Destination McDowell - Tourism Master Plan by Destination by Design

D E S T I N AT I O N

TO U R I S M

A 15-Year Tourism Infrastructure Master Plan for McDowell County, NC M A S T E R

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

P L A N

FALL 2021

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

D E S T I N AT I O N

TO U R I S M

M A S T E R

P L A N

PRODUCED FOR:

McDowell County Tourism Development Authority 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, NC 28762

PRODUCED BY:

136 Furman Road, Suite 6, Boone, NC 28607

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS MCDOWELL COUNTY TDA Staff Carol Price

Executive Director

Board of Directors

CITY OF MARION Staff

KEY COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Boyette

City Manager

Camp Grier

Heather Cotton

Planning Director

Conservation Trust for North Carolina Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina

Chair

City Council

Vice-Chair

Steve Little

Mayor

G5 Trail Collective

Secretary

Woody Ayers

Mayor Pro Tem

Little Switzerland Business Association

Bruce Brown

Juanita Doggett

Council Member

McDowell Chamber of Commerce

Kim Effler

Billy Martin

Council Member

McDowell Technical Community College

Brandi Hillman

Ann Harkey

Council Member

McDowell Trails Association

Jason McDougald

Don Ramsey

Council Member

Marion Downtown Association

Brigette Walters Nathan Gowan Chuck Aldridge

Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail

Cassie Miller

Marion Economic Development Office/Marion

Luke Sims

Business Association

TOWN OF OLD FORT Board of Alderman

Helen Sullivan Brenda Vaughn

MCDOWELL COUNTY Staff Ashley R. Wooten

North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation

Rick Hensley

Mayor

James Grindstaff

Mayor Pro Tem

Iretha Hancock

Alderman

Melvin Lytle

Alderman

Wayne S. Stafford

Alderman

Old Fort Business Owners Orchard at Altapass People on the Move Old Fort US Forest Service West Marion Community Forum

VIDEO INTERVIEWEES County Manager

Board of Commissioners

Kim Effler

Executive Director, McDowell County Chamber of Commerce

Jason McDougald

Executive Director, Camp Grier

Jeff Parker

Business Owner, Old Fort

Tony G. Brown

Chairman

Doug Watson

Business Owner, Marion

David N. Walker

Vice-Chairman

Ashley Wooten

County Manager, McDowell County

Brenda Vaughn

Commissioner

Lavita Logan

Project Coordinator, People on the Move for Old Fort

Chris Allison

Commissioner

David Billstrom

CEO, Kitsbow Cycling Apparel

Patrick Ellis

Commissioner

TJ Trotter

Resident, Old Fort

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.1 Project Background ............................................ 02

4.1 County-wide Connections Tourism Area.... 54

1.2 Project Goals ......................................................... 03

4.2 Main Street Communities Tourism Area ..... 86

1.3 Planning Process ................................................ 04 1.4 Plan Organization ............................................... 06

DISCOVERY AND ANALYSIS

IMPLEMENTATION

2.1 Regional Context ................................................. 10

5.1 General Recommendations .......................... 140

2.2 Demographics ...................................................... 12

5.2 Implementation Matrix ................................... 142

2.3 Previous Planning Efforts ................................. 14

5.3 Prioritization Summary .................................. 144

2.4 Asset Inventory ................................................... 18

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND EMERGING THEMES

APPENDIX

3.1 Tools of Engagement .........................................40

A. Destination McDowell Fact Sheet ................ 156

3.2 Community Partners ..........................................42

B. Economic Impact Analysis - Old Fort........... 157

3.3 Community Survey .............................................48

C. Old Fort Trails Project Overview.................... 158

3.4 Emerging Themes and Guiding Principles..50

D. Community Survey Results ............................ 160 E. McDowell County Wayfinding Package ..... 182

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MAPS MAP 01: REGIONAL CONTEXT ........................................................... 11 MAP 02: ASSET INVENTORY ............................................................... 21 MAP 03: UPPER CATAWBA RIVER PADDLE TRAIL MCDOWELL COUNTY ........................................................................ 57 MAP 04: STATE TRAILS AND CONNECTORS ............................... 65 MAP 05: COUNTY-WIDE WAYFINDING .......................................... 79 MAP 06: MARION AREA PROJECTS .................................................. 89 MAP 07: OLD FORT AREA PROJECTS .............................................. 117 MAP 08: LITTLE SWITZERLAND AREA PROJECTS .................... 131

EXHIBITS EXHIBIT 01: CENSUS DATA .................................................................. 12 EXHIBIT 02: PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST ...................................... 22 EXHIBIT 03: CATAWBA RIVER ............................................................ 23 EXHIBIT 04: POINT LOOKOUT TRAIL ............................................... 24 EXHIBIT 05: CATAWBA FALLS ............................................................ 25 EXHIBIT 06: STATE TRAILS ................................................................... 26 EXHIBIT 07: NATURAL RESOURCE AND OUTDOOR RECREATION BUSINESS CASE STUDIES .................................. 28 EXHIBIT 08: LITTLE SWITZERLAND .................................................. 30 EXHIBIT 09: OLD FORT............................................................................ 31 EXHIBIT 10: MARION ............................................................................... 32 EXHIBIT 11: ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS ............................................ 36 EXHIBIT 12: MCDOWELL ARTS COUNCIL ASSOCIATION ...... 37 EXHIBIT 13: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT.................................................. 44 EXHIBIT 14: CONSERVATION THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION .................................................................. 46 EXHIBIT 15: UPPER CATAWBA RIVER TRAIL BRANDING ................................................................................ 56 EXHIBIT 16: PHILLIPS LANDING ENTRANCE SIGN .................... 60 EXHIBIT 17: BLACK BEAR ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS ............... 63 EXHIBIT 18: FRIENDS OF FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL (F3ST) ............................................................................ 66 EXHIBIT 19: BLACK BEAR TRAILHEAD ........................................... 67 vi —

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EXHIBIT 20: US HWY 64 TRAILHEAD .............................................. 68 EXHIBIT 21: WILDERNESS GATEWAY STATE TRAIL -

EXHIBIT 49: VIRGINA AND ALABAMA AVENUE CROSSINGS ......................................................................... 107

SEGMENT 3 ............................................................................................ 69

EXHIBIT 50: GEORGIA STREET CROSSING ................................... 108

EXHIBIT 22: STATE TRAIL CONNECTIONS ..................................... 71

EXHIBIT 51: BALDWIN AVENUE CROSSING ................................ 109

EXHIBIT 23: OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY TRAIL

EXHIBIT 52: BALDWIN STREET RENDERING ............................... 110

ASSOCIATION (OVTA) ........................................................................ 72

EXHIBIT 53: MARION STREET CROSSING ..................................... 111

EXHIBIT 24: OVNHT CONNECTOR .................................................... 73

EXHIBIT 54: MCDOWELL HOUSE RENDERING ........................... 113

EXHIBIT 25: FRIENDS OF MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL ............. 74

EXHIBIT 55: MCDOWELL HOUSE TRAILHEAD

EXHIBIT 26: OLD FORT TRAILS PROJECT MAP ........................... 75 EXHIBIT 27: G5 TRAIL COLLECTIVE .................................................. 76 EXHIBIT 28: MCDOWELL TRAILS ASSOCIATION ....................... 76 EXHIBIT 29: PEAVINE TO THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL

ALTERNATIVE A .................................................................................... 114 EXHIBIT 56: MCDOWELL HOUSE TRAILHEAD ALTERNATIVE B .................................................................................... 115 EXHIBIT 57: OLD FORT STREETSCAPE PLANNING

CONNECTOR FEASIBILITY STUDY ................................................ 77

SECTIONS ................................................................................................ 118

EXHIBIT 30: LITTLE SWITZERLAND ENTRANCE SIGN ............. 78

EXHIBIT 58: OLD FORT STREETSCAPE STUDY AREA .............. 119

EXHIBIT 31: NORTH MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PLAN ............. 81

EXHIBIT 59: MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE

EXHIBIT 32: OLD FORT GATEWAY SIGN - NCSTEP PLAN ...... 82 EXHIBIT 33: MCDOWELL COUNTY BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN WONDERLAND .................................................................................... 83

IMPROVEMENTS .................................................................................. 121 EXHIBIT 60: NORTH CATAWBA CROSS SECTION ..................... 122 EXHIBIT 61: NORTH CATAWBA STREETSCAPE

EXHIBIT 34: WAYFINDING SIGNS ...................................................... 85

IMPROVEMENTS .................................................................................. 123

EXHIBIT 35: MARION STUDY AREA .................................................. 93

EXHIBIT 62: COMMERCE STREET RENDERING ........................... 124

EXHIBIT 36: W. HENDERSON GATEWAY STREETSCAPE ....... 94

EXHIBIT 63: NORTH CATAWBA AVENUE RENDERING ........... 125

EXHIBIT 37: WEST HENDERSON STREET STREETSCAPE ..... 95

EXHIBIT 64: SOUTH CATAWBA CROSS SECTION ..................... 126

EXHIBIT 38: WEST HENDERSON STREET RENDERINGS ........ 96

EXHIBIT 65: SOUTH CATAWBA STREETSCAPE

EXHIBIT 39: LOGAN STREET STREETSCAPE ................................ 97

IMPROVEMENTS .................................................................................. 127

EXHIBIT 40: LOGAN STREET RENDERING ..................................... 98

EXHIBIT 66: CURTIS CREEK TRAILHEAD ....................................... 128

EXHIBIT 41: DREXEL PROPERTY ....................................................... 99

EXHIBIT 67: FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL TRAILHEAD

EXHIBIT 42: MCDOWELL ARTS COUNCIL BUILDING INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS ............................................................. 100

AND PARK ............................................................................................... 129 EXHIBIT 68: LITTLE SWITZERLAND STREETSCAPE

EXHIBIT 43: PUBLIC ART AND SCULPTURE ................................. 101

IMPROVEMENTS AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR ............. 133

EXHIBIT 44: DOWNTOWN BRANDING AND WAYFINDING... 101

EXHIBIT 69: LYNN GAP TRAILHEAD ................................................. 134

EXHIBIT 45: PEAVINE RAIL TRAIL BRANDING

EXHIBIT 70: MINERALS MUSEUM TRAILHEAD ............................ 135

AND SIGNAGE ....................................................................................... 103

EXHIBIT 71: ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS MASTER PLAN ............ 137

EXHIBIT 46: PEAVINE STUDY AREA ................................................. 104 EXHIBIT 47: STATE STREET TRAILHEAD ........................................ 105 EXHIBIT 48: STATE STREET RENDERING........................................ 106

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

1 BACKGROUND & PURPOSE Destination McDowell serves as the chief planning document for the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority and its partners pertaining to future investments in tourism-related capital infrastructure development. This chapter summarizes the foundation and intent for this important work, providing insight on the plan purpose, goals, process, and overall plan organization. This chapter is organized into the following sections:

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND 1.2 PROJECT GOALS 1.3 PLANNING PROCESS 1.4 PLAN ORGANIZATION

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Background & Purpose —01

1.1 PROJECT BACKGROUND As afforded by state law, the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority (MCTDA) is responsible for collecting and managing a six percent occupancy or “bed tax” on any short-term lodging such as hotels, B&Bs, and vacation home rentals. The MCTDA staff and Board of Directors have a responsibility to effectively steward occupancy tax revenues in two ways: 1) successfully marketing the County to draw visitors; and 2) improving its “tourism-related capital infrastructure” or built environment to help grow tourism. A minimum of two-thirds of revenues may be used for program administration and marketing, while up to one-third of revenues can be used to invest in the built environment. While this plan briefly addresses branding and marketing, the purpose of this plan is to cast a 15-year vision for how the MCTDA can best utilize its capital infrastructure funds to enhance the county’s built environment and tourism “product.” The Destination McDowell Tourism Master Plan is the result of nearly 12 months of intensive planning led by the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority and its many partners. As expressed by stakeholders throughout the planning process, the planning effort is critical for uniting the county together with a common purpose and strategy for investing in tourism infrastructure development. This cooperative planning effort ensures the stewardship of the MCTDA’s capital infrastructure budget, while situating the organization and its partners in an optimal position to leverage local funding to win federal, state, and private grant dollars. With effective leadership and an unwavering execution of this plan’s initiatives, it is certain that visitors from throughout the region, state, and country will come to know Destination McDowell!

While this plan briefly addresses branding and marketing, the purpose of this plan is to cast a 15-year vision for how the MCTDA can best utilize its capital infrastructure funds to enhance the county’s built environment to grow tourism.

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

1.2 PROJECT GOALS

ASSETS. Destination McDowell identifies the County’s existing tourism assets and evaluates their current condition and ability to provide a quality visitor experience.

This plan and its goals stem from MCTDA leadership that understands the value of strategic planning and a unified vision. Each year the MCTDA releases its limited capital funding into the community, every dollar and project must contribute to a larger vision. The MCTDA and its partners recognize that the county must expand its tourism assets, particularly

PARTNERS.

Destination McDowell engages government and community leaders to help identify public capital infrastructure needs and projects that will further enhance the visitor experience. The plan is anchored by a spirit of cooperation among leaders, business owners, and citizens from all parts of the County.

as they relate to outdoor recreation and downtown

GAPS.

revitalization, to sustain and grow the tourism industry

Destination McDowell analyzes asset gaps and proposes new and compelling tourism infrastructure projects to fill these gaps and help further the County’s visitor brand position.

in McDowell County. From the onset, the MCTDA established six (6) primary goals including: 1) Identify and Evaluate Assets 2) Engage Partners 3) Analyze and Fill Gaps 4) Value Unity 5) Offer Visual Recommendations 6) Provide Strategies

UNITY. Destination McDowell values projects that result in diverse public benefits and ultimately help improve the overall quality of life in the County by encouraging healthy and active lifestyles. The projects in the plan support a variety of community goals including: inspiring entrepreneurism; recruiting industry; investing in small businesses; attracting and retaining skilled workers and young adults; and improving and protecting environmental quality.

VISUAL. Destination McDowell offers recommendations through compelling illustrations, renderings, site plans, schematics, and other informative graphics. This results in a final plan that is visual and more effectively demonstrates recommendations, generates more community interest, and inspires a unified and coherent vision for future projects.

STRATEGY. Destination McDowell provides the MCTDA and its partners with clear-cut strategies and priorities for implementing the 15-year master plan. Strategic focus is required to effectively advance tourism efforts, and having a clear vision in hand, the MCTDA will position itself and its partners to leverage its dollars and secure federal, state, and private grant dollars. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Background & Purpose —03

1.3 PLANNING PROCESS The Destination McDowell Tourism Master Plan represents the culmination of 12 months of analysis, planning, graphic development, and dozens of meetings and site visits. The planning process included five (5) major phases: 1) Direction Setting and Project Launch 2) Research and Analysis 3) Stakeholder and Public Engagement 4) Vision and Plan Framework 5) Final Plan Preparation

PHASE 1: DIRECTION SETTING & PROJECT LAUNCH November 2020 - January 2021

PHASE 2: RESEARCH & ANALYSIS November 2020 - March 2021

The consultant team hosted a direction-setting

The consultant team conducted site visits and

meeting with the MCTDA and Project Steering

an extensive field analysis to understand key

Committee to discuss the purpose of the project and

opportunities and constraints, develop an inventory

project goals.

of existing tourism assets, and review previous planning efforts that might have implications on the Destination McDowell Tourism Master Plan.

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

PHASE 3: STAKEHOLDER & PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

PHASE 4: VISION & PLAN FRAMEWORK

PHASE 5: FINAL PLAN PREPARATION

March - June 2021

February - May 2021

May - October 2021

The consultant team produced a custom video that

The consultant team created a plan framework

In September 2021 final recommendations where

included interviews with local leaders and informed

that featured preliminary recommendations for

presented to local leaders and elected officials from

the public about the purpose of Destination McDowell

improving and expanding the County’s tourism-

McDowell County, City of Marion, and the Town of

and opportunities for input. Community partners and

related assets. The MCTDA and consultant team

Old Fort. The recommendations and cooperative

stakeholder groups were engaged through interviews

also sought input from community members during

planning effort were well-received. Subsequently, the

and focus group meetings. Community members

drop-in public meetings.

consultant team finalized the plan document.

provided input through a community survey.

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Background & Purpose —05

1.4 PLAN ORGANIZATION Destination McDowell is organized into five (5) major chapters as outlined below. 1) Background and Purpose 2) Discovery and Analysis 3) Public Engagement and Emerging Themes 4) Recommendations 5) Implementation

CHAPTER 1: BACKGROUND & PURPOSE

CHAPTER 2: DISCOVERY & ANALYSIS

This chapter includes a description of the plan’s

A snapshot of the County’s regional setting,

purpose, goals, process, and organization.

demographic trends, and previous planning efforts are presented here. The chapter also includes an inventory and analysis of the many tourism assets found throughout the county which are organized into four (4) major asset types, each interrelated and directly connected to the outdoor tourism economy of McDowell County.

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

CHAPTER 3: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & EMERGING THEMES

CHAPTER 4: RECOMMENDATIONS

CHAPTER 5: IMPLEMENTATION

This chapter is organized according to the two

This chapter provides a comprehensive matrix of all

The tools used for public engagement during the

(2) Tourism Areas as identified through the plan

infrastructure recommendations, prioritization and

planning process are described in this chapter, as are

process: 1) County-wide Connections and 2) Main

implementation strategies, and outline of grant

the diverse MCTDA partner organizations. The chapter

Street Communities. Each Tourism Area consists of

funding sources.

culminates with the results of a community survey

separate Focus Areas, which in turn contain specific

and identifies emerging themes that “set the stage” for

Projects. This chapter and its recommendations are

subsequent infrastructure recommendations.

supported by extensive custom illustrations and design schematics.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Background & Purpose —07

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

2 DISCOVERY & ANALYSIS This chapter examines the regional context, demographics, and relevant past planning efforts that have occurred in the County. It also provides a recreation-centric asset inventory based on existing resources, and in some cases, planned facilities. This chapter is organized into the following sections:

2.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT 2.2 DEMOGRAPHICS 2.3 PREVIOUS PLANNING EFFORTS 2.4 ASSET INVENTORY

Discovery & Analysis —09

2.1 REGIONAL CONTEXT This section examines the County’s local geography, primary transportation corridors, and natural resources (see Map 01: Regional Context, page right). McDowell County is located in both the Mountain and Foothills regions of Western North Carolina and includes the high peaks of the Blue Ridge and Black Mountains. The County’s diverse topography ranges more than 4,600 feet from the Eastern Continental Divide along its western border to the centrally located Catawba River and the South Mountains located on its southeastern boundary. The Eastern Continental Divide extends along the crest of the Blue Ridge escarpment and includes the Pinnacle, a 5,665 foot peak and the highest point in the County. The South Mountains rise to an elevation of 2,980 feet and

Approximately seventyfive percent of the county is forested, largely on private conservation lands or within the boundaries of the Pisgah National Forest, which alone makes up roughly one third of the land area of the County.

serve as a transition zone between the Foothills and Piedmont regions. The headwaters of numerous creeks and trout streams feed the Catawba River which begins here, contributing to the outstanding water resources of the Catawba River Basin. The Catawba flows easterly across the County until it reaches Lake James and continues east and south to the Atlantic Ocean. A much smaller, more southwestern part of the County contributes to the Broad River Basin. McDowell County is bounded by Buncombe County on the west and Burke County to the east. Yancey, Mitchell, and Avery Counties all touch its northern border and Rutherford County is found along its southern boundary. Interstate 40 bisects McDowell County from east to west and US Highway 221 provides the primary north to south transportation route. US Highway 70 runs parallel to I-40 and connects the City of Marion and the Town of Old Fort. Asheville and Morganton are located only 30 minutes from the center of the County and Hickory, Brevard, and Boone are within an hour’s drive. Approximately seventy-five percent of the county is forested, largely on private conservation lands or within the boundaries of the Pisgah National Forest, which alone makes up roughly one third of the land area of the County. The Blue Ridge Parkway follows the ridge of the escarpment along the northern boundary of the County for approximately 34 miles and passes through the community of Little Switzerland. The Mountains-to-Sea, Fonta Flora, Wilderness Gateway, and Overmountain Victory National Historic and State Trails traverse the County east to west and north to south creating a developing regional trail network for outdoor adventurers that live in or visit the area.

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MAP 01

ASHE WATAUGA B OONE

M ILE S

WILKES

T.N.

