Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
55 <br /> O MST - Seven Mile Creels Natural Area <br /> to Hillsborough Riverwalk <br /> Segment 5 creates a natural-surface trail linking Seven Mile Creek Natural Area through the Occoneechee <br /> Mountain State Natural Area, into the Hillsborough Riverwalk trail system. <br /> PROJECT OVERVIEW Relevant Community Needs: <br /> Location Quiet approach to town for walkers, runners, <br /> From Seven Mile Creek Natural Area east toward and MST users alike <br /> Riverwalk/Gold Park, following creek corridors and Alternative to roadway travel into downtown <br /> conserved landscapes destinations <br /> Key Connections Required Structures&Crossings: <br /> • Hillsborough Riverwalk Multiple elevated crossings/boardwalks at <br /> • Gold Park flood-prone spots <br /> • Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Wayfinding, rules, and stewardship signage at <br /> • Downtown destinations access points <br /> • Nearby neighborhoods and open spaces <br /> Potential Constructability Challenges: <br /> Total Length Sensitive, thoughtful floodplain trail design <br /> —3 miles (planning length) Adjacent private lands needing early <br /> coordination for access/privacy buffers <br /> Trail Type Limited parking capacity at some natural areas <br /> • Natural-surface trail (gravel/aggregate) <br /> • 8 ft typical width <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH ORANGE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN <br /> Environmental Protection ✓ Uses a floodplain-appropriate nature trail design <br /> & Climate Action with raised tread where needed <br /> Enables quiet, nature-based access directly into <br /> Healthy Community ✓ Hillsborough's greenway system <br /> Housing for All Indirect Benefit Serves nearby rural homes with a non-auto option <br /> into town amenities <br /> Extends off-road connections into Hillsborough <br /> Multi-modal Transportation ✓ Riverwalk and downtown <br /> Public Education/ ✓ Supports environmental learning via creek-adjacent <br /> Learning Community habitat access <br /> Diverse &Vibrant Economy ✓ Draws visitors and residents into downtown <br /> Hillsborough and local businesses <br /> 52 Draft Orange County Trails Plan <br />