The Licking River Master Plan, commissioned by Vision 2015 in 2008, proposes to establish a continuous green corridor in the Licking River valley adjacent to the communities of Newport, Covington, Wilder, and Taylor Mill, Kentucky.   The Greenway plan calls for the stabilization of the riverbanks, the removal of invasive species and the restoration of native plants, trees, and wildlife in the riparian corridor.  In addition to the Greenway, the 5-mile corridor, between the confluence with the Ohio River and the I-275 overpass, includes plans for establishing a multi-level trail system that connects neighborhoods with historical, educational, and cultural institutions and recreational facilities.  The proposed trail system provides for nature trails, paved trails and water trails.

The Nature Trail
This trail is intended for use by walkers, joggers, and mountain bikers.  The initial segment of the trail is in place and trained Trail Stewards assist with the organization and supervision of volunteers to help prune the existing trail, clear invasive species, remove debris, and establish a rest area with bike racks and picnic tables.  The City of Covington supports the project with financial and professional resources to assist the Trail Stewards and community volunteers. The pervious surface trail will run between the levee passageway at 16th Street and the levee terminus at Oakland Avenue.  The City of Covington has already cleared debris from the trail and sponsored an event for children with mountain bikes.

The Multi-Use Paved Trail
This recreational trail is intended for use by pedestrians, joggers, strollers, skaters, skate boarders, cyclists, and other non-motorized vehicles. The City of Covington has prepared a plan to pave 3,756 linear feet, just short of 1 mile.  The initial phase of the trail will be 8 feet wide and will utilize a combination of asphalt and dense grade aggregate.  This trail segment will begin at Clayton-Meyer Park, ascend the levee for the Licking River, follow the levee capitalizing on the scenic views it provides, then descend along the riverbank where it will convene with the nature trail and provide and end at Holmes High School.  The City of Covington submitted a grant application to fund this project to the Kentucky Department for Local Government in January 2009. While it was not selected for funding in the Recreational Trails Program for 2009, the City resubmitted the application in January 2010 and has since been awarded an $80,000 grant from the Kentucky Department for Local Government.

Get Your Hands Dirty
Restoration and Trail Stewards are currently being recruited to support volunteer work days along the Licking. Bring a friend and be entered into a drawing to win a $100 gift card! Plan to join us from 9:00 a.m. until noon on the following days:

Saturday, September 10th

Saturday, October 22nd

Saturday, December 3rd

Volunteers will meet in back portion of the Holmes High School parking lot.  Contact the Covington Parks and Recreation Department for more details.  recreation@covingtonky.gov

Greenway Restoration Days are made possible by a grant from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation and the Kenton Conservancy.