The Silver Comet trail could eventually wind its way to Conyers in the coming years. While that’s a long-term goal, the governments of Conyers, Covington, Newton County and Rockdale County have jointly agreed to pursue a multi-use trail connecting their communities.

Cheryl Delk, Newton County Special Projects Coordinator, said Thursday that the four partners will jointly fund a $10,000 combined master plan. Rockdale County and Conyers will fund about $6,500, while various Newton County agencies will provide the other $3,500.

A future trail would ideally connect Olde Town Conyers, the Georgia International Horse Park, Oxford and Covington.

Eddie Shirey, a Covington Conyers Cycling Club (C4) member, said the overall long-term goal would be to connect Rockdale and Newton’s trails to trails through Atlanta to Smyrna and the existing Silver Comet and Chief Ladiga Trail 100-mile system that runs all the way to Anniston, Ala. According to the Silver Comet Web site, the combined 100-mile trail is the longest paved trail in America.

Shirey said if the trail is expanded to pass through Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Conyers and Covington, it would become close to a 200-mile trail. He said the trail would pass through an amazing number of highlights, including: Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, historic Flat Rock community, South River corridor, Monastery of the Holy Spirit. Olde Town Conyers, the Horse Park, Oxford College and downtown Covington.

C4 Member Maurice Carter said the goal is to promote community and economic development by providing trails, connecting commercial centers and attracting tourists.