Every stop tells part of our story.
Walk a downtown corridor shaped by railroads, river, industry and community. Destination Maple Ave. connects the landmarks that built Covington with the places bringing new life to the city today.
Explore
Experience
Enjoy
Welcome to Maple Avenue
Where Covington's past and future meet
When the railroad reached Covington in 1867, Maple Avenue became a gateway. Travelers stepped from the depot, checked into Hotel Collins, visited nearby shops and continued through the Alleghany Highlands.
Today, the same corridor invites a different kind of journey. Restored buildings, public parks, interactive exhibits and beloved landmarks make history visible while creating new spaces for learning, gathering and discovery.
Today, the same corridor invites a different kind of journey. Restored buildings, public parks, interactive exhibits and beloved landmarks make history visible while creating new spaces for learning, gathering and discovery.
Six places to discover
Follow the story stop by stop
1
Railroad Heritage
The Covington C&O Depot
The station that welcomed travelers and helped transform Covington.
2
Then & Now
Hotel Collins Park
A railroad-era hotel remembered through a new downtown gathering place.
3
Coming to Maple Avenue
Firehouse Museum
A future museum honoring more than a century of local service.
4
Industrial Heritage
The Discovery Center
Hands-on science, industry and imagination inside historic storefronts.
5
River & Landscape
The Gazebo by the River
A peaceful pause beside the waterways that shaped Covington.
6
Steam Power
C&O Locomotive No. 701
Meet the Merry Widow, Covington's beloved steam-era landmark.
A walk through time
From the first rails to a renewed downtown
Destination Maple traces more than 150 years of change. The story begins with the arrival of the railroad and continues through the hotel era, steam travel, industry, preservation and a new generation of public spaces.
1867
Rail reaches Covington
1902
Fire department organized
1910
Hotel Collins opens
1954
No. 701 goes on display
Today
A new chapter unfolds
Coming to Maple Avenue
The Firehouse Museum
The planned regional museum will honor the Covington Fire Department, organized in 1902, and generations of Highlands firefighters. Historic equipment, uniforms, photographs and stories will give visitors a deeper look at more than a century of service.
Make a day of it
Start with history.
Stay for the Highlands.
Build your walk, check current hours and discover nearby food, outdoor recreation and places to stay.