MITCHELL L INVILLE F ALLS

YANCEY L INVILLE G ORGE

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L ITTLE S WITZERLAND

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R VE P ISGAH RI A N ATIONAL B F O R E S T A TA W

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A SHEVILLE

L AKE R HODHIS S

M ORGANTON

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L AKE H ICKORY

L AKE J AMES

BUNCOMBE

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CALDWELL

L AKE J AMES S TATE P ARK

221

M T M ITCHELL S TATE P ARK

K ERR S COTT R ESERVOIR

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N.C.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

B LOWING R OCK

S OUTH M OUNTAINS S TATE P ARK

O LD F ORT MCDOWELL

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L AKE J ULIAN

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N ANTAHALA N ATIONAL F OREST POLK

K INGS M TN . R ESERVOIR

GASTON

2.2 DEMOGRAPHICS This section explores population, income, and employment data for McDowell County residents as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau and NC Department of Commerce.

EXH 01

CENSUS DATA

Total Population: 44,578 2020 US Decennial Census

McDowell County has an area of 440 square miles and in 2020 was home to an estimated 44,578 residents. Seventy percent of residents are classified as rural while thirty percent are considered urban. The population of McDowell saw significant growth from 1990 to 2010, increasing from 35,681 to 44,996 during that period. According to the 2020 decennial census, the County population has declined by 418, or 0.9 percent, since 2010. In total population, McDowell County now ranks 56 out of 100 North Carolina counties and 269 out of 543 United States Micropolitan Statistical areas. Sixty percent of the McDowell County population is considered working age, between the ages of 1864, and the median age is 43.9. The per capita income in 2019 was $24,281 while the median annual household income at the time was reportedly $43,646. County residents earn less compared with both the North Carolina average income ($30,783) and median household income ($54,602). The County performs relatively well in comparison with the 2019 national per capita income ($34,103), however the national median household income was significantly higher ($62,843). With an unemployment rate of only 4.4% in 2020, the largest employment sectors in the County include manufacturing, retail trade, health care, and accommodation/food services.

65 and up

under 18

20% 20%

The North Carolina Department of Commerce, Division of Labor and Economic Analysis estimates that most of the 17,587 workers living in the County have an average commute time of 24 minutes. Most of these workers travel alone by car or truck (84%). Residents who work outside the County travel mainly to nearby North Carolina counties, primarily Buncombe, Burke, and Mecklenburg, but also to adjacent states, mainly South Carolina. The Division of Labor also reports that in 2018 more than 10,000 residents left the County for their primary jobs and approximately 8,000 people traveled into the county to work for an estimated net loss of 2,000 daily commuters. The Department of Commerce has used these, and other statistics, to rank McDowell County in the second tier of the state’s most economically distressed counties. These tier rankings indicate to what degree a community may need state assistance related to economic incentives, public infrastructure, and downtown development programs.

12 — Discovery & Analysis

31% 12%

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Residents and visitors explore Hillman Beer in Old Fort, NC.

Discovery & Analysis —13

2.3 PREVIOUS PLANNING EFFORTS

North Main Street Corridor Plan (2020)

This section provides a summary of a variety of previous plans produced for the

was produced in 2020 and proposes

area including recreation master plans, trail and greenway plans, and transportation plans. These plans, in part, address outdoor recreation and bike and pedestrian needs and are organized according to their date of completion, ranging from 2020 to 2007.

The North Main Street Corridor Plan significant upgrades to a two-mile section of US70/221 in Marion. A four-lane divided boulevard has been proposed for this section of road and major gateway features have been proposed at each end of the corridor which would also be highlighted by significant sidewalks/paths, signage, and landscaping.

The Peavine to Thermal Belt Rail-Trail Connector Feasibility Study (2020) This feasibility study from 2020 examines the potential health, recreation, and economic benefits of establishing a multiuse public trail along an abandoned railroad corridor. This proposed 19 mile long trail will connect the Peavine Trail in Marion to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail in Rutherford County. The study analyzes possible trail alignments and identifies important project resources such as funding sources and design guidelines.

14 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Overmountain Victory National Historic

Fonta Flora State Trail Master Plan: Lake

Trail Master Plan: Spruce Pine to Lake

James to Marion (2019)

James (2020)

The Fonta Flora State Trail (FFST), created

The Overmountain Victory National Historic

by legislation passed by the North

Trail Master Plan: Spruce Pine to Lake James

Carolina General Assembly in 2015, is

was produced in 2020 and is part of the

proposed to extend from Asheville to

ongoing efforts of the National Park Service

Morganton connecting Marion, Old Fort,

(NPS) to develop regional trail plans aimed

and Black Mountain. This master plan,

to expand and connect Overmountain

published in 2019, serves as a road map

Victory National Historic Trail (OVNHT)

for establishing a section of the FFST from

segments throughout Virginia, Tennessee,

Lake James to Marion. The study area ex

and the Carolinas. The plan’s study area

tends approximately twenty miles from the

examines Section 3 of the OVNHT and

Catawba River Greenway in Marion to the

incorporates 43 miles along two trail

Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm

corridors from Riverside Park in Spruce Pine

in Burke County. This section is unique in

through McDowell County to Canal Bridge

that a portion of this section of the FFST

at Lake James.

coaligns with the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail.

Wilderness Gateway State Trail Plan

Isothermal Regional Bicycle Plan (2018)

(2020)

The Isothermal Regional Bicycle Plan was

This plan was completed by the NC

prepared for the Isothermal Planning and

Division of Parks and Recreation as a

Development Commission in 2018 after an

feasibility study for a newly established

extensive participatory planning process

state trail in the western foothills region of

which included many McDowell County

North Carolina. The Wilderness Gateway

stakeholders. The plan recognizes regional

State Trail is considered for three primary

partnerships and the importance of creating

purposes: conservation, recreation and

an extensive network of bicycle routes and

tourism. This feasibility study takes a

options attractive to tourists and local

detailed look at the location of the proposed

users alike.

trail and provides possible alignments connecting important points of interest in the counties of Rutherford, Burke, Catawba, and McDowell.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —15

2.3 PREVIOUS PLANNING EFFORTS CONTINUED City of Marion Comprehensive Bicycle

McDowell County Comprehensive Parks

Plan (2016)

and Recreation Master Plan (2014)

The City of Marion adopted a

The McDowell County Comprehensive

Comprehensive Bicycle Plan in 2016. The

Parks and Recreation Master Plan from

plan was a part of the NCDOT Bicycle

2014 addresses the parks and recreation

and Pedestrian Planning Grant Initiative

needs for the area. This is accomplished

program, which places a strong emphasis on

through a complete assessment of existing

traffic safety and the economic benefits of

facilities, largely in comparison to state

active transportation. Various improvements

and national standards. Many general and

to the City’s street network are suggested

specific recommendations are offered to

including improved linkages between local

help improve the parks and recreation

destinations such as the Peavine Trail and

system, the economy, and the overall quality

the Catawba River Greenway.

of life in the area.

City of Marion Parks and Recreation

McDowell County Comprehensive

Master Plan (2016)

Transportation Plan (2013)

The City of Marion Parks and Recreation

The McDowell County Comprehensive

Master Plan considers many aspects of

Transportation Plan (CTP) is a multi-modal

both passive and active recreation. The

plan that examines the County’s long-range

plan provides an evaluation and inventory

transportation needs. The CTP was based

of existing facilities and describes public

on the projected growth for the planning

involvement and the planning process.

area which only included the County. This

Plan sections on needs assessment and

CTP includes all bicycle and pedestrian

recommendations address administrative

recommendations from the Old Fort

topics such as budgeting, land acquisition,

Pedestrian Master Plan and other major

and the operation and maintenance of a

recommendations relevant to tourism and

small town recreation department. The

outdoor recreation throughout the County

“Pathway to Action” chapter offers four

including bicycle lanes and greenway paths.

main goals and their associated Objectives and Action Steps to help implement a very specific six year Capital Improvement Plan.

16 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Town of Old Fort Comprehensive

McDowell County Heritage Development

Pedestrian Master Plan (2011)

Plan (2008)

The Town of Old Fort Comprehensive

The McDowell County Heritage

Pedestrian Master Plan was intended to help

Development Plan was compiled in 2008

guide the improvement and development

in conjunction with the Blue Ridge National

of pedestrian facilities throughout town. It

Heritage Area Partnership. It includes

provides recommendations to help meet

a summary chart which identifies and

the non-motorized needs of community

describes fifteen tourism-related projects

residents and visitors. Crosswalks, street

in the County. Some of these projects have

trees, and traffic calming measures are

been completed or are currently in progress.

featured prominently as enhancements

This plan includes an extensive asset

that could help the Town reach its goals for

inventory of the County’s natural, historic

walkability.

and cultural resources.

Town of Old Fort Design and Planning Report (2009) The North Carolina State University College of Design produced this report for the Town of Old Fort in 2009 as the result of a Community Design and Development Laboratory project. The report includes an analysis of existing conditions in the town related to signage, branding, public space, and specific structural elements such as building facades and streetscapes. The report offers a set of recommendations to improve the overall aesthetics and functionality of the built environment.

McDowell County Greenway Master Plan (2007) The McDowell County Greenway Master Plan was adopted by the McDowell County Commissioners in 2007 and lays out the vision of the McDowell Trails Association (MTA), a non-profit organized for the purpose of establishing an extensive trail system in the County. The plan identifies existing and planned trail sections as well as possible future alignments and connections. The plan provides a comprehensive definition of greenways and discusses their benefits, especially in the areas of environmental protection, economic development, and the overall quality of life for visitors and residents.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —17

MCDOWELL COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS

2.4 ASSET INVENTORY This section provides an overview of tourism assets found throughout McDowell County and organizes them into four (4) major asset types including: 1) Natural Resources; 2) Outdoor Recreation and Managed Areas; 3) Main Street Communities; and 4) Historic and Cultural Resources. Each asset is listed within an asset type (see page right) and located on an inventory map (see Map 02: Asset Inventory, page 21). Highlighted throughout this section are signature tourism assets found throughout

TOTAL LAND AREA OF MCDOWELL COUNTY TOTAL ACRES OF CONSERVED LAND ACRES OF PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST ELEVATION RANGE MILES OF CATAWBA RIVER MILES OF TROUT STREAMS SQUARE MILES OF LAKE JAMES # OF MAJOR WATERFALLS MILES OF BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY # OF BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY ACCESS POINTS MILES OF USFS GRAVEL ROADS MILES OF PLANNED STATE TRAILS MILES OF EXISTING TRAILS

281,600 ACRES 98,368 OR 35% 73,728 4,695 FEET (970-5,665 FEET) 28 268 4 (2,560 ACRES) 4 34 3 53 86 140

McDowell County.

18 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

ASSET TYPES Natural Resources McDowell County is fortunate to have abundant natural resources which provide vast potential for the enhancement and development of outdoor recreation opportunities. The topography of the area’s mountains, deep valleys, and unspoiled foothills, in concert with their associated watersheds, forests, and streams, bestow the County with extensive natural assets attractive to outdoor enthusiasts.

Outdoor Recreation and Managed Areas The County contains a significant number of conserved lands and managed areas, which provide outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities for residents and visitors. Parks, public lands, multiple-use trails, and paddle accesses offer a variety of recreational activities for people of all ages and abilities.

Main Street Communities The Downtown Main Street Communities in the City of Marion, Town of Old Fort, and Little Switzerland provide dining, shopping, and public spaces that serve both community needs and tourist interests.

Historic and Cultural Resources The County is steeped in Southern Appalachian culture and has a deeply rooted history that includes a strong Native American heritage. The past is remembered at a number of area museums and historical sites while the essence of local culture is proudly displayed, often in the form of mountain food, music, arts and crafts, and many other diverse community pastimes and traditions. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —19

ASSET INVENTORY KEY

NATURAL RESOURCES

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Kitsuma Peak Catawba Falls Young’s Ridge Mill Creek Heartbreak Ridge Newberry Creek Curtis Creek Hickory Branch Falls Buck Creek Crabtree Falls Pisgah National Forest Woods Mountain Armstrong Creek Tom’s Creek Falls North Fork of the Catawba River Linville Falls Linville Gorge Catawba River Lake James Box Creek Wilderness Bobs Creek State Natural Area

20 — Discovery & Analysis

OUTDOOR RECREATION & MANAGED AREAS

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

Andrews Geyser Camp Grier

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES

42 43 44

Old Fort Little Switzerland Marion

Old Fort Ride House Crabtree Falls Campground Emerald Village Armstrong Fish Hatchery Blue Ridge Parkway Mountains-to-Sea State Trail Pisgah Gamelands Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Black Bear Boat Access Pleasant Garden Paddle Access/Greenlee Park Fonta Flora State Trail Catawba River Joseph McDowell Greenway Phillips Landing Paddle Access Peavine Trail Lake James State Park - Catawba River Section Hidden Cove Access Wilderness Gateway State Trail Linville Caverns

HISTORIC & CULTURAL RESOURCES

45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55

Old Fort Train Depot Old Fort Arrowhead Monument Mountain Gateway Museum Davidson’s Fort Historic Park Historic Carson House & Arbor Round Hill Cemetery Joseph McDowell House Marion Depot Marion Municipal Event Center McDowell County Arts Council Orchard at Altapass DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAP 02 ASSET INVENTORY

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —21

PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST

EXH 02

NATURAL RESOURCES McDowell County is home to an abundant number of natural resources. Through sustainable planning, infrastructure development, and public access management, these resources provide an opportunity to expand opportunities for both locals and visitors.

NATURAL RESOURCE ASSETS ARMSTRONG CREEK BOBS CREEK STATE NATURAL AREA BOX CREEK WILDERNESS BUCK CREEK CATAWBA FALLS CATAWBA RIVER CRABTREE FALLS CURTIS CREEK HEARTBREAK RIDGE HICKORY BRANCH FALLS KITSUMA PEAK LAKE JAMES LINVILLE FALLS LINVILLE GORGE MILL CREEK NEWBERRY CREEK NORTH FORK OF THE CATAWBA RIVER PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST TOM’S CREEK FALLS YOUNG’S RIDGE WOODS MOUNTAIN 22 — Discovery & Analysis

The Pisgah National Forest - Grandfather Ranger District includes approximately 73,728 acres in McDowell County and features mountain scenery, rugged terrain, trout streams, and a diverse selection of outdoor recreational opportunities. This National Forest was one of the first created by lands acquired under the Weeks Act of 1911, which permitted the Federal government to purchase private land for conservation. A number of primitive gravel roads and trails provide access to the Forest for a variety of uses.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 03 CATAWBA RIVER

Undoubtedly, one of McDowell County’s greatest natural assets is the Catawba River. The headwaters begin on the mountainous slopes in the western half of the County just above Catawba Falls and flow 20 miles to Lake James while dropping approximately 1800 feet in elevation. The Catawba River meanders its way through the center of the County bordered by Rhododendron choked stream corridors and agricultural fields. Four public river launches within McDowell County ultimately provide access for paddlers and anglers to 82 miles of paddle trail and 29 other access points further downstream and along the Catawba River chain of lakes established in Burke, Caldwell, Alexander, and Catawba Counties.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —23

OUTDOOR RECREATION AND MANAGED AREA ASSETS

OUTDOOR RECREATION AND MANAGED AREAS Conserved lands offer managed areas that provide parks, trails, greenways, and river accesses. These outdoor recreation facilities provide direct access to the natural resource assets found throughout the County.

ARMSTRONG FISH HATCHERY BLACK BEAR BOAT ACCESS BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY CAMP GRIER CATAWBA RIVER JOSEPH MCDOWELL GREENWAY CRABTREE FALLS CAMPGROUND CURTIS CREEK RECREATION AREA EMERALD VILLAGE FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL HIDDEN COVE ACCESS LAKE JAMES STATE PARK - CATAWBA RIVER SECTION LINVILLE CAVERNS MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA STATE TRAIL OLD FORT RIDE HOUSE OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC AND STATE TRAIL PEAVINE TRAIL PHILLIPS LANDING PADDLE ACCESS PISGAH GAMELANDS PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST TRAIL SYSTEM PLEASANT GARDENS PADDLE ACCESS/GREENLEE PARK WILDERNESS GATEWAY STATE TRAIL

POINT LOOKOUT TRAIL

EXH 04

The Point Lookout Trail, also designated as a segment of the Fonta Flora State Trail, is located just west of Old Fort on a paved segment of the abandoned Old US Highway 70. This trail is approximately 3.6 miles long and ascends some 900 feet to neighboring Buncombe County. The trail is popular with walkers and bicyclists due to its smooth surface and a lookout area near the top. More advanced mountain bikers ascend the trail as part of a 10 mile loop that includes the Kitsuma Trail -- one of the region’s most popular downhill single-track mountain biking trails. 24 — Discovery & Analysis

(PHOTO BY OTHERS)

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 05 CATAWBA FALLS

At over 100 feet high and due to its location near I-40 and Old Fort, Catawba Falls is one of the region’s most popular waterfalls. The headwaters of the Catawba River can be found just upstream in this part of the Pisgah National Forest. With a relatively easy approach trail and historic setting, this locale is a great destination for those seeking an easily accessible roaring cascade in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

(PHOTO BY OTHERS)

Discovery & Analysis SECTION—25 —F

EXH 06

Mountains-to-Sea Trail

Fonta Flora Trail

on land or water, separated from vehicular traffic,

The planned Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) stretches

The Fonta Flora State Trail (FFST) will be

providing public access for non-motorized recreation

approximately 1,400 miles across the state from

approximately 100 miles long and connect Morganton

or transportation. All state trails must be authorized

Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains

to Asheville when it is complete. The NC General

by the NC General Assembly, and as units of the

National Park on the NC/TN border to Jockey’s

Assembly authorized the trail in 2015, and its route

NC State Parks System they are distinguished from

Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. The MST was

includes a loop around Lake James and connections

other regional and local trails. While NC Division of

proposed in 1977 and authorized by the NC General

through Lake James State Park, Marion, Old Fort, Black

Parks and Recreation is responsible for the planning,

Assembly in 2000. Approximately 660 miles of

Mountain, and Pisgah National Forest. Approximately

coordination, and creation of a state trail, section

the trail are constructed and designated with 300

16 miles of the Fonta Flora Trail are constructed

sponsors build, maintain, and manage their sections

continuous miles located in Western North Carolina.

and designated. A section of the FFST in western

of trail.

The McDowell County section of the MST spans

McDowell and Burke Counties co-aligns with the

approximately 22 miles and is located primarily on

Overmountain Victory National Historic and State

Four state trails are located in McDowell County: 1)

public lands managed by the National Park Service

Trail. McDowell County has approximately 5 miles of

Mountains-to-Sea, 2) Overmountain Victory National

and US Forest Service.

existing and approximately 33 miles of planned FFST

The North Carolina Trails System Act (GS 143B135.90) defines a state trail as a linear corridor

STATE TRAILS

Historic Trail, 3) Fonta Flora, and 4) Wilderness

trail within its boundaries.

Gateway (see map, page right).

26 — Discovery & Analysis

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

Wilderness Gateway Trail

The planned Overmountain Victory National Historic

The Wilderness Gateway State Trail was authorized

Trail (OVNHT) is approximately 330 miles in length

in 2019 and is planned to meander along the border

and is located in portions of Virginia, Tennessee,

of Rutherford and McDowell counties before passing

North Carolina, and South Carolina. The section

through Burke and Catawba Counties. The trail will

located in North Carolina was authorized as a NC

connect Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail near Chimney

State Trail in 2019. The trail commemorates the route

Rock State Park, Box Creek Wilderness Area, South

the patriot militia marched as they mustered to fight

Mountains State Park, the Town of Valdese, and City

and defeat the British-led loyalist army at the Battle

of Hickory. A section of the Wilderness Gateway

of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780. In McDowell

State Trail within McDowell County will co-align

County there are approximately 26 planned miles

with the Overmountain Victory National Historic and

along two routes of the OVNHT stretching from Little

State Trail, and it will follow a portion of the Upper

Switzerland and Heffner Gap along the Blue Ridge

Catawba River paddle trail in Catawba County.

