I take my daughter and I take my dog. It's peace full and paved. I feel safe. When starting near Covington library there's a lot to look at. Definitely a good family friendly trail.

The trail is a treasure for anyone looking for a safe, scenic & accessible run. With the growth of Newton County, the highways & biways are becoming much more of a challenge to recreational runners. The Eastside Trail has afforded many runners a place to run freely, enjoy a flat & hilly course while appreciating the clusters of trees that provide shade on the hottest days of summer. I especially appreciate the views of a bubbly brook after a hard rain, peeks of green fields, wild blackberries dotting the tree lane, & the occasional wild rabbit or black snake that ventures across the white cemented path. There's always people passing by but you never have the feeling of being crowded. As a runner, I truly appreciate this trail in my "backyard" so to speak. It is a worthy trail for training for races & is as hard or as comfortable as you want, depending on the distance you go & the side you start on. There's even benches along the way to rest & public access to bathrooms during the library & health department business hours. Great trail!!

I have enjoyed the trail about 3-4 days a week. I have started at Eastside High school more often than the library to give me the extra challenge of running up to the library. It is a very peaceful and quiet trail tucked away to seem as if I am in the mountains. I recommend the trail to friends all the time but try to run/walk with a buddy!

One of the reviewers commented that Covington was "notorious" for opposing trails. There are many in Covington and Newton County who support trails and have been involved in their planning and construction, whether sidewalk enhancements to improve access or specific trail projects such as Oxford (Turkey Creek, Turner Lake Park or Eastside. All of these are part of a long-term plan to interconnect the local communities with non-auto alternatives and have widespread support.

Like many areas, there are, unfortunately, a "notorious" few who have undisclosed personal agendas (and may represent some large landowners) who opposed a proposed rails to trails project. Please don't judge our City by these people.

This is a great trail tucked at one end of the historic downtown Covington area. One end of the trail is located near the library (you can park there or start the trail on Floyd Street if you are local), and the other end is at Eastside High School. The trail runs alongside Chimney Park near the library, which is perfect if you are bringing the family (note that the park is there for passive play - no playground equipment, but it is lovely). I often take my children there and we'll walk or bike the trail. There are some hills and switchbacks, so if you are looking for a flat, straight path, this might not fit the bill. I also go along when I am looking for more of a challenge, and can get a nice jog/ride in there as well. It is quiet and peaceful, with quite a bit of wildlife (watch for snakes at certain times of the year). A great resource in Newton! My only complaint is that it can be difficult for first-timers to find the entrance and park, though this has improved a bit lately.

This is a good trail but a little strenuous for a first timer on it. It has a couple long slightly uphill sections.i did do the entire trail but I did walk with bike a couple times. This was the very first trail I have done and I will definitely do it again. I will just change starting points so maybe I will not be so worn out. Overall great trail:)

On October 27, 2013, my two grandsons and myself parked at the Newton County Public Library for some bike biking. Our purpose was to do one of the 25 mile Boy Scout requirement rides. After a short ride into a local park, the trail proceeds to have (7) switchbacks and then it goes under the by-pass road in a nicely constructed tunnel. Then the trail heads east and eventually curves to the south to go the Eastside High School parking lots. We did (4) round trips and rode in the parking lots at the Eastside High School and the library for the mileage needed to complete the requirement. The trail does have some hills. On the trail there were quite a few pedestrians and pedestrians with dogs. That was good to see the trail being used. This trail is not a speed course. It is a good opportunity to practice a rider's etiquette.

The "surprise" in the title is that there is a nicely constructed trail like this in Covington, which is notorious in the area for it's negativity towards trails. Hopefully, the negativity is going away.

I've heard there are plans to extend this trail beyond Eastside High School.