B. Trail Route Recommendations

Section 1

PROPOSED TRAILS

This planning section extends approximately 6.2 miles from the confluence of the Mitchell and Yadkin Rivers to the Fisher River. A short natural surface trail spur will connect Burch Station Public Fishing Area to the existing MST directly north across NC Highway 268. The existing trail winds northeast for 0.4 miles across Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery to NC Highway 268. The preferred trail route extends north before turning east on Greenwood Circle. The route follows Greenwood Circle then turns east through forested and agricultural parcels. The trail stretches approximately 0.6 miles before it nears the banks of the Yadkin River and parallels the curves of the railroad before crossing NC Highway 601. The trail continues parallel to the Yadkin before turning north, crossing Morgan Road near its intersection with Phillips Road. A proposed natural surface trail then travels east before meeting the Fisher River.

An alternate route extends east where the preferred route turns north towards Morgan and Phillips Roads. This route continues to parallel the Yadkin River and continues east until it crosses the Fisher River. The trail follows the east side of the river north until it rejoins the primary alignment.

QUICK FACTS - MITCHELL RIVER TO FISHER RIVER

Existing Trail: 0.4 miles Proposed Trail: 5.8 miles Trail Type: Natural Surface &

Rural Greenway Estimated Cost: $1,336,260 Points of Interest: • Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery • Burch Station Public

Fishing Area

TRAIL FEATURES

This planning section includes two (2) trailheads, one (1) major bridge, seven (7) minor bridges/culverts, and three (3) road crossings.

TRAILHEADS

Two (2) trailheads are proposed in this planning section. The western terminus of the study area is located at the Burch Station Public Fishing Area. Surry County will need to partner with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission to create a MST trailhead at this location. A short natural surface spur trail will connect this existing fishing and river access to the current MST alignment north of NC Highway 268. A wide DOT right-of-way on the west side of NC Highway 601 provides an opportunity for trailhead development in cooperation with NCDOT at that location.

CROSSINGS

This planning section includes one (1) major bridge and seven (7) minor bridges/culverts. The major bridge will cross the Fisher River. Minor bridges/culverts #1-6 will cross unnamed tributaries to the Yadkin River between Burch Station and Morgan Road, and minor bridge/culvert # 7 will cross an unnamed tributary to the Fisher River.

This planning section will include three (3) road crossings. Crossing #1 is on Highway 268 near the intersection of Greenwood Circle. This heavily traveled road will require pedestrian crossing infrastructure to provide for a safe crossing. Crossing #2 is located on Highway 601 near the Yadkin River. This crossing shows potential for a trail underpass north of the railroad. Crossing #3 is on Morgan Road and will require a road surface crossing.