Parkway to Lake James. A short section of the trail is

Approximately 35 miles of the trail are proposed

also located in the southeastern corner of the County.

within McDowell County.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —27

While the natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities in McDowell County provide residents and visitors with many activities to enjoy, entrepreneurs are also major contributors to McDowell County’s quality of life. New eateries, breweries, lodging establishments, and private recreation amenities provide for a well-rounded experience, and the opportunity for growth is significant. Old Fort Ride House Located along the planned route for the Fonta Flora State Trail in Old Fort, the Kitsbow Ride House serves as a base camp for hiking and biking activities in the neighboring Pisgah National Forest. The ride house offers free long-term parking, bathrooms, water, snacks, breakfast, lunch, and information on local recreational opportunities. Linville Caverns Linville Caverns opened to the public in 1937 and offers guests guided tours of the area’s extraordinary limestone caves and geologic formations. Located off US 221 near the Blue Ridge Parkway, visitors to this natural resource will encounter an underground environment complete with active stalactites, stalagmites, and bat colonies.

28 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 07

Inn on Mill Creek Offering lodging near the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Inn guest rooms situated on seven acres surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. The inn is located two miles north of the Andrews Geyser, a historic landmark and public park owned by the Town of Old Fort. The inn is only a short drive from walking, biking and hiking trails, more than a dozen local microbreweries, art galleries, and more.

North Cove Disc Golf North Cove Disc Golf is located on 157 acres of rolling hills situated in a rural valley framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains of McDowell County. Surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest, the space is dedicated to celebrating nature, outdoor leisure and recreation. Once an 18 hole golf course, the property has been transformed into two 18 hole private disc golf courses, the Boulders and River Run.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —29

NATURAL RESOURCE AND OUTDOOR RECREATION BUSINESS CASE STUDIES

on Mill Creek is a Bed and Breakfast with five casual

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES ASSETS

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES McDowell County’s Main Street Communities provide opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy local food, dining, and public events. The Historic Districts in downtown Marion and Old Fort showcase historic architecture and provide homes for local businesses.

CITY OF MARION TOWN OF OLD FORT COMMUNITY OF LITTLE SWITZERLAND

LITTLE SWITZERLAND

EXH 08

The resort community of Little Switzerland was established in 1910 by Judge Heriot Clarkson from Charlotte. The community, located at an elevation of 3,100 feet, provides distant views of mountain ridges and valleys that some say resemble the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Located near and easily accessed by the Blue Ridge Parkway, the community is home to lodging, shopping, dining, mining, and vacation residences.

30 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 09 OLD FORT

Originally settled as an outpost for the early colonial expansion of the United States, Old Fort is known for its pre-Revolutionary War and railroad history, the scenic terrain of the surrounding Pisgah National Forest, and “back door” access to the Curtis Creek Recreation Area and an extensive existing and planned trail network. A small town with little more than 900 full-time residents, Old Fort is easily accessed from Interstate 40 and US Highway 70, just west of Marion and east of Asheville and Black Mountain. The downtown Old Fort Commercial Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, and is bounded by Spring, Commerce, East and West Main Streets.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —31

Established in 1844 and named for the American Revolutionary War hero General Francis Marion, “the Swamp Fox,” the city situated at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains is home to nearly 8,000 residents and serves as the seat of culture, commerce, and government for McDowell County. Marion’s Main Street Historic District, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, features many historic commercial buildings, churches, and the county courthouse. This District is bounded by North Main, Garden, Crawford, and Burgin Streets.

32 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 10 MARION

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —33

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCES McDowell County’s rich history includes a strong Native American heritage, early exploration by European settlers, and legendary stories of the American Revolution. The past is honored and culture showcased at area museums, historical sites, and public event spaces within and near the county’s Main Street communities.

HISTORIC AND CULTURAL RESOURCE ASSETS

ANDREWS GEYSER CARSON HOUSE DAVIDSON’S FORT AND HISTORIC PARK JOSEPH MCDOWELL HOUSE MARION DEPOT MARION MUNICIPAL EVENT CENTER MCDOWELL ARTS COUNCIL ASSOCIATION MOUNTAIN GATEWAY MUSEUM OLD FORT ARROWHEAD MONUMENT OLD FORT TRAIN DEPOT ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS ROUND HILL CEMETERY

34 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

The Mountain Gateway Museum is located along the historic Mill Creek in Old Fort. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —35

EXH 11 ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS 36 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 12

The McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1972 to support the local creative economy, arts education, and the

MCDOWELL ARTS COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

performing arts. MACA offers a variety of classes, hosts a unique gift shop filled with local artisans’ works, and monthly gallery exhibits. Local craftsmen show and sell pottery, woodwork, photographs, original paintings, and sculpture.

The Orchard at Altapass is located on 144 acres in northern McDowell County along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Clinchfield Railroad started the orchard in 1908 and shipped apples by rail around the country. The Orchard still grows a variety of apples and is operated today by a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving local history and lore, heritage apple varieties, and traditional music, and storytelling.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Discovery & Analysis —37

38 — Discovery & Analysis

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

3 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & EMERGING THEMES This chapter discusses tools used for public engagement, highlights stakeholders and organizations involved in the planning process, and presents key results from an online survey designed to obtain ideas from the community regarding outdoor recreation, tourism, and future development priorities for McDowell County. The chapter culminates with key emerging themes that guide plan recommendations. This chapter is organized into the following sections:

3.1 TOOLS OF ENGAGEMENT 3.2 COMMUNITY PARTNERS 3.3 COMMUNITY SURVEY 3.4 EMERGING THEMES AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Public engagement & Emerging Themes —39

3.1 TOOLS OF ENGAGEMENT The Destination McDowell project was initiated and introduced to the public using innovative multimedia techniques. A three-minute promotional video narrated by community leaders featuring tourism and recreation highlights was included on a Destination McDowell project website. This video showcased scenery from throughout the county and provided a “call to action” to citizens to participate in the community survey. A project Fact Sheet about the Destination McDowell Tourism Master Plan was developed to further inform community members and stakeholders (see Appendix A, page 156). Talking points on the fact sheet included: 1) plan goals; 2) the role and function of the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority and a description of the plan’s purpose; and 3) an outline of the planning process. A community survey was also linked on the project webpage to gather public input. See key survey findings on page 48.

40 — Public engagement & Emerging Themes

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Public engagement & Emerging Themes —41

GOVERNMENT/QUASI-GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

3.2 COMMUNITY PARTNERS

MCDOWELL COUNTY

The Destination McDowell Tourism Master Plan

TOWN OF OLD FORT

planning process included input from the general public and a variety of stakeholder groups including non-profit, government, and quasi-government agencies. The consultant team engaged stakeholders through a series of interviews, focus groups, walking tours, and public drop-in meetings that resulted in a broad insight into key community opportunities and constraints. The public and coalition of community leaders established the foundation for the cooperative vision and recommendations found within this master plan.

CITY OF MARION

MCDOWELL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MARION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICE/MARION BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MARION DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION OLD FORT BUSINESS OWNERS LITTLE SWITZERLAND BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MCDOWELL TECHNICAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE US FOREST SERVICE NC DIVISION OF PARKS AND RECREATION NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS G5 TRAIL COLLECTIVE CONSERVATION TRUST FOR NORTH CAROLINA FOOTHILLS CONSERVANCY OF NORTH CAROLINA FRIENDS OF FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL PEOPLE ON THE MOVE OLD FORT WEST MARION COMMUNITY FORUM ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS MCDOWELL TRAILS ASSOCIATION OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY TRAIL ASSOCIATION

42 — Public engagement & Emerging Themes

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

The West Marion Community Forum and People on the Move Old Fort coordinated efforts to create a mural in Old Fort that commemorates local civil rights history. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Public engagement & Emerging Themes —43

Approximately 15 stakeholder meetings were conducted throughout the planning process to set goals, gather input, and propose recommendations for infrastructure development in McDowell County.

44 — Public engagement & Emerging Themes

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 13 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Public engagement & Emerging Themes —45

With approximately 98,368 acres of publicly and privately conserved lands, McDowell County contains a large canvas to create significant recreational opportunities. The McDowell County Tourism Development Authority must partner with others to continue land conservation and tourism infrastructure development efforts to provide access to and connectivity between these important assets. The USFS, Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina work together and with other conservation-minded buyers to permanently protect land and water in Western North Carolina. A number of non-profit trail organizations like the McDowell Trails Association, Friends of the Mountains-toSea Trail, Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail, Overmountain Victory Trail Association, and G5 Trail Collective work to further plan, develop, and market planned and existing state, regional, and local trails in the County. By providing access to the natural resources that the Foothills Conservancy and others help conserve, these organizations create more advocates that will continue to strive for the land conservation and access that have created a natural wonderland within and surrounding McDowell County.

46 — Public engagement & Emerging Themes

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 14 CONSERVATION THROUGH OUTDOOR RECREATION

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Public engagement & Emerging Themes —47

How important is tourism?

Respondent Demographics

3.3 COMMUNITY SURVEY An online survey was used to hear citizen ideas and to identify opportunities and constraints for future infrastructure development. The survey also informed respondents about the responsibility of the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority (MCTDA) to manage occupancy tax revenues for

Tourism Categories in Order of Importance

marketing and tourism-related capital infrastructure projects. The survey received a total of 210 responses between April 20 and June 3, 2021. The survey was distributed online by the MCTDA, Town, City, and County officials, and local stakeholder groups via web, email and social media. This section presents key survey findings.

GENDER

60+

FEMALE PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

48 — Public engagement & Emerging Themes

31-40

MALE

Complete survey results can be found in Appendix D on page 160.

2% OTHER

23-30

6% ADJOINING COUNTIES

41-50

AGE 51-60

92% MCDOWELL CO.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Barriers to Access

Top Four Downtown Priorities

Development Priorities

Top Three Natural Assets

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Public engagement & Emerging Themes —49

3.4 EMERGING THEMES & GUIDING PRINCIPLES The Emerging Themes and Guiding Principles provide the framework and rationale for the recommendations made in Chapter 4. These principles will help guide local leaders and decision-makers as they make strategic investments. The McDowell County Tourism Development Authority will work in

1. PARTNERSHIPS

2. DOWNTOWN INVESTMENT

the Towns of Marion and Old Fort,

Establish and maintain partnerships between

Create vibrant, attractive, and walkable Main Street

the community of Little Switzerland,

federal, state and local government agencies, non-

communities that feature a variety of commercial

and other key stakeholder groups to

profit organizations, and community groups to

and residential land uses. Install quality infrastructure

effectively steward tourism infrastructure

plan, implement, and manage tourism and outdoor

that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

dollars to enhance quality of life and spur

recreation infrastructure projects.

Incorporate public space that provides connectivity

partnership with McDowell County,

economic growth.

with surrounding neighborhoods and recreational assets through state, regional, and local trail and

The five (5) emerging themes include: 1)

greenway systems.

Partnerships; 2) Downtown Investment; 3) Natural Resource Conservation Through Recreation; 4) Asset Connectivity; and 5) Public Awareness.

50 — Public engagement & Emerging Themes

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

3. NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION THROUGH RECREATION

4. ASSET CONNECTIVITY

5. PUBLIC AWARENESS

Invest in outdoor recreation infrastructure

Increase public awareness for opportunities, both

Conserve and sustain natural resources, rural

that increases access and connectivity among

County-wide and within the Main Street communities,

landscapes, and water quality through well-

natural resources, commercial areas, residential

to visit and experience culturally significant and

conceived trail corridors, public river accesses, and

neighborhoods, and historic assets.

historic sites, outdoor recreation assets, and extensive

conservation lands.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

natural resources.

Public engagement & Emerging Themes —51

52 — Public engagement & Emerging Themes

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter serves as the heart of the Destination McDowell Tourism Master Plan and is organized according to two (2) primary Tourism Areas as identified through the plan process: 1) County-wide Connections; and 2) Main Street Communities. Each Tourism Area includes three (3) Focus Areas which each include specific tourism infrastructure development Projects. The County-wide Connections Tourism Area outlines trail connectivity and infrastructure priorities and provides recommendations for wayfinding signage and community gateways that will increase public awareness of tourism assets throughout the County. The Main Street Communities Tourism Area highlights priority tourism infrastructure projects in Marion, Old Fort, and Little Switzerland. This chapter is organized into the following sections:

4.1 COUNTY-WIDE CONNECTIONS TOURISM AREA 4.2 MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES TOURISM AREA DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —53

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

54 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

The Catawba River flows into the mouth of Lake James in the shadow of the Blue Ridge mountains. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —55

FOCUS AREA A: UPPER CATAWBA RIVER PADDLE TRAIL The entirety of the Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail extends over 95 miles from the Pleasant Gardens/

PROJECT A.1: ACCESS AREA DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS

Greenlee Park access area just west of Marion to the Lookout access area on Lake Lookout Shoals in Catawba County. With 30 existing access points, the UCRPT offers paddlers and anglers approximately 25 free-flowing river miles and 70 reservoir miles to explore. The Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail focus

RECOMMENDATIONS: A.1.1 GREENLEE PARK/PLEASANT GARDENS ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS A.1.2 PHILLIPS LANDING ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS A.1.3 YANCEY ROAD ACCESS DEVELOPMENT A.1.4 NORTH FORK OF THE CATAWBA RIVER ACCESS DEVELOPMENT A.1.5 BLACK BEAR ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS A.1.6 HIDDEN COVE ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

area addresses access area development and improvements along the Catawba River and on Lake James within McDowell County.

UPPER CATAWBA RIVER TRAIL BRANDING

EXH 15

The Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail extends across multiple jurisdictions through McDowell, Burke, and Catawba Counties. A unique logo and consistent signage unites the paddle trail access sites and provides residents and visitors with important information for trip planning. 56 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAP 03 UPPER CATAWBA RIVER PADDLE TRAIL - MCDOWELL COUNTY

PROPOSED

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —57

PROJECT A.1 ACCESS AREA DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS Seven (7) river miles and ten (10) reservoir miles of the Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail (UCRPT) are located within the Destination McDowell planning area (see Map 03: Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail - McDowell County, p. 57). This project addresses recommendations for improvements at four existing access areas and the development of two new access areas that will enhance the visitor experience and provide additional access to this extraordinary asset. A.1.1 Greenlee Park/Pleasant Gardens Access Improvements Located in the Pleasant Gardens community near Marion, the Greenlee Park paddle access features a river access with concrete steps, mile-long loop trail within the Fonta Flora State Trail (FFST) corridor, picnic pavilion, and horseshoe pits. An updated entrance sign will provide consistency with the UCRPT and FFST brands and a greenway extension will provide connectivity to the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway. ACTION ITEMS: •

Update the access entrance sign on Old Greenlee Road with Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail and Fonta Flora State Trail branding.

•

Continue development of the existing mile-long loop trail eastward and apply for designation as a section of the Fonta Flora State Trail. An extension of approximately 3,000 feet will connect the site to the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway at Sam Phillips Drive off US Highway 70. Existing Conditions: Greenlee Park/Pleasant Gardens

58 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Visitors enjoy a variety of paddle sports on Lake James. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —59

A.1.2 Phillips Landing Access Improvements Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail

McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway near the intersection of US Highway 70 and North Main Street (US

branding will be installed on US 221

221 Business) in Marion. The access area features a gravel parking area and river access with concrete ramp. An

Business to direct paddlers to the

entrance sign will direct visitors to the access area, and a formal land use agreement will secure long-term access.

access area.

ACTION ITEMS: •

Formalize a land use agreement with the current property owner to secure long-term public use and access.

•

Develop and install an entrance sign on US 221 Business with UCRPT branding.

•

Improve the existing parking area with asphalt or permeable pavers, and install additional stormwater management BMPs to help protect water quality in the Catawba River.

PHILLIPS LANDING ENTRANCE SIGN

The Phillips Landing paddle access is located on privately owned land directly across from the existing Joseph

EXH 16

A new entrance sign that incorporates

Existing Conditions: Phillips Landing 60 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

A.1.3 Yancey Road Access Development Duke Energy owns a 42 acre tract of land near the mouth of the Catawba River at Lake James easily accessible from Yancey Road. It is a prime location for development of an UCRPT access area and Fonta Flora State Trail trailhead. Additional compelling outdoor recreation amenities like beginner mountain bike trails and a pump track could also be developed on the property. ACTION ITEMS: •

Encourage Duke Energy to consider developing the vacant tract for recreational use to include a variety of outdoor recreation amenities.

•

Participate in the planning, development, and construction of a paddle access area and trailhead for the UCRPT and FFST.

Existing Conditions: Yancey Road

A.1.4 North Fork of the Catawba River Access Development Approximately 38 acres of land off North Fork River Drive and Lake James Road near the inlet of the North Fork of the Catawba River on Lake James was recently secured by the Foothills Conservancy and transferred to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). Future plans include developing an access area for paddlers and anglers. ACTION ITEMS: •

Work with the NCWRC to develop plans and construct an access area to be included on the UCRPT.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Existing Conditions: North Fork of the Catawba River Recommendations —61

A.1.5 Black Bear Access Improvements

Existing Conditions: Black Bear

The existing Black Bear Boating Access Area is located off Lake James Road on Duke Energy property and is managed by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Duke Energy is planning additional development on the 164 acre tract beginning in Fall 2021. Key features include a picnic area, camping facilities, and a segment of the Fonta Flora State Trail. ACTION ITEMS: •

Support Duke Energy’s current recreational development plan for the area.

•

Incorporate the use of UCRPT, FFST, and Overmountain Victory National Historic and State Trail branding on entrance signs and trailhead kiosks.

A.1.6 Hidden Cove Access Improvements

Existing Conditions: Hidden Cove

The Hidden Cove Boating Access Area is strategically located near the Lake James Catawba dam on property owned by Duke Energy and managed by Lake James State Park. It offers users of the UCRPT easy access to the south side of Lake James from NC Highway 126. Additional signage at the access entrance and branding will increase public awareness of this site. ACTION ITEMS: •

Incorporate the use of UCRPT branding at the access entrance.

62 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 17

LEGEND

FUTURE FONTA FLORA TRAIL TIE-IN LOCATION

PROPOSED ROAD TRAILS

FFST Connection to the OVNHT

CAMP SITES PICNIC SITES

37 Haywood St. Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28801 t 828.253.6856 f 828.253.8256

SEE INSET A

22 1

LAKEVIEW DR N

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NOTE: Drawings are invalid without signed stamp by professional

DESIGN BY:

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INSET A NORTHERN CONNECTION TO FONTA FLORATRAIL CK BE

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FFST/OVNHT Trailhead

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Duke Energy Corporation

CAMPGROUND AREA

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Marion, NC 28752 6514 Lake James Road

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LAKE JAMES

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LAKE JAMES DATE

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DRAWING SCALE

AS SHOWN NOTE: If this drawing is not 24x36" it has been revised from its original size and the scales noted on drawings/details are no longer applicable. DRAWING NAME

TRAILS PLAN SCALE 1" = 150'

150

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L2.1

Duke Energy has several new site amenities planned for the existing Black Bear Boating Access Area. Planned improvements include a day-use area with picnic sites overlooking Lake James, ADA accessible fishing pier, and 37 campsites with fire rings and a bathhouse. A trailhead for the FFST and OVNHT is also proposed (see Exhibit 19: Black Bear Trailhead, page 67). DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —63

BLACK BEAR ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS

EXISTING CONTOURS (1' INT.)

G IS T E R E

POTENTIAL FUTURE CABIN LOCATION (13x13)

PROJECT B.1: FONTA FLORA FOCUS AREA B: STATE-DESIGNATED TRAILS AND CONNECTORS State-designated trails are planned, created, and coordinated by the NC Division of Parks and

RECOMMENDATIONS: B.1.1 PARTNERSHIPS AND PLANNING B.1.2 TRAILHEADS B.1.3 TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION

Recreation (NCDPR). Section sponsors build, maintain,

PROJECT B.2: WILDERNESS GATEWAY

and manage sections of trail and include state and federal agencies, local governments, non-profit organizations, and private landowners. Partnerships between NCDPR and section sponsors allow for comprehensive planning and efficient implementation and maintenance of trail sections. Addtional local trail systems and connectors will provide connectivity between state-designated trails, Main Street Communities, outdoor recreation assets, and the growing regional trail system. The State-designated Trails and Connectors

RECOMMENDATIONS: B.2.1 PARTNERSHIPS AND PLANNING B.2.2 TRAILHEADS B.2.3 TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION

PROJECT B.3: OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY RECOMMENDATIONS: B.3.1 PARTNERSHIPS AND PLANNING B.3.2 TRAILHEADS B.3.3 TRAIL IMPLEMENTATION

focus area includes five (5) distinct projects. The recommendations proposed in this focus area

PROJECT B.4: MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA

address the County-wide Connections tourism area only. State-designated trails and connector segment support facilities located within Marion, Old Fort, and Little Switzerland are addressed within the Main Street Communities tourism area.

