My husband and I enjoyed a ride from Piedmont to the Georgia state line. It was great. Along the way we saw 5 turkeys, a squirrel, a great blue heron, turtles, a salamander, 3 puppies and a bobcat. The bobcat crossed the trail in front of us. We finished the day at the Solid Rock Cafe in Piedmont. In our opinion, they have the best fruit smoothies ever.
The next day, we returned to the trail w/ our son and two of his friends. Another trip to the state line and more smoothies.
It was truly a great weekend. We are looking forward to another trip further into fall.

Just rode the trail from Cedartown to Anniston this Memorial Day Weekend. Seven of us from Columbia, SC took to the journey and had a wonderful time. The trail is in excellent shape (some tree roots have rumpled the ashphalt in places), but overall good surface. We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Cedartown, and had a very accomodating staff. Clean rooms, nice pool, good place to stay. Had dinner at the BBcue restaurant (BYOB). Headed out for Anniston the next day. Stopped for lunch at the Solid Rock Cafe in Piedmont. Excellent peanut butter, banana and honey sandwich. Super staff, we all had excellent sandwiches and great milkshakes. Arrived at the end in Anniston, a bit anticlimatic though, all of a sudden a small street sign says the end of the Chief Ladiga Trail. We celebrated with a picture and headed back to Jacksonville to stay at the Hampton Inn. The Hampton is about a mile from the trail and a very nice place to stay after a long ride. The staff was excellent, the pool was very inviting, and the rooms were large and very clean. The perfect ending was a free shuttle bus to a restaurant called Heroes. They were prompt to pick us up and took us to the restaurant. The food was excellent, Ahi Tuna, Baby back ribs, fish, steak, anything you wanted and 37 beers to choose from. The next day we headed back to Cedartown where we had left our car at the hotel. Quickly cleaned up and drove to Frankies in Rockmart for lunch. Great Italian food, very tasty hot bread sticks and garlic sauce. Bicycle friendly and only a mile from the trail. I would reccomend this trail to anyone...very well maintained, safe, flat and scenic!!

Our group of 12 rode this trail starting at Esom Hill and riding west to Jacksonville State University April 2nd. This direction is slightly downhill but that's barely noticeable. Highly recommend stopping at Solid Rock Cafe in Piedmont for lunch. The food is excellent. She had just made a fresh batch of chicken salad when we arrived, and it was awesome. Good variety of sandwiches, drinks, and also ice cream. Also has a large room for dining if you have a large group. And its locally owned. Except for the wind, a nice trail winding through woods and farms. Two people in our group couldn't ride, so they did the car shuttle for us. I would recommend this trail.

We've made two separate trips on the Chief Ladiga Trail and loved it both times. In October 2010, we parked at Jacksonville State University and rode the 12 miles to Piedmont and then back. There is a small park just a couple of miles from Jacksonville State that made a nice rest stop and picnic on the return trip.

On a nice warm day in February 2011, we rode from the Visitor Center in Piedmont to the Georgia line, about 14 miles each way. Although both stretches of the trail were pretty, the section from Piedmont to the Georgia line is definitely the most scenic, with mountains, valleys and hardwood forests all around. We crossed Terrapin Creek a couple of times, stopping to admire the view of the valley and mountains in the background. There is a very nice campground that has just opened on Terrapin Creek with easy access to the trail, canoeing on the creek and hiking on the Pinhoti trail. Will definitely have to try it out next time. The trail does have some long easy grades on this section of the trail, but they are hardly noticeable. Can't wait to ride the trail again soon!

Our mission is to complete a bike ride in every state. For Alabama we choose the Chief Ladiga Trail. It was a good decision for this is a very nice trail that is well maintained and appears to be newly asphalted. We rode from Anniston and at times it appears to have a very slight uphill grade. The trail takes you right through Jacksonville State University which has a beautiful campus. We rode the trail on Oct. 4, 2010 and there was a slight chill in the air and a perfect time to ride. The trail was not busy, but we felt perfectly safe because the trail runs alongside Hwy 21.

