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Anyone wanting a breath of fresh country air can hop on over to the Cricket Frog Trail in rural Newton County, about 40 miles east of Atlanta. The paved rail trail is named for a quarter-size amphibian that is native to this part of Georgia and is acclaimed for its jumping prowess.
The trail follows a Central of Georgia Railway spur installed in 1893. The trail is split into two sections. The western 5.4-mile segment runs between the county seat of Covington and a closed, dilapidated railroad trestle over the Alcovy River. The 8.2-mile eastern segment proceeds from the river to a park between Mansfield and Newborn. Both sections are paved.
About the Route
The Cricket Frog Trail leaves off in the west along Turner Lake Rd., although the first parking lot is located 0.6 miles northeast at Turner Lake Park. From there, the trail heads north then east, soon entering the downtown area, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many eateries cater to county office workers and others doing business in the county seat.
While checking out the sights, trail users can be forgiven for their sense of déjà¿vu, as things like the circa 1884 courthouse may seem familiar. That’s because the downtown has been the location of nearly 70 films and TV shows, from early episodes of The Dukes of Hazzard to My Cousin Vinny and The Walking Dead.
Leaving downtown, the trail enters a large residential area with homes dating from the mid-1800s to the 1940s. Vegetation that has grown up along the rail line provides screen and shade. The paved trail reaches a stopping point at East End Road, about half a mile from Alcovy Bridge, an unsafe trestle that is slated for renovation.
The on-road connection to the nearest trailhead on the east side is not recommended, as the road is heavily trafficked with a very narrow shoulder. Instead, trail users can begin the southern section about 5 miles east of downtown Covington at the Old Starrsville Road trailhead near an old brick warehouse. The area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been farmed for generations.
Trail users can either backtrack on the paved trail for 1.5 miles to the river or head east through shady woodlots and former cotton fields for 6 miles to Mansfield, which has several cafés and an old depot at Railroad Avenue and GA 11. The trail reaches its absolute southern end in another 1.3 miles at Zeigler Road, just past Beaver Park, where trail users can find parking, drinking water, and restrooms.
The Cricket Frog Trail runs between Turner Lake Rd. (Covington) and Ziegler Rd (Mansfield).
Parking is also available at:
See TrailLink Map for all parking options and detailed directions.
We did from a highway to east end road and barely needed to stop, not a lot of turns and not a lot of hills, definitely would do the rest when paved
Ride this trail today (East side) from Mansfield to the bridge. Nicely paved all the way, well shaded and beautiful scenery. Very slight fade in places but nothing steep. Talked with a volunteer who said the closed bridge section will hopefully be open in late 2024.
We rode all of the open segments of the Cricket Frog today and it's clear this will be one of the most amazing trails when it is fully connected. Covington to the Alcovy River is a very nice ride, and the Alcovy River to Mansfield is rural and quiet with farms and scenic spots all along the way. Someday, I hope this trail connects all the way to Savannah.
We picked up the trail in Mansfield and headed north, to the Alcovy River. I love this old trestle and can't wait to see it opened!! Perfect trail! It was great to see folks using it during our ride! There were other cyclists, walkers and joggers, all enjoying themselves! Thanks for maintaining this awesome addition to our community!
I rode this trail for the first, but not last time today. It was a great ride, through hardwood forests, with deer and wild turkeys. I rode from Beaver Park in Mansfield which is 8 miles to the end at the river. There is parking at the park and a port-a-potty.
Finding a tail that is flat in Georgia I have found is difficult. This trail is flat and straight! Beautiful. And downtown Covington is so cute!
We walked on the Newbern side of this trail today it was very clean, quiet and peaceful. All while being shaded the whole time.
Great place for families!
Very nice, clean and wide path. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon ride. Very few hills and inclines are minimal.
This is a great trail that will be even better once completed into Mansfield.
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