The Silver Comet Trail connects to the Chief Ladiga Trail at the Georgia/Alabama line about 35 miles north of Carrollton.
The trails combined are the longest contiguous paved bike trail in North America at this writing, 95 miles altogether.
They are constructed on railroad beds in the Rails to Trails Conservancy/Atlanta Path style. A first class facility.
One could just follow US 27 north from Carrollton to Cedartown and pick up the trail there. Cedartown is 10 miles from the
state line, right on the trail, just off the left edge of the map below.
From Carrollton we have found it is a little faster to get to the trail (about a 40 minute drive) according to these directions.
Take US 27 to Bremen, and take Business 27 into downtown Bremen. Turn right on US 78 as if going to Villa Rica.
In two miles turn left at the light onto Cashtown Road. Follow this country road (its name changes a few times)
STRAIGHT at every intersection, thru several country intersections, and after the last one the road name becomes
Vinson Mountain Road.
After plunging down Vinson Mountain Road you will pass UNDER the Silver Comet Trail at the Van Wert designated
Silver Comet parking area, on your left just after you pass under the trail, Access Point 13 on the map above.
A convienience store is across the road for last minute items - don't venture too far along this
trail without adequate water and food.
Van Wert is 3 to 4 miles east of Rockmart. We like to ride west into Rockmart and back to Van Wert before then venturing
east to the Brushy Mountain Tunnel. Doing it this way means we're finishing our ride on the downgrade.
The tunnel is at a high elevation on the trail - if you go past the tunnel, you'll have to go upgrade to get back to it.!!
Riding the western part of the trail also avoids the crowded conditions found closer into Smyrna/Atlanta.
Pay attention to your riding on the trail - be aware that the edge of the pavement has caused many a fall.
If you ride off the edge, STAY OFF and get the bike stopped or under control - DO NOT swerve instantly back
toward the pavement. It's easy to get complacent when surrounded by so much beauty and no automobiles!
If you are smart, everyone in your party wears a helmet.
