4.1 County-wide Connections Tourism Area

County-wide Connections infrastructure development priorities increase awareness and connect residents and tourists with all four tourism-related asset types: natural resources; outdoor recreation and managed areas; main street communities; and historic and cultural resources.

County-wide Connections infrastructure development goals include:

1) Increasing connectivity among all asset types via the Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail, state designated trails, and connecting trail systems.

2) Developing relationships and coordinating partnerships with land managers, local governments, and nonprofits.

3) Improving public awareness and information through wayfinding and gateway signage.

McDowell County’s County-wide Connections Tourism Area includes three distinct focus areas:

A) UPPER CATAWBA RIVER PADDLE TRAIL

B) STATE-DESIGNATED TRAILS AND CONNECTORS

C) EXPLORATION AND AWARENESS

The Catawba River flows into the mouth of Lake James in the shadow of the Blue Ridge mountains.