NS MOU - ERCD - Little River Park Bike Trail Agreement Renewal

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Little River ~~ Re~itonal Park & Natural Area ~~~''~ A Durham/Orange County Partnership taGaR ., 60 C~ a~ .: ~ ,,: i 'r~D larr"°~ R~ eetioCn B~vaAa PARK HISTORY WELCOME Little River Regional Park is a 391-acre natural area with hiking trails, mountain biking trials, a paved handicap ac- cessible loop trail, picnic areas, a playground and much more. It is a cooperative project between Durham and Orange Counties, funded equally by both. Major assis- tance has been provided by the Triangle Land Conser- vancy, Eno River Association, NC Clean Water Manage- ment Trust Fund, Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and countless volun- teers. The park is managed by the Orange County Rec- reation and Parks Department. PARK ECOLOGY ~"~istoric Paths: Well before European settlers cut roads into the area an extensive system of trading paths was developed by American Indi- ans. In Little River Park, a section of path that may have joined Hillsborough with centers of commerce in Virginia and North follows the river. The Occoneechee and Catawba tribes may have used this path. Milling along the Little River: Evidence of the milling history of the area is abundant along the North Fork of the Little River. Careful in- spection reveals several stages of milling carried out by settlers at this site, including the mill- house site, raceway and dam footings. Tobacco Farming: The Law's family intro- duced tobacco farming on the property. The 15- acre park entrance area is located on former to- bacco fields. Other remnants from the farming history of the park include the farmhouse (at the park entrance), tobacco pack house, corncrib, and tobacco barns. The Little River Regional Park brings visitors up close with the best of the Piedmont's environment and natural resources. The North Fork of the Little River carries some of the Piedmont's most pristine waters and is inhabited by several endemic fish and mussel species. Numerous birds, reptiles, and mammals frequent the park including White-Tailed Deer, Tur- key, Mink, Snakes and Beaver. Visitors to the park may come in contact with the native wildlife which could also include poisonous plants, animals and in- sects. Several tracts of mature hardwood forest can be found in the farther sections of the park, generally on steeper slopes by the river, where logging was more difficult. Several stages of forest regeneration can be seen; older oak, hickory and beech stands are found as well as dense pine stands. ~~~ ti _; ~~~ What's AVallable fOr VISITORS? developed Areas The park offers an office and informa- tion center where visitors can make use of reading materials and environ- mental education tools. Picnic tables, grills, and waste bins are located at the two large shelters. Individual pic- nic areas can be found around the handicap accessible loop trail. The open play meadow provides a place to relax or throw a Frisbee, while the playground offers active recreation for kids. Restroom facilities are located within close proximity. ~"~iking Over seven miles of hiking trails are available in the park. Hikers should follow the green trail markers. Marker numbers indi- cate location within the trail sys- tem, with intersections referenced on the map. Odd numbers mark the Ridge and N. River Trails, while even numbers mark the S. River Loop Trail. Hikers are also permit- ted to hike on the mountain bike trails, but must yield to bikers. Mountain Biking Blue markers indicate moun- tain bike trails. Over seven miles of single-track trails are newly designed, built and ready for use. The level of technical diffi- culty on trails increases with dis- tance from the trail-head. Biking on the gravel logging roads should be limited to emergency situations only. Bikers must be aware that hikers, while not encouraged, are allowed to explore the bike trail system. Questions, concerns, or suggestions should be voiced to park staff at the Little River Park office, (919) 732-5505, or the Orange County Recreation and Parks Department at (919) 245-2660. This brochure is printed on recycled paper