Chief Ladiga Trail (Piedmont Section)

In Piedmont, Alabama, you don’t need to go far to enjoy some fresh air and exercise with your pupper! It’s in this town that you can find a portion of the lovely Chief Ladiga Trail. This paved pathway is at the base of the Appalachian Mountains, and is easy on the paws and the eyes. What was once a working railway, has now been turned into a trail all can enjoy thanks to the non-profit Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Organization.

Although the Piedmont section of the trail is just under 4 miles, it’s part of something much bigger. The Chief Ladiga connects to the Silver Comet Trail and stretches more than 100 miles over 4 cities and 2 counties, making it the longest paved trail in the United States. Parking for the Piedmont Section can be found at the Eubanks Welcome Center on Dailey Street. Here you’ll also find restrooms, water and snacks. The welcome center is open from 8am to 5pm daily.

This safe, family focused pathway attracts runners, cyclists, and dog walkers too of course! Along the trail you’ll be able to see some of Alabama’s diverse scenery. This includes wetlands, farmlands, forest, and streams, all with woofderful mountain backdrops. The Terrapin Creek follows alongside the trail, until you cross over it by means of a scenic bridge. Be prepared to see some wildlife along the way, you may even catch see a deer or a fox!

Since this is a multi-use trail, be sure to keep your pupper leashed at all times and watch out for cyclists. There are no waste bags provided, so you'll need to bring your own and make sure your pup leaves only paw prints! This is a fairly trafficked pathway, so be ready to make some furry-friends. The Chief Ladiga Trail is convenient, scenic, and sure to get your dog’s tail wagging!