RECOMMENDATIONS: B.4.1 PARTNERSHIPS AND PLANNING B.4.2 INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT B.5: TRAIL SYSTEMS AND CONNECTORS RECOMMENDATIONS: B.5.1 G5/OLD FORT TRAILS PROJECT B.5.2 FFST/CURTIS CREEK TRAILHEAD CONNECTOR B.5.3 WGST/CATAWBA FALLS CONNECTOR B.5.4 OLD FORT RECREATION PARK/FCNC CATAWBA FALLS PRESERVE CONNECTOR B.5.5 MARION PEAVINE/WGST PEAVINE CONNECTOR

64 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAP 04 STATE TRAILS AND CONNECTORS

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —65

PROJECT B.1 FONTA FLORA TRAIL The Fonta Flora State Trail (FFST) is proposed to span approximately 100 miles and connect Morganton to Asheville through Burke, McDowell, and Buncombe Counties. In McDowell County, the Fonta Flora State Trail leads east and west as it roughly parallels the Catawba River and passes directly through the City of Marion and Town of Old Fort. Approximately five miles of existing trail and 33 miles of planned trail are located within McDowell County. B.1.1 Partnerships and Planning

B.1.2 Trailheads

B.1.3 Trail Implementation

The primary partners in the Fonta Flora State Trail

In order to leverage funding and maximize benefits,

effort include the Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail,

trailhead development efforts should focus on

trail implementation efforts should focus on

City of Marion, Town of Old Fort, McDowell County,

areas where the Fonta Flora State Trail coaligns

and the McDowell Trails Association. Additional

and connects with other state-designated trails

partners should be considered as planning work is

and connectors. Branding, signage, wayfinding,

and connectors. The FFST is coaligned with the

completed from the McDowell House in Marion to the

and trail support facilities should be developed

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail as it

Buncombe/McDowell County border.

and implemented as outlined in current planning

extends from the Black Bear Boating Access Area east

documents.

to Burke County.

Participate in planning and development of a

ACTION ITEMS:

Fonta Flora State Trail master plan that outlines

•

ACTION ITEMS: •

Develop and implement trailheads at

Support implementation of the current Fonta Flora

recommendations from Marion to the Buncombe/

recommended Upper Catawba River Paddle

State Trail master plan from Lake James to Marion

McDowell County border.

Trail access areas and within the Main Street

by working with partners to acquire easements/

Communities as outlined in County-wide

land from willing landowners.

Connections and Main Street Communities tourism areas recommendations.

•

Work with partners to design and construct a sustainable trail alignment within the planned and secured corridor.

FRIENDS OF FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL (F3ST)

EXH 18

The mission of F3ST is to bring together communities and volunteers to build, maintain, and promote the Fonta Flora State Trail connecting Burke, McDowell, and Buncombe Counties. The Board of Directors is composed of representatives from each of the three counties plus designated seats for representatives of the Friends of Lake James State Park, Inc., the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, Inc., the YMCA of Western North Carolina, NC State Parks, and a member from the WNC Bridge Foundation. The Board is supported by an Executive Director and Advisory Council, with employees and volunteers from the various stakeholder groups and local governments working to get the trail on the ground. The F3ST has a goal to complete construction of the entire trail in 10 years. 66 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 19

Existing Conditions

The Black Bear Trailhead will serve both the FFST and Overmountain Victory National Historic and State Trail (OVNHT) and is proposed in the Black Bear Access Area

BLACK BEAR TRAILHEAD

Improvements plan (see Exhibit 17: Black Bear Access Area Improvement, page 63). This concept was recommended in the OVNHT: Spruce Pine to Lake James Trail Master Plan (2017).

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —67

PROJECT B.2 WILDERNESS GATEWAY TRAIL The planned Wilderness Gateway State Trail (WGST) stretches approximately 170 miles and will connect Rutherford, McDowell, Burke, and Catawba Counties. Within McDowell County the trail connects privately conserved lands between the northwest corner of Rutherford County and South Mountains Game Lands and State Park. Approximately 35 miles of the trail is proposed in McDowell County. B.2.1 Partnerships and Planning

where the trail crosses US Highway 64, US Highway

plans to contract construction of that segment of trail.

The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC)

221, Brackett Town, and Rhom Town Roads.

East of US Hwy 64 the WGST is co-aligned with the OVNHT as it proceeds north towards Burke County.

continues to work with a private conservationist to secure a land corridor for the length of the trail within

ACTION ITEMS:

McDowell County. Approximately 17,335 acres have

•

Develop and implement trailheads and support

ACTION ITEMS:

currently been conserved. The US Fish and Wildlife

facilities at locations where the WGST intersects

•

Service (USFWS) plans to include these lands in the

with the OVNHT near US Hwy 64 and the Peavine

and OVNHT from US Hwy 64 to the north and

Mountain Bogs National Wildlife Refuge Box Creek

Connector Trail near US Hwy 221.

east as outlined in the OVNHT: Morganton to

Support implementation of the co-aligned WGST

Rutherfordton Master Plan.

Conservation Partnership Area. While a high level plan •

Work with partners to acquire easements/land

for the WGST was completed by the NC Division of

B.2.3 Trail Implementation

Parks and Recreation, additional planning focused on

Approximately 35 miles of planned WGST is located

from willing landowners, design, and construct a

McDowell County would be beneficial.

within McDowell County, and 30 miles has been

sustainable trail alignment within the planned and

designed and laid out to connect US Hwy 221 and US

secured corridor.

ACTION ITEMS: •

Hwy 64. Once funding is secured, Foothills Conservancy

Participate in planning and development of a Wilderness Gateway State Trail master plan that

US HWY 64 TRAILHEAD

focuses on a conceptual trail alignment and parcel acquisition within the County. wilderness gateway state trail

RESTROOM AND KIOSK

cree k

Participate in planning and development of branding, signage, wayfinding, and trail support facility plans to unify planned trailheads.

kelly

cane

•

bran

with the Overmountain Victory National of McDowell County as it crosses US Hwy 64 and heads north. The US Hwy 64 trailhead will serve both the WGST and OVNHT. Key

us-6 4

The FCNC is also working on trailhead development and

features at the trailhead include parking for

mowed grass loop through meadow

24 typical vehicles, 2 ADA parking spaces,

efforts should focus on areas where state trails and connectors coalign to leverage funding and maximize

wilderness gateway state trail

floodplain

entry sign

entry sign, kiosk, bathroom, and short nature trail. Trailhead development will require

benefits. Current planning efforts propose trailheads 1=60'

overmountain victory trail 0

68 — Recommendations

The Wilderness Gateway State Trail co-aligns Historic and State Trail in the southeast corner

24 typical parking spots 2 ada parking spots

B.2.2 Trailheads trail implementation. MCTDA trailhead development

EXH 20

approval by the USFWS. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 21

Wilderness Gateway State Trail Segment 3 – Highway 221 Corridor

WILDERNESS GATEWAY STATE TRAIL - SEGMENT 3

Planning Section 5

Planning Section 6

Planning Section 7

Planning Section 4

Planning Section 1

Planning Section 2

Vicinity Map

Planning Section 3

The NC Division of Parks and Recreation created a conceptual trail alignment for the Wilderness Gateway State Trail from US Hwy 221 to US Hwy 64. Using this map as a guide, the Foothills Conservancy contracted with a professional trail builder to design and layout the trail.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —69

PROJECT B.3 OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY NATIONAL HISTORIC AND STATE TRAIL The Overmountain Victory National Historic and State Trail (OVNHT) stretches 330 miles through Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The trail primarily leads north and south along two routes in the northeastern half of McDowell County as it heads towards Lake James. A short section of the trail is also located in the southeastern corner of the County along US Hwy 64 as it travels from Morganton to Rutherfordton. There are approximately 26 planned miles of the trail within the County.

B.3.1 Partnerships and Planning

B.3.2 Trailheads

The primary partners in the Overmountain Victory

In order to leverage funding and maximize benefits, trailhead development efforts should focus on areas that will

National Historic Trail effort include the National Park

have the most impact to the local community or where state trails and connectors coalign. Current planning efforts

Service, Overmountain Victory Trail Association,

propose improving existing trailheads at Lynn and Gillespie Gaps near the community of Little Switzerland (see

Conservation Trust for North Carolina, and the

Exhibit 69: Lynn Gap Trailhead, page 134 and Exhibit 70: Minerals Museum Trailhead, page 135). New trailheads

McDowell Trails Association. Additional partners

are proposed at the Black Bear Boating Access Area and on US Hwy 64 (see Exhibit 19: Black Bear Trailhead,

should be considered as the OVNHT: Spruce Pine to

page 67 and Exhibit 20: US Hwy 64 Trailhead, page 68).

Lake James Master Plan and OVNHT: Morganton to Rutherfordton Master Plan are implemented.

ACTION ITEMS: •

Support implementation of the OVNHT: Spruce

Communities tourism area recommendations. •

Pine to Lake James Master Plan and OVNHT: Morganton to Rutherfordton Master Plan.

Develop and implement trailheads within the Little Switzerland community as outlined in the Main Street Support Duke Energy’s current recreational development plan for a trailhead serving both the FFST and OVNHT at Black Bear Boating Access Area.

•

Develop and implement the trailhead and support facilities where the WGST intersects with the OVNHT near US Hwy 64.

70 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 22

SPRUCE PINE

STATE TRAIL CONNECTIONS

221 LINVILLE GORGE WILDERNESS AREA

mile-wide historic corridor

ar kw

ai ea

LEGEND TRAILS OVNHT PREFERRED HISTORIC ROUTE FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL

CERTIFIED OVHT SECTION

l ue

e id g r

L EL W O CD M

TY N U CO

mo u

L EL H C IT M

TY N U CO

a or fl

LAKE JAMES

ta ta t

221

mount

n fo

WOODS MOUNTAIN TRAIL LOOP

s in a

BU M RK CD E O CO W EL U N L TY CO U N TY

et ra il

to ra i at se

FONTA FLORA BREWERY

North Carolina’s State Trails offer regional and statewide connectivity. In eastern McDowell County, the Overmountain Victory, Mountains-to-Sea, and Fonta Flora State Trails provide connections across the county, region, and state.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —71

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.

72 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 24 OVNHT CONNECTOR

An opportunity exists to connect three state trails in eastern McDowell County. A new 3.3 mile section of the OVNHT will connect the existing MST to the proposed FFST across public lands east of the North Fork of the Catawba River.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —73

PROJECT B.4 MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA TRAIL The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail (MST) is proposed to span across the state approximately 1,400 miles from Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the Outer Banks. Approximately 600 miles of the trail are constructed and designated including the section within McDowell County. This trail section spans approximately 22 miles and is located primarily on public lands managed by the National Park Service and US Forest Service in the northern portion of the County. B.4.1 Partnerships and Planning

B.4.2 Infrastructure Improvements

The primary partners in the Mountains-to-Sea State

The MST is constructed and designated within McDowell County. Trailheads primarily exist at overlooks along

Trail effort include the Friends of the Mountains to Sea

the Blue Ridge Parkway and at road crossings with minimal signage and trail information. The existing trail is a

Trail, National Park Service, and US Forest Service.

combination of new trail constructed within the last 10-20 years and older system trails located on National Park

Since the trail is constructed and designated in

Service and US Forest Service lands. Long term sustainability should be considered as existing trail sections are

McDowell County, additional planning should focus on

maintained and assessed.

trailhead improvement and additional access points to enhance the visitor experience.

ACTION ITEMS: •

Support the Friends of the Mountains to Sea

information. •

Trail in their efforts to maintain existing trail and participate in planning efforts to explore existing trailhead enhancements and additional access

Work with partners to formalize existing trailheads with kiosks to include branded signage and trail Support the maintenance and assessment of existing trail sections for long term environmental and social sustainability.

•

Work with partners to implement significant trailhead and trail improvements to enhance the visitor experience.

points.

FRIENDS OF MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL

EXH 25

Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail’s mission is to bring together communities and volunteers to build a simple footpath connecting North Carolina’s natural treasures for the enjoyment and education of people. The non-profit organization focuses on trail building and maintenance, improving the trail route and experience, providing information about the trail to users, advocacy, and fundraising.

74 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

PROJECT B.5 TRAIL SYSTEMS AND

EXH 26

CONNECTIONS Additional trail projects within McDowell County include existing US Forest Service trail system expansions and connector trails between trailheads,

OLD FORT TRAILS PROJECT

state-designated trails, and other significant recreational assets. B.5.1 G5/Old Fort Trails Project Approximately 42 miles of new sustainably constructed trails are proposed in Pisgah National Forest north of Old Fort to improve community connectivity, reduce barriers to access, and support environmental and social sustainability. The project

EXH 26 EXH 29

area adds new trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian users. ACTION ITEMS: •

Support existing partners in the Old Fort Trails project efforts to plan and implement the proposed US Forest Service trail system expansion.

The Old Fort Trails Project focuses on USFS lands that surround the Town and sometimes share the same border. Approximately 30 miles of existing trails plus 42 miles of new trail development will provide users with a trail complex comprised of approximately 72 miles of trail. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —75

B.5.2 Fonta Flora State Trail Trailhead and Park/ Curtis Creek Trailhead Connector

G5 TRAIL COLLECTIVE

EXH 27

The proposed Fonta Flora State Trail Trailhead and Park to Curtis Creek Trailhead connector trail

The G5 Trail Collective works in partnership

will provide a significant connection for hikers and

with the USFS, the five counties that make

mountain bikers between a developed park and

up the Grandfather Ranger District of

trailhead area close to downtown Old Fort and a

Pisgah National Forest, local communities,

primitive USFS trailhead that will provide direct access

and recreational trail user groups. The G5

to the Old Fort Trail complex.

Collective recognizes that the Forest is a tremendous asset and could be a significant

ACTION ITEMS:

force to help build healthy and economically

•

Support existing partners in the Fonta Flora State

vibrant rural communities. Recent initiatives in

Trail Trailhead and Park and Old Fort Trails project

Old Fort will create new connections from the

efforts to plan and implement the proposed

Fonta Flora State Trail to federal public lands in

connector trail.

McDowell County.

B.5.3 Wilderness Gateway State Trail/Catawba Falls Connector The Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina is working with a private conservationist to secure a land corridor between the planned Wilderness

MCDOWELL TRAILS ASSOCIATION

EXH 28

Gateway State Trail and Catawba Falls. This proposed connector trail will provide an important connection

The McDowell Trails Association is a non-profit

between a state-designated trail and a popular

501 (c)(3) corporation created to plan, develop,

regional natural asset.

build and provide education and support for non-motorized trails in McDowell County,

ACTION ITEMS:

North Carolina. Their mission is to partner

•

Participate in planning and development that

with local governments, agencies, clubs and

focuses on a conceptual trail alignment and parcel

associations in order to create greenways,

or easement acquisition between the WGST

blueways and non-motorized trails that will

planning corridor and Catawba Falls.

promote health, recreational and economic

Work with partners to acquire easements/land

opportunities for residents and visitors in

from willing landowners, design, and construct a

McDowell County.

•

sustainable trail alignment within the planned and secured corridor. 76 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

B.5.4 Old Fort Recreation Park/FCNC Catawba Falls The Catawba Falls Preserve is approximately 1,400 acres

80 ¨

126

of conserved land owned and managed by the Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina. The preserve provides an

MARION

opportunity for trail development, and it connects to US

McDowell Tech Old Fort

Participate in planning and development of a site specific master plan for Catawba Falls Preserve

226

MCDOWELL

and conceptual trail alignment between Old Fort

Lucky Strike Campground

Recreation Park and Catawba Falls.

Wilderness Gateway Trail intersection

Thermal City Gold Mine

B.5.5 Marion Peavine/Wilderness Gateway State Trail Peavine Connector The proposed Peavine to Thermal Belt Rail Trail Connector will connect McDowell and Rutherford Counties by way

The following pages illustrate how the future trail from Marion to Forest City will contribute to regional economic resiliency with diverse benefits.

Glenwood

Glenwood Elementary School

ACTION ITEMS: •

Trail projects are shown to deliver an array of positive economic benefits in the form of tourism, development and maintenance of facilities, increased property values, commercial activity, infrastructure savings, and health savings.

P E AV I N E T O T H E R M A L B E LT RAIL TRAIL CONNECTOR

221 £ ¤

Union Mills

Lake Lure

Gilkey

RUTHERFORD Trailhead

of a former railroad corridor. Ultimately, this trail will connect the Marion Peavine Trail (see Project A.3 Peavine Trail, page 102), Wilderness Gateway State Trail, and the Thermal Belt Rail Trail creating a tourism asset that can

T H E R M A L B E LT RAIL TRAIL

serve visitors and residents of all ages and abilities. ACTION ITEMS: •

Work with partners to continue efforts to plan and implement the Peavine Connector between Marion

64 £ ¤

Ruth

Rutherfordton Note: The authors of this report respect private land rights. The trail will only go where there are willing landowners who voluntarily participate in the trail development process. 14 | CHAPTER 2: HEAlTH AND ECONOMIC IMPACT

Spindale

Bostic

Ellenboro

FOREST CITY 74 £ ¤

and the Wilderness Gateway State Trail as outlined

•

in the Peavine to Thermal-Belt Rail Trail Connector

The Peavine to Thermal Belt Rail Trail Connector will connect Marion to Forest

Feasibility Study.

City in central Rutherford County. The Feasibility Study completed in 2020

Create branding, signage, wayfinding, and trail

explores opportunities for creating a public walking and biking trail that would

support facility plans to unify planned trailheads and

connect the Peavine Trail in Marion to the Thermal Belt Rail Trail in Rutherford

amenities.

County.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

PEAVINE TO THERMAL BELT RAIL TRAIL CONNECTOR FEASIBILITY STUDY

recreational asset and a popular regional asset.

P E AV I N E T R A I L

Forest Service lands and Catawba Falls. The proposed connector will provide a trail connection between a local

70 £ ¤

INTRODUCTION

EXH 29

Preserve Connector

Recommendations —77

FOCUS AREA C - EXPLORATION & AWARENESS McDowell County has a dispersed and varied landscape with a collection of unique destinations and communities connected by a road network that encompasses hundreds of miles within the

PROJECT C.1: GATEWAYS RECOMMENDATIONS: C.1.1 LITTLE SWITZERLAND C.1.2 MARION C.1.3 OLD FORT C.1.4 “WELCOME TO” MCDOWELL COUNTY

County. This road network offers opportunities to

PROJECT C.2: COUNTY WAYFINDING

welcome visitors, provide directional and navigational assistance, and increase awareness of county assets and the updated tourism brand. This focus area

RECOMMENDATIONS: C.2.1 IMPLEMENTATION

comprises two (2) distinct projects.

EXH 30

PROJECT C.1 GATEWAYS The approach roads to the communities and downtown areas within the County provide favorable locations for increasing geographic awareness among visitors.

The quaint tourist community of Little Switzerland is located along the northern boundary of the County and stretches along NC 226A from its intersection near Bear Wallow Road on the west to its intersection with NC 226 on the east. A significant intersection with Chestnut Grove Church Road provides immediate access to the Blue Ridge Parkway from downtown Little Switzerland. The community is home to lodging, shopping, dining, and recreation options. ACTION ITEMS: •

Create and install coherent gateway signage to properly delineate the community at its primary entrances located near the intersection of NC 226A and NC 226 and on NC 226A north as travelers enter downtown Little Switzerland.

•

Create and install a unified entrance sign more representative of the mountain vernacular promoted in Little Switzerland at the intersection of NC 226A and Chestnut Grove Church Road to increase awareness that lodging, shopping, and dining options exist within the community.

New gateway signs and an entrance sign that represent the Little Switzerland mountain vernacular and Mountain Wonderland aesthetic should be created to define community borders

LITTLE SWITZERLAND SIGNS

C.1.1 Little Switzerland

and increase awareness that lodging, shopping, and dining options exist within the community. The entrance sign will also serve as a pedestrian gateway into downtown Little Switzerland.

