Georgia Silver Comet Trail Bike Tour

Spring comes early and autumn comes late to the southern Appalachian Piedmont, and the biking is superb! Alabama’s Chief Ladiga and Georgia’s Silver Comet, both Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Famers, stitch the two states together with more than 100 fully-paved miles of trail. Explore the transformational Atlanta Beltline and see firsthand the explosion of life it has brought to the capital of the South.

Day 1 – The Atlanta Beltline Trail

We begin the day on the Atlanta Beltline Trail, a 22-mile paved trail that loops around the city. It connects 45 neighborhoods, parks, and green spaces, which showcase why Atlanta has earned the name “The City in the Forest.”

Afterward, we break for lunch at the popular Krog Street Market, a hub for the city’s vibrant and diverse graffiti and mural art scene. Large-scale works, city features, and a vast collection of murals from local and visiting graffiti artists decorate the streets.

Next, we meet up with the team at Atlanta Bike Tours, whose local guides take us on an eight-mile cultural and historical tour of Atlanta. We stop at Martin Luther King’s home, visit the number one most photographed spot in the city to learn about its film industry, take in beautiful architecture, and finish at Grant Street Park.

Together we shuttle to Anniston, Alabama, for tonight’s stay at Hotel Finial and a group dinner at a popular local eatery.

Day 2 – Anniston, AL to Cedartown, GA

On day two we awake in the luxury of Hotel Finial, known as “the finest boutique hotel in Alabama.” Breakfast is served in the elegant Queen Anne Victorian mansion dining area with plenty of fuel for the day’s adventure.

We begin riding from Hotel Finial to the trailhead of the Chief Ladiga Trail, Alabama’s longest paved recreation trail. The route takes us through Anniston, where historic architecture abounds, with a chance to stop at the impressive and moving Freedom Riders National Monument. 

Meandering through small towns, lush forests, wetlands, and more, highlights include Talladega National Forest and glimpses of Dugger Mountain, the second highest mountain in Alabama. Glide across state lines into Georgia and end at the Cedartown Depot and Welcome Center.

Tonight we explore the town of Rome, GA. Known as “the town between the rivers,” we experience the hospitality and spirit of small-town Georgia.

Day 3 – Cedartown, GA to Atlanta, GA

Start the day sharing stories over breakfast before heading to Cedartown Depot. Here’s where we saddle up and ride toward Atlanta to complete the Silver Comet Trail, named for the sleek and stylish passenger train that traveled this route and was operated by Seaboard Air Lines RR in 1947. This section of trail is known for its rolling hills, pristine wilderness, ample space to breathe in the natural beauty, and expansive views.

We celebrate completing the Silver Comet Trail with a night at the lively and unique boutique Hotel Clermont in Atlanta. After some time to freshen up and relax, we dine together at a fun and memorable local hotspot!

Day 4 – Atlanta, GA to Stone Mountain, GA

The morning starts in the Poncey-Highland Neighborhood of Atlanta at the Hotel Clermont, built in 1924. The eclectic charm of the hotel spills onto the street, and so do we as we embark on the day’s ride through neighborhoods and parks to our Stone Mountain Park destination.

Stone Mountain is a 3,200-acre recreation park east of Atlanta. The central feature is the largest exposed quartz dome in the world. It’s interesting history surrounding the Confederate Memorial Carving, extensive trail systems, and The Summit Skyride are just a few things that make it Georgia’s most visited attraction. 

After lunch in the park, we take our last shuttle together. Then it’s time to say our goodbyes and pack up the great memories we made cycling through the south!