To find the Anniston Trailhead go north from Anniston/Oxford on Al. 21 about 8 miles and then turn left on Weaver Rd. After one mile the trailhead is at the intersection of Weaver Rd and HollyFarm Rd.

My husband & I have only been bicycling for a few months now, but we absolutely love to bike the Chief Ladiga Trail. It is paved and smooth enough for an out-of-shape 40-something to go the entire distance (not all at once) and have a very enjoyable time! The scenery & surroundings are beautiful.

Started in Anniston/Oxford rode to Piedmont. Good beginners trail with plenty of rest places but the
best was in Piedmont Visitors Center. Where else can you meet interesting volunteers with much historical information, rest on porch in rocking chair of historical home, have ice cold water and indoor restroom.
They deserve an A+

M Willems

My wife and I started our ride at the end of the trail in Anniston and rode to Cedartown, Georgia and then back. Total was 86.5 miles. We really enjoyed the Alabama portion of the ride. The trail is flat and rolls through some very rural areas. Once we left Anniston, we rode through Jacksonville, but chose not to stop. Once we got to Piedmont, we ventured a couple of blocks off the trail to pick up some drinks at a local convenience store. At this point, I was unaware of the Eubanks Welcome Center another mile up the trail. I did not go in to the EWC, but my wife took advantage of the neighboring bathroom. I anticipated being able to stop further up the trail for more water, but was disappointed there was nothing else on the trail until we reached Cedartown. (I guess I will plan accordingly and pick up extra drinks in Piedmont the next time through). The Gateway Park on the state line was a nice resting point with picnic tables and benches in the shade. The trail was maybe a little narrower in Alabama than in Georgia, but was very smooth and kept very clean. I enjoyed the fact that much of the trail is in the shade. I would highly recommend this trail to anyone looking to get out for an enjoyable ride.

Lucy and I cycled parts of the trail 3/24-25. Wednesday we started in Cedartown, finished the Silver Comet and cycled into Piedmont, AL. What a beautiful stretch from the AL state line to Piedmont (MP 13.6). That is what trail riding should look and feel like. Stopped at the Eubanks Welcome Center. What a nicely decorated and furnished place. Large indoor bathroom w/shower. Had lunch on the big front porch while sitting in a rocking chair. Life is good! The staff inside were very knowledgable regarding the trail or local history. Coming into Piedmont I had noted there was a trailside snack shack at MP 10.0 that was closed but probably open during the summer season. Would make for a fun stop! We had hoped to cycle to Anniston on Thursday but our luck ran out as the forecast called for heavy rain all day. We did manage to squeeze in some riding but decided against going too far away from town. We actually went approx. 5 miles when it started to drizzle. Got back just as the rain came down hard. Had a great lunch at the Solid Rock Cafe. I know we'll be back as we feel like we have unfinished business. Did drive down to Anniston (Woodland Park) to see the trails hopefully temporary end.
In summary I prefer the asphalt trail to cement as it has a more trail like feel but best of all is the crushed stone used on many other trails

If you pass through Jacksonville, you're less than a mile from the Square with Roma's Pizza, Java Jolt, other restaurants and a local bike shop. There is also a new Hampton Inn maybe a mile from the trail. Very soon the historic train depot will be reopened as a visitor's center and you will be able to get info about all the great hilly road and mountain bike riding in the area, from rides past rolling fields to serious climbs up to the Appalachian peaks.

Rode from Piedmont, Al to Cedartown Ga ..and back what a great trail 50 miles total.
Will go back...

The chief is great and the communities on the trail are very accomodating to cyclists, so if you want to support the communities please do business in them - like eat! My favorite place in Piedmont AL is 'Solid Rock Cafe' in the town, about 2 blocks off of trail. Great coffee/ice cream/sandwiches. Closes at 3:00 on Saturday and closed on Sunday. My favorite place in Cedartown, GA is 'Moores' that has just opened under new owner. Very gourmet type sandwiches at very reasonable prices. Open 7 days a week (only sandwiches on Saturday and only meat-and-3 on Sunday). To get there coming from AL, once you hit the main (only) drag in Cedartown, turn left and go 2 blocks down on left. These are small towns that could really use some tourist support.

