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Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail

Get to know the trails we’ll be exploring.

The Silver Comet Trail and the Chief Ladiga Trail are gems of the south, both inducted into Rails to Trails Conservancy’s Hall of Fame. The Chief Ladiga Trail is Alabama’s first rail-trail and is named for Chief Ladiga (pronounced la-dye-ga), a leader of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, and was built along the former Seaboard Air Line Railroad, which connected Atlanta to Birmingham. The two trails meet at the border of Alabama and Georgia, creating a seamless rail-trail connection extending from Anniston to Atlanta.

Alabama's Chief Ladiga Trail | Photo by Brandi Horton
Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail

The tour kicks off with a welcome dinner on April 23 in Cedartown, Georgia, along the Silver Comet Trail just 10 miles from the state line. There we will meet the team of riders joining us for the journey through the heart of Northern Alabama’s trails, review the itinerary and logistics for the days ahead, and learn from local leaders about the economic potential the trail and outdoor recreation hold for the community.

The next morning, riders depart the hotel at 8 a.m. for bike fitting at the Cedartown Welcome Center before embarking on 50 miles of trail riding along the Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga trails, traversing the historic Alabama communities of Piedmont, Jacksonville, Weaver and Anniston. The day will be paced to take in the countryside, forests, and wetlands that contribute to northeast Alabama’s beautiful natural landscapes—including the lush Talladega National Forest.

Kicking off in Cedartown, after 10 miles we will cross the state line between Georgia and Alabama, which represents one of the first cross-state trail connections in the country. From the state line, the ride continues nearly 14 miles to reach Pinhoti Pizza Company in Piedmont for a buffet-style lunch and conversation on the role of the trail in spurring trail towns and an economy built from the unique outdoor recreation opportunities of the region. After lunch, the ride will continue 26 miles to Anniston (with a water stop along the way). Anniston is pivotal to the nation’s civil rights movement and home to the Anniston Civil Rights Trail and the Freedom Riders National Monument. These sites honor key events and people in the city of Anniston during the American Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968), including the “Freedom Riders,” a small interracial group of people who were traveling from Washington, D.C., to New Orleans, challenging segregation that was required for interstate travel at the time. They were attacked in Anniston by white segregationists who firebombed the bus, shocking the nation and spurring a ban on segregation in interstate travel.

The ride ends with a cold beverage and a snack in downtown Anniston at a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the brand-new extension of the Chief Ladiga Trail, followed by an evening dinner reception at the intersection of commerce, outdoor recreation and history—showcasing the power of the trail to connect the city, the region and the state to new opportunity.

This tour is appropriate for bicyclists of all skill levels with opportunities for shuttling as needed. Bicycles and helmets will be provided if needed.

All participants are expected to cover their travel and lodging costs. All meals and costs associated with tour activities will be paid for by Rails to Trails Conservancy. Daily rates can be provided for any participants who need to pay for their full costs. Limited scholarships are available.

Guests are invited to join all of the tour or specific days, which can be specified on the registration form.

If you have questions about the tour or your registration status, please reach out to Eduardo Coyotzi Zarate at eduardo@railstotrails.org.