Silver Comet Trail

DESCRIPTION: The Silver Comet Trail is a converted Rails-to-trails ride. It starts eleven miles North of Atlanta, Ga. It is now complete to the Alabama-Georgia State line. There it connects with the Chief Ladiga Trail. This will form one trail which will go from Atlanta, GA, to Anniston, AL, or a distance of about ninety (90) miles. When this dream is realized it will be an even more valuable asset for many people in the surrounding area. I have ridden through two lighted tunnels on the Silver Comet. One is under US 278 near Van Wert, GA, and the other under Brushy Mountain, about 8 miles from Rockmart. The section SE of the Coots Lake Trail Head is a very scenic and remote section of the trail. An update is coming when I ride the remainder of the trail. For the latest and most accurate information visit the TrailExpress.com web site. The Georgia Department of Transportation has supported this trail effort. Where the railroad was not accessible for trail use they helped to locate the trail on the right-of-way of US278. That part of the trail is different and more hills than most of the trail, but it is great.

WHO USES THIS TRAIL: Young folks, old folks, retired folks, families with kids, will be seen on the trail. Local folks and people who travel hundreds of miles to bicycle, skate, run, or walk the trail. It is suitable for families because of the level trail with great views of the Georgia landscape.

FACILITIES: The TrailExpress.com site shows parking areas for bikers, walkers, runners, and such. There are many parking areas along the trail, many with rest room and other facilities. Some of them are very near stores and restaurants.

DIRECTIONS: The park in Rockmart is an excellent start for a ride on the trail. There were no signs on the roads pointing to the trail head and parking. If traveling East on US 278 watch for Hi-way 6 business to the right. This will take you through downtown Rockmart. The park is easy to see from a bridge on Hi-way 6. The park and river-walk are below the bridge. There appears to be ample parking and the park is beautiful and well cared for. There are many nice places along the trail with benches for resting or looking at some of the scenery.
In Dallas the trail head is directly off of US 278 loop around Dallas. It is located between mile markers 7 and 8. There is a sign on the highway. After turning follow the road out to the nursery.

SOME PHOTOS OF THE TRAIL:
Click any thumbnail to go to the Silver Comet photo page....

MORE INFORMATION:

• Visit the TrailExpress.com web site for the detailed map and great information on the Trail. There you will find information on directions, parking, a more detailed trail description and more things to see and do. You can find places to stay and places to eat. The Trail Express site has a Silver Comet trail store.
• Work is already being done on trail construction from Cedartown toward Alabama.
• The right-of-way has been acquired from Rockmart to Cedartown and construction will begin soon on that section of the trail.
• The sheriff has a motor patrol on the trail in Paulding County, I guess to both aid users and check for any unauthorized use by motorized vehicles.
• Carry your own water. Except for Rockmart, the water fountains & faucets at the other trail parking areas on the West end of the trail can not be depended on because of vandalism.

Last updated: 08/10/09
Author: Aaron and Alabama Mountain Biking