As the head coach of Birmingham's (to our knowledge) only inline speed skating team, finding a place to train for our long distance outdoor events. The Chief Ladiga Trail is perfect for us! No cars, long distances, smooth pavement (with the exception of tree roots beginning to surface)... it's a speed skater's dream come true!

We've biked the whole distance to the Silver Comet Trail and, before the two trails connected, skated until we ran out of trail! I'm sure we were merely a few miles from the Silver Comet side and we would have gone the distance if able.

We all really like the company we meet out there, too. We seem to impress all the cyclists we encounter out there as we match or even exceed their speeds. I think my favorite section is the downhill before the little park located next to Federal Mogul. It allows us to achieve speeds of 25+ MPH with little effort... 34+ MPH if we intend to sprint.

I highly recommend this trail for EVERYONE! This is the perfect place for a family getaway if they're looking for something fun and healthy to do.

-Justin "SPDSKTR" Horn

My wife, kids and I rode the Chief Ladiga Trail last weekend. We did it in three days. On Friday, my two daughters, ages 9 and 10 rode from the Eubanks Welcome Center in Piedmont, Al (where we live) to the Georgia state line. It is 14 miles to the states line, and we actuall rode about 2 miles beyond that (this two miles was on the Silver Comet Trail, since it connects to the Chielf Ladiga Trail at the state line). We rode round trip, so my girls and I rode 30 miles on Friday.

On Saturday, we started at the Eubanks Welcome Center and rode the other direction, all on the Chief Ladiga Trail. We rode to marker 24, and beck, a total of 20 miles.

On Sunday we finished riding the CLT, we loaded up my truck with the bikes, and parked at marker 24, then road to the end ot the trail (marker 33, approx.), and back, for 18 miles on Sunday.

I will say we are hooked on the CLT, it is awesome. Our next goal is to ride the Silver comet trail, in Ga. Starting this Sat., we are going to ride the first leg of the trail

Another interesting not, my wife and i have decided to open up a Bed and Breakfast here in piedmont, for trail users. For more information go to www.chiefladigatrailbedandbreakfast.com.

ttyl,
Don

It was so great I did it again! On July 8 I rode the full length of Ladiga/SilverComet. I overnighted in Smyrna, and rode back the next day. The trail is paved and complete all the way except for having to take city and county roads around Cedartown.

I went back this past Saturday and again rode all of Ladiga from Anniston to the state line and back. As others have said, the trails are amazingly clean, and for the most part are free from rules-breakers. I did have to contend with one 4-wheeler pulling a trailer full of kids. I've contacted the authorities about that. Oh... and there was one dog that wanted to have me for lunch.

Even though it is some distance from where I live, Ladiga/Silver comet is now my favorite riding place. We're planning a group ride this fall, which will be at a more casual pace so that we can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Wow! What an awesome trail Chief Ladiga is. A group of us just rode the trail this past weekend and I was just amazed at how nice it was to have a trail devoted to bikers and walkers. Our group started at Woodland Park and began our gradual climb through Jacksonville, Piedmont, and on to the Georgia state line. 32 miles of biking bliss. No cars to share the road with here. The last nine miles before reaching Georgia are the most beautiful with the creeks, mountains, and trees changing colors. There are some rough spots where roots are trying to pop through the pavement between Jacksonville and Piedmont, but other than that, the trail provided the safest training ride I've had yet. Not only will I be training on the trail again soon, but I plan to take my family for a safe ride on the trails along with a packed lunch. Get outdoors and enjoy this great trail soon!

