Silver Comet Trail (Photo by Leamon Scott) While Georgia has lagged behind many other states in converting abandoned rail corridors to long multi-use trails, we do have one star (or, more accurately, a comet) in that regard. Seaboard's old Birmingham-Atlanta line now allows cyclists, roller bladers, strollers, hikers, walkers, people in wheelchairs, and kids on tricycles to enjoy the out-of-doors without the hazards of automobile traffic. Abandoned in the 1980s, the route was purchased by the Georgia Department of Transportation for possible rail transit needs in the future. In the interim, it is being developed as a recreational trail. About forty miles are complete, connecting south Cobb County and Rockmart, in Polk County. Within a few years it will link to the Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama, which that state has been developing on its portion of the old rail bed. For train-watchers, the trail offers a bridge over Norfolk Southern's Rome-Atlanta line in a particularly scenic part of Paulding County. This line follows the trail for much of its length and NS trains can often be heard even when they can't be seen, adding to the charm of your bike ride. Or do like I do and make your own train sounds as you roll on down the line. For more information, visit the Path Foundation web site. Advertisement from 1964 Seaboard Railroad timetable. Georgia's Railroad History & Heritage. Copyright, Steve Storey. Railroad History | The Depot List | Locomotives On Display | Odds & Ends | Sources & References | Home