ASSOCIATION (OVTA

B.3.3 Trail Implementation

McDowell County has approximately 3 miles of existing and 23 miles of planned OVNHT within its boundaries. A unique opportunity exists in eastern McDowell County to connect the Mountains-to-Sea Trail to the planned Fonta Flora State Trail with the OVNHT along the North Fork of the Catawba River (see Exhibit 24: OVNHT Connector, page 73). The OVNHT is also coaligned with the FFST as it extends from the Black Bear Access Area east to Burke County, and it follows the same route as the WGST in the southeast corner of the county. In order to leverage funding and maximize benefits, trail implementation efforts should focus on areas where the Overmountain Victory National Historic and State Trail coaligns and connects with other state designated trails and connectors.

ACTION ITEMS: • Work with partners to implement the OVNHT connection between the MST and FFST as outlined in the

OVNHT: Spruce Pine to Lake James Master Plan. • Work with partners to implement the co-aligned OVNHT and FFST from Black Bear Boating Access Area to

Burke County as outlined in the OVNHT: Spruce Pine to Lake James Master Plan and FFST: Lake James to

Marion Master Plan. • Work with partners to implement the co-aligned OVNHT and WGST from US Hwy 64 to the north and east as outlined in the OVNHT: Morganton to Rutherfordton Master Plan. • Work with partners to acquire easements/land from willing landowners, design, and construct a sustainable trail alignment within the planned and secured corridors.

OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY TRAIL ASSOCIATION (OVTA) EXH 23

The OVTA mission is to preserve, protect, and interpret the route to the battle of Kings Mountain “keeping the story alive”. They partner with communities, organizations, and government agencies in the planning and development of new walking trails, as well as preserving and protecting trail remnants and historic sites located on the trail.