7 Must-See Georgia Landmarks on the Silver Comet Trail
Explore one of the longest paved paths in America, keeping an eye out for these surprising sights.
A rails-to-trails success, Georgia's Silver Comet Trail follows an old rail line for 61 miles from just outside of Atlanta to the Georgia-Alabama state line and continues as the Chief Ladiga Trail. One of the longest paved pathways in the United States, the Silver Comet Trail cuts a scenic route through preserved forests, rural countrysides and historic downtowns. Here are seven Silver Comet Trail sights you don't want to miss!
1. Heritage Park in Mableton
Stop at this park in Mableton to explore an extensive native plant garden, vibrant wetlands and historic mill ruins near Smyrna's Concord Covered Bridge. The Heritage Park boardwalks and trails wind through more than 100 acres of nature preserve along Nickajack Creek.
2. Wildhorse Trail in Powder Springs, Georgia
A two-mile wooded spur, Wildhorse Trail in Powder Springs leads to a fun Cobb County park that includes Seven Springs Water Park and a BMX bike track. Wildhorse Trail features the largest red maple tree in Georgia and a wildlife observation tower overlooking wetlands, before arriving at Wild Horse Creek Park.
3. Silver Comet Side Trails in Hiram
Enjoy 18 miles of mountain biking trail, following alongside the Silver Comet Trail, beginning at the Hiram "Caboose" Trailhead. The multi-segmented trail, considered intermediate skill level, features some challenging climbs and technical obstacles.
4. Pumpkinvine Trestle in Dallas
This 1901 train trestle, restored in 1999, rises 126 feet and crosses 750 feet over Pumpkinvine Creek in Dallas, Georgia. Less than a mile west of the Rambo Road Trailhead, the trestle marks the gateway to remote areas of the Silver Comet Trail, traversing the 25,000-acre Paulding Wildlife Management Area.
5. Historic Brushy Mountain Tunnel in Rockmart
At mile marker 33.5, Coot's Lake Beach Trailhead near Rockmart marks the closest parking to historic Brushy Mountain Tunnel. Built in 1912, the massive tunnel runs for 800 feet. This section of trail winds through forest and fields, cutting through hillsides to expose interesting rock formations.
6. Historic Downtown Rockmart & Riverwalk Park
As the Silver Comet Trail approaches mile marker 37.6, it combines with downtown Rockmart's Riverwalk Park. This curvy section of trail features historic sites, interesting buildings and places to eat.
7. State Line Gateway
Heading west from Cedartown, the Silver Comet Trail travels through its most scenic and rural areas. This quiet stretch reaches State Line Gateway Park near mile marker 61.5. The park's arches highlight the Georgia-Alabama state line, and the trail continues west toward Talledega National Forest as the Chief Ladiga Trail.
