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, but will be improved by the work of a Boy Scout, seeking to earn an Eagle Scout Badge.  The Scout will organize and supervise volunteers to help prune the existing trail, clear invasive species, remove debris, and establish a rest area with bike racks and picnic tables.  He will also plan for the provision of benches and birdhouses on the trail.  The City of Covington will support the project with financial and professional resources to assist the Scout.  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 intends to resubmit it in January 2010.

The Water Trail
This trail is intended for use by rowers, canoers and kayakers.  The Cincinnati Rowing Club has approached the City of Covington for assistance in locating land for purchase where they could establish a boathouse and docking facility.  Consideration is being given to the acquisition of land at sites near the 16th Street levee passage.  A dock at this location on the Licking River would provide water access on the west bank near the urban core, enhancing the opportunity for the users of personal watercraft to enjoy 320 miles of the River.