will probably be in the 14-16mph range. I will be staying at a friends' house in Marietta Saturday night. Wouldn't mind a companion for the trip, one way or the other, or both.

Please add Cycology Bike Shop as the only bike shop near this trail head. The Chain Station has been closed for a few years now.
Visit http://CycologyBikeShop.com or email me for more info.

Several of us (at least 2, maybe 3 or 4) plan to ride Chief Ladiga/Silver Comet following BRAG in June. If we stay in Cedartown, does anyone know of a resource that can drop us off in Alabama Sunday morning and/or pick us up at Smyrna on Monday afternoon?
Taxi probably doesn't work since we'll have bikes....

was out of town for several mths. but heard the horrible story about the woman who was beaten severely on the silver comet trail. have they caught the jerk who did that yet?

I read some on-line reports from a few years back (2008 and 2009 as I recall) of some trouble on the trail. Riders attacked/robbed.

Has this nasty problem been taken care of?

Are there sections of the trail that those who ride it frequently avoid?

Thanks for any information.

Four of us rode in June of 2012 and had no problems. We rode to the end and back over three days (Fri-Sun). I too was concerned and researched the issue but it appeared to be isolated. When we rode we saw many people on the trail. Most everyone was riding with at least one companion.

I have rode the entire trail from end to end about ten times and not once have I even felt a little bit threatened. Of course I am a male but overall this is a pretty safe trail. I am more concerned with bad weather (lightning) than I am of humans on the trail. The trouble on the trail in 2009 came about when we had the flooding rains that shut down sections of the trail due to erosion and trail damage. Seems like it brought out a bad element of people looking for thrills but I haven't heard of much since then.

This "nasty problem" will never be taken care of as long as evil people that want to hurt others have access to the trail.

The problem can be minimized to you personally IF you take care to provide yourself the means to repel such attacks.

My preference for that is an openly carried pistol with the mindset and ability to use it if the need arises.

If you're going to carry around something of such great value (your life), you might as well carry something to keep it from being taken from you.

my friend and i will be riding the CLT and the SCT starting on Oct 29. We will ride west to east and back. Do i understand correctly that the section between cedar town and rock mart is highway? not the trail? and.... very hilly? how busy is this highway, please? 12 miles of highway is a little bit disconcerting, to say the least. thanks

also, sorry. where would i be able to leave my car in anniston for 2 days ?

It's been several years ago since my husband and I rode this trail, and I was not a regular cyclist. I had never cycled more than 15 miles at one time EVER. You will be on a trail the entire way, you will cross over roads, but I don't recall being on a highway at any point, beside a highway several times, but never on the highway always on a trail. The only area that's of major concern is between Grady Road and Cedar Town, it's about 6 miles. I actually had to walk up several hills and you're in a very remote area, you actually break away from the original rail trail and this is kind of a detour from society. Your cell phone won't work and there will be a few hills that you will wish you'd never met! If I were concerned, I'd try to somehow skip this section, but if you're not in a rush, do like I did and walk when you have to walk, jump on the bike, ride down the hills and go up as far as gravity will take you and then walk again if you have to! Completing the ride is an awesome feeling!!! I would certainly start in GA and end in AL. Enjoy your ride!

There is a small park at the end of the trail, but I don't know about the parking rules there.....there's also a SONIC just down the road, possible they'd let you park there if you let them know what you're doing....??

thank you both for you input!!

We did this trail several years ago and unless it's been re-routed, we were on an actual road for a little bit. Not a major highway, but on back roads going through little neighborhoods. Somewhere between Rockmart and Cedartown. One section was very sketchy, though. Make sure you go through that part in the daylight. Have a great time and enjoy!

There is also a place where you are on the trail, but it's right next to a highway. That's in Rockmart. The other place is in Cedartown where you are on city streets for a little bit.

how far is it from the Chief Ladiga Campground to the State line please.

Its either 32 or 33 miles. I live in weaver. every year i ride from weaver to Ga state line and back. Its a 64 mile round trip

Hello, I am planning on riding the trails again. I am looking for groups that ride in the Dallas, GA area. Do you know of any groups that ride there?

