The Silver Comet Trail begins in Smyrna, Georgia just outside of the western edge of the perimeter (a circle around metro Atlanta created by the bypass highway I-285). The recreational trail continues for 61 miles west to the Georgia / Alabama state line. Once across the Alabama state line, the trail is called the Chief Ladiga Trail, and this portion continues for another 33 miles.
Ninety-Four Miles of Smooth-Surfaced Bike Paths
The wheelchair-accessible path is available from dawn until dusk for rollerbladers, cyclists, dog-walkers and hikers.
Regulated and well-marked traffic stops make the trail safe for families, and the smooth paved surface make it great for first time cyclists as well as seasoned professionals.
Parking lots are available at various points along the path, including at the Silver Comet Depot on Floyd Road.
Best of All – There are No Big Hills for the First Thirty Miles!
The rail line that began where the Silver Comet Trail is today was in operation from 1897 until 1903. It became the Silver Comet Passenger rail service in 1947, and continued as such until 1969. In 1989 the rails were abandoned and no longer used until the property was purchased by the Georgia Department of Transportation in 1992. Construction on the Silver Comet began in July of 1998 as a part of the national Rails-to-Trails conservancy.
Because of it’s railway origins, there are very low grade slopes, and the first thirty miles of the trail are relatively free of hills. As the path extends toward Northwestern Georgia and away from Atlanta, however, the hills do pick up in size and intensity.
Inexpensive Bike Rentals for a One-Day Excursion
There are plenty of things to see and do, and more than one place to rent inexpensive bicycles for the day on the Silver Comet. The official rental site, however, is the Silver Comet Depot at 4342 Floyd Road in Smyrna.
With hourly rate starting at $10, and daily rates going as high as $80 on everything from skates to tandem bicycles or bicycle trailers, there is something suitable to every level of experience available.
Trail Etiquette – Dos and Don’ts on the Silver Comet
Everyone from National Guard troops to the Atlanta Triathlon Club use the Silver Comet as a place to train for long rides and runs. Professional cyclists and cycling teams often take advantage of the smooth surface and low-traffic on the Comet.
Experienced cyclists can easily achieve speeds exceeding 20 or even 30 mph on the Silver Comet, so please take this into consideration when you’re there. The etiquette guidelines below have been created to ensure everyone’s safety while using the trail:
- Do stay to the right and pass on the left – the trial works just like a roadway
- Do announce yourself when you are going to pass someone. Calling out “On your left” keeps you from startling a slower-moving individual
- Do pick up after your pets, and walk your leashed dog on the right-hand shoulder. Your dog does not know to stay out of the way of speeding cyclists without your guidance, and it can cause serious injury to the cyclist, you, or your dog in the event of a collision!
- Do obey traffic markings and signs – there are pedestrian stop-request buttons at all of the roads with traffic lights!
- Don’t stop in the middle of the path! If you stop moving, please move to the shoulder of the path to allow other trail users to continue past you safely.
For a great weekend activity to take advantage of Georgia's long, sunny days don't forget the Silver Comet Trail!
Alicia King - Alicia King has been writing for Suite 101 since June of 2007. For over a year, she was the Featured Writer for the Suite section about ...
