Chief Ladiga Trail

The Chief Ladiga Trail is Alabama’s first long-distance rail-trail: a paved path of about 39 miles from Anniston through Weaver, Jacksonville, Piedmont, and into Cleburne County before reaching the Georgia state line, where it connects directly to the Silver Comet Trail.

History

The trail follows a former CSX rail corridor. In the early 1990s the City of Piedmont and regional partners secured grants to purchase the unused rail line and begin trail construction. That vision created a safe, car-free route through streams, wetlands, farmland, and the foothills of the Appalachians – and ultimately linked Alabama’s trail network to Georgia’s Silver Comet, forming nearly 100 miles of continuous paved trail.

Riding from Piedmont

• Trail surface: paved asphalt, gentle grades
• Best for: cycling, walking, running, inline skating
• Access: park at the Chief Ladiga Trail Eubanks Welcome Center in downtown Piedmont
• Connections: Silver Comet Trail at the AL/GA state line

Bike & gear support

• Ladiga Trail Trikes / Rocket City Trikes – 100 S Center Ave, Piedmont, AL 36272. Recumbent trikes, service, accessories, and test rides right off the trail.
• Elevated Grounds Coffee Co. – also a good informal shuttle and local trail-info hub according to many riders.

Dining on/near the trail

These locally owned spots are a short roll from the trail in downtown Piedmont:

• Pinhoti Pizza Company – 107 S Main St, Piedmont, AL 36272 – trail-side pizzas, salads, and more.
• Elevated Grounds Coffee Co. – 110 S Center Ave – espresso, cold brew, breakfast, and baked goods.
• Shell’s Downtown – 105 N Center Ave – bar & grill with pizza, wings, and live music.
• Dugger Mountain Fudge & Coffee Co. – 614 N Main St – coffee, sweets, ice cream, and fudge.

Lodging for trail users

• City Heart Inn & Suites – 333 Haslam St, Piedmont, AL 36272, (256) 447-9780 – about 0.7 mile from the trail.
• Night in the Museum Hotel – Historic Roberts Home near downtown; a popular stay for Chief Ladiga riders.
• Chief Ladiga Trail Campground – 3180 County Rd 94, near Piedmont – bike-friendly campground used by touring cyclists. (256) 282-2370.

Chief Ladiga Trail bridge section near Piedmont.

Iconic Chief Ladiga Trail entrance near Piedmont.