Little River Priority Area

Northern Orange and Durham Counties

Flowing out of the rural countryside of northern Orange County, the North and South Forks of the Little River join in northwest Durham to create one of the primary tributaries of the Eno River and Falls Lake. The Little River has some of the cleanest water in the state and is home to a variety of wildlife, including otter, beaver, red-bellied snake, and rare freshwater mussels. The beautiful Little River Gorge near Bahama, and the Class IV and V rapids that flow through it, offer the most challenging white-water paddling runs in the Piedmont. But it is not just the river that makes this area so special. The North Durham County Byway, a designated scenic highway winding through active farmland, displays the gorgeous rolling beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Significance of the Little River

• Regional drinking water supply, flowing into Durham’s Little River Reservoir and then into Falls Lake
• Critical aquatic habitat for 5 rare mussel species
• Surrounded by important farmland and stunningly beautiful countryside

TLC’s Goals for the Little River

• Preserve the scenic beauty and important farmlands of South Lowell and St. Mary’s Roads through conservation easements

What TLC Has Done

• Created an award-winning partnership with Eno River Association and Orange and Durham counties (Read more)
• Raised over $200,000 for the 400-acre Little River Regional Park

TLC’s Targets

• TLC is working with its partners to establish priority land acquisition goals
• TLC is actively working to protect 1,140 acres on the Little River, including:
• Little River Regional Park, Phase II – Expansion of the existing park by 200 acres
• Little River Reservoir – Phased protection of 550 acres along and near Durham’s drinking water reservoir

Copyright © 2006-2008, Triangle Land Conservancy Last updated on 12/21/2006.