Alcovy River Greenway

A greenway is a continuous system of open spaces such as parks and privately owned natural areas which are connected in some way.  In the case of the Alcovy River Greenway, this connection is the Alcovy River itself.  The primary purpose of the Alcovy River Greenway is protection of the river and its natural resources, including wildlife, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and water quality.  Although certain areas of the river are open to the public, the majority of the area is under the stewardship of private landowners. Therefore, the greenway will serve the purpose of recreation and education in public areas and recognition of and assistance to landowners in privately owned areas.

The headwaters of the Alcovy River begin north of Lawrenceville, in Gwinnett County, flowing through western Walton County into eastern Newton County.  It converges with the South River at Lake Jackson in southern Newton and western Jasper County.  The total length of the river is about 80 miles and has a watershed of over 168,000 acres.

The Georgia Wildlife Federation has been involved with the Alcovy River Greenway for over 15 years as landowners with approximately 132 acres in Newton County and 47 acres in Walton County.  GWF also holds conservation easements for an additional 291 acres in Newton County.