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17 <br /> Site Visit Observations <br /> Field work across Orange County revealed a landscape defined by rural areas, wooded waterway <br /> corridors, and the more developed towns like Hillsborough, Mebane, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill. Long <br /> distances between key parks and recreation destinations—along with limited safe pedestrian and cycling <br /> infrastructure—highlight the need for a more connected county trail system. <br /> LANDSCAPE CHARACTER TRAIL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES <br /> Much of the county maintains a distinctly Natural &Transportation Corridors:The county's <br /> rural feel, characterized by open farmland, hydrology and roadway network provide natural cross- <br /> rolling topography, and narrow two-lane county alignments for trail routing. These include creek <br /> roads. Residential development in these corridors, reservoirs, and major east-west and north- <br /> rural areas is predominantly large-lot, south state roads. <br /> very low-density, and relatively scattered <br /> compared to the more compact patterns Publicly Owned or Held Land: Orange County already <br /> found in the municipal and urban areas owns or holds easements on several parcels and <br /> that are served by public water and actively coordinates with partners such as OWASA, <br /> sewer utilities. Town centers provide Eno River Association, and Triangle Land Conservancy, <br /> destinations and existing trailheads, but opening doors for trail development and connections. <br /> they are separated by rural areas that Linking Parks&Nature Preserves: Opportunities exist <br /> require careful planning to connect. to connect areas like Little River Regional Park, Cedar <br /> Grove Park, and the Hillsborough Riverwalk—among <br /> NATURAL ASSETS many others—through nature trails or road routes. <br /> Orange County contains abundant <br /> waterways, creeks, lakes, and reservoirs— KEY CONSTRAINTS <br /> including the Eno River and Seven Mile • Private Property: Large stretches of potential <br /> Creek—which anchor several beloved corridors pass adjacent to or through private land, <br /> trails today and present opportunities requiring careful coordination and a community- <br /> for expansion. These waterways provide centered design process. <br /> scenic value and important natural <br /> habitats. Proposed trails should be Community Support: Some residents may have <br /> designed to protect these areas and concerns about proximity, privacy, or corridor <br /> respect the topographic and hydrologic alignment. To ensure community support, engagement <br /> conditions. should be frequent and transparent as trail <br /> development progresses. <br /> RECREATION & PARK SYSTEM . NCDOT Right-of-Way: Road-adjacent trail segments <br /> Parks are geographically distributed must comply with NCDOT right-of-ways widths, access <br /> throughout the county in alignment with controls, and roadside design standards. This will <br /> the adopted 2030 Parks & Recreation influence feasibility and design along state-maintained <br /> Master Plan, with plans for new parks roads. <br /> underway. These existing and planned <br /> parks create a strong foundation fora Infrastructure Gaps: Limited parking and restroom <br /> connected trail system. facilities, along with site constraints near reservoirs <br /> (e.g., Cane Creek) pose near-term challenges. <br /> • Distance Between Destinations: Long distances <br /> between destinations, combined with limited crossing <br /> or amenity options and road safety issues, can make <br /> connections challenging. <br /> 14 Draft Orange County Trails Plan <br />