Silver Comet Trail

Very good trail, scenic well maintained path very flat gradient. Great for uninterrupted cycling. Couldn’t ask for more.

I’m actually a huge fan of this place. This is a beautiful and peaceful trail. I’ve used this trail for leisurely walks, runs, and on occasion a race. With that said, there are times during the day that they have a lot of bikers, but I look at this as people being out enjoying nature. If you like taking pictures, sunset are also beautiful here.

A beautiful, safe, and perfect trail for all sorts of activities. It’s an easy trail to walk, run, or bike and the scenery is great. Lots of trees for shade, but still plenty of sunshine.

The Silver Comet Trail is such an excellent spot to conduct bike rides, walks or runs. For those that don’t know, the trail was once a railroad, which was converted to a paved trail in 1998. From what I understand, it stretches 62 miles into Alabama, which makes it the second longest trail in the US. Pretty cool, right?
Although I’ve ridden my bike on it several times before, I normally use the trail to conduct my runs. For those that know me, I love to run! Based on my experience thus far, the trail is covered by trees for the most part, which is perfect during the summer but may feel cooler during the winter due to the lack of exposure from the sun. Also, maybe it’s just my GPS watch that does this, but sometimes I’ll lose the fix on some portions on the trail. No biggie, just FYI, but thankfully there are mile marker signs posted just in case you have to go analog.
Also, I have a few pieces of advice for you:
The trail. For the most part, the trail is smooth and free of debris. But there are times where you’ll encounter branches and pine cones, sometimes rocks, so I recommend occasionally looking down to ensure you don’t trip on them or land on them, because I’ve come close to twisting my ankle a few times in the past. Of course I always look around to ensure no one witnessed them, but so far, I’ve been very unlucky. lol
Exercising. If you are a runner or walker, do not run on the furthest right side of the trail. Run on the right side, of course, but run more towards the middle portion of the right side. Reason being, about 90% of the bikers (I have mad love and respect for them) will pass you with a distance that is typically less than an arm length of you. To me, I don’t think that’s sufficient much less safe. I run with an iPod at a low volume but often times bikers will not announce «on your left» as they pass you and they do it while flying. It’s very startling and not cool. I’ve noticed when I run more towards the middle, they give you that arm length. Why it’s that way, I don’t know, but it works.
Parking. Depending on what day it is, parking can be scarce, especially on the weekend, at the lot at Mavell Road. I have noticed that people will utilize the parking lots at Nickajack Elementary and the parking lots in front of Firehouse Subs off of the East West Connector as well, which seem to be less crowded. Only advantage that you’ll have parking at the Mavell Road lot is that there is a restroom there… and a 24 hour dispatch phone that is linked directly to the Smyrna Police department, which I used for the first time recently, and hopefully the last. Word of caution: DO NOT leave any valuables in your car. If you have to, lock them in your glove box or trunk. I unfortunately had my car broken into on Christmas Eve of all days. My phone and wallet were hidden but the thief or thieves knew where to look and stole them. I was only gone for 40 minutes, so please be vigilant! Nothing sucks more than walking around with no ID and just a check book as your only form of payment until your new credit cards arrive. Please use me as an example: If you have to take your wallet or purse to the trail (maybe you have to shop immediately after exercising), bring only one credit card with you.
Other things to note: there are numerous benches along the trail for you to take a break. As for the scenery, I’ve seen several creeks, a few cool looking bridges, nice houses and a big golf course. As for animals, I’ve seen plenty of squirrels, a few rabbits, a few Hawks and NO snakes. :) It’s always nice to have things to look at so you can take your mind off of the task at hand!

Love this trail. Good amount of room to ride even for our 10 scout troop as long as everyone respects their lanes and follows the usual etiquette. Watch out for the wannabe pros who seem to look for something to complain about.
We did a our second of two 25 mile bike rides starting from the bike shop near Powder Springs (4.4 mile mark) then ~12.5 out and back. Mostly flat with some lightly rolling hills which is was just the right amount of challenge for our 12 – 13 year olds. Took us about 2.25 hours with a couple of short breaks.
Looking forward to our 50-​mile ride next week.

This trail is a beautiful getaway from the city. We are lucky to be able to walk it with our dog frequently!

Psych’s Out Cyclist:
The trail is really lovely, specifically for runners, walkers, pets and beginner bike riders! However in my opinion, it is really NOT the best spot for a real cyclist to train nor ride unless you need to come to the Silver Comet Trail for warm-​downs, spin technique training or to perform occasional sprint-​spurt intervals. The extremely FLAT nature of the trail seems to give most Silver Comet bike riders an artificial ‘ego boost’ of being stronger and faster than one would really need to be if riding on more diverse or varied terrain which is generally experienced on the Road…
However, the area is lovely and makes for a relaxing experience, but due to so many walkers, runners and pets, it could be difficult for real cyclists to get a decent workout. Sprinting longer distances may be required to equate to standard road-​rides, where there is generally more slope and grade elevation changes, and a wider range of degree angles in turns — all which truly help to prepare and best keep a Cyclist in great condition.

