Chief Ladiga Trail

The Chief Ladiga Trail stands as Alabama’s inaugural extended rails-to-trails endeavor, interlinking the cities of Anniston, Weaver, Jacksonville, and Piedmont as it traverses Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. Offering a safe, motor-free avenue for travel, exercise, and leisure amidst the great outdoors, this trail showcases a scenic journey through streams, wetlands, forests, farmlands, and mountains, catering to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Anniston’s trail extension will stretch an additional 6.5 miles, bringing the Chief Ladiga Trail’s total length to approximately 39.5 miles. The Chief Ladiga will then seamlessly connect Anniston’s Multimodal Amtrak Station to the state of Georgia’s Silver Comet Trail, forming the longest paved pedestrian pathway in the United States by becoming an expansive 105+/- mile paved trail.

Progress Updates

Update – Nov. 4, 2024: During October, B&B began placing the first layer of asphalt binder from Michael Tucker Park through Hillcrest Rd, stopping just short of the 47th Street crossing. This asphalt binder layer, composed of larger aggregates, is crucial for providing the trail’s structural integrity. Once heavy construction traffic ceases, a thinner layer will be added on top to create a smooth, visually appealing surface for trail users. View the full update here.

Update – Oct. 2, 2024: Paving was scheduled to begin during the last week of September, it was postponed due to rain and saturated site conditions. However, B&B was able to get the paving back on track as the weather broke in the last few days of September! Thus, asphalt is being laid as we speak! However, this is still a construction site, so please stay off the trail until its completion! B&B also began separating and staging the material in preparation for the upcoming bridge construction. Click here to view the full update.

Update – August 29, 2024: The first phase of bridge construction is underway with the installation of helical piers at Cane Creek and 4th Street. These piers will serve as the foundation for the new bridge abutments. We’re making steady progress and appreciate the public’s continued patience and support as we work to enhance this vital community resource! View the full update here.

Update – May 29, 2024: Bridge removal has been completed at all four sites with minimal impact on the streams and waterways spanned by the old bridges. B&B cleared the log jam and debris that had accumulated in Cane Creek during the removal of Bridge #4, resulting in a free-flowing and more aesthetically pleasing waterway. View the full update here.

Update – June 27, 2024: Since May, B&B has focused on grading throughout the trail limits. They used a motorgrader to clip the existing railroad bed, starting at Michael Tucker Park and working south to 4th Street. Traffic control devices have been installed to protect the public and work areas throughout the trail. B&B is still working with their subcontractor to get the required construction signage installed on the cross streets. B&B has also excavated ditches to add positive drainage at several locations along the trail route. This work was performed to improve stormwater flow and help reduce ponding in low areas. The material excavated from these areas appeared to have been saturated for some time and was hauled offsite for disposal. View the full update here.

Update – July 31, 2024: During the month of July, B&B has made significant progress on the grading phase along the trail limits, particularly focusing on the south end of the project. Here are the key updates:

Grading and Soft Area Excavation:

B&B hauled in several loads of #1 Stone to various street crossings to reduce mud tracking onto the asphalt. Workers excavated soft areas between Glade Rd and Hillcrest, removing unsuitable fat clay saturated by rain and poor drainage.

Erosion Control and Signage Installation:

Erosion control measures were implemented throughout the trail to minimize sediment loss. Construction signage, message boards, and barricades were installed to warn and protect the public.

Bridge Work at Cane Creek and 4th St:

Excavation for the Cane Creek bridge abutments began, with material used to build a crane pad for lifting the bridge. Helical piers and formwork for abutment footings will be installed soon. At the 4th St bridge site, a previously unknown structure was discovered, necessitating adjustments to ensure proper clearances.

Subgrade and Aggregate Base Layer:

B&B placed a crushed aggregate stone base layer between Michael Tucker Park and Cane Creek. The aggregate was spread and compacted to the desired elevation.

You may view the full update here.

Directions to Ladiga

Directions: From I-20, take Exit 185 and head north about 10 miles through Anniston on Route 1/Quintard Avenue; bear right on McClellan Boulevard/Route 21 on the north side of town. A few miles past the split, turn left on Weaver Road; continue about a mile, then turn left again on Holly Farms Road to the well-marked Woodland Park trailhead.

Camping at the Trail

Anniston’s Michael Tucker Park currently serves as the southern terminus of the Chief Ladiga Trail. The park was named in memory Dr. Michael Tucker, a noted Anniston physician and long-time bicycle enthusiast. Nestled within a pecan grove, the park offers parking the trail, a gazebo, a drinking fountain, 16 site primitive campground and rest-room facilities.

For information and to view a map of the campground click this link, Campground Rules & Map. To make campground reservations, visit our rental page here: Parks & Recreation Rentals.

For more information on the Chief Ladiga Trail or Michael Tucker Park and Campground, contact the Parks and Recreation Department’s Aquatic & Fitness Center at 256-847-7349.

Staying in Anniston

Not sure where to stay, eat or shop? The Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce can help! Regardless of whether or not you’re planning on visiting for a day or a week, Visit Calhoun County is your one-stop for information stop on all things Calhoun County. Follow the links to find what you need:

Anniston Amtrak Station

The Anniston Multimodal Center, otherwise known as our Amtrak Station, is located at the end of the Chief Ladiga Trail. This provides trail-goers with a seamless rails-to-trails experience. Learn more about the station, and purchase tickets online, below:

Directions:

Hours:

MONDAY	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
TUESDAY	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
WEDNESDAY	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
THURSDAY	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
FRIDAY	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
SATURDAY	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
SUNDAY	9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

History of the Chief Ladiga Trail

The Ladiga Trail came into being in 1990 with the approval of a grant from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). The trail is named after a Creek Indian leader who signed the Cusseta Treaty in 1832. In 1994, additional grants to the cities of Jacksonville and Piedmont, and the Cleburne County Commission, continued the project. In 1997, Jacksonville and Anniston were awarded National Recreational Trails Fund (NRTF) grants to build their connecting trail ways. In 1998, the City of Weaver built their 2.5 mile section of the trail through grant funding as well. In 2008, the Chief Ladiga Trail and the Silver Comet Trail were connected, with a new gateway marking the connecting point at the Alabama-Georgia state line. In 2022 Anniston purchased the final 1.4 miles needed from Norfolk Southern Railway for the trail’s final extension. On February 20, 2024, the Anniston City Council awarded the construction bid for the Chief Ladiga Trail to B&B Developers in the amount of $7,267,263.39.

Permits & Development

Fees, Zoning, & Inspections

Doing Business