78 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAP 05 COUNTY-WIDE WAYFINDING

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —79

C.1.2 Marion Marion is located in central McDowell County. US Highways 70, 221, and Business 221 are the primary transportation corridors through the City. On several major thoroughfares, such as East Court Street, Sugar Hill and Rutherford Roads, the City of Marion has existing welcome signs at its city limits and downtown access points. ACTION ITEMS: •

Upgrade content of the existing welcome signs to match the Mountain Wonderland and City of Marion branding.

•

Establish significant gateway signs that are addressed within the Main Street Communities Tourism Area for downtown revitalization and streetscape improvement projects in locations on Henderson Street, and as part of the North Main and South Main Street corridors (see 4.2 Main Street Communities Tourism Area, page 86).

The North Main Street Corridor Plan (2019) proposes fewer lanes along 221A and a new gateway entrance sign.

80 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 31 NORTH MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PLAN

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —81

C.1.3 Old Fort

OLD FORT GATEWAY SIGN - NCSTEP PLAN

EXH 32

The Town of Old Fort is located in western

McDowell County at the base of the Blue Ridge escarpment just north of Interstate 40. In 2009, the NCSTEP and NCSU Community Design process for Old Fort identified signage as a major concern, and as a result, welcome signs were installed at the town limits. A large sign highly visible from Interstate 40 formerly advertised local industry. The base of the sign still exists and provides an opportunity for the Town to promote the Mountain Wonderland and Old Fort branding to tens of thousands of motorists that pass the site daily. ACTION ITEMS: •

Upgrade content of the existing welcome signs to incorporate the Mountain Wonderland branding and aesthetic.

•

Partner with the landowners of the former industrial site located north of Interstate 40 and west of Lackeytown Road to re-establish the sign located there which is currently in disrepair.

A sign visible from Interstate 40 formerly advertised local industry that called the Old Fort home. The base of the sign still exists and provides an opportunity to create a large monument sign near Exit 73 to increase awareness of the Town and nearby assets. 82 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 33

C.1.4 “Welcome To” McDowell County The boundaries of McDowell County on Interstate

MCDOWELL COUNTY BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN WONDERLAND

40, which had an average annual daily traffic count of 38,000 vehicles in 2019, are currently delineated by a standard NCDOT sign that states, “McDowell County”. Upon request, NCDOT will allow local governments to have larger “optional” welcome signs at their boundaries that include specific content and more details. The awareness component for McDowell County could be improved greatly by including the “Blue Ridge Mountain Wonderland” brand on NCDOT welcome signs throughout the County. ACTION ITEMS: •

Request NCDOT install optional welcome signs at the County boundaries that feature the new Blue Ridge Mountain Wonderland brand.

•

Work with partners to establish a “Welcome To McDowell County” monument sign designed with a mountain vernacular that includes the Blue Ridge Mountain Wonderland brand and aesthetic at the intersection of US 221 north and NC 183 in the Linville Falls community.

A separate branding and marketing effort was conducted with the McDowell County TDA while the Destination McDowell planning process was underway. The new brand will be incorporated into future gateway signage.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —83

PROJECT C.2 COUNTY WAYFINDING With two dozen entry points, McDowell County is easily accessible from several major highways (Interstate 40, US Highways 221, 70, 64, NC Highways 226, 183, 126, 80) and from various smaller secondary roads including Old Fort (SR 1103), Montford Cove (SR1001), Dysartsville (SR1769), Pinnacle Church (SR1763), Lake James (SR1551), Old NC 105 (SR1238), and Altapass (SR1121). There are eight interchanges on I-40, (Exits 72, 73, 75, 81, 83, 85, 86, and 90) as well as a NC rest area located near mile marker 82. The primary entrances to the Blue Ridge Parkway within the County include intersections with Buck Creek Road, Curtis Creek Road, and US 221 North near Linville Falls. The McDowell County TDA has worked closely with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to initiate a county-wide wayfinding system that will help direct travelers to significant cultural, historic, and outdoor assets, as well as other destinations including shopping and business districts (see Appendix E, page 102). A well-implemented county-wide wayfinding system will help create a specific visual identity and sense of place for McDowell County by using a consistent brand. C.2.1 Implementation The NCDOT approved wayfinding system includes forty-five individual signs featuring dozens of important destinations. The proposed signs are strategically located along major thoroughfares throughout the County, including: fourteen signs at five separate Interstate 40 exits; nine in the vicinity of Old Fort and Curtis Creek amenities; sixteen signs throughout Marion; and eight wayfinding signs for northern McDowell County and Little Switzerland. ACTION ITEMS: •

Update the existing NCDOT approved wayfinding sign design to utilize the new Blue Ridge

•

Mountain Wonderland brand.

The NCDOT approved wayfinding system

Seek bids for the production and installation of the

includes forty-five individual signs strategically

county-wide wayfinding sign system.

located along major thoroughfares throughout the County. The signs will be updated to reflect the new Mountain Wonderland brand.

84 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 34 WAYFINDING SIGNS

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —85

4.2 MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES TOURISM AREA Main Street Community infrastructure development priorities improve public space, create parks, and connect the communities with outdoor recreation assets.

Main Street Communities infrastructure development goals include:

1) Improving the appearance and functionality of public spaces in the downtown cores. 2) Providing trailheads for regional trail systems within the communities that will enhance connectivity between the Towns and surrounding outdoor recreation assets. 3) Increase connectivity among tourism assets via sidewalks, greenways, and trails. McDowell County’s Main Street Communities Tourism Area includes three distinct focus areas:

A) MARION B) OLD FORT C) LITTLE SWITZERLAND

86 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Downtown Marion features a vibrant Main Street. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —87

PROJECT A.1: MUNICIPAL EVENT CENTER (MEC) IMPROVEMENTS FOCUS AREA A - MARION The City of Marion downtown area provides public event and gathering space, historic commercial

RECOMMENDATIONS: A.1.1 FACILITY IMPROVEMENTS A.1.2 MARKETING

buildings, and connectivity to local trails that will provide important connections to outdoor recreation assets. The Municipal Event Center (MEC) is due for extensive renovations to make it a more desirable venue. Major streetscape projects on main thoroughfares and infill development of unused and underutilized properties will improve the appearance of downtown and attract business owners, tourists, and residents. The Peavine Trail, Fonta Flora State Trail, and Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway trailheads and trails will offer access to recreation opportunities within the city limits and

PROJECT A.2: DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS: A.2.1 WEST HENDERSON STREET STREETSCAPE A.2.2 LOGAN STREET STREETSCAPE A.2.3 DREXEL PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT A.2.4 MCDOWELL ARTS COUNCIL BUILDING INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS A.2.5 PUBLIC ART AND SCULPTURE A.2.6 DOWNTOWN BRANDING AND PEDESTRIAN WAYFINDING

connections to longer regional and state trails. This focus area includes four (4) distinct projects.

PROJECT A.3: PEAVINE TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS: A.3.1 CORRIDOR REDEVELOPMENT PLAN A.3.2 IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS

PROJECT A.4: JOSEPH MCDOWELL HISTORICAL CATAWBA RIVER GREENWAY / FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS: A.4.1: JOSEPH MCDOWELL TRAILHEAD ENHANCEMENTS A.4.2: INTERPRETIVE TRAIL 88 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAP 06 MARION AREA PROJECTS

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —89

PROJECT A.1 MUNICIPAL EVENT CENTER (MEC) IMPROVEMENTS Facility improvements and marketing for the Municipal Event Center will increase use and heighten the visitor experience.

A.1.1 Facility Improvements In a highly competitive market, attracting and retaining conventions, conferences, and related events depends largely on the quality, price, and location of the facility. Facility improvements are critical to the success of the MEC as a public event venue. The improvements recommended below can be temporary and removed from the building if the MEC lease is not renewed after September 2028. ACTION ITEMS: •

Assist with the purchase and installation of flooring for the venue.

•

Assist with the purchase of pipe and draping that can be rented to event organizers utilizing the facility.

Facility improvements to the Municipal Events Center are critical to its success as a public event venue.

90 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

A.1.2 Marketing Widespread awareness of the MEC with event organizers is imperative to the venue’s success. The most cost-effective and popular method for marketing and promoting the facility will be through both traditional and digital media marketing techniques, emphasizing social media marketing and targeted sales funnels. ACTION ITEMS: •

Develop a MEC Convention Center Marketing Guide and work with the NC Department of Commerce to provide direct promotion to small and mid-size conferences and conventions around the state.

•

Develop a Convention and Event Center website for the MEC that includes relevant details for event organizers and attendees. Website content will include information about floor plans, virtual facility tours, facility rental rates (space and equipment), local vendors for catering, and transportation services (shuttle services, car rentals agencies,

Widespread awareness of the MEC through both traditional and digital media marketing techniques is imperative to the venue’s success.

airports, and airline carriers). Content for attendees will include information about local accommodations, transportation services, and other relevant area information for visitors.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —91

PROJECT A.2 DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION Downtown revitalization includes expanding and completing the planned Downtown Marion Streetscape Project to improve pedestrian safety, comfort, and access to downtown assets, promoting infill development and redevelopment, installing public art and sculpture, and establishing a new downtown brand and pedestrian wayfinding system.

West Henderson Street as it enters downtown Marion.

92 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 35

The Marion study area for downtown revitalization includes the planned Downtown Marion Streetscape

MARION STUDY AREA

Project that focuses on improvements to the West Henderson and Logan Street corridors.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —93

EXH 36

A.2.1. West Henderson Street Streetscape The West Henderson Street gateway streetscape extends from the south at the railroad underpass near the Drexel Heritage site to Depot Street. This area is one of the primary entrances to downtown Marion and local businesses and attractions. Streetscape upgrades and improvements will welcome patrons to this burgeoning area. ACTION ITEMS: •

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for the West Henderson Street gateway streetscape improvements and implementation.

An enhanced intersection and streetscape with bump outs, widened sidewalks, paver strips, street trees, and banners will provide a more comfortable experience for pedestrians at the intersection of West Henderson and Depot Streets.

WEST HENDERSON STREET GATEWAY STREETSCAPE RENDERINGS

has benefited recently from considerable investment in

Existing Conditions

94 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 37

pedestrian improvements and a road diet to provide a safer environment for visitors to downtown Marion. Key features include a pedestrian bridge over West Henderson Street, a traffic-calming median, reduced street width, and widened sidewalks. Key Features:

1. Pedestrian Bridge

EET

ON STR

ENDERS WEST H

2. Traffic Calming Median 3. Left-Turn Restriction and Safe Crossing 4. Downtown Gateway 5. Tree Planting 6. Streetscape Enhancement

7. Pedestrian Access at the Depot

GE STREE T

BLUE RID

EET

TR DS

1 DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

A RO L I RA

Recommendations —95

WEST HENDERSON STREET STREETSCAPE

EET N STR BURGI

The West Henderson Street gateway streetscape includes

EXH 38

A.2.2 Logan Street Streetscape The Logan/West Henderson Street streetscape extends from Depot Street on West Henderson past the Logan Street intersection and to the intersection

WEST HENDERSON STREET RENDERINGS

with Main Street, while recommended improvements on Logan extend north to the intersection with Court Street. This area includes the approach to many downtown assets including the MEC, Farmers Market, Depot, and the Central Business District. Improvements in this area will contribute greatly towards the ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. ACTION ITEMS: •

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for the Logan/West Henderson Street streetscape improvements and implementation.

West Henderson Street improvements include widening existing sidewalks, planting street trees, incorporating paver strips, and installing new lights.

Existing Conditions

96 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 39

Pedestrian improvements on Logan Street include bump-outs, crosswalks, and street trees. Key features of the Logan Street streetscape include an entrance plaza and downtown gateway at the MEC and improved entrances, vehicular circulation, and parking at the venue. Key Features: 1. Henderson and Logan Intersection Improvement 2. Entrance Plaza and Gateway 3. Improved Parking Lot Circulation and Connectivity 4. Logan St. Streetscape - Some Reduced On-Street Parking 5. Court and Logan Intersection Improvement 6. Streetscape Enhancements

LOGAN STREET

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAIN STRE

T STREE N O S ENDER

Recommendations —97

LOGAN STREET STREETSCAPE

COURT STREET

EXH 40

Logan Street improvements include widening existing sidewalks, planting street trees, incorporating paver strips,

LOGAN STREET RENDERING

and installing new lights. Bump-outs will minimally reduce on-street parking spaces while providing a more pedestrian oriented downtown environment.

Existing Conditions

98 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

A.2.3 Drexel Property Redevelopment In preparation for future development, the former Drexel Heritage industrial site located at the intersection of Carson and Blue Ridge Streets in Marion, and owned jointly by the City and County, is currently undergoing environmental cleanup. This fifteen acre site is well situated for infill development once environmental work is completed. ACTION ITEMS: •

Create a master plan that provides for mixed-uses and improved bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.

of downtown Marion and the Municipal Events Center. A proposed pedestrian

EXH 41

The Drexel property is located just west

bridge that crosses West Henderson Depot and downtown Marion.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

DREXEL PROPERTY

Street will connect the site to the rail

Recommendations —99

EXH 42

A.2.4 McDowell Arts Council Building Interior Improvements The McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA), located at 50 Main Street, is home to the Greenlee

MCDOWELL ARTS COUNCIL BUILDING INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

Theatre, an artisan shop, and gallery for local artists. MACA promotes growth in the visual and performance art sectors in McDowell County and is an important asset for downtown Marion. ACTION ITEMS: •

Implement architectural plans prepared and funded through the NC Rural Center Small Towns Economic Prosperity (STEP) program for an interior remodel of the MACA building.

Artist’s rendering of a complete renovation to the MACA theater and gallery on Main Street. 100 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

A.2.5 Public Art and Sculpture

EXH 43

PUBLIC ART AND SCULPTURE

The Founders’ Art Walk in downtown Marion is a selfguided tour of the county’s cultural heritage shared through collaborative outdoor art displays. This public art is made possible by partnerships between the McDowell County Tourism Development Authority, the City of Marion, and talented local artists and art students.

The Founders’ Art Walk is a collaborative project that showcases local artists and art students.

ACTION ITEMS: •

Broaden this initiative and add additional elements, whether cast, carved, assembled, or painted to downtown spaces.

A.2.6 Downtown Branding and Pedestrian

EXH 44

DOWNTOWN BRANDING AND WAYFINDING

Wayfinding Visitors to Downtown Marion have benefited from a pedestrian wayfinding system and brand for many years. Directional signage and branding implemented

Updated pedestrian

as part of the City’s 2010 streetscape plan needs to

wayfinding and a new historic

be updated.

downtown Marion brand will welcome visitors and

ACTION ITEMS:

residents into the downtown

•

Develop a Downtown Brand Guide unique to

core which features many

Historic Downtown Marion and modernize the

historic commercial buildings,

“Where Main Street Meets the Mountains” logo,

churches, and the county

colors, fonts, and style guide to be consistent with

courthouse.

the marketing work that MBA has completed, including their new website. •

Update the pedestrian wayfinding system with the new brand and aesthetic.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —101

PROJECT A.3 PEAVINE TRAIL The existing Peavine Trail stretches 1.5 miles from State Street near downtown Marion to Rutherford Road at First Christian Church. Established in 2010 by the City of Marion on a spur of the Norfolk Southern railway, this trail has great expansion potential on the City-owned rail corridor toward Jacktown Road. Future connections with other regional and state trails include the Wilderness Gateway State Trail, Fonta Flora State Trail, and Thermal Belt Rail Trail. A.3.1 Corridor Redevelopment Plan

A.3.2 Implementation of Trail Improvements

A redevelopment plan that includes commercial

Development of additional amenities at trailheads and along the corridor and improvements to the trail surface will

centers and infill development opportunities at specific

offer a more inviting and enhanced user experience. Intersection improvements at Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, and

nodes along the corridor will elevate the status of

Baldwin Avenues and Marion Street will provide a safer experience for residents and visitors.

this local asset. Redevelopment will help attract destination-oriented businesses that cater to biking,

ACTION ITEMS:

hiking, and running.

•

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for implementation of Peavine Trail improvments.

ACTION ITEMS: •

Engage stakeholders and property owners along the rail corridor to begin the planning process for corridor redevelopment.

102 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 45 PEAVINE RAIL TRAIL BRANDING AND SIGNAGE

A compelling Peavine Trail brand incorporated into quality signage and surface treatments at trailheads and street crossings will create a visual identity for this local community asset and enhance the user experience.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —103

EXH 46

The Peavine study area includes approximately 1.5 miles of existing rail trail between State and Marion Streets. Key

PEAVINE STUDY AREA

recommendations include developing a formal trailhead at State Street, crossing enhancements at Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, and Baldwin Avenues and Marion Street, and paving the trail in its entirety.

104 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 47 STATE STREET TRAILHEAD

ST. E T STA ST. E T STA

Alternative A

Alternative B

A formal trailhead on State Street includes a connecting ramp to the trail, information kiosk, and storage shed. Multifamily housing and destination-oriented businesses could be developed on private property nearby.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —105

EXH 48

The State Street trailhead will include an entry arbor and fencing, trailhead monument, mile marker, benches, and paved

STATE STREET RENDERING

entry to the trail.

Existing Conditions

106 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

VIRG

INIA

AVE .

VIRGINA AND ALABAMA AVENUES CROSSINGS

ALAB AMA A VE

EXH 49

ST .

Branded crossings at Alabama and Virginia Avenues will provide visual cues to both trail users and drivers and enhance safety at these intersections. An allee of ornamental trees along Spring Street between the intersections will create a neighborhood greenspace within the corridor that includes furnishings and seating areas.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —107

EXH 50

AD E H

. RD

GEORGIA AVENUE CROSSING

I RG

E AV

O GE

Intersection enhancements at Georgia Avenue and Morehead Road include a cycle circle, branded crosswalk, and sidewalk connection. A memorial and seating area for Morehead Cemetery will formally mark the entrance of the cemetery from the Peavine trail.

108 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 51 BALDWIN AVENUE CROSSING

AV BALDWIN The Baldwin Avenue crossing will incorporate a realigned high visibility crosswalk to increase user safety. A small open green near the trail will provide space for a pocket park and adjacent property offers an opportunity for multi-family housing or other redevelopment.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —109

EXH 52

The Baldwin Avenue crossing includes a redesigned crossing with high visibility crosswalk. Trail monuments, mile markers, and fencing provide a consistent branded identity for the

BALDWIN AVENUE RENDERING

Peavine trail.

Existing Conditions

110 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 53 MARION STREET CROSSING

DA R

W OO

AV E

RI ON

ST .

A branded crosswalk at Marion Street will enhance safety at this intersection. Branded signage and fencing will visually connect this crossing with the others in the rail corridor. If the trestle at the current trail terminus south of this intersection is repaired, extensions and future connections to the Wilderness Gateway State Trail and Thermal Belt Rail Trail will be possible.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —111

PROJECT A.4 JOSEPH MCDOWELL HISTORICAL CATAWBA RIVER GREENWAY The Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway extends along the Catawba River approximately 1.6 miles from its eastern trailhead behind the McDowell House to the western trailhead located on Sam Phillips Drive. This paved trail was established in 2010 by the City and was expanded in 2014 with the help of the McDowell Trails Association. Recent land acquisitions by the Foothills Conservancy of NC and their partners will allow connectivity with the nearby Catawba River Greenway at Greenlee Park.

A.4.1 Joseph McDowell House Trailhead

A.4.2 Interpretive Trail

Enhancements

An interpretive trail located along the Catawba

The trailhead located at the Joseph McDowell House

River Greenway will provide visitors with historical

sees a high volume of users due to its convenient

information about Native American settlement in the

location. Trailhead expansion will increase parking

area. Interpretive signs will also tell the stories of the

capacity and allow development of important

Revolutionary War era and family history of local

amenities.

McDowell and Carson families.

ACTION ITEMS:

•

Develop and implement site-specific construction

Develop and install interpretive signs that

plans for enhancements to the Joseph McDowell

incorporate high quality graphic panels and

House Trailhead.

interactive displays that tell the stories of the former residents of the area.

112 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 54

The McDowell House marks the entrance for the eastern trailhead of the Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway. Planned trail expansion includes connecting the

MCDOWELL HOUSE RENDERING

greenway and trailhead to a sidewalk along US 70 as the Fonta Flora State Trail continues east to downtown Marion.

Existing Conditions

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —113

EXH 55

W TA A C

10 8

6 7

U.S. HWY 70

MCDOWELL HOUSE TRAILHEAD ALTERNATIVE A

COOK OUT

SONIC

PELICAN’S SNOBALLS

COMFORT INN Trailhead expansion will increase parking capacity and add important amenities. Alternative A retains many of the features of the existing parking area while providing a clear connection to the planned Fonta Flora State Trail along US 70 and offering a public plaza behind the McDowell House.

