More than $11 million will be distributed to 37 trail development and restoration projects in the Piedmont, including Orange and Chatham counties, as part of the Great Trails State Program. Governor Josh Stein announced on July 31 that the North Carolina General Assembly authorized these awards from the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Orange County will be getting $101,178 to expand the Seven Mile Creek Natural Area trail system, which is southwest of Hillsborough. The expansion will extend the existing trails into the western part of the nature preserve and create a 2.5-mile loop that will become part of the statewide Mountains-to-Sea trail.
“This investment reflects Orange County’s commitment to preserving and expanding public access to the outdoors,” Jamezetta Bedford, Chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, said in a county release. “The expansion of the Seven Mile Creek trail not only advances our conservation and recreation goals, but it also enhances quality of life and creates lasting economic and tourism benefits for our communities.”
Chatham County will receive two grants, consisting of $251,294 and $75,000. The first will go toward improvements of the Haw River State Trail Pegg Tract, including the development of a natural-surface trail more than a mile long. The second will support a study exploring the feasibility of establishing a state trail along the Deep River from Carbonton to Moncure.
“The Great Trails State Coalition’s effort has been critical in expanding funding for trail projects across the state,” said Tracy Burnett, Director of Chatham County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources. “We are proud participants in the coalition, and as recent recipients of the GTSP grant we are excited and grateful for the opportunity to continue to develop our trails network in Chatham County.”
The Great Trails Program was started by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2023, investing $25 million into building, improving and maintaining trails across the state. The effort offers matching grants to local governments, public authorities and nonprofits working on trail initiatives, which range from trail land acquisition to new trail development to feasibility studies.
In his statement, the North Carolina governor praised the natural ecology of the region.
“The Piedmont is known for its cities and world-class universities, but from Pilot Mountain to the Haw River, it’s also home to some of our state’s most amazing wildlife and natural wonders,” Stein said. “This funding will spur local tourism and encourage more people to explore North Carolina’s incredible beauty.”
Featured photo via the Orange County Government.
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