The Chief Ladiga Trail extends 32.5 miles from the Georgia state line to Weaver, Alabama. It is a paved recreational trail on the bed of the former Seaboard/CSX Railroad and extends into Georgia an additional 63 miles, making it the longest continuous paved rail trail in the United States.

What users are allowed on the trail?

Pedestrians (walkers and runners), inline skaters, cyclists, strollers, wheelchairs.
NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES!

Is the Trail safe to travel?

Yes, it is. However, as with any outdoor activity that you might undertake, we recommend traveling the trail with someone and following safety procedures that most any outdoor trail activity recommends, such as (1) let someone know what you are planning, (2) let someone know what section(s) of the trail you will be visiting, (3) carry a cell phone, identification, some cash, and a whistle, and (4) carry plenty of water and energy snacks.  You should also be prepared to perform minor bike maintenance, such as changing a flat tire.  There are resources on line that can help you learn to change a flat.

History of the Trail

In 1990, both the Calhoun County Commission and the City of Piedmont, Alabama received an Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) enhancement grant to fund the construction of the first 9-mile section through Calhoun County.  Additional ISTEA grant funds were awarded in 1994 to the City of Piedmont, the City of Jacksonville and the Cleburne County Commission.  The National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF) awarded funds to the City of Jacksonville, the City of Weaver and the City of Anniston in 1997 to construct trail connections or access facilities.  The City of Weaver also received an ISTEA grant in 1997 allowing it to construct 2.5 miles of the trail through Weaver.  The cities of Weaver and Jacksonville opened the trail through their cities in 1998.  The last section to be completed, 9 miles through Cleburne County, was completed in 2007.