Chief Ladiga Rail Trail

Over 15 years ago the city of Piedmont and the Calhoun County Commission set out to begin this project by purchasing 22 miles of abandoned railway bed and convert them into something that would allow the public to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

The result was the premier extended rails-to-trails project in the state, the Chief Ladiga Trail, a beautiful path that travels from Anniston to Piedmont, AL (or the other way around). This section is paved and is intended for non-motorized use. Hikers, walkers, skaters, bikers and baby carriages are all invited to hit the pavement. From Piedmont to the Georgia state line the path consists of the original gravel railroad bed of what was once the Silver Comet Line. The rails long since removed, this section is also open to equestrians.

The trail was named after Creek Indian Chief Ladiga. In 1832, Ladiga signed what was known as the Cusseta Treaty, an agreement that turned over the remaining Creek land in the area over to the U.S. government. Under the agreement, the signer, Ladiga, was allowed to sell his holdings to speculators, which he did for $2,000. The land later became the town of Jackson.

The Chief Ladiga provides an excellent, safe way for people, young and old, to get out and enjoy the benefits of walking without having to scale the peaks of nearby Talladega National Forest, but the scenery along the trail is just as awesome, as the route passes by streams, rolling farmland, wetlands, the campus of Jacksonville State University, historic buildings (such as the Eubanks Welcome Center in Piedmont built in the 1800s), and, of course, the mountains of the Talladega on the horizon.

The trail is dotted with parks and welcome centers that provide easy access for shuttle vehicles to return to your starting location (no shuttle service is available at this time) and facilities such as rest rooms and fountains.

The goal is to eventually connect the Silver Comet Rail Trail in Georgia with the Chief Ladiga, providing a 90-mile non-motorized rails-to-trails path from just west of Atlanta to Anniston.

Whether you're in the mood for an evening stroll or to do a day-long section of walking or biking, the Chief Ladiga Trail is a must for all.

Details
Contact
Related Links

Trail Type:: 33.3-mile point-to-point
Difficulty:: Easy to Moderate
Hours:: Open year-round, sunrise to sunset.
Maps:: Online at www.trailexpress.com/chiefladiga/maps.php
Fees:: No fees to use the trail.
Events:: Many events are sponsored by the towns and cities along the trail route. The best resource for the latest dates and times is TrailExpress.Com (www.trailexpress.com).