This weekend is the perfect weekend to dust off the bike and take a ride along the Silver Comet Trail! Cobb’s section of the Silver Comet Trail is a scenic 12.8-mile multi-use paved trail that begins in Smyrna and travels west through southern parts of the county. The trail follows the abandoned railroad line once traveled by the Silver Comet passenger train.
The Silver Comet passenger train was introduced by Seaboard Air Line Railroad in 1947. Originally fitted with an observation car and sleep lounge cars, it carried passengers through southern cities like Atlanta and Birmingham to destinations in the north such as New York, Philadelphia and Washington.
As passengers traveled across the countryside, they were treated to a variety of scenic vistas. Today the rail has been converted by Cobb Department of Transportation into a multi-use trail that is designed for use by all. Casual walkers, hikers, joggers, bicyclists, inline skaters and people with disabilities can all use the trail and enjoy the same sights once reserved for the train’s passengers.
Traversing six trestles and bridges, the trail offers spectacular views and direct access to Heritage Park, a natural park that includes approximately 105 acres with 14.3 acres of wetland in four separate sites. Visitors can follow the 1.7-mile walking trail to the remains of a woolen mill.