Pretty cool trail. I go quite often bc it’s a nice starting point near my house in Mableton. The location at Floyd road has a bike rental shop. Very good option. It’s pretty shaded and nice scenery. I do advise that one should be careful anytime you’re on a trail by yourself.

Silver Comet Trail is definitely one of THE most enjoyable spots in Greater Atlanta that is worth going to, particularly if you like the outdoors and if you like walking and/​or biking. As other Unilocalers have posted, it is a gorgeous flat trail that is mostly shaded, and takes you all the way to good ol’ Alabama, if your heart so desires to go that far out! The trail is especially a plus in my book because I like biking but I don’t own a bike. Doesn’t matter! Silver Comet Trail is one of the few places in Greater Atlanta (at least that I know of!) where you can rent bikes on the trail so it’s just really easy. Silver Comet Cycles, is located conveniently on the trail, and offers bike rentals by the hour and the bikes are in great condition. I am not a hard core biker, I like leisure riding on comfort bikes, and b/​c the trail is mostly shaded and is flat, it is not difficult to cycle more than what may be the norm. I usually get tired around 12 miles of riding but at Silver Comet I’ve been able to do 20 without much strain. I also really like that there are pit stops off the trail so if you need a restroom break and or if you need to stop and buy a snack or something to drink, you can easily do so. The trail is super diverse too, with all walks of life and all types of activity — families, couples, friends, dogs, fit people, out of shape people, people bike riding to work out, people bike riding for leisure, people walking, people jogging, etc. If you are a people watcher, trust me, you will not be bored! My favorite time to go is Saturday morning. Get a good bike ride in and then reward with a BIG lunch! :)

Went to the trail for the first time today. Overall good trail and Good ride, but I got back to my truck and someone had tried to break in to my car. Luckily I had an alarm system so they weren’t able to get in. Make sure you take your wallet, keys etc out of your car. Someone else got broken into and they took the persons credit card. So just make sure you don’t leave anything out.

I come here as often as I can. This trail stretches all the way to Alabama! It’s a nice, even, and paved trail. The majority of the walk is shaded or covered. I usually go for a 5.2 miles walk with friends. Takes about 1.5 hours.
Note: ton of bikers! Most go 90 to nothing so be careful! They do yell «Left!!!» to let you know that they are passing you.
Parking on the weekends can be hard, but you can park in the school lot or go to the other sections that has parking. Not at the start point 0.0 miles mark. There is an emergency call box at mile 1.5 miles.
You can rent bikes as well! A great place for the family.

The silver comet trail is my favorite place to walk. I appreciate the shade on hot days like today! The path is plenty wide for walkers, runners, bikers, and rollerbladers to all share the road. I’ve only made it 2.6 miles in as a walker but I have no complaints.
I will say that I haven’t been able to bring myself to come without a friend or dog. I know the attacks further down have been rare but still scary! Regardless I’ll be back!

Really nice biking trail. Bike rental available for $ 10 per hour or $ 50 per day. Helmets included. Nice scenery. Great for the whole family. Really cool date for couples.

The Silver Comet Trail is a paved path that runs for dozens of miles through Cobb County, into Douglas County. It is great for biking, roller blading, and any other non-​motorized, wheeled activities. You can walk or run as well, but it is on asphalt. There are many places to stop for food, walk through Civil War ruins, and even rent bikes. The Silver Comet Trail is an excellent recreational resource for the people of metro Atlanta!

I ride the Rockmart to Cedartown segment frequently. It’s about 15 miles and has very little trail traffic. It’s pretty challenging ride, don’t expect 3% grade, it’s easily surpasses that. If you want a ride that will test you, give it a go. I put in @ Nathan Dean Park in Rockmart, plenty of parking and is a safe area. There is a camping site ½ way as well.

silver comet is a long, mostly flat rail trail great for spending a day taking a leisurely bike ride. there are lots of options for access points, and some access points have restrooms and picnic tables.
silver comet is usually way less busy than the beltline, and there’s a good mix of serious cyclists, families, and people just out there having fun. it’s definitely worth the drive if you’re coming from midtown, decatur, etc.
PRO TIP: this unofficial website has a useful map of access points, bathrooms, and picnic areas:

