We rode the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga Trail as a loop from Hiram, GA towards AL and then looping back to the Smyrna end. We rode our Santana Tandem Triplet and towed a Bob Trailer staying in hotels in Hiram and Cedartown, GA twice and in Anniston, AL. The crew consisted of myself, my wife, and our ten year old son, Adam. Both trails are in excellent shape and being paved, represented a nice smooth ride. The on-line resources allowed for easy planning. The only caveat for "regular" rail to trail riders in the section between Rockmart and Cedartown. The grades in that section demonstrate that this was certainly a departure from the original railway as at least one is both steep and sufficiently long to tax most riders. While we were forewarned by other reviews, make sure that you understand that most kids, older riders, and any casual rail-to-trail riders WILL be walking their bike up at least one hill. Having said tha, there's no harm in walking and the downhills are fun as long as you make sure you're in control. Don't miss the opportunity to eat at Frankie's in Rockmart, get your picture taken, and write on the way. We were new to Kudzu so we loved how it took over everything in its path. Leaving from Hiram, we made stops in Cedartown, Anniston, Cedartown, Hiram and then looped to the end of the trail in Symrna returning to Hiram the same day. We averaged between 40 and 50 miles a day except for the Syrmna day which was just over 30. I think that broke up the ride nicely and allowed for plenty of "stop and enjoy the scenery" time and the use of the hotel pool where available. We rode the trail the first week of August in 100 degree heat so we enjoyed several dips in the flowing water near the trails. Make sure you're well stocked when entering the "remote" areas because they are indeed remote so make sure you have water and flat repair equipment. This was a great trip and I'd highly recommend it for a family ride in pieces or in whole.

On July 3, 2010, I enjoyed a delightful end-to-end ride of the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga Trails. This 90+ mile ride started in Nickajack in Georgia and ended in Woodland Park just north of Anniston, AL. Both trails were great rides, but the Silver Comet has a slight edge over Chief Ladiga in my ride book. Full ride review at: http://americaonespokeatatime.blogspot.com/2010/07/silver-comet-and-chief-ladiga-rails-to.html

My 12 year old daughter and I recently rode the Chief Ladiga Triail and the Silver Comet Trial over a three day period and loved it. Day one, we rode from Anniston, AL to Cedartown, GA, our longest day but very scenic, especially north of Piedmont, AL. Had a lovely lunch at Solid Rock Cafe in Piedmont and stayed the night at Holiday Inn Express in Cedartown (sidewalk all the way to hotel, but a little up hill). Day two was the most challenging, especially the section of the Silver Comet from Cedartown to Rockmart, GA. Very hilly, but we took our time and even walked our bikes up some of the hills. Great meal and hospitality at Frankie's in Rockmart. Enjoyed the riverside park along the trail in Rockmart as an after lunch resting place. Spent the night at the Sleep Inn in Hiram, GA (sidewalk most of the way then took the Home Depot/Target shopping center parking lot route to hotel). Day three, from Hiram to Smyrna was short but pleasant. Encountered more trail users as we got closer to Smyrna. We felt very safe along the entire trail. Plenty of rest stops, much shade, and such nice people along the way. Hope to return in the fall.

Biking Mom (43 years old)