50 Best Summer Weekend Adventures: Alabama – Ride the Chief Ladiga Trail

Great adventures are all around us—and summer is the ideal time to seek them. To give you some ideas and inspiration, every weekday we will be sharing a different U.S. summer weekend adventure, state-by-state from A to Z. We invite you to share your favorite summer weekend adventures in the comments section below when your favorite state is featured. Report back after the weekend to tell us about the outdoor adventures you had.

Alabama: Ride the Chief Ladiga Trail
Pedal a paved trail through northeast Alabama’s quiet countryside and quaint towns without fighting traffic or dodging cars.

What Is It? The 33-mile Chief Ladiga Trail follows a former railroad corridor that meanders through beautiful wetlands, streams, farms, and forest. Once you cross the Georgia state line, the Chief Ladiga Trail turns into the 62-mile Silver Comet Trail. These two flat, smooth, family-friendly trails combine for a total of 95 miles of blissful riding along the longest paved path in the nation. Because of various access points, you can create your own adventure. Pedal, hike, or skate a few different sections over the course of a weekend, stop to fish, or ride the entire 95 miles point to point while staying at bed-and-breakfasts along the way.

Why Do It? The Chief Ladiga Trail is Alabama’s crown jewel and the perfect way to delve into the varied, wild side of the Heart of Dixie. Along the way, you’ll wander along Terrapin Creek and enjoy views of the southern Appalachians as wide-open fields give way to thick pine forests and travel through the  magnificent Talladega National Forest.

Make It Happen: Pick up the Rail-Trails Southeast Guide Book by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (Wilderness Press) and get great info here: http://www.chiefladigatrail.com/ and http://bikesilvercomet.com/.

What’s your favorite summer weekend adventure in Alabama?

Up Next: Alaska