I truly enjoy the Silver Comet Trail. I’ve walked on this trail in the snow, the rain, and hellish heat, and I’ve enjoyed every moment. I discovered this walking/​biking track when I lived in Vinings some odd years ago and even though I’ve moved, I still continue going there.
I find it’s usually best to go during the week in the morning or before everyone gets off work (before 6pm) to get in a serious workout.(this is cancelled out for holidays during the week) Also, the weekend is more crowded with families, bikers, dog walkers, joggers, plus more… so again the week days for working out, the weekend for more hanging out.
I only walk on the trail, and in staying to the far right side of the track, I’ve never had a run in with bikers even when walking in a pair with my mother. Anyone on a trail is suppose to announce themselves in passing, but 99.9999% of the people on this trail do not, so I look out for myself and try not to get ran over. I’m also pretty tough and bitchy and if anyone runs into me, I suggest they flee for their lives!!!
I park at the Mavell Road entrance and it can get very crowded by evening, so going down toward the middle or end can aid in a faster exit when trying to back your car out. Also this trail is well shaded but can become very VERY steamy after it rains and you’ll be sweating in places that weren’t suppose to sweat. But other than that, the trail is rather peaceful and quiet. There’s lots of nature and yes it’s going to attack your face such as bugs… bugs… and BUGS.
So to wrap up my tale, I’ve used the restrooms at the Mavell Station once… never again… never again… Other than that… potty at home, enjoy your walk, be courteous to others, and break for squirrels!!!

Captain’s Log. star date 07.21.2013.
The mission would not be easy, but after my last encounter with the Silver Comet I wanted to see if my success had been just a fluke or had I indeed conquered this beast.
My ship, the Trek 7100
, was in for a difficult mission. To boldly go where it had not gone before. I was determined after my last ride to complete a CENTURY RIDE, which is a 100 mile or more bike ride that is completed within 12 hours. You would think this may have been easy given the fact we did 94.5 miles just a few months ago, but if anything, this was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
This time, I didn’t have the luxury of my wife following along and providing refreshments and encouragement. Instead, I had a backpack loaded with ice, power bars, energy gels and about 8 pounds of water/​powerades. The goal was simple, ride to the 50 mile marker and return. Sounds easy enough, but the real problem is between mile 40 and mile 50. There are some seriously difficult elevation changes to test the endurance of both your ship and it’s power source… your legs. What’s worse is after navigating it successfully, you have turn around and travel back through it. But as the saying goes, No Pain… No Gain.
— — — — — - — - — -
LOGBOOK
6:15am — Arrived @ Mavell Road (check supplies and stretch)
6:30am — Begin at mile marker 0.00
8:14am — Rest @ mile marker 20
9:40am — 37 miles — Rockmart, GA (nothing is open on Sunday before 11am)
Eat a power bar and down 16oz water with powder energy mix)
*** If you don’t like hills, this is as far as you should go!!!
11:38am — 50 mile marker (5 hours and 8 minutes w/​20 minute rest)
NOTE: Your speed will be considerably reduced because of the elevation changes in this stretch of the ride. The area between mile 46 – 47 is EXTREMELY difficult! Trail goes from 875 to over 1,000 feet in 1.5 miles!!!

1:00pm — Arrive back in Rockmart, GA. Ate @ Frankie’s Italian Restaurant.
1:45pm — Frankie’s refilled our water and we restart on the trail for the final 37 miles.
4:25pm — it begins to rain HARD for the last 10 miles, which gave us incentive to ride as fast as possible. Most of the final 10 miles feels like it’s downhill, so I logged my best 10 mile times here @ 13 mph.
5:10pm — Completed my first Century soaked from my cap clear down to my socks which were muddy from all the road dirt the wheels kicked up.
— — — — — - — - — -
STATS
* Time to complete Century Ride — 9 hours: 35 minutes
* Time to complete with rest stops — 10 hours: 40 minutes
* Miles traveled — 100
MAP —

— — — — — - — - — -
THE VERDICT
Challenge yourself!!! I am not a regular cyclist. This marks the second ride I’ve done this year. Prior to that, I had not been on a bike for 3 years and my longest ride ever prior to this year was 22 miles. I’m not going to fool you, this is extremely painful and you will likely want to give up several times over the course of this ride. It was my trail buddy’s 1^st ride on the Silver Comet and previously he had not done more than 27 miles. He actually called his wife @ Frankie’s to come pick him up after 63 miles, but decided to finish after a good meal and a little rest.
Your legs will be on fire with lactate acid build-​up, your butt will be uncomfortably sore and you will ache in places you didn’t think you were using. However, it will give you a strong sense of accomplishment. Just be sure you have a full day to rest following your ride. Bonus — I lost 4.2 pounds this ride, even though I ate/​drank like a pig.
Unilocal100[97]