What kind of facalaties are at the comet campground

The Parker House Bed and Breakfast would love to pick you up from the Anniston trailhead when you arrive and bring you to the B&B overnight. You'll be well taken care of, rested, and breakfasted and ready to hit the return trip the next morning.

If you're up for an adventure, we can help arrange mountain bike rentals, and shuttle you to Coldwater Mountain, the south's premiere IMBA built mountain bike trail system! Start the Silver Comet on Friday, and we'll pick you up. Bike Coldwater on Saturday, and we'll shuttle you there. Return on the Chief Ladiga on Sunday... if you think you're legs can handle it! Otherwise make it a day of rest, and return ride on Monday!

We've been open for two years, and are the only lodging in Anniston with a five-star rating on TripAdvisor.com! Many of the reviewers were cyclists coming from Atlanta!!

Hi there,
I am planning to ride the Silver comet Trail this year. Are there any shuttle services available to make this a one way trip.
Or can somebody tell me how long it takes to ride the entire trail round trip in a comfortable speed not race speed?

I have the opportunity to ride the trail the first week of Dec 2013 and have the same question. If I had another rider we could work a shuttle between us. Any info would be good

My son and I are athletes but not bike riders. We biked both trails in a weekend. We live in Anniston. So I had my husband drop us off in Smyrna and we biked home. I pulled a trailer with our camping gear. I suggest riding Smyrna to mm 34 and camping at The Rock campground. Then biking Rockmart to Piedmont, AL and camping at chief Ladiga campground mm 7. That puts you at about 35 miles each day. If my 10 year old and me pulling a trailer can do it-anyone can!

My wife and I own the Parker House Bed and Breakfast in Anniston. www.parkerbnb.com

We offer the service of picking you up at the trailhead in Anniston, and bringing you to the B&B overnight, putting you back on the trail the next day.

If you don't think you can do the entire trail in a day, my advise is to stay the night in Cedartown (and break it into 4 days), or put in at Cedartown (or nearby) and come to Anniston, and back the next day.

We've been open for two years, and are the only lodging in Anniston with a five-star rating on TripAdvisor.com! Many of the reviewers were cyclists coming from Atlanta!!

What are the prevailing winds on the Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga in early May? Should I ride east to west or west to east?

Depends, you need to watch the weather a few days before your ride but normally you'll want to ride west to east. Just remember before a front arrives, the wind backs to the northeast which signifies a falling barometer and generally rain.

I have a friend coming in a month or two and would like to go cycling and would need to rent bike for my friend.

Floyd Rd trail head bike shop.

Great Place to Shop go by Frankie's and get some of their Honey Straws for energy on the trail.

Can someone give me directions? I can't seem to find a good address to plug into a GPS. Last time we went, we had a hard time finding a parking place. I think we ended up at Esom Hill-Isn't there a State Line Park? Coming from Birmingham.

Yes there is a parking lot near Esom. Sorry I can't give directions but I know it's there.

Did the recent ice storms cause any damage to the trail in Georgia or Alabama? Are any sections closed and if so is there an estimate on when the trail will be completely open?

My son and I spent the weekend biking the entire trail. My husband dropped us off in Smyrna, GA and we planned to bike home to Anniston, AL. My fist bit of advise is to be sure you have an actual map of both these trails. The locations on this website (and all the others) needs to be updated and in some areas is just wrong. Call ahead to all your stops (which I did ) and be sure to ask specific directions and distances from the trail ( learned that the hard way after stop 1). The amenities at several of the stops are permanently closed. Not only that but between Smyrna and Dallas segments of the trail were closed. And I mean CLOSED. The construction workers threatened to have us arrested if we didn't get off the trail. I explained to them I was 80 miles from home and was pulling a heavy trailer and had my 10 year old son with me. And asked very politely if they could tell me were to go around, how far the trail was closed, where did it open up again, where could we re-enter the trail. They claimed they didn't know and again threatened to call the cops, looking back I wish I had let them. I bet the police would have at least directed us to the safest rout around the construction areas. We went around to next entry only to be booted off the trail again, but at least I found a someone who knew where it re-opened at and how to get there. This segment was a nightmare! And there were additional closings posted for end of Feb. early March.