114 — Recommendations

Key Features: 1. Expanded Parking • Total-53 • New-28 • ADA-4 • Existing-21 2. Renovated McDowell House 3. Entrance Sign 4. FFST Trail Connection 5. Plaza

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Bioswale Restroom Picnic Shelter Trailhead Plaza Flag Pole Upper Catawba River Trail Phillips Landing Access

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 56

AW T CA

10 6

2 5

U.S. HWY 70

E PP

SONIC

PELICAN’S SNOBALLS

COMFORT INN

Alternative B provides a single lane drive aisle that improves vehicular flow while providing additional parking. Key features are identical to the amenities offered in alternative A and include a restroom for greenway visitors.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Key Features: 1. Expanded Parking • Total-53 • New-28 • ADA-4 • Existing-21 2. Renovated McDowell House 3. Entrance Sign 4. FFST Trail Connection 5. Plaza

6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Bioswale Restroom Picnic Shelter Trailhead Plaza Flag Pole Upper Catawba River Trail Phillips Landing Access

Recommendations —115

MCDOWELL HOUSE TRAILHEAD ALTERNATIVE B

COOK OUT

FOCUS AREA B - OLD FORT The Old Fort focus area includes two distinct projects. A streetscape master plan highlights proposed improvements in the Town core along Main Street and Catawba Avenue, direct access to the Fonta Flora State Trail, and a public park along Mill Creek. Second,

PROJECT B.1: STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDATIONS: B.1.1 MAIN STREET B.1.2 NORTH CATAWBA B.1.3 SOUTH CATAWBA

trailhead development recommendations include the Fonta Flora Trailhead and Park located on the eastern limits of town adjacent to I-40 and the Curtis Creek Trailhead located on US Forest Service lands north of Old Fort on Curtis Creek Road.

PROJECT B.2: TRAILHEAD DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS: B.1.1 CURTIS CREEK B.1.2 FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL TRAILHEAD AND PARK

116 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAP 07 OLD FORT AREA PROJECTS

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —117

PROJECT B.1 STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

OLD FORT STREETSCAPE PLANNING SECTIONS

EXH 57

Streetscape improvements in the Town of Old Fort focus on the downtown core and are divided into the following three (3) planning sections: 1) Main Street; 2) tre gS

rin Sp

North Catawba; and 3) South Catawba.

et Mauney Ave

Main Street

Water St

Salisbury Av e

North Catawba

E Mitchell St

Middle St

Mauney Ave

Catawba Ave

Doc Robinson Dr

Swann Dr

W Mitchell St

W Crawford st

118 — Recommendations

D E S T I N AT I O N

E Crawford St South Catawba

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN

EXH 58 OLD FORT STREETSCAPE STUDY AREA

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —119

B.1.1 Main Street The Main Street planning section is bounded on the east and north by Spring Street, on the west by the Old Fort Depot, and on the south by Railroad Street. Key features include road improvements for pedestrian safety and enhancement of public gathering spaces. ACTION ITEMS: •

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for Main Street streetscape improvements and implementation.

DEPOT PLAZA et tre gS

rin

Sp Mauney Ave

Main Street

Water St

The Town of Old Fort Main Street streetscape

Salisbury Ave

improvements include intersection enhancements PUBLIC PARKING

Mauney Ave

landscaping are recommended for Bradley Park.

BIERGARTEN E Crawford St

Key Map

OLD FORT RIDE HOUSE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN

120 — Recommendations

TO U R I S M

enhancements. Additional seating, shade sails, and

Middle St

Catawba Ave

Swann Dr

Doc Robinson Dr

friendly railroad crossing, and public plaza

W Crawford st

D E S T I N AT I O N

with improved pedestrian crossings, a pedestrian

E Mitchell St

W Mitchell St

M A S T E R

P L A N

OLD FORT, NC

120

240 FT

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 59

MCDOWELL TECH

rin

tre S n

tre gS

reet

DEPOT

Catawba Avenue

ad St o r l i a R

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

BRADLEY PARK

Recommendations —121

MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

MCDOWELL TECH PLAZA WITH ADA PARKING

et tre gS rin Sp

B.1.2 North Catawba The North Catawba planning section extends along Catawba Avenue from Commerce Street to the proposed Mill Creek Park. Key features include pedestrian safety and connectivity improvements, streetscape enhancements, Fonta Flora State Trail, and Mill Creek Park.

•

Mauney Ave

ACTION ITEMS: Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for North Catawba streetscape improvements and implementation.

Water St

Salisbury Ave

North Catawba

E Mitchell St

Middle St

W Crawford st

D E S T I N AT I O N

E Crawford St

Key Map STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN

TO U R I S M

Mauney Ave

Catawba Ave

Swann Dr

Doc Robinson Dr

W Mitchell St

M A S T E R

P L A N

120

240 FT

OLD FORT, NC

NORTH CATAWBA CROSS SECTION

EXH 60

Proposed enhancements along Catawba Avenue include street trees, site furnishings, and lighting. A road diet will remove two vehicular travel lanes and provide on street parallel parking. The Fonta Flora State Trail will follow a 10 foot wide sidewalk.

122 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

PUBLIC PARKING

EXH 61

BRADLEY PARK

DEPOT BIERGARTEN

Mauney Ave

Commerce Street KITSBOW VISITORS CENTER

HILLMAN BEER

PROPOSED FFST

Wat er St

MOUNTAIN GATEWAY MUSEUM

PUBLIC PARKING, FFST, AND STREETSCAPE ENHANCEMENTS IMPROVED PEDESTRIAN CROSSWALKS

MILL CREEK PARK COVERED PAVILION AND PARKING

The North Catawba streetscape improvements include pedestrian safety improvements, additional public parking, Fonta Flora State Trail, and Mill Creek Park. The park will feature an amphitheater, open green, covered pavilion, plaza, Red Bud allee with seating, and a pedestrian bridge leading to

Salisbury A ve

Hillman Beer.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

W Mitchell St

Recommendations —123

E Mitchell St

NORTH CATAWBA STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

Catawba Avenue

OLD FORT RIDE HOUSE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

EXH 62 COMMERCE STREET RENDERING Commerce Street provides an opportunity to create a vibrant corridor for the Fonta Flora State Trail and improved connectivity to the Old Fort Ride House. A paver pedestrian street crossing leads to a proposed biergarten with a lawn and games area across Commerce Street from the Ride House, while a curb-less road design is proposed for the Font Flora State Trail. Existing Conditions

124 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 63 NORTH CATAWBA AVENUE RENDERING

Proposed enhancements along North Catawba Avenue include street trees, safe road crossings, site Existing Conditions

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

furnishings, and lighting. This design will promote a safe and lively streetscape for the Old Fort community. Recommendations —125

et tre gS rin Sp

B.1.3 South Catawba The South Catawba planning section is bounded on the north by Mitchell Street and to the south by Crawford Street. Key features include improvements for pedestrian safety, streetscape enhancements, and planted and Mauney Ave

concrete medians for traffic calming. ACTION ITEMS: •

Water St

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for North Catawba streetscape improvements and

Salisbury Ave

implementation.

E Mitchell St

W Crawford st

D E S T I N AT I O N

E Crawford St

Key Map STREETSCAPE MASTER PLAN

TO U R I S M

Mauney Ave

Middle St

South Catawba

Catawba Ave

Swann Dr

Doc Robinson Dr

W Mitchell St

M A S T E R

P L A N

120

240 FT

OLD FORT, NC

SOUTH CATAWBA CROSS SECTION

EXH 64

Proposed enhancements along South Catawba Avenue include improved pedestrian crossings with bump-outs and pavers and traffic calming medians. A road diet will remove two vehicular travel lanes and provide on street parallel parking north of Mitchell Street. Concrete and planted traffic calming medians with one-way lanes will provide a welcoming entrance to downtown Old Fort.

126 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 65

The South Catawba streetscape improvements include crossings, traffic calming medians, and streetscape enhancements.

E Mitchell St

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Midd le St

W Crawford st

Mauney Ave

Catawb a Ave

Doc Robinson Dr

Swann Dr

W Mitchell St

Recommendations —127

SOUTH CATAWBA STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

intersection enhancements with improved pedestrian

PROJECT B.2 TRAILHEAD DEVELOPMENT Trailhead development will enhance connectivity between Old Fort and surrounding outdoor recreation assets. The Fonta Flora State Trail will connect downtown Old Fort with the Fonta Flora State Trail Trailhead and Park located within the town limits. A connector trail is planned to provide a safe connection between this trailhead and the Curtis Creek Trailhead which will access the USFS Old Fort trail system.

B.2.1 Curtis Creek Trailhead

EXH 66

CURTIS CREEK TRAILHEAD

The Curtis Creek trailhead is located on US Forest Service lands north of Old Fort on Curtis Creek Road. This trailhead will provide access to Curtis Creek and

Directional Signage

approximately 70 miles of existing and planned trails. ACTION ITEMS: •

Continue to support and work with partners in the planning, development, and construction of the proposed trailhead facilities.

Signage

Existing Parking Repurposed to 4 ADA Parking Spaces

CURTIS CREEK ROAD

Equestrian One Way Only Restroom (10’ x 20’)

Restroom (10’ x 20’)

6 Pull Through (55’ x 18’) and 6 Parallel Equestrian Spaces (20’ x 60’)

B.2.2 Fonta Flora State Trail Trailhead and Park

Bioretention

The Fonta Flora State Trail Trailhead and Park is

All Use Trail

located on the southeastern limits of town adjacent to I-40. This trailhead will provide access to the Fonta Flora State Trail and a variety of park amenities.

Bioretention

All Use Trail Typical Car DO NOT ENTER Sign Bioretention

92 Typical Parking Spaces 4 ADA Spaces

Picnic Area

ACTION ITEMS: •

Archeological Site Boundary

Continue to support and work with partners in the

Hiking Only

87 Typical Parking Spaces

planning, development, and construction of the

Watering Hole

proposed park and trailhead facilities. Hike and Bike

The Curtis Creek Trailhead will serve hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and anglers. Key features include picnic facilities, pit toilets, and parking for vehicles and horse trailers.

128 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 67

The Fonta Flora State Trail trailhead and park will serve as a community park and primary trailhead for the shade tree allee along the Fonta Flora State Trail, splash pad, bike garden and playground, pump track, dog park, open green, picnic shelters, and restroom facilities. Key Features: 1. Bike Garden and Playground 2. Parking Lot with 100 Spaces 3. Splash Pad with Picnic Shelters and Shade Sail 4. Central Green Event Lawn 5. Pump Track 6. Dog Park with Large and Small Dog Areas 7. Pollinator Meadow 8. Mowed Path through Meadow 9. Shade Tree Allee along Fonta Flora State Trail 10. Shaded Seating 11. Fitness Playscape 12. Hammock Grove 13. Trailhead Facilities with Restrooms and Picnic Shelter 14. Rain Garden and Stormwater Management

3 5 4

10 7

14 13

HWY 40

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —129

FONTA FLORA STATE TRAIL TRAILHEAD AND PARK

Fonta Flora State Trail in Old Fort. Key features include

FOCUS AREA C - LITTLE SWITZERLAND

PROJECT C.1 STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR

The Little Switzerland Community offers shopping, dining, and lodging options in uptown and downtown Little Switzerland which is centered around the intersections of NC 226A, Chestnut Grove Church Road, High Ridge Road, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

RECOMMENDATIONS: C.1.1 DOWNTOWN LITTLE SWITZERLAND STREETSCAPE IMPLEMENTATION C.1.2 PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR

The community stretches along NC 226A and the Blue Ridge Parkway to the east until their intersection with NC 226 where additional lodging is available. The

PROJECT C.2 TRAILHEADS

Overmountain Victory National Historic and State Trail parallels the Blue Ridge Parkway to the north from Lynn Gap east to the Orchard at Altapass. The Little Switzerland focus area includes three

RECOMMENDATIONS: C.2.1 LYNN GAP C.2.2 MINERALS MUSEUM

distinct projects. Two projects outline streetscape and Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail trailhead recommendations within the Little Switzerland community and the third provides recommendations for the Orchard at Altapass located just east along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

PROJECT C.3 ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS: C.3.1 MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION C.3.2 TRAIL SYSTEM REDEVELOPMENT

130 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAP 08 LITTLE SWITZERLAND AREA PROJECTS

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —131

PROJECT C.1 STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR Streetscape improvements focus on the downtown business district of Little Switzerland. This section of NC 226A extends south approximately 800 feet from the intersection of NC 226A and Chestnut Grove Church Road to the southern limit of downtown Little Switzerland. A pedestrian path will connect shopping, dining, and lodging options provided in uptown and downtown Little Switzerland. C.1.1 Downtown Little Switzerland Streetscape

C.1.2 Pedestrian Connector

Implementation

A pedestrian crossing on NC 226A at the intersection of Chestnut Grove Church Road in conjunction with a

Parking, pedestrian, and public space improvements

concrete median, sidewalk, and boardwalk will offer visitors the opportunity to walk between the uptown and

in downtown Little Switzerland will provide a safer

downtown business districts. An entrance sign at the intersection will also serve as a pedestrian gateway into

and more comfortable experience for tourists and

downtown Little Switzerland (see Exhibit 30: Little Switzerland Entrance Sign, page 78).

residents. ACTION ITEMS: ACTION ITEMS: •

Develop and implement site-specific construction

•

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for pedestrian improvements at the NC 226A and Chestnut Grove Church Road intersection and boardwalk leading to downtown Little Switzerland.

plans for downtown Little Switzerland streetscape implementation.

Existing Conditions

132 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 68

improvements will formalize and clearly define ADA, motorcycle, and typical vehicle parking spaces. Pavers will delineate pedestrian areas and a plaza will provide a gathering space and public restrooms for visitors. A pedestrian path will connect uptown and downtown Little Switzerland.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —133

LITTLE SWITZERLAND STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR

The Little Switzerland streetscape

PROJECT C.2 TRAILHEADS Trailhead development includes the formal definition of two trailheads that will provide access to the existing Overmountain Victory National Historic and State Trail. C.2.1 Lynn Gap

EXH 69

A formal trailhead at Lynn Gap, accessed underneath the Blue Ridge Parkway across from Big Lynn Lodge, would act as an anchor point for a terminus of the existing OVNHT. The planned trail corridor continues south across NC 226A and descends to US 221.

LYNN GAP TRAILHEAD

ACTION ITEMS: •

Work with partners in the planning, development, and construction of the proposed trailhead facilities.

•

Work with partners to implement the OVNHT as it travels south from Lynn Gap to it’s crossing of US 221 as outlined in the OVNHT: Spruce Pine to Lake James 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.

The Lynn Gap trailhead will serve as a primary OVNHT access point in Little Switzerland. Key elements include a small parking area, kiosk, and OVNHT branding. Existing Conditions

134 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MINERALS MUSEUM TRAILHEAD

EXH 70

C.2.2 Minerals Museum A formal OVNHT trailhead at the Minerals Museum on NC 226 would provide access to an existing section of the trail that begins just north of Little Switzerland’s eastern border. The trail travels east towards the Orchard at Altapass and west towards Big Lynn Lodge. ACTION ITEMS: •

Work with partners in the planning, development, and construction of the proposed trailhead facilities.

The Minerals Museum trailhead will provide access to an existing section of the OVNHT. Key elements include a trailhead kiosk and entry with OVNHT branding. Existing Conditions

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —135

PROJECT C.3 ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS MASTER PLAN The Orchard at Altapass Master Plan will guide the use of limited funding and resources on needed improvements. The master plan provides recommendations for improvements to facilities, parking, and vehicular circulation. Since the Orchard is located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway and due to deed and easement restrictions, master plan implementation may require approval by the National Park Service. C.3.1 Master Plan Implementation

C.3.2 Trail System Redevelopment

Implementation of the Orchard at Altapass Master

The existing trail system isn’t well defined and

Plan will help the Orchard successfully grow its

redevelopment will provide visitors with trail options of

programs and continue to achieve its mission by

varying lengths and experiences. The trail system will

enhancing the visitor experience and attracting more

become an asset for the Orchard and provide another

visitors.

amenity for visitors.

ACTION ITEMS:

•

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for the Orchard at Altapass master plan

Develop and implement site-specific plans to design and construct a sustainable trail system.

implementation.

Existing Conditions

136 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

EXH 71 ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS MASTER PLAN

The Orchard at Altapass Master Plan recommends improvements to facilities, parking, and vehicular circulation. An improved Orchard u-pick orientation area and picnic shelter with multi-use patio and firepit offers visitors a better experience and gathering space. A mini-amphitheater and overlook area provides an additional outdoor event and educational venue. New landscaping and additional parking areas will direct visitors and vehicles through the site more efficiently. Master plan implementation may require approval by the National Park Service. DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Recommendations —137

138 — Recommendations

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

5 IMPLEMENTATION This chapter presents general recommendations for plan implementation, a list of key grant funding organizations, a summary of all proposed recommendations, and prioritization summary. This chapter is organized into the following sections:

5.1 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS 5.2 IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX 5.3 PRIORITIZATION SUMMARY

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Implementation —139

5.1 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS The Destination McDowell Tourism Master Plan provides a bold vision for significantly advancing quality of life and tourism infrastructure development for the benefit of both visitors and citizens. The pursuit of any action or project must be underpinned by one or more of the five (5) guiding principles, including: 1) Partnerships; 2) Downtown Investment; 3) Natural Resource Conservation Through Recreation; 4) Asset Connectivity; and 5) Public Awareness.

140 — Implementation

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

The MCTDA and its partners should consider five (5) general recommendations as they work to implement the Destination McDowell Tourism Master Plan, including: 1) Implementation Steering Committee; 2) Communications; 3) Staff Position; 4) Capital Campaign, and 5) Grant-making.

1. 1

FORM DESTINATION MCDOWELL IMPLEMENTATION STEERING COMMITTEE

2. 2

Establish a Destination McDowell Steering Committee (approximately 8-12 members) comprised of representatives from each local government jurisdiction and other key stakeholder groups. It will be the function of this committee to prioritize projects, identify appropriate funding sources, and dedicate appropriate staff levels to realize each project. In addition, the MCTDA should consider establishing a Tourism Advisory Committee (approximately 40 members) that includes a broader range of stakeholders to be updated on workgroup progress on an annual or semi-annual basis.

Develop a website dedicated to Destination McDowell where the public can obtain updates on committee efforts and ongoing projects. Provide quarterly electronic newsletters updating the community.

44.

IMPLEMENT AND MAINTAIN COMMUNICATIONS

3 3.

CREATE THE DESTINATION MCDOWELL STAFF POSITION Consider hiring a staff position, such as an Outdoor Recreation Planner or Tourism Infrastructure Planner, to assist in the implementation of Destination McDowell. This position can be funded by the MCTDA or through an interlocal partnership. Responsibilities will include solidifying partnerships with stakeholders, procuring funding, project management, identifying marketing opportunities for completed projects, and generally implementing Destination McDowell.

DEVELOP A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

Consider creating a capital campaign that encourages local industry and business to give to Destination McDowell projects. After all, the implementation of this plan will significantly improve employee recruitment.

55.

GROW GRANT-MAKING CONNECTIONS

Develop and maintain relationships with key grantmaking institutions, including those listed in Exhibit 72: Grant Funding Opportunities Matrix found below. The Steering Committee should add to this list as they continue to meet and identify new opportunities.

GRANT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES MATRIX

EXH 72

Partnership Funding Agency

Destination McDowell Implications

Maximum Amount

Matching Funds Required

Deadlines

Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF)

All types of parks, trails, and recreation facilities

$500,000

50%

Early May

Recreational Trails Program (RTP)

All types of trails, greenways, and paddle access areas

$100,000

25%

Early August

Water Resources Development Grant Program

Greenways, boardwalks, and water access areas

Varies

50%

Late December/ Late June

People for Bikes Community Grant

Bike Trails and Greenways

$10,000

50%

Spring/Fall

NC Land and Water Fund

Stream restoration, enhancement, or stabilization

Varies

Early February

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Implementation —141

5.2 IMPLEMENTATION MATRIX The Implementation Matrix provides a quick summary of all recommendations highlighted in the previous chapter. The matrix is organized according to the two (2) Tourism Areas: 1) County-wide; and 2) Main Street Communities and features a total of 17 projects. Alongside each project is an implementation timeline and list of key partners necessary for implementation.

IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS Burke County City of Marion Conservation Trust for North Carolina (CTNC) Duke Energy Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina (FCNC) Friends of Fonta Flora State Trail (F3ST) Friends of Mountains to Sea Trail (FMST) G5 Trail Collective (G5) Little Switzerland Business Association McDowell Arts Council Association (MACA) Marion Economic Development Office/Marion Business Association McDowell Chamber of Commerce (CoC)

COUNTY-WIDE CONNECTIONS TOURISM AREA

1-5 YRS

McDowell County McDowell County Tourism Development Authority (MCTDA) McDowell Trails Association (MTA) National Park Service (NPS) NC Dept. of Transportation (NCDOT) NC Division of Parks and Recreation (NCDPR) NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Orchard at Altapass Foundation Overmountain Victory Trails Association (OVTA) Rutherford County Town of Old Fort US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) US Forest Service (USFS)

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE 6-10 YRS 10+ YRS

IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS

S FOCUS AREA A: UPPER CATAWBA RIVER PADDLE TRAIL PROJECT A.1: ACCESS AREA DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENTS

SHORT-TERM

A.1.1 Greenlee Park/Pleasant Gardens Access Improvements

A.1.2 Phillips Landing Access Improvements

A.1.3 Yancey Road Access Development

A.1.4 North Fork of the Catawba River Access Development

A.1.5 Black Bear Access Improvement

A.1.6 Hidden Cove Access Improvement

142 — Implementation

NCWRC, NCDPR, McDowell County, City of Marion, MCTDA, Duke Energy, F3ST

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

COUNTY-WIDE CONNECTIONS TOURISM AREA (CONT.)

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE 1-5 YRS

6-10 YRS

10+ YRS

IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS

FOCUS AREA B: STATE-DESIGNATED TRAILS AND CONNECTORS PROJECT B.1: FONTA FLORA

SHORT-TERM

B.1.1 Partnerships and Planning

B.1.2 Trailheads

B.1.3 Trail Implementation

PROJECT B.2: WILDERNESS GATEWAY

SHORT-TERM

B.2.1 Partnerships and Planning

B.2.2 Trailheads

B.2.3 Trail Implementation

PROJECT B.3: OVERMOUNTAIN VICTORY

B.3.2 Trailheads

B.3.3 Trail Implementation

NPS, USFS, NCDPR, McDowell County, MTA, MCTDA, OVTA, CTNC

SHORT-TERM

B.4.1 Partnerships and Planning

B.4.2 Infrastructure Improvements

PROJECT B.5: TRAIL SYSTEMS AND CONNECTORS

USFWS, NPS, NCDPR, NCWRC, Rutherford County, Burke County, McDowell County, MCTDA, FCNC

SHORT-TERM

B.3.1 Partnerships and Planning

PROJECT B.4: MOUNTAINS-TO-SEA

USFS, NCDOT, NCDPR, City of Marion, Town of Old Fort, McDowell County, MCTDA, MTA, F3ST

USFS, NPS, NCDPR, McDowell County, MCTDA, FMST

SHORT-TERM

B.5.1 G5/Old Fort Trails Project

B.5.2 FFST Trailhead and Park/Curtis Creek Trailhead Connector

USFS, NCDPR, McDowell County,Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, MCTDA, G5, FCNC, MTA, F3ST

B.5.3 WGST/Catawba Falls Connector

B.5.4 Old Fort Recreation Park/FCNC Catawba Falls Preserve Connector

B.5.5 Marion Peavine/WGST Peavine Connector

X X

FOCUS AREA C: EXPLORATION AND AWARENESS PROJECT C.1: GATEWAYS

SHORT-TERM

C.1.1 Little Switzerland

C.1.2 Marion

C.1.3 Old Fort

C.1.4 NCDOT Optional “Welcome To”

PROJECT C.2: COUNTY WAYFINDING C.2.1 Implementation DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

NCDOT, Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, McDowell County, MCTDA, Little Switzerland Business Association, Marion Economic Development Office/Marion Business Association

SHORT-TERM

NCDOT, Town of Old Fort, City of Marion, McDowell County, MCTDA, Little Switzerland Business Association Implementation —143

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES TOURISM AREA

1-5 YRS

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE 6-10 YRS 10+ YRS

IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS

FOCUS AREA A: MARION PROJECT A1: MUNICIPAL EVENT CENTER (MEC) IMPROVEMENTS.

SHORT-TERM

A.1.1 Facility improvements

A.1.2 Marketing

PROJECT A.2: DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

NCDOT, City of Marion, MACA, MCTDA, CoC

SHORT-TERM

A.2.1 Henderson St. Streetscape

A.2.2 Logan St. Streetscape

A.2.3 Drexel Property Redevelopment

A.2.4 McDowell Arts Council Building Interior Improvement

A.2.5 Public Art and Sculpture

A.2.6 Downtown Branding and Pedestrian Wayfinding

PROJECT A.3: PEAVINE TRAIL

SHORT-TERM

A.3.1 Corridor Redevelopment Plan

A.3.2 Implementation of Trail Improvements

PROJECT A.4: JOSEPH MCDOWELL HISTORICAL CATAWBA RIVER GREENWAY

NCDOT, City of Marion, MACA, MCTDA, CoC, Marion Economic Development Office/Marion Business Association

NCDOT, City of Marion, MCTDA, MTA, CoC X

SHORT-TERM

A.4.1 Joseph McDowell House Trailhead Enhancements

A.4.2 Interpretive Trail

NCDOT, McDowell County, City of Marion, MACA, MCTDA, MTA, CoC X

FOCUS AREA B: OLD FORT PROJECT B.1: STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS

SHORT-TERM

B.1.1 Main Street B.1.2 North Catawba

X X

B.1.3 South Catawba PROJECT B.2: TRAILHEAD DEVELOPMENT

SHORT-TERM

B.2.1 Curtis Creek

B.2.2 Fonta Flora State Trail Trailhead and Park

144 — Implementation

NCDOT, Town of Old Fort, MCTDA, CoC

NCDPR, Town of Old Fort, F3ST, MCTDA, CoC, G5, MTA X

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES TOURISM AREA (CONT.)

IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE 1-5 YRS

6-10 YRS

10+ YRS

IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS

FOCUS AREA C: LITTLE SWITZERLAND PROJECT C.1: STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR

SHORT-TERM

C.1.1 Downtown Little Switzerland Streetscape Implementation

C.1.2 Pedestrian Connector

PROJECT C.2: TRAILHEADS C.2.1 Lynn Gap

SHORT-TERM

X SHORT-TERM

C.3.1 Master Plan Implementation

C.3.2 Trail System Redevelopment

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

NPS, NCDOT, MCTDA, CoC, OVTA

C.2.2 Minerals Museum PROJECT C.3: ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS MASTER PLAN

NPS, NCDOT, Little Switzerland Business Association, CoC, MCTDA

NPS, NCDOT, MCTDA, Orchard at Altapass Foundation, CoC, OVTA

Implementation —145

5.3 PRIORITIZATION SUMMARY The prioritization summary provides a starting point for potential “phase 1” Destination McDowell projects. This summary is meant to provide initial guidance to the Steering Committee as they begin to consider project implementation. Project prioritization is expected to shift as the Committee evaluates partner support, funding availability, and shovel readiness.

COUNTY-WIDE CONNECTIONS UPPER CATAWBA RIVER PADDLE TRAIL Greenlee Park/Pleasant Gardens Access

Black Bear Access Improvements

Improvements

•

Update the access entrance sign on Old Greenlee Road with Upper Catawba River Paddle Trail and

development plan for the area. •

Fonta Flora State Trail branding.

•

Incorporate the use of UCRPT, FFST, and Overmountain Victory National Historic and State Trail branding on entrance signs and trailhead

Phillips Landing Access Improvments •

Support Duke Energy’s current recreational

kiosks.

Formalize a land use agreement with the current property owner to secure long-term public use

Hidden Cove Access Improvements

and access.

•

Develop and install an entrance sign on US 221

Incorporate the use of UCRPT branding at the access entrance.

Business with UCRPT branding. •

Improve the existing parking area with asphalt

EXPLORATION AND AWARENESS

or permeable pavers, and install additional

“Welcome To” McDowell County

stormwater management BMPs to help protect

•

water quality in the Catawba River. North Fork of the Catawba River Access Development •

Work with the NCWRC to develop plans and construct an access area to be included on the

Request NCDOT install optional welcome signs at the County boundaries that feature the new Blue Ridge Mountain Wonderland brand.

County Wayfinding •

Update the existing NCDOT approved wayfinding sign design to utilize the new Blue Ridge

UCRPT.

Mountain Wonderland brand. •

Proposed Paddle Access Entrance Sign

Seek bids for the production and installation of the county-wide wayfinding sign system.

146 — Implementation

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

UPPER CATAWBA RIVER PADDLE TRAIL - MCDOWELL COUNTY

PROPOSED

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Implementation —147

COUNTY-WIDE CONNECTIONS STATE-DESIGNATED TRAILS AND CONNECTORS Fonta Flora •

•

Participate in planning and development of a

•

Fonta Flora State Trail master plan that outlines

connection between the MST and FFST as

recommendations from Marion to the Buncombe/

outlined in the OVNHT: Spruce Pine to Lake

McDowell County border.

James Master Plan.

Support implementation of the current Fonta Flora

•

and social sustainability. •

Work with partners to implement significant

OVNHT and FFST from Black Bear Boating

the visitor experience. Work with partners to

by working with partners to acquire easements/

Access Area to Burke County as outlined in the

formalize existing trailheads with kiosks to include

land from willing landowners.

OVNHT: Spruce Pine to Lake James Master Plan

branded signage and trail information.

Work with partners to design and construct a

and FFST: Lake James to Marion Master Plan.

Participate in planning and development of a Wilderness Gateway State Trail master plan that

•

Work with partners to implement the co-aligned and east as outlined in the OVNHT: Morganton to

•

Participate in planning and development of

visitor experience.

sustainable trail alignment within the planned and

Trail Systems and Connectors - FFST Trailhead and

secured corridors.

Park/Curtis Creek Trailhead Connector

•

Support the Friends of the Mountains to Sea

Develop and implement the trailhead and support

Trail in their efforts to maintain existing trail and

facilities where the WGST intersects with the

participate in planning efforts to explore existing

OVNHT near US Hwy 64.

trailhead enhancements and additional access

148 — Implementation

Work with partners to implement significant

Work with partners to acquire easements/land

facility plans to unify planned trailheads.

Morganton to Rutherfordton Master Plan.

and social sustainability. •

trailhead and trail improvements to enhance the

Mountains-to-Sea

Pine to Lake James Master Plan and OVNHT:

existing trail sections for long term environmental

Rutherfordton Master Plan.

branding, signage, wayfinding, and trail support

Support implementation of the OVNHT: Spruce

Support the maintenance and assessment of

from willing landowners, design, and construct a

acquisition within the County.

Overmountain Victory

•

OVNHT and WGST from US Hwy 64 to the north

focuses on a conceptual trail alignment and parcel

•

existing trail sections for long term environmental

State Trail master plan from Lake James to Marion

Wilderness Gateway

•

Support the maintenance and assessment of

trailhead and trail improvements to enhance

secured corridor.

•

Work with partners to implement the co-aligned

sustainable trail alignment within the planned and

•

Work with partners to implement the OVNHT

•

Support existing partners in the Fonta Flora State Trail Trailhead and Park and Old Fort Trails project efforts to plan and implement the proposed connector trail.

points. •

Work with partners to formalize existing trailheads with kiosks to include branded signage and trail information.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

STATE TRAILS

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Implementation —149

150 — Implementation

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES MARION Municipal Event Center - Facility Improvements •

Assist with the purchase and installation of flooring for the venue.

Downtown Revitalization - Streetscapes •

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for the West Henderson Street gateway streetscape improvements and implementation.

•

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for the Logan/West Henderson Street streetscape improvements and implementation.

Downtown Revitalization - Drexel Property Redevelopment •

Peavine State Street Trailhead Site Plans - Alternatives A and B

Create a master plan that provides for mixed-uses and improved bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.

Peavine Trail •

Engage stakeholders and property owners along the rail corridor to begin the planning process for corridor redevelopment.

•

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for implementation of Peavine Trail improvements.

Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba River Greenway - McDowell House Trailhead Enhancements •

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for enhancements to the Joseph McDowell House Trailhead.

McDowell House Site Plan - Alternative B DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Implementation —151

EXISTING CONDITIONS

PROPOSED CONDITIONS

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES OLD FORT Streetscape Improvements - North Catawba •

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for North Catawba streetscape improvements and implementation.

Mill Creek Park •

North Catawba Streetscape Sections

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for Mill Creek Park improvements and implementation.

Directional Signage Signage

Trailhead Development •

Continue to support and work with partners in the planning, development, and construction of the

Existing Parking Repurposed to 4 ADA Parking Spaces

CURTIS CREEK ROAD

proposed Curtis Creek trailhead facilities. •

Continue to support and work with partners in

Equestrian One Way Only Restroom (10’ x 20’)

Restroom (10’ x 20’)

the planning, development, and construction of

6 Pull Through (55’ x 18’) and 6 Parallel Equestrian Spaces (20’ x 60’)

the proposed Fonta Flora State Trail trailhead and park facilities. Trail Systems and Connectors - G5/Old Fort Trails Project •

Support existing partners in the Old Fort Trails project efforts to plan and implement

Bioretention

All Use Trail

Bioretention

All Use Trail Typical Car DO NOT ENTER Sign Bioretention

the proposed US Forest Service trail system

92 Typical Parking Spaces 4 ADA Spaces

Picnic Area

expansion.

Archeological Site Boundary

Hiking Only

87 Typical Parking Spaces Watering Hole

Hike and Bike

Curtis Creek Trailhead Site Plan 152 — Implementation

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

MAIN STREET COMMUNITIES LITTLE SWITZERLAND Gateways •

•

Pedestrian Connector •

Proposed Little Switzerland Entrance Sign

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for pedestrian improvements at the NC 226A and Chestnut Grove Church Road intersection and boardwalk leading to downtown Little Switzerland.

Trailheads •

Work with partners in the planning, development, and construction of the proposed Lynn Gap trailhead facilities.

Orchard at Altapass Master Plan •

Develop and implement site-specific construction plans for the Orchard at Altapass master plan implementation.

•

Develop and implement site-specific plans to design and construct a sustainable trail system.

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

The Orchard at Altapass Master Plan

Implementation —153

154 — Implementation

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

A APPENDIX A: DESTINATION MCDOWELL FACT SHEET B: ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS OF OLD FORT TRAIL DEVELOPMENT C: OLD FORT TRAILS PROJECT OVERVIEW D: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS E: MCDOWELL COUNTY WAYFINDING PACKAGE

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —155

APNDX A

D E S T I N AT I O N

PLAN PURPOSE The McDowell County Tourism Development Authority

TO U R I S M

M A S T E R

P L A N

DESTINATION MCDOWELL FACT SHEET

FACT SHEET

(MCTDA) is responsible for managing occupancy tax revenues obtained from visitors staying in the County’s shortterm lodging establishments. According to its enabling legislation, the MCTDA must use these funds to market and promote the County to attract

PLAN GOALS

visitors. In addition, the MCTDA may use up to one-third of

ASSETS. Identify the County’s existing tourism assets and evaluate their current condition and ability to provide for a quality visitor experience. PARTNERS. Engage government and community

these funds to invest in “tourism-related capital infrastructure” projects. These capital investments often include trails, greenways, cultural/historic attractions, agri-tourism,destination-quality parks, attractive downtowns, and the creation of multi-use public spaces suitable for major events and festivals.

leaders to identify public capital infrastructure projects currently being planned and developed, which will also enhance the visitor experience. GAPS. Identify new, compelling tourism-infrastructure

The purpose of the McDowell County Tourism Master Plan is to create a 15-year roadmap to ensure the MCTDA effectively stewards its capital infrastructure program through strategic decision-making and investments.

projects to further the County’s visitor brand position. UNITY. When possible, identify tourism projects that support other community goals, including: Improving quality of life to retain young adults and attract a skilled workforce; inspiring new small business growth and investment; improving and protecting environmental quality; and encouraging active lifestyles to support public health. VISUAL. Create a plan that generates interest and inspires the community around a unified vision by creating compelling renderings, site master plans, 3-D illustrations, and other graphics to effectively communicate recommendations. STRATEGY. Provide the MCTDA and its partners with clear strategies and a prioritization schedule for implementing the 15-year master plan.

THE PLANNING PROCESS 1) Research and Preliminary Analysis The consultant team will conduct a direction-setting meeting with the MCTDA project steering committee to discuss key opportunities and constraints, develop a database of existing tourism assets, and conduct an extensive field analysis to assess the County’s assets. 2) Stakeholder and Public Engagement Conduct a series of interviews and focus groups meetings with civic leaders and tourism-related businesses. Disseminate an online survey to be advertised on Facebook that encourages citizens to share their ideas and help establish the overall project direction. 3) Plan Development With guidance from the steering committee, stakeholders, and citizens, the consultant team will create a plan framework that features preliminary recommendations for improving and

CONTACT

expanding the County’s tourism-related assets. The consultant team will then conduct another round of public engagement. 4) Final Plan Development

Eric Woolridge, AICP

President Destination by Design Planning 828-719.1109 eric@DbDplanning.com

Carol Price

Executive Director McDowell County Tourism Authority 828-668-4282 execdirector@blueridgetravelers.com

The final 15-year tourism infrastructure master plan will feature all recommendations, a phasing schedule, an estimate of probable cost, and an outline of grant funding sources. Copies of the plan will be available for the public to view on the MCTDA website.

156 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APNDX B ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS OF OLD FORT TRAIL DEVELOPMENT APPENDIX —157 DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APNDX C OLD FORT TRAILS PROJECT OVERVIEW

Overview McDowell County consists of over 285,000 acres of land. More than 75,000 acres is USFS land. These public lands represent a tremendous asset to the health, wellness, and economies of local communities. The outdoor industry is one of the largest economic sectors in the American Economy. Last year it contributed $887 billion annually in direct consumer spending, supported 7.6 million American jobs, and generated $59.2 billion in state and local tax revenue.

G5 At A Glance The G5 Trail Collective is a non-profit initiative focused on trail development and maintenance in the five counties that make up the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest. Our mission, in collaboration with the USFS, is to raise money and increase volunteer support for maintenance and development of backcountry trails in the Grandfather Ranger District. The outcomes we seek are sustainable backcountry trails, a robust trail volunteer network, and healthier and more vibrant rural communities.

Why Focus on USFS lands? The Land is Ours - High Return on a Relative Low Investment - Short Timeline Construction Cost ● Cost to build a mile of trail on USFS land= $37,000 a mile ● Cost to build paved linear greenway trail= $775,000 to $1,000,000+ a mile Economic Return- (see attached economic impact graphic) ● Direct Consumer Spending in county based on 90 mile radius of Old Fort= $2.5million- $4.2 million ● Direct Consumer Spending in county based on 240 mile radius of Old Fort= $19.8 million- $33 million Timeline● 8-10 miles of trail can be built a year beginning in winter 2021. Total build time of approximately 5 years. G5 Collective 985 Camp Grier Rd. | PO Box 490 | Old Fort, NC | 28762

158 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Current Status$150,000 raised for planning, design, permitting and flagging. The project will be shovel ready by October, 2021. Need The project needs $50,000 of additional permitting funds due to an addition of 17 miles of trail based on local community input.

Local Community Trails- Zone E

G5 Collective 985 Camp Grier Rd. | PO Box 490 | Old Fort, NC | 28762

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —159

APNDX D

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

COMMUNITY SURVEY RESULTS

Q1 Which activities have you or your family participated in within the last year in McDowell County? Answered: 205

Skipped: 5

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Walking

Hiking

Running Horseback riding Guided history programs Mountain biking

Road biking

Camping

Fishing Canoeing/kayaki ng Public concerts

Boating (lake)

Swimming

Rock climbing Downtown special events Wildlife watching/bir... Sight seeing 0%

160 — APPENDIX

10%

20%

30%

1 / 3250%

40%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Walking

87.32%

179

Hiking

73.17%

150

Running

13.17%

Horseback riding

3.41%

Guided history programs

9.76%

Mountain biking

11.71%

Road biking

8.78%

Camping

22.44%

Fishing

34.63%

Canoeing/kayaking

33.17%

Public concerts

16.59%

Boating (lake)

30.24%

Swimming

32.68%

Rock climbing

3.41%

Downtown special events

50.73%

104

Wildlife watching/birding

38.05%

Sight seeing

40.98%

Total Respondents: 205

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —161

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q2 How important are the following assets to visitors and residents of McDowell County? Answered: 208

Skipped: 2

Lake James State Park Blue Ridge Parkway

Catawba Falls Pisgah National Forest

Fonta Flora State Trail Lake James

Downtown Marion Catawba River

4 / 32

162 — APPENDIX

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Mountains to Sea Trail Joseph McDowell...