On 11/3/07, I started at Jacksonville State University and traveled to Piedmont, Cedartown, and on to the end of the Silver Comet in GA. I thought the Silver Comet was complete, but it wasn't. To obtain a PDF document that has a map of the detour - type:

http://www.pathfoundation.org/index.cfm?event=showSilverComet

Otherwise, I thougth I was in heaven. It was 90 miles of pure delight, no cars trying to run me off the road, and best of all -- NO TRASH along the trails. I think this speaks volumns for cyclists.

I was a little disappointed that there wasn't some middle-of-the-road motels or hotels to stay in at Symrna. I stayed at the Holliday Inn Express for $85. The next day I biked back to JSU. It was a beautiful ride.

Don't forget to stop over in Piedmont and sign-in at the Welcome Center. Stop and chat with the folks that volunteer to work there.

One last comment! Some of the trail from Piedmont to JSU has some roots growing under the trial and will jar you if you aren't prepared. I'm personally donating money to help repair sections like this.

Happy Trails to all!

My husband and I starting at Woodland Park and made it to Jacksonville University. It was so beautiful. The leaves were starting to turn, and it was a beautiful day. We had a great time, and will be returning very soon to go further.

"Can't say enough about how great this trail is. The wife and I were the 2nd and 3rd riders to leave Piedmont, Al to Ceadertown, Ga after the final phase was offically opened. When you get to Ceadertown look for ""Molly Cue's"" for a great burger (closed on Mondays).The staff at the Depot friendly and helpful. Can't wait until the Silver Comet's open all the way to HOTLANTA!!! "

"I rode approximately 14-15 miles this morning (from Woodland Park to Germania Springs and back) and thoroughly enjoyed the ride, scenery, wildlife, etc. I will definitely make time to bike all the way to at least Piedmont in the future.

This trail needs to extend to Oxford. If the southern terminus were closer to I-20, who knows how many more people would discover this gem. Great trail."

"Today, 8/5/2007, Mary Ann, Skye, Chelsea and I rode the Esom Station to Cedartown part of the Silver Comet. On the way home, we did some checking on the Ladiga. It appears that all of the section from Terapin Creek at Borden Springs road to the GA line has been graded and is only awaiting hard surface. Looking at all of the keep out signs at each road crossing, it appears that the state does not want people riding although we did see several riding the unfinished portions. I really hope the Sept. finish schedule, posted on the Jacksonville College web site, holds true as I am eagerly awaiting the ride from Weaver to the end of the SC in Georgia. James"

Labor Day 2007. Rode from Piedmont to Cedartown on the newly finished asphalt trail. It was great except for dodging a couple of backhoes and road graders doing last minute work. Thanks to everyone who made this possible. This will be a plus for Alabama.

" Mary Ann and I rode the trail on Sunday, 08/19, from the Eubanks center to where Co road 70 parallels the trail, a distance of about 10 miles. There is but a small section left to be paved and the attendant at the center told us it would be complete by 08/25. Of course, take that as you will. The trail is ridable as the foundation for paving has been prepared and is quite hard. Even met a road biker on the dirt section. The trail is passable to the state line by fat tires. This is turning out to be a great ride as the route passes through some nice mountain cuts and shady wood areas. Now, if we can just convince the 4 wheelers to find somewhere else to do their thing, it will be great."

The Trail is now completely Paved. It runs from Weaver to the State Line Completely Paved.

"If you use the Hardees as a reference point to turn off of H'way 21, as I used to, it's closed. I almost missed the turn last time I went. So far I've logged 300 miles on the Trail. Every time there's a new experience. From helping a guy with a flat tire to seeing deer and turkeys and stray cats to having a lunch from the Grocery store deli, it's always fun."

"We have a couple of old mountain bikes that we use infrequently around the neighborhood. A friend recomended this trail as being flat and good for novice riders. My son, 15, and a friend of his joined me on this ride. We started in Weaver at 10:00 AM. This was March during spring break. The kids were out of school so we went on a Tuesday. The weather was perfect, cool and sunny. We rode 20 miles to Piedmont and had lunch before we rode back. The people we met in Piedmont were very friendly. The trail was well kept and a pleasure to ride. My son and friend were exhausted and slept in the car on the way home. This really got me pumped-up for riding. We need more trails like this. We will definitely do it again."

