Autumn usually means the perfect time for hiking and biking in the state of Georgia. As we’ve detailed before, the trails and opportunities to get out there and explore in Georgia are a’plenty. However, maybe you’re itching for a new type of trail, one that hasn’t really been explored too much yet, but certainly holds both history and mystery. We’re talking about the Silver Comet Trail, which is a fascinating trail built over an abandoned rail line in northwest Georgia. Check it out.
How many people can say they’ve hiked along an abandoned railroad in Georgia?
Flickr Cynthia Phillips If you choose to walk, bike, or hike the Silver Comet Trail you can.
The Silver Comet Trail was named after the Silver Comet passenger train, which was introduced in 1947.
Flickr atlbike When rail travel stopped being a popular form of transportation, however, the Silver Comet discontinued passenenger trains and stuck to freight trains only. But eventually, this too stopped in 1989.
In 1992, The Georgia Department of Transportation bought the closed rail line that ran through Cobb, Paulding, and Polk counties.
Flickr Cynthia Phillips
The trail begins in Smyrna, Georgia and continues on for almost 100 miles, all the way into Alabama.
Flickr Chris Roach
Throughout the entire trail, you’ll see some of the most beautiful parts of the state, while also experiencing the quiet serenity from the abandoned railroad tracks underfoot.
Flickr Tom Robbins
There are even a few tunnels that you can pass through, the same as the trains did back in the day.
Flickr atlbike
You’ll also be able to see the Concord Covered Bridge, which is the last remaining covered bridge in the Atlanta area.
Flickr Chris Foster
There is no fee to use the trail which is recognized as a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service.
Flickr Tom Robbins
So whether you ride a bike, run, hike, or simply walk to get in some decent exercise, the Silver Comet Trail is the type of trail you need to experience at least once in your lifetime.
Flickr Mike Shubert
How about that for a neat, historical trail? If you feel like taking the plunge and hiking or biking, heck even walking will do the trick to see the sights, then start at this trail head in Georgia:
Flickr Cynthia Phillips
If you choose to walk, bike, or hike the Silver Comet Trail you can.
Flickr atlbike
When rail travel stopped being a popular form of transportation, however, the Silver Comet discontinued passenenger trains and stuck to freight trains only. But eventually, this too stopped in 1989.
Flickr Chris Roach
Flickr Tom Robbins
Flickr Chris Foster
Flickr Mike Shubert
4573 Mavell Rd
Smyrna, GA 30008
Google Maps
Otherwise, if hiking in Georgia floats your boat, then you have to check out This Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Hike In All Of Georgia.
Google Maps
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