How to Experience the Silver Comet Trail

Named for a passenger train that ran from Atlanta to Birmingham, the Silver Comet Trail is part of a "Rails to Trails" project, converting old railroad tracks into recreational trail use. The trail begins in Smyrna, Georgia, outside of Atlanta and runs west into Alabama, changing to the Chief Ladiga Trail after it crosses the border. Purchased in 1992 by the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Silver Comet measures a little over 60 miles but there are plans to eventually extend into the city limits of Atlanta. Entirely paved and relatively flat, the trail is great for running, biking, roller blading and walking.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If you plan on visiting the trail more than once, invest in the Silver Comet Guidebook, which you can purchase off the Path Foundation website at www.pathfoundation.org.

2. From Atlanta, take I-285 to the South Cobb Dr. exit. Turn left on Cooper Lake Rd. and left again on Mavell Rd. to access mile one. Find ample parking and restrooms at this site.

3. If you are closer to another portion of the trail, download a map from the Path Foundation or other Silver Comet Trail websites to find your most accessible starting point.

4. If you do not have a equipment, rent bikes for adults and children with helmets and roller blades from the Silver Comet Depot, a rental shop at the 4.2 mile marker at 4342 Floyd Road. They are open seven days a week, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

5. Rent equipment from Bone Shaker Bicycles at 3279 New MacLand Rd. in Powder Springs. The shop is located on the Wildhorse trail which runs into the Silver Comet Trail. Their hours are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store is closed on Sundays.

6. Visit the Pumpkin Vine Creek Trestle, a 750-ft. high and 126-ft. long bridge, or the Brushy Mountain Tunnel, both used when the railroad was still in operation.

7. Parking is available at the Mavell, Fontaine, Concord, Floyd and Carter markers and other sites. Check the website for a full listing of all the parking spots.

Tips & Warnings

• There are public restrooms a little after the mile 4 marker and then not again until mile 11.

Resources

• Path Foundation
• Silver Comet Depot
• Trail Express