Orange County is proud to announce it has been awarded $101,178 in state funding to support the expansion of the trail system at the Seven Mile Creek Natural Area, a key step in connecting this nature preserve to North Carolina’s renowned Mountains-to-Sea Trail.
The funding, announced by Governor Josh Stein on July 31, is part of a nearly $11 million investment across the Piedmont through the Great Trails State Program, a trail-building initiative launched by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2023.
The Orange County project will extend the existing two-mile trail system within the eastern portion of the Seven Mile Creek Natural Area, which spans over 225 acres, to the western portion of the preserve. This expansion will create a new 2.5-mile loop trail, ultimately serving as a segment of the larger Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST), North Carolina’s premier long-distance trail in the State Parks system, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks.
"This investment reflects Orange County’s commitment to preserving and expanding public access to the outdoors," said Orange County Board of Commissioners Chair Jamezetta Bedford. "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."
Governor Stein emphasized the broader significance of the program, stating:
“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. This funding will spur local tourism and encourage more people to explore North Carolina’s incredible beauty.”
About the Great Trails State Program
Established in 2023 by the North Carolina General Assembly, the Great Trails State Program represents a historic $25 million investment in trails statewide. The program offers matching grants to counties, municipalities, regional councils of government, public authorities, and nonprofits to support a wide range of trail initiatives. These include:
- New trail development
- Trail extensions
- Feasibility studies and design
- Trail land acquisition
- Construction and maintenance
This year, the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation received 89 applications totaling $28 million in requests, ultimately selecting 79 projects for funding. Over $44.5 million in local matching funds were contributed, resulting in a total investment of more than $69.3 million in trails across North Carolina.
Orange County is a member of the Great Trails State Coalition, a consortium of local governments, non-profit and business partners supporting trails across the state.