The Chief Ladiga Trail

"It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle." ~ Ernest Hemingway

This paved bicycle and recreational trail connects the Calhoun County municipalities of Anniston, Weaver, Jacksonville, and Piedmont. The Chief Ladiga Trail currently runs 32.5 miles from the Alabama/Georgia line into the City of Weaver. The City of Anniston recently acquired more land for the trails extension into downtown Anniston. As Alabama’s first Rails to Trails project, this paved recreational trail follows the former Seaboard/CSX Railroad and connects to Georgia’s 63 mile Silver Comet Trail, making Ladiga part of the longest paved rail trail in the U.S. This recreational opportunity can be enjoyed by walkers, bikers, skaters, strollers and more.

The trail is a perfect get-a-way and outdoor activity for the whole family. With parks, like Elwell and Germania Springs, along the way and picnic areas, the trail is a great adventure for both kids and adults. Beautiful sights like area forests shade sections of the trail and run alongside area creeks and streams for a relaxing setting. From the mountains to the farmlands, these scenes provide a picturesque backdrop for a most enjoyable ride. This trail is perfect to be enjoyed year-round, with Alabama’s mild winter temperatures and idyllic autumn and spring temps. During the summer, it gets warm, but each morning is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the ride.

Always be sure to be aware of the other riders, runners and crossing traffic. The mostly flat trail, with the occasional gradual incline or downhill, is a great place for kids to practice riding a bike, but it’s also great for the avid cyclist to get some miles.

For more information, visit www.chiefladigatrail.com.