Video: Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga Trails

**MedicineMan** · 10-11-2011, 08:32

This holiday weekend Poof, Jimmy Neutron and I added the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga trails to our list of rails-to-trails completed.
The hammocking interest begins at 4:29
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqUDsBjhSHc
On this trip we got to play with the new Emberlit Stove, two new gathered end DIY hammocks, and the largest garter snake I've ever seen.
I used a new Hammockgear Phoenix UQ with the Cuben inner which was way to warm for this trip but an excellent product for fit and finish.
Historically Jimmy has used a 'heavy' pannier system on his bike, note his transition to a lighter method.
For potential riders of these two trails, the first 10 miles is very busy-being so close to Atlanta you'll find hundreds of users and all with different goals; from the TRI trainers out for centuries, roller bladers, the 'strollers' and 3 bike campers. After the first 10 miles is quickly thins out and we had few others sharing the path for the next 80 miles.
The Silver Comet is concrete for 66 miles. The Chief Ladiga is asphalt for 33 miles. Both are the longest 'paved' bike path in the USA (one reason why a lot of TRI trainers use it). So far all the rail-to-trails we've ridden over the last several months have been gravel or dirt so it was a big difference for us in trip planning.
The one and only official camp site is Camp Comet at mile marker 45.1 (from Atlanta)-self served, no reservations, no fee, primitive with no amenities (e.g. not even water) but still a nice site that could handle many many hangers. Stealthing is possible all along this trail once 5-6 miles beyond either terminus.

**questtrek** · 10-11-2011, 08:59

Great video ... Looks like an awesome trail system, you covered some serious mileage there ... thanks for posting.

**bigbamaguy** · 10-11-2011, 09:25

Glad to see you guys had a great ride and were able to make the trip. Sorry there was a schedule conflict with you guys for the shuttle.

**southmark** · 10-11-2011, 10:07

Nice video, MM. Sorry that I was not able to help with a shuttle. Note, in Alabama we prefer to call it the Cheif La-DIE-ga Trail.

**MedicineMan** · 10-11-2011, 10:13

No problem guys, know you would have if possible. Really enjoyed the trip--completely different than the others we've done in the last several. My hope is that someday the Chief LaDIEga (ha!) would continue west to Mississippi. I just love bike camping where you dont have to deal with traffic and beer bottles flying at your head. Southmark I find it amazing that your group rides both in one day then does it again the next day back to where you started-you are in seriously good shape; and BigBamaGuy, hope you all had a great hike-looks like we both missed the rain.

**aboyd** · 10-11-2011, 10:39

I have been considering doing this ride for a long time....this inspires me.

**mbiraman** · 10-11-2011, 10:52

Nice report MM. I heard of the Silver Comet a few yrs ago on Mmm, Crazy Guy or Bent Rider. I always thought i would like to drop down into Idaho and do the Coeur d'Alene Trail.
http://friendsofcdatrails.org/

bill

**eflat7** · 10-11-2011, 11:13

You just sparked me to plan this trip. I may need to PM you for some details.

**skippy** · 10-11-2011, 16:13

Great trip report! One of my favorite things to do on a Saturday is to ride from Piedmont to Cedartown...lunch at Zorba's...and back to Piedmont on the Silver Comet/Ladiga trail.