"Our very first ride on 'The Chief' was great. Very nice trail through Anniston, Jacksonville and Piedmont. When we got east of Piedmont into Cleburn Co. the trail is not paved so forget about riding your road bike through there. We rode hybrid bikes which were OK. As we got closer to the GA border, it was obvious that they are working to improve (pave) the trail. I would imagine that it won't be long before that whole section through Cleburn Co. will be paved. To the best of my knowledge...that is the plan. What a great ride that will be, from Smyrna, GA to Anniston, non stop, no chasing dogs, no back roads, just beautiful scenery on a great trail.

A nice place to stop for lunch in Piedmont is the Solid Rock Cafe. Also be sure to stop by the Visitors Center there too. It's right next to the trail.
When you're in Anniston, the place to go is 'Top O'The River' on McClellan Blvd. Try their fried pickles. MmMmm good."

Reconstruction of the bridge near Borden Springs is very near completion. Concrete has been poured and guardrails are starting to be installed. The contract for paving the final 9-mile section to connect with the Silver Comet trail in Georgia was let to a single company which is preparing the old rail bed for asphalt paving. Completion of the final 9 miles is scheduled for February 2007.

"I rode this trail from the southern most trailhead in weaver to the current end of the trail, the 4th bridge above piedmont,27 miles. There seem to be 2 or 3 inexpensive motels near the southern end. There are 2 parks right off the trail before Jacksonville, and some pleasant stops can be made in Piedmont-such as the old house used for the visitors center. The trail becomes more remote north of Piedmont, and pavement ends 5 miles out. I was able to continue on gravel with my 25x700mm road tires for about 4 miles, but is was rough. Waterfoul, turtles, fleeing wild turkey, and 4 picturesque bridges added to this bucholic setting..."

"I began at the Weaver, AL trail head mile maker 33. There is a nice area to park cars, a bathouse/restroom (yes showers) with two seperate areas for men and women. I rode the trail to mile maker 22.5 and rode back. The ride is nice and smooth and has several places to stop and rest. There is a park around marker 26 that is pretty nice. Around marker 25 you ride through the middle of Jacksonville State University, which is another good place to stop and look around. Each time the trail crosses a road, there are stop sign notifying the rider to stop; nice. I was lucky enough to see two deer; a doe and a nice buck. It was a great ride and someday plan to take the trail into Georgia and into downtown Atlanta. Ride On ! "

I don't know when I have had a better joy-biking experience. My two boys and I will remember the experience for the rest of our lives. Hope to return for more soon.

"We had a bit of trouble finding where to start in Piedmont, but after crossing the trail several times, we came to the Eubank Welcome Center (it is located near the intersection of Hughes and Daily Streets). Once there, we obtained a trail map and started toward Georgia.

The first five miles of trail is paved, but the next nine miles to the border was a mixture of ballast, dirt, gravel, sand, grass and water. That portion of the trail was the most fun because it passed through some beautiful, isolated countryside. The major trestle was a bit tricky, since it was missing a number of ties. Some of the worst spots were covered with plywood, but it was still an adventure to cross.

You know when you reach Georgia and the Silver Comet Trail, because once again it is a wide paved trail.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable way to spend a late September day. If you go, take plenty of water, since there are no facilities east of Piedmont."

the best trail i have walked

"I rode from the western trailhead at Woodland Park between Anniston and Weaver to the current eastern end a few miles past Piedmont. This is a very nice trail with little traffic on a Sunday morning in November. The asphalt surface is in good shape throughout.

The trail generally tracks through rural areas with Jacksonville and Piedmont being the only towns of significant size. I would not count on cell phone reception. Piedmont, in particular, seems to have embraced the trail with a welcome center, restroom, and small grocery store (store only open certain days of the week) along the trail. The scenery is nice, with a long, low mountain ridge off in the distance to the south for much of the trip.