Downtown Old Fort Point Lookout Trail

Little Switzerland Toms Creek Falls

Black Bear Access Area Curtis Creek Recreation Area

6 / 32

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

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APPENDIX —163

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Historic Carson House Pisgah Game Lands

Davidson’s Fort Andrews Geyser

10%

20%

Least important

30%

(no label)

40%

50%

(no label)

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

(no label)

Most important

Overmountain Victory...

Mountain Gateway Museum

8 / 32

164 — APPENDIX

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey LEAST IMPORTANT

(NO LABEL)

MOST IMPORTANT

TOTAL

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

Blue Ridge Parkway

0.49% 1

1.94% 4

8.25% 17

29.13% 60

60.19% 124

206

4.47

Pisgah National Forest

0.49% 1

2.43% 5

6.80% 14

31.55% 65

58.74% 121

206

4.46

Lake James

2.97% 6

13.86% 28

22.28% 45

57.92% 117

202

4.29

Catawba River

0.00% 0

3.92% 8

15.20% 31

31.37% 64

49.51% 101

204

4.26

Lake James State Park

1.92% 4

4.81% 10

15.38% 32

29.33% 61

48.56% 101

208

4.18

Catawba Falls

0.97% 2

3.40% 7

17.48% 36

35.44% 73

42.72% 88

206

4.16

Fonta Flora State Trail

1.97% 4

4.93% 10

23.15% 47

32.02% 65

37.93% 77

203

3.99

Downtown Marion

2.44% 5

8.78% 18

20.49% 42

33.17% 68

35.12% 72

205

3.90

Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway

5.29% 11

6.25% 13

19.71% 41

34.62% 72

34.13% 71

208

3.86

Point Lookout Trail

1.93% 4

5.80% 12

30.92% 64

31.40% 65

29.95% 62

207

3.82

Toms Creek Falls

1.92% 4

5.29% 11

32.69% 68

32.21% 67

27.88% 58

208

3.79

Curtis Creek Recreation Area

2.43% 5

12.62% 26

25.24% 52

27.18% 56

32.52% 67

206

3.75

Mountains to Sea Trail

1.96% 4

12.25% 25

26.47% 54

28.43% 58

30.88% 63

204

3.74

Downtown Old Fort

6.28% 13

14.01% 29

26.57% 55

28.02% 58

25.12% 52

207

3.52

Little Switzerland

4.88% 10

12.20% 25

28.29% 58

35.12% 72

19.51% 40

205

3.52

Black Bear Access Area

5.34% 11

12.62% 26

33.98% 70

28.16% 58

19.90% 41

206

3.45

Pisgah Game Lands

9.50% 19

16.00% 32

30.50% 61

20.50% 41

23.50% 47

200

3.33

Andrews Geyser

8.17% 17

12.98% 27

37.50% 78

21.63% 45

19.71% 41

208

3.32

Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail

6.28% 13

14.98% 31

38.65% 80

25.60% 53

14.49% 30

207

3.27

Mountain Gateway Museum

5.83% 12

19.42% 40

35.44% 73

22.82% 47

16.50% 34

206

3.25

Historic Carson House

9.76% 20

17.07% 35

31.22% 64

26.34% 54

15.61% 32

205

3.21

14.90% 31

25.96% 54

37.50% 78

14.90% 31

6.73% 14

208

2.73

Davidson’s Fort

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —165

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q3 How should the TDA prioritize development of the following facilities in McDowell County ? Answered: 207

Skipped: 3

Picnic areas

Hiking trails

Paved greenways

Outdoor event venues

Canoe/kayak accesses

Downtown public spaces

Campgrounds

Multi-use trails

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166 — APPENDIX

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Mountain bike trails Fishing areas

Museums Historical sites

Equestrian trails Swimming areas

Rock climbing access Playgrounds

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

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APPENDIX —167

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey 0%

10%

Low priority LOW PRIORITY

20%

30%

(no label) (NO LABEL)

40%

50%

60%

(no label) (NO LABEL)

70%

(no label)

(NO LABEL)

80%

90% 100%

High priority

HIGH PRIORITY

TOTAL

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

Hiking trails

1.98% 4

2.48% 5

12.87% 26

23.27% 47

59.41% 120

202

4.36

Outdoor event venues

0.49% 1

5.37% 11

16.10% 33

29.27% 60

48.78% 100

205

4.20

Downtown public spaces

3.40% 7

2.91% 6

18.93% 39

28.16% 58

46.60% 96

206

4.12

Multi-use trails

2.94% 6

5.39% 11

17.16% 35

28.43% 58

46.08% 94

204

4.09

Picnic areas

1.95% 4

5.85% 12

18.54% 38

31.22% 64

42.44% 87

205

4.06

Paved greenways

2.96% 6

7.88% 16

21.18% 43

23.65% 48

44.33% 90

203

3.99

Canoe/kayak accesses

1.46% 3

5.37% 11

25.37% 52

32.68% 67

35.12% 72

205

3.95

Campgrounds

3.88% 8

5.34% 11

22.82% 47

30.10% 62

37.86% 78

206

3.93

Fishing areas

3.90% 8

6.34% 13

22.44% 46

32.68% 67

34. 63% 71

205

3.88

Historical sites

3.43% 7

7.35% 15

26.96% 55

28.92% 59

33.33% 68

204

3.81

Swimming areas

2.91% 6

11.17% 23

22.33% 46

30.58% 63

33.01% 68

206

3.80

Playgrounds

5.37% 11

9.76% 20

20.49% 42

27.80% 57

36.59% 75

205

3.80

Mountain bike trails

7.35% 15

7.84% 16

26.96% 55

26.47% 54

31.37% 64

204

3.67

Museums

3.88% 8

10.68% 22

33.98% 70

31.55% 65

19.90% 41

206

3.53

Equestrian trails

8.96% 18

24.88% 50

40.80% 82

14.93% 30

10.45% 21

201

2.93

12.38% 25

21.78% 44

40.59% 82

16.83% 34

8.42% 17

202

2.87

Rock climbing access

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168 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q4 How should Marion, Old Fort, and Little Switzerland prioritize the following items in their Downtown areas? Answered: 208

Skipped: 2

Public space Cleanliness

Street trees and greenery Community character an...

Building facades Amenities (benches, tr...

Parking Historic preservation

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

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APPENDIX —169

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Wide sidewalks Lighting

Store front signage Free Wiﬁ

10%

Low priority

20%

30%

(no label)

40%

50%

(no label)

60%

70%

(no label)

80%

90% 100%

High priority

Public art

Picnic areas

18 / 32

170 — APPENDIX

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey LOW PRIORITY

(NO LABEL)

HIGH PRIORITY

TOTAL

WEIGHTED AVERAGE

Cleanliness

0.00% 0

1.45% 3

3.86% 8

13.04% 27

81.64% 169

207

4.75

Community character and unique identity

1.46% 3

3.88% 8

12.62% 26

25.73% 53

56.31% 116

206

4.32

Amenities (benches, trash cans, bike racks)

0.49% 1

3.88% 8

12.62% 26

29.61% 61

53.40% 110

206

4.32

Historic preservation

1.93% 4

3.86% 8

17.87% 37

21.74% 45

54.59% 113

207

4.23

Public space

1.46% 3

1.94% 4

16.99% 35

32.52% 67

47.09% 97

206

4.22

Street trees and greenery

0.48% 1

4.81% 10

15.38% 32

34.62% 72

44.71% 93

208

4.18

Building facades

1.46% 3

2.44% 5

17.56% 36

35.12% 72

43.41% 89

205

4.17

Parking

1.94% 4

3.40% 7

18.93% 39

28.64% 59

47.09% 97

206

4.16

Lighting

0.49% 1

4.85% 10

22.82% 47

32.52% 67

39.32% 81

206

4.05

Free Wifi

7.80% 16

19.51% 40

16.10% 33

48.78% 100

205

3.90

Public art

2.88% 6

6.25% 13

25.96% 54

29.33% 61

35.58% 74

208

3.88

Picnic areas

3.88% 8

6.80% 14

29.13% 60

23.30% 48

36.89% 76

206

3.83

Wide sidewalks

4.35% 9

11.11% 23

24.64% 51

26.57% 55

33.33% 69

207

3.73

Store front signage

1.92% 4

8.65% 18

35.10% 73

31.73% 66

22.60% 47

208

3.64

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —171

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q5 Rank the following tourism categories in order of importance (1-4): Answered: 207

Skipped: 3

Outdoor Recreation

Downtown Main Streets

Arts and Culture

Heritage and History

TOTAL

SCORE

Outdoor Recreation

52.50% 105

18.50% 37

11.50% 23

17.50% 35

200

3.06

Downtown Main Streets

24.62% 48

34.36% 67

25.64% 50

15.38% 30

195

2.68

9.79% 19

24.74% 48

38.14% 74

27.32% 53

194

2.17

10.31% 20

21.13% 41

26.29% 51

42.27% 82

194

1.99

Arts and Culture Heritage and History

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172 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q6 How difficult is it to access existing recreation and tourism assets in McDowell County? Answered: 204

Skipped: 6

Access

10%

20%

Not at all diﬃcult

30%

40%

(no label)

50%

60%

(no label)

70%

80%

90% 100%

(no label)

Very diﬃcult NOT AT ALL DIFFICULT Access

(NO LABEL) 20.59% 42

25.00% 51

(NO LABEL)

42.65% 87

9.80% 20

VERY DIFFICULT 1.96% 4

TOTAL

204

WEIGHTED AVERAGE 2.48

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —173

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q7 What is the most significant barrier to accessing existing recreation and tourism assets in McDowell County? Answered: 202

Skipped: 8

Lack of information ...

Lack of parking

Overcrowding

Safety concerns

Lack of alternative... 0

TOTAL

SCORE

Lack of information and wayfinding signage

61.67% 111

12.78% 23

10.56% 19

10.00% 18

5.00% 9

180

4.16

Lack of parking

13.61% 23

47.93% 81

18.34% 31

13.02% 22

7.10% 12

169

3.48

Overcrowding

12.94% 22

14.71% 25

31.76% 54

19.41% 33

21.18% 36

170

2.79

7.19% 12

11.98% 20

19.16% 32

31.14% 52

30.54% 51

167

2.34

12.87% 22

14.04% 24

16.37% 28

22.81% 39

33.92% 58

171

2.49

Safety concerns Lack of alternative transportation

23 / 32

174 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q8 How important is the toursim industry in McDowell County? Answered: 210

Skipped: 0

Tourism industry

10%

20%

Not important

30%

40%

(no label)

50%

60%

(no label)

70%

80%

90% 100%

(no label)

Very important NOT IMPORTANT Tourism industry

0.48% 1

(NO LABEL) 2.38% 5

(NO LABEL)

9.05% 19

21.43% 45

VERY IMPORTANT 66.67% 140

TOTAL

210

WEIGHTED AVERAGE 4.51

24 / 32

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —175

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q9 What is your zip code? Answered: 208

Skipped: 2

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q10 What is your age? Answered: 209

Skipped: 1

Under 18

18-22

23-30

31-40

41-50

51-60

60+ 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Under 18

0.48%

80%

90% 100%

18-22

0.00%

23-30

6.22%

31-40

12.92%

41-50

11.96%

51-60

27.75%

60+

40.67%

TOTAL

85 209

25 / 32

176 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q11 What is your gender? Answered: 208

Skipped: 2

Male

Female

Other

Prefer not to answer

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Male

34.13%

Female

61.06%

127

Other

0.00%

Prefer not to answer

4.81%

TOTAL

0 10 208

27 / 32

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —177

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q12 Please specify your race. Answered: 209

Skipped: 1

White or Caucasian Black or African... Asian or Asian American

Native American

Paciﬁc Islander Prefer not to answer 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

ANSWER CHOICES

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

RESPONSES

White or Caucasian

89.47%

Black or African American

1.91%

187 4

Asian or Asian American

0.00%

Native American

0.48%

Pacific Islander

0.00%

Prefer not to answer

8.13%

TOTAL

17 209

28 / 32

178 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q13 Please specify your ethnicity. Answered: 207

Skipped: 3

Hispanic or Latino

Not Hispanic or Latino

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Hispanic or Latino

1.45%

Not Hispanic or Latino

98.55%

TOTAL

90% 100%

3 204 207

29 / 32

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —179

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q14 What is the highest level of school or degree you have completed? (If you’re currently enrolled in school please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.) Answered: 209

Skipped: 1

Less than a high school... High School Diploma or... Trade School Some college, no degree Associate degree Bachelor ’s degree Master ’s degree Professional degree Doctorate Prefer not to answer 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Less than a high school diploma

0.48%

High School Diploma or equivalent (e.g. GED)

7.18%

Trade School

2.39%

Some college, no degree

15.31%

Associate degree

14.35%

Bachelor’s degree

28.23%

Master’s degree

17.70%

Professional degree

4.78%

Doctorate

6.22%

3.35%

Prefer not to answer TOTAL

180 — APPENDIX

30 / 32

209

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

McDowell County Tourism Infrastructure Plan - Resident Survey

Q15 What is your total household income? Answered: 210

Skipped: 0

Less than $20,000 $20,000 to $34,999 $35,000 to $49,999 $50,000 to $74,999 $75,000 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 $150,000 or more Unsure or prefer not t... 0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90% 100%

ANSWER CHOICES

RESPONSES

Less than $20,000

0.95%

$20,000 to $34,999

10.48%

$35,000 to $49,999

13.81%

$50,000 to $74,999

16.67%

$75,000 to $99,999

14.29%

$100,000 to $149,999

16.67%

$150,000 or more

11.43%

Unsure or prefer not to answer

15.71%

TOTAL

33 210

32 / 32

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —181

12 b

12 a

Marion

j j

Old Fort

Visitor Center Lodging

12 c

Marion Visitor Center Lodging

Old Fort

j j

Marion Visitor Center Lodging

12 d

Old Fort

j j

Marion

j j

182 — APPENDIX

Visitor Center Lodging

Old Fort

MCDOWELL COUNTY WAYFINDING PACKAGE

Old Fort

APNDX E

Marion Visitor Center Lodging

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

W Henderson St (SR-1001)

Cross Street:

US 221 Byp NB On Ramp

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Linville Falls

Little Switzerland

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

W Henderson St (SR-1001)

Cross Street:

US 221 Byp NB On Ramp

< Linville Falls

Speed Limit:

< Little Switzerland

Notes: Behind Sidewalk NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow any destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

W Henderson St (SR-1001)

Cross Street:

US 221 Byp SB On Ramp

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Blue Ridge Pkwy >

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Schematic

^ Downtown Marion

Traffic Direction:

Site Image

< Blue Ridge Pkwy

Mining Sign Data

< Mining

Notes: Behind Sidewalk NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow the destination due to distance of >2miles from sign

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Images: Google Earth

APPENDIX —183

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

W Henderson St (SR-1001)

Cross Street:

US 221 Byp SB On Ramp

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

^ Downtown Marion ^ Lake James > Mining

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

<\ Mining

Primary Street:

W Henderson St(SR-1001)

Cross Street:

Burgin St

<\ Blue Ridge Pkwy

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will sign allow at this location. NCDOT will not allow any destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

<\ Linville Falls <\ Little Switzerland Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Rutherford Rd (221 BUS)

Cross Street:

S Garden St

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will sign allow at this location with these destination

Downtown Marion Dining / Shopping

^> ^

Post Office >

Images: Google Earth

184 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 70

Cross Street:

Lake Tahoma Rd (NC-80)

^ Outdoor Rec

Speed Limit:

^ Old Fort

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT might allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow any destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Sign Number:

8 Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 70

Cross Street:

Lake Tahoma Rd (NC-80)

Speed Limit:

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Blue Ridge Pkwy >

^ Downtown Marion ^ Little Switzerland < Mt. Mitchell State Park

Traffic Direction: EB Notes: NCDOT might allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow aome destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. Consider adding Greenway

< Blue Ridge Pkwy Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Lake Tahoma Rd (NC-80)

Cross Street:

US 70

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Schematic

^ Pisgah NF

Sign Data

Sign Type:

Site Image

< Downtown Marion < Lake James

Old Fort

Notes: NCDOT might allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow aome destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —185

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I 40 WB off ramp (exit 81)

Cross Street:

Sugar Hill Rd (SR-1001)

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Sign Number:

11 Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I 40 EB off ramp (exit 81)

Cross Street:

Sugar Hill Rd (SR-1001)

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Blue Ridge Pkwy > Linville Falls

Little Switzerland

< Downtown Marion < Blue Ridge Pkwy < Linville Falls

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

< Little Switzerland Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

W. Main St (US 70)

Cross Street:

Old US 70 (SR-1400)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Schematic

Downtown Marion >

Sign Data

Sign Type:

Site Image

Notes: NCDOT will sign allow at this location with these destinations. Consider replacing Hiking/Mtn Biking with Andrew’s Geyser

<< Hiking/ Mtn Biking <^ Lodging

^ Museum

^ Visitor Center Images: Google Earth

186 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Catawba Ave (SR-1103)

Cross Street:

W. Main St (US 70)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow some destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.They would like to see a sign mockup with the Forestry Icons before agreeing to their use. Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

W. Main St (US 70)

Cross Street:

Catawba Ave (SR-1103)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will sign allow at this location with these destinations. They would like to see a sign mockup with the Forestry Icons before agreeing to their use.

Sign Number:

15 Wayfinding

Primary Street:

W. Main St (US 70)

Cross Street:

Catawba Ave (SR-1103)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will sign allow at this location with these destinations. They would like to see a sign mockup with the Forestry Icons before agreeing to their use.

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

< Lodging < > Trails (icon, icon, icon)** >

Marion

Sign Data

< Visitor Center < Art Gallery/ Museum ^ Lodging <^ Trails (icon, icon, icon)** Sign Data

Sign Type:

Site Image

Visitor Center ^> Art Gallery / Museum

Trails ^> (icon, icon, icon) ** Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —187

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I 40 EB off ramp

Cross Street:

Bat Cave Rd (SR-1103)

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will allow these destinations but not at this location

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

< Art Gallery / Museum

Sign Number:

17 Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I 40 EB off ramp

Catawba Falls 3mi >

Cross Street:

Catawba River Rd

Recreation Park

Site Image

< Visitor Center

Sign Type:

Traffic Direction:

Schematic

< Old Fort

Sign Data

Speed Limit:

Site Image

Camping

> ^>

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will allow these destinations but not at this location Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I 40 WB off ramp

Cross Street:

Catawba Ave (SR-1103)

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction: WB Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will allow these destinations but not at this location. Consider a sign on Catawba River Rd, outside of controlled access area.

188 — APPENDIX

< Catawba Falls / Recreation Park Old Fort

Visitor Center

Art Gallery / Museum

> Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Catawba Ave (SR-1103)

Cross Street:

Catawba River Rd

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Catawba Falls

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Recreation Park > Camping

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will allow these destinations but not at this location Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

E Main St (US 70)

Cross Street:

Curtis Creek /Greenlee Rd(SR-1234)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT might allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow aome destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. They would like to see a sign mockup with the Forestry Icons before agreeing to their use.

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

E Main St (US 70)

Cross Street:

Curtis Creek /Greenlee Rd (SR-1234)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will sign allow at this location with these destinations. They would like to see a sign mockup with the Forestry Icons before agreeing to their use.

^ Marion < Curtis Creek Area < Trails (icon, icon, icon)**

Sign Data

^ Old Fort Curtis Creek Area

Trails > (icon, icon, icon)**

Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —189

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Curtis Creek Rd (SR-1227)

Cross Street:

E Main St (US 70)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

< Marion Old Fort

Art Gallery / Museum >

Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow some destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. Consider adding Visitor Center Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Greenlee Rd (SR-1234)

Cross Street:

E Main St (US 70)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow some destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. Consider adding Visitor Center.

^ Curtis