Now Sunshine Inn. My 10 year old son and I spent the weekend biking the entire SC/CL trails this weekend. We started at the beginning of the trail in Smyrna and Dallas was to be our first stop. It was snowing/raining so we planned on staying at this hotel which the web site states is at MM 19.3 and only one mile from the trail. There is no exit at Old Harris Road, the road the hotel is on as far as I know and according to those we talked to in town. If there was ( and again there might be- maybe someone familiar with the area can fill is in) it would be a safe easy ride and only 1 mile. BUT if you exit at MM 19.3 you will have to go up the side of HWY 278 for 1.5 miles. I was pulling a trailer with our camping gear and had my son with me. SCARY. That being said, the hotel was the perfect place to stay once we got there. The cost was about $66 and had a kitchenette. We were able to bring our bikes and trailer into the room for the night. Walking distance from a Subway, minimart, house of Chen and a Mexican restaurant. The precious family who owns the Inn... I can't say enough wonderful things about them!! The wife insisted on taking my son and I to the trail the next morning so we wouldn't have to go down HWY 278 again.

Almost all of the resources at this location are closed down permanently. And ALL of them are closed on Sunday including the Depot which locals told me is almost never open anymore. I was biking through with my son and had planned to stop there to eat. NOT the best part of town.

How much are the camp sites per night and are they open year round?

I stayed the result last night. It is one of the most beautiful locations on the trail. The cost is $15 a night and the location is mile marker 7 off Chiefl Ladiga trail. The caretaker , Terri was so friendly and kind. Just choose your site when you arrive and he'll come and check on you. Plenty of firewood and nice restrooms. I never heard or saw a car the entire time we were there.

I saw in doing a "Google" search on the Silver Comet Trail that Cobb County (eastern 13 miles of the trail) plans on doing construction work that will periodically close parts of the trail in Cobb County in winter and spring 2014. Please check http://prca.cobbcountyga.gov/silvercomet.htm
for updates.

AudaxAtlanta,com a randonneuring group sponsors a 300K ride on Solstice weekend in June. Challenge is round trip from Cedartown dawn to dusk. Official challenge is do it in less than 20 hrs. This is for registered randonneurs. See RUSA,org for membership.

I realize helmets are always a good idea...but are they required?

No, see CODE OF GEORGIA TITLE 40.40-6-296 (e) (1) unless you are under age sixteen. Soooooo, when a club or weekend event requires everyone to wear brain buckets on Public Right of Ways they are contrary to State Law. Hummm.

This is a good spot to stop. Big parking lot, also a store near by with great Americans running it. Get supplies, beverages, lottery tickets, and by all means get a hunk of hoop cheese to take with you for snacking. signs are in place to direct you to slaughter grocery. Good People!!!

July 2012, I camped at Camp Comet with a group of Boys Scouts. While I am thankful for a camping spot that is half way between Smyrna and Anniston. The lack of water, picnic tables and road access, severely limit the usefulness of the campsite. Water for drinking and washing is an absolute necessity after a day of biking.
This summer I biked the Montour / Great Allegheny Passage / C & I Canal trails in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Those trails have campsites with water (old fashioned hand pump), picnic tables and porti-johns every 10 miles or so.

I think I accidentally dropped my spare key in the Smyrna (Nickajack) parking lot. It has a black plastic handle, which has a Toyota emblem on it. The lock/unlock clicker is also on the key ring. If anyone sees it, please reply to this thread. Thanks!

I found a pair of sunglasses at the state line if you can describe them I will return them.

A new bike shop is opening near to the Seaboard Ave trail head in Hiram (1/2 mile). It's called Cycology Bike Shop.

This is a great park. It would be nice to see grills with the pavilions. It would make a nice picnic area for the family.

Are dogs allowed. My dog would be heart broken and so would I if she couldn't go.

Yes dogs are allowed, as long as they are kept under control and on a short leash. You also must clean up after your pet.

Enjoy the trail (both of you!)

Are there parking lots available for trail riders for out and back trips? If not, where is a good place to leave vehicle starting at Peidmont?

