The Cricket Frog Trail gets its name from the quarter-sized amphibian native to this part of Georgia. The trail occupies the former railbed of the Central of Georgia Railway. Totaling 14.9 miles, about 13.6 miles is currently open for use.
Currently the trail is open in two main sections in between Covington and Newton, one that stretches 5.4 miles east of the Alcovy River into Covington and 8.2 miles West of the Alcovy River heading towards Newton, and has been paved making it accessible to all non-motorized trail traffic, as well as wheelchairs. Along the trail, users will encounter historic towns, bucolic scenes and wooded corridors. There are 4 impressive trestle bridges on the pathway, however; the Alcovy River Trestle Bridge remains closed and represents the current gap in the middle of the trail.
To reroute around the Alcovy River closure, where the eastern section of the trail ends on East End Rd, take a right and continue along this road south until it meets GA-36. Take a left on this road, and continue for 0.5 of a mile until reaching GA-213. There is no sidewalk on this road, only a small shoulder, please observe right-of-way laws and beware of fast oncoming traffic. Continue on GA-213 for 1.5 miles and take a left on Old Starsville road. About 500ft down this road, you should see where the Cricket Frog Trail crosses Old Starsville and continues for another 8.2 miles onward to Newton.
Parking is available at a number of locations along the trail. View the TrailLink map for all options and detailed directions.
The trail's website divides the trail into three segments, for a total of 6.5 miles. Starting from west to east, parking and access points include the following:
Turner Lake Road to Emory Street in Covington (Approx. 1.5 miles.) - Parking is available at Turner Lake Park and Covington City Hall
Elm Street in Covington to Eagle/MLK, Jr. Drive/Covington Bypass (approx. 2.10 miles, including the 0.65-mile paved section) - Parking is available at Elm Street Parking Deck, Floyd Street, Conyers Street, and Academy Springs Park
East Bear Creek to Beaver Park (approx. 2.9 miles)- Parking is available at Mansfield Town Center and Beaver Park
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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