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Bike Route · Smyrna to the Alabama line, Georgia

Silver Comet Trail

The Silver Comet Trail is a 61.5-mile paved rail-trail running from Smyrna, just northwest of Atlanta, to the Georgia/Alabama state line. A 12-foot-wide asphalt surface and gentle grades make it a favourite for long road and hybrid rides.

Distance
61.5 miles (99 km)
Surface
Paved asphalt
Difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Distance
61.5 miles (99 km)
Surface
Paved asphalt
Difficulty
Easy-Moderate
Elevation
Nearly level, gentle grades
Endpoints
Mavell Road (Smyrna) to the Georgia/Alabama state line
Parking
Mavell Road Trailhead plus 17 access points along the route
Best for
Long paved miles close to Atlanta, road and hybrid friendly
The map

Overview map via OpenStreetMap. Open the full map →

Overview

At the state line it connects to Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail, forming a combined 94.5-mile paved route all the way to Anniston, one of the longest paved trail systems in the country.

What to expect

A smooth, fully paved surface suitable for road bikes, hybrids and recumbents. Deep rail cuttings, trestles and shallow tunnels keep the grade gentle and the scenery varied.

A near-straight, nearly level alignment that lets you build steady mileage. The trail passes through wooded corridors and small Georgia towns, with services thinning out toward the western end.

Well-equipped access points: 17 wheelchair-accessible trailheads, 15 restrooms and 10 water fountains along the route, anchored by the Mavell Road trailhead in Smyrna.

Best time to ride

Spring and autumn bring the most comfortable temperatures and colour. Georgia summers are hot and humid, so ride early and carry plenty of water on the exposed western sections.

The paved surface stays rideable year-round in fair weather, making it a reliable option for winter base miles near Atlanta.

What to bring

Rail-trails are remote between towns. These links go to Amazon; as an affiliate we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

Spare tube & tire levers . The nearest bike shop can be many miles away on a rail-trail.
Mini pump or CO2 . Reinflate after a flat without waiting for help.
Water / hydration pack . Water sources are spread out between towns.
Padded shorts . Long flat miles are easier on a comfortable saddle contact.
Bike lights . Tunnels and tree cover get dark even in daylight.
Sunscreen & snacks . Open stretches offer little shade; fuel every hour.
FAQ

Silver Comet Trail FAQ

The Silver Comet is 61.5 miles from Smyrna, Georgia to the Alabama state line. It connects to the Chief Ladiga Trail for a combined 94.5 paved miles to Anniston, Alabama.

Yes, the entire 61.5 miles is paved asphalt, 12 feet wide, with gentle grades, which makes it well suited to road bikes, hybrids and recumbents.

The eastern start is the Mavell Road Trailhead in Smyrna, which has paved parking, restrooms, water and an emergency phone. It runs west to the Georgia/Alabama line near Esom Hill.

Yes. The two trails meet at the state line to form a continuous 94.5-mile paved route from Smyrna, Georgia to Anniston, Alabama, popular as a supported two-day out-and-back.

No. Built on a former rail bed, it follows a nearly level grade with only gradual hills, so the challenge is distance rather than climbing.

Plan your ride

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