Try Walmart. We just did Anniston to Smyrna and back and left our vehicles at Walmart in Anniston with no problems. 200 Miles of sweet smelling honey suckle! Woderful.

Thanks a lot. Good suggestion. I didn't know the Anniston section was finished yet...but i am just learning and getting started.

We are planning a bike trip on the Silver Comet & Chief Ladiga Trails Oct 8-12. Are there any events scheduled like a mini marathon bike race etc.

Anyone know the condition of the silver comet trail. I heard parts of it were flooded recently.

Today we rode from Van Wert to GA/AL line and no problems. Just a little run off in some places but nothing over our tires

I am interested in hiking end to end. Are there any private land owners that accomodate campers. Are there areas to just bed down for the night. I assume that campfires would be out of the question, but does anyone know of hikers that just found a spot just off the trail to camp for the night.

It's called stealth camping. All you need is a stove to boil water for ramen, no camp fire.

There is camping 1/4 mile from Rockmart trailhead, The Rock campground, $10.00 nightly for tent camping with electric and water.

Could someone please tell me if there are many camping facilities along the trail or within a mile of the trail? I am looking for tent camping and the more options the better. When biking with a 4 and 6 year old you never know how far you will get in a day. Also what is the weather usually like in late March, early April?

Thank you.

The Rock campground in Rockmart, Ga. It is 1/4 mile from the trail. It is $10.00 nightly for tent camping. Hope this helps.

On Saturday March 9, 2013 in the parking lot on the Floyd Road trailhead in Mableton. I lost two USB Battery power backup devices one Black and one White. Thanks, you can email me at rachtenb at gmail dot com

Bob

Did anyone find a front wheel to a road bike at the Mavell Road trailhead between Friday March 1 and today March 6? I took it off to load my bike into my car Friday night and apparently forgot to also put the wheel in my car. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

There are two new restaurants right off the trail in downtown Rockmart. The Bricks on South Marble has lunch, dinner and live music. The Rock Ice Cream Shop serves old fashioned ice cream, sandwiches and more. So glad to finally have OPEN places to eat at my favorite trail stop!

This is a great place to stay! They really welcome bikers and serve a decent breakfast. It is actually 1.5 miles from the trail (train depot), but you can ride on sidewalks all the way. Another plus, this Holiday Inn is walking distance to Zorba's, which is a yummy, reasonably priced place to eat.

Thanks for this information. The more of this information the better as far as I am concerned (especially for those of us not from the area who only get a chance to get over and ride once or maybe twice) a year. Thanks again.

I am looking for my dads (Gene Popham) relatives that lived on a hwy along the Silver Comet train tracks near Rockmart during the 1970's. I don't recall there last name but there first names were ED and Ruth (Popham) and they had two sons and a daughter who would be in there 50's now. Ed once owned a gas station in the area. Sons might be named Gunther and Michael.

If anybody can help me either email me or call me at 586-6681503.

Thanks

Does anyone know the % grade of the first big hill heading west? Also known as Garbage Hill or the Polk County Pyrenees.

Been told by a friend it's around 17%-all I know is its a challenge!!

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.

Having ridden the Cheaha Challenge several times I have found the people in Piedmont to be very friendly and accomodating.

I agree about the Solid Rock- cool place to refresh yourself.

Does anyone know of any shuttle service that will transport riders and their bikes/gear from one section of the trail to another?

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.

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.

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.

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.

I tried the grilled Chicken Salad sandwich and I am still dreaming about it ! Simply the best sandwich ever.....

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.

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

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.

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?

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.

Thanks for the help!

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!

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!

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/

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.

A great place to stay. Clean and comfortable with a helpful, friendly staff. Restaurants and Silver Comet Trail nearby.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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?

Is the entire Chief Ladiga trail paved now, or not the eastern 12 miles? Is it suitable for road bikes 25 c tires?

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.

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!

Be alert for buckled pavement just west of the Martin trailhead


Thanks Kitty!

That's by Cedartown, in the area of mile 53 to 54 - just to clarify.

Fankies is <1/10 from the comet, not 8 miles. Great food and people