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53 <br /> 46 MST - Alamance County to Seven <br /> Mile Creek Natural Area <br /> Segment 4B (alternate 2 of 2) delivers a natural surface MST route from the Alamance County line to Seven <br /> Mile Creek Natural Area, focusing on quiet, waterway-adjacent landscapes where possible.This segment and <br /> 4A merge from Buckhorn Road south, consistent with the adopted MST route. <br /> PROJECT OVERVIEW Relevant Community Needs: <br /> Location Low-impact, nature-based MST experience <br /> From the Alamance and Orange County line to away from traffic <br /> Seven Mile Creek Natural Area via creek and Continuous wayfinding for through-hikers and <br /> stream corridors and large parcels; this route was local users <br /> adopted in 2018 as the official MST route through Access points that disperse parking/loading <br /> this area. near private lands <br /> Key Connections Required Structures&Crossings: <br /> • Alamance County/West MST entrance Multiple short boardwalks at wet areas <br /> • Seven Mile Creek Simple trailheads with trail rules <br /> • Large private holdings and parcels <br /> Potential Constructability Challenges: <br /> Total Length Large consolidated ownerships (fewer but <br /> —16 miles (planning length) deeper negotiations) <br /> • OWASA groundwater parcels nearby - no <br /> Trail Type trailheads on OWASA lands, need to use <br /> • Natural-surface trail (gravel/aggregate) adjacent properties <br /> • 8 ft typical width; 3-4 ft width south of merge Landowner concerns about the trail in some <br /> point portions of the segment <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH ORANGE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN <br /> Environmental Protection ✓ Follows creek and conservation corridors with <br /> & Climate Action low-impact tread and stewardship practices <br /> Provides restorative, quiet MST access away from <br /> Healthy Community ✓ major roads <br /> Housing for All Indirect Benefit Connects rural homes to conserved lands without <br /> requiring car travel <br /> Advances state-designated MST off-road continuity <br /> Multi-modal Transportation ✓ across the county <br /> Public Education/ ✓ Offers environmental learning opportunities <br /> Learning Community through access to diverse habitats <br /> Diverse &Vibrant Economy ✓ Attracts statewide trail users who support rural <br /> businesses and tourism <br /> 50 Draft Orange County Trails Plan <br />