The Silver Comet Trail is one of Cobb County’s best outdoor escapes, especially for Marietta residents who want a long, paved route without committing to a mountain hike, a gym membership, or a bike ride that requires nerves of steel in traffic. The trail begins at the Mavell Road Trailhead in Smyrna and runs west across Georgia toward the Alabama state line, following the path of the former Silver Comet passenger train route. Cobb County’s portion covers 12.8 miles, beginning in Smyrna and heading west through the southern part of the county.
A Rail Trail With Serious Mileage
The full Silver Comet Trail stretches about 61.5 miles from Smyrna to the Georgia and Alabama state line near Cedartown. At the state line, it connects with Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail, creating a paved route of roughly 94.5 miles from Smyrna to Anniston, Alabama.
The trail is paved, largely flat, and designed for non-motorized use, including walking, running, cycling, skating, dog walking, and wheelchair use. Its rail-trail design gives it a gentler grade than many road routes around metro Atlanta, which is part of the appeal for families, distance cyclists, weekend walkers, and runners who prefer scenery over dodging turning cars.
Trailheads Near Marietta
The Silver Comet Trail does not run through Marietta, but it is one of the closest major recreational trails for Marietta residents. From Marietta, the most practical access points are generally in Smyrna, Mableton, and Powder Springs, depending on the starting side of town.
For eastern and central Marietta, the Mavell Road Trailhead in Smyrna is a common starting point because it marks mile marker 0. This trailhead has paved parking, restrooms, picnic tables, water, an emergency phone, dog waste bags, and easy access to the beginning of the trail.
For Marietta residents closer to South Cobb Drive, Austell Road, or the East-West Connector, the Concord Road and Floyd Road trailheads can be convenient alternatives. Concord Road sits around mile marker 2.6 and has parking, restrooms, water, covered picnic tables, and an emergency phone. Floyd Road is farther west near mile marker 4.2, with parking, restrooms, nearby shops, and bike services close to the trail.
For West Cobb and Marietta residents near Powder Springs Road, the Powder Springs access points may make more sense than driving back toward Smyrna. The trail runs through Powder Springs after leaving the Smyrna and Mableton area, giving West Cobb users a good entry point for a ride, a run, or a walk.
What Visitors Can Expect
The Cobb County section has a mix of wooded stretches, bridges, residential edges, small parks, and road crossings. The first few miles west of Smyrna are especially popular because trailheads are close together and amenities are easy to find. Riders and runners heading west from Mavell Road pass Fontaine Road, Concord Road, the East-West Connector bridge, and Floyd Road before the route continues toward Powder Springs.
Because the trail is paved and relatively flat, it works well for a wide range of outings. A visitor can walk a mile or two, bike from Smyrna to Powder Springs, train for a long-distance ride, or make a day of it with snacks, water, sunscreen, and a healthy respect for how far you can actually go on a bike.
A Bit of Silver Comet History
The trail gets its name from the Silver Comet passenger train, introduced by the Seaboard Air Line Railroad in 1947. The modern trail follows the abandoned rail line once used by that train, giving Cobb County one of its most recognizable rail-trail routes.
Today, that old rail corridor gives local residents a rare thing in metro Atlanta: a long, paved, mostly separated route where the scenery can take priority over traffic lights. For Marietta residents, it is close enough for a Saturday morning ride, a Sunday walk, or a quick reminder that the area has outdoor options beyond subdivisions, shopping centers, and the eternal mystery of I-75 traffic.
Tips Before Heading Out
Visitors should bring water, especially during summer, and cyclists should use a bell or clear verbal warning when passing walkers. Dogs should stay leashed, and riders should keep speeds reasonable near crowded trailheads. Some stretches feel peaceful and shaded, while others have road crossings or heavier weekend traffic.
For those starting from Marietta, it helps to choose the trailhead before leaving home. The Silver Comet is long enough that a casual plan can turn messy fast. Pick a starting point, know the mileage goal, and remember that snacks are not a personality flaw. On this trail, they are strategy.
