Can Newton County Replicate the Success of the Silver Comet?
The Central of Georgia Railroad running 15 miles from near Porterdale, through Covington and Mansfield, to Newborn is a trailbuilder's dream -- and a special opportunity for Newton County and the communities along that corridor. Nationally, more than 19,000 miles of railroad have been converted to over 1,600 linear parks for exercise, recreation, and active transportation. The idea to acquire and develop the Central of Georgia Railroad Corridor was first highlighted in a 2001 Master Plan for Downtown Covington developed by the consulting firm Duany-Plater-Zyberk. In 2005, the City of Covington and Newton County conducted a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Study of the US Highway 278 Corridor. Based on input from residents, local governments, and professional expertise, that study also recommended developing a walking and biking trail along the railroad corridor through downtown Covington.
The Silver Comet Trail in west Georgia, running from Smyrna to the Alabama State Line, is one of the longest, most successful "rails-to-trails" projects in the nation. By connecting with the Chief Ladiga Trail, which terminates in Anniston, AL, the two trails combined provide 94-miles of paved pathway enjoyed by Georgians, Alabamians, and tourists from all over the US and beyond.
Check out the videos below to experience these two rail-trails; then click here to learn more about our rail-trail opportunity in Newton County. (Note: The Silver Comet has been completed all the way to the state line since the first video was made.)
The Silver Comet Trail in west Georgia, running from Smyrna to the Alabama State Line, is one of the longest, most successful "rails-to-trails" projects in the nation. By connecting with the Chief Ladiga Trail, which terminates in Anniston, AL, the two trails combined provide 94-miles of paved pathway enjoyed by Georgians, Alabamians, and tourists from all over the US and beyond.
Check out the videos below to experience these two rail-trails; then click here to learn more about our rail-trail opportunity in Newton County. (Note: The Silver Comet has been completed all the way to the state line since the first video was made.)
