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In the early 1990s, a small group of local residents began advocating for a trail system from Atlanta to Augusta. They registered as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization called Newton County Trails-Path Foundation, Inc., and they successfully secured grant funds to build a 4 mile, soft-surface, multi-use trail at the Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center bordering Newton County.

In 1999, the Newton County Commission included a network of trails along existing roads as part of its Comprehensive Plan. In 2001 and 2002, the County secured funds from the Georgia Department of Transportation to run a system of multi-use trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes from Newton County High School to the Newton County Library. Phase I is complete (sidewalks and bike lanes through downtown along Clark and Floyd Streets).

The City of Oxford’s Trees, Parks, and Recreation Board in recent years has worked with citizens and college students on a nature trail in Oxford along undeveloped street rights of way and sewer easements. In 2005, Newton Trails opened its first hard-surface segment along the same route, extending 1/3 mile from West Clark Street to West Soule Street and along the Fletcher Street right of way behind Old Church on Wesley Street.
(see CURRENT PROJECTS).

In August of 2003, representatives from the County and municipalities, local trails groups, quality growth-related nonprofits, property owners, business leaders, and bike/walking enthusiasts began meeting regularly to reinvigorate and coordinate the trails movement. Playfully they named themselves the Multi-Use Trail Advocates for a Newton Trail System -- M.U.T.A.N.T.S. (see SUPPORT THE CAUSE).

In August 2006, Newton Trails completed a 1480-foot loop trail along the Yellow River in Porterdale.

In July 2007, Newton Trails completed another ½ mile of the Oxford Trail, connecting it to Oxford College of Emory University.

In the coming year, Newton Trails will continue to extend the Oxford Trail towards Cousins Middle School.