From what I could tell, the scenery gets even more interesting toward the current eastern end. It doesn't seem to be clear when the last eight miles to the Georgia line (and connection with the Silver Comet) will be complete, but that remaining section in Clebourne County could be the most interesting in terms of scenery. I understand that there are several train trestles in that section, as well.

Overall, it's a very nice trail. I enjoyed it."

"I had intended to ride to Georgia, but forgot my map. So I truned around at H'way 70. Missed it by 3/4 of a mile. The trail surface varies after it turns to dirt and the gravel is a bit rough. Plus the trail ascends slightly to the east. Be sure and stop at the Trading Post and the visitors center, nice folks.

All in all it's a good adventure (the old trestle looks like something out of an Indiana Jones movie)."

"We loved the solitude of the Chief. The countryside is very beautiful and makes for a pleasant ride. The trail is wide-open with very little shade. Sheltered benches with bike racks are non-existent. Benches are few and far between. We enjoyed the Germania Spring Park at the half-way point of our ride.

The best part of the trail is east of Piedmont. Cleburne County needs to finish its section and become the most beautiful trail.

At this point, we rate the chief a 7/10."

"On May 15th, my husband, son and I went for a ride on the trail for our first time. It was so pleasant and enjoyable, we had ridden 15 miles before we knew it. We stopped at Piedmont as we weren't sure what to expect at the county line. We plan to ride that next.

I highly recommend this trail! "

Riding the Chief Ladiga on a spring March day was most enjoyable. The trail is well maintained; the trip across the Jacksonville State University campus was an interesting plus (spring practice was in progress!).

"The Chief Ladiga Trail is a beautiful trail. You can fish, swim, canoe, hike and camp along the trail."

"I rode this trail on Halloween weekend with the temps in the low 80's. For a Michigan native, this was a real treat. The paving ends about 6.5 miles from Piedmont but don't let that stop you. With a mountain bike you are in for a treat if you keep going.

The view from the bridges is spectacular. I stopped at the old trestle bridge that has a badly degraded surface -- be very carefull as the timbers are rotted. When this bridge is repaired, this will be a fantastic ride."

"My wife and I rode the Chief Ladiga Trail on November 9, 10 and 11. It is a great ride!"

"This is a good trail for getting some exercise -- that is for sure. Wear sunscreen or you will get burned and suffer from heat exhaustion. There aren't many places to eat, although there are a few gas stations.

In my opinion it would be a better trail if it wasn't paved and had more hills. BTW don't wear a helmet if you plan to ride the whole thing in summer -- you will have a heat stroke."

"Riding the trail with my 11 year old daughter made for a wonderful Father's Day. Although the trail from Jacksonville State Univ to Weaver doesn't pass any ponds or follow streams, the countryside was pleasant and peaceful. Rich's Cafe in Weaver provided a restful stop and some ice cream. There are also fast food restaurants in downtown Jacksonville, about a mile from the trail on Route 21. The 14 mile round trip was easy to cycle. Enjoy!"

"Six of us rode the Chief on Sunday. We drove from Valley, AL and had a great time and met some cool people from pennsylvania on a tandem. Got hot up in the day but kept it rolling and checked out the trail side snack bar the trading post & the cool park at the mfg. plant. Can't hardly wait till this trail meets the comet."

"I rode this trail last spring and it was paved all the way and pretty flat. It's difficult finding where the trail picks up again at Jacksonville University if you don't keep your eyes peeled. But the visitor center was great and the towns and parks along the way are interesting places to rest, shop, eat, and experience the local color. "

The paved multi-use CLT connects seven existing municipal parks beginning in Anniston. It is open during daylight hours and ridable almost the entire year. Trail users are excited about the trails immenent construction across the campus of Jacksonville University in late 2001. Another 4 mile segment has just been funded through the TEA-21 program which will extend the trail east of Piedmont an into the beautiful mountainous area of Cleburne County.