OK… it is a rail trail… but, boy WHAT a rail trail… over 60 miles of rural trail.
Now, like many trails, the interaction of cyclists (me), walkers, runners, dogs, kids, roller bladers and all the others that use it could use work. Mutual respect is needed from all aspects… here are my rants…
(1) Cyclists… these rail trails are NOT speed zones! Yes, there are miles and miles of the Silver Comet that are rural enough for us to do any speed we want… but…when we are in the busy sections… SLOW DOWN! I know you want your speed… and…if you do… go to the rural sections… my goodness with 60 miles… you can get lost! Let’s respect the others that use the trails
(2) Walkers/runners…you have issues too… you go two/​three wide… and when a cyclist like me says «on your left»…you simply ignore me. Give me some respect as well… I belong on the trail just like you do. We can do this together…
B. When you have your earphones in… and cannot hear me… that is YOUR FAULT, not mine!
(3) Dog walkers… my goodness… CONTROL THE DOG! I have seen people letting their dogs run free… that is just asking for trouble… and then the leashes… keep it short when you hear «on your left»…please…
B. CLEAN THE POOP UP! Enough said…
(4) People with kids… I love seeing parents teaching kids how to ride their bikes safely and controlled… and then there are the parents that just let them run. This is a PUBLIC trail… both the kids and/​or others on the trail can get hurt… how about taking a few minutes to be responsible parents… just because there are no cars around does not mean that there is no danger to the kids (and others)!!!
(5) Roller bladers… do you REALLY have to stride across the entire trail? Jeez… of course, you are much in the minority…
(6) Everyone… when you STOP, GET OFF THE TRAIL… that includes your bike, your kid, your feet… everything!
(7) Everyone… use the crosswalk buttons… that is what they are there for… I realize that many of the road crossings are rural… and you can go without them… but…take the time, just in case!
We have a fantastic resource… and let’s work together to keep it that way!

There are things to love about this trail… and there are definitely some things to hate about it as well. Let’s cover both aspects.
This trail is my go-​to workout place. For the last 4 – 5 years I’ve become a rather avid cyclist, so my review is looking at the trail from a bicycle’s perspective (trust me… quite different from when you’re walking/​jogging).
The trail starts officially at Marvel Rd, which is behind the Publix off South Cobb Drive/​East-​West Connector. However, in the last couple of years, the city of Smyrna has built the Silver Comet Connector, which basically makes it possible to start the SCT (that’s what the cool kids call it) on Atlanta Rd. The trail goes all the way to Alabama. So, as an average cyclist, you will never run out of trail.
THE BRIGHT SIDE:
(1) It’s flat… really flat! There are some minor elevation changes that you really only notice because you find yourself breathing just a bit harder or riding a bit slower. I think total elevation change on the trail is 2%. It’s a former railroad track that was paved over.
(2) It’s shady (for the most part). This is especially beneficial on those 90+ degree days in the summer
(3) It’s pretty (minus the parts where you drive past the water processing plant… blech!
(4) Lots of rest stops, well marked, bathrooms with water fountains, and even a few bike stores along the way in case you have trouble.
(5) No commercial traffic and very few stop lights
THE NOT-​SO-​BRIGHT SIDE:
(1) It gets really crowded. Especially on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. It becomes almost difficult to navigate, because you’re constantly slowing down and speeding up, dodging the «traffic».
(2) Speaking of traffic — when you are on the Silver Comet Trail, treat it like you would any other road. It has a yellow line in the middle after all. That means — stay to your right, and LOOK over your left shoulder before you pass someone, just in case there’s someone even faster coming along behind you! Also, when you’re entering the trail, remember to look and don’t just walk blindly into the trail. People on bikes can potentially go pretty fast and it’s difficult to stop on a dime.
(3) Dog walkers — this trail is great for walking your dog. As long as you have a dog that is well trained and will stay close to you. There’s been more than one occasion where the owner was walking on one side, but the dog was walking on the other side of the trail, essentially creating a long trap line with the leash… not cool!
(4) Inexperienced and casual users of the trail can cause problems. That goes for joggers, bicyclists, skaters, etc. If it’s difficult for you to keep a straight line on your bike, you may want to practice at home first before venturing out on the trail, where you could cause someone else to fall while you swerve back and forth. Also, if someone rides behind you and calls out «ON YOUR LEFT»… that means someone is coming up on your left. It does NOT mean jump to your left (yep, that’s actually happened numerous times).
So, with all that said — enjoy your ride on the SCT and I will likely see you there… !!