Why Not Here?

This video series provides glimpses, through trips to other communities, of the kinds of greenway trails we want to bring to Newton County.  In exploring possibilities other groups have made into reality, we ask a simple, but important question...  Why Not Here?

We hope you enjoy the virtual journey.  And, when you visit trails in other places, take along that camera and bring back pictures and video we can add to our collection.

Olde Town Conyers Trail

As evidenced by the 80 to 100 people who turned out for the May 19, 2011 ribbon cutting ceremony, Conyers and Rockdale County are only getting started!  Walkers, runners, and cyclists -- young and old -- turned out for the first official journey along this 2.3-mile, 10-foot-wide section of concrete that will one day connect through a series of other paved trails all the way to Alabama.   But, what about to the east?  Why not here?

Arabia Mountain Trail -- DeKalb County, GA

So close, and yet so far!  The Arabia Mountain Trail is popular with Newton County residents -- just check license plates in any of the overflowing trail head parking lots on weekends.  Developed by PATH Foundation, the Arabia Mountain Alliance, and DeKalb County, the trail is a diverse mix of open pastures, dense woodlands, and scenic crossings of the South River.  It's worth the drive to experience how a trail and a community blend together into a healthy, vibrant, yet nature-friendly way.  But, for now, just enjoy a tour from the seat in front of your computer.

Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway -- Cleveland, TN

The Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway runs four miles alongside Mouse Creek in Cleveland, TN.  The trail creates an open green space and linear park for the people of Cleveland and all of Bradley County. 
Newton Trails project manager David Waller took these photos in the summer of 2010.  For more info, visit the CBC Greenway website.

Virginia Creeper Trail -- Southwestern Virginia

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile long, unpaved trail built on an abandoned railroad corridor running between the towns of Abingdon, Damascus, and White Top, in the hills of southwest Virginia.  Newton Trails board member Greg Richardson shared these photos from a family biking trip in the fall of 2010.  For more information about this popular destination for hikers and bikers, visit http://www.vacreepertrail.com.