Newton County Turner Lake Park — Attraction in Covington

If you need a quick break on lunch hour or just want to clear your head in nature, this place is it! It’s great for a nice walk or jog. The lake is serene with people fishing and geese swimming. There are at least four baseball fields, a pavilion and multiple docking stations.

There is even a handicap/wheelchair access dock. For anyone into wild vegetation, arbory or just general plant and tree life—this would be a delight! I found a wild American Strawberry [Euonymus Americanus] plant while walking. FYI, the restroom had a sign that read “only open when pavilion is booked” but there was a port-a-potty right across the walkway. I didn’t access it but I would advise taking care of business before you get to the park.

It’s time for the clear covers on the trail navigation signs to be replaced. Due to how scratch damaged they are, it was difficult to read the trail map. The layout or design of the trails are a bit peculiar. One of them dead ends into the woods—not safe. Also, why wasn’t the main path designed to go around the perimeter of the lake? Grab a buddy (or not) and head out to this park…you...

We found this area through our trails app and didn't realize that it was a park and nature complex!

We started our trip at the dog park, letting our pooch off lead to get out some of his built up energy from being indoors all week. The area was a little overgrown, but that might be due to reduced maintenance during COVID19.

Next, we explored the walkways around the lake. (It took us a minute to find those area, if you see the baseball stands, head past there to get to the lake.)

The paths lead to a few walks in in the forest. These trails range from paved to rugged. They also range in clarity from well marked to ... "I think this might have once been a trail." We were really surprised in the number of criss-crossing and winding trails. The course we set ended up being a 4 mile hike.

We want to return and check out some of the trails and paths. This park definitely has more to offer than it...

Beautiful park that has a lovely lake, a little playground for kids, and many other amenities (sports grounds, etc.) that I have never tried. Parking is plentiful, and as of 2021, the park is rarely crowded.

There are plenty of trails and walking paths. The more "offbeat" trails are heavily shaded and involve some light hiking. The main walking path loops around the lake and is perfect for a simple walk.

Couple of things:

As always, take caution when anywhere, especially if walking alone. The police are responsive to removing vagrants from the area, but there have been a few times where we've passed some questionable individuals along the paths. Just be careful, especially if walking alone during less active times of the day.

Wear mosquito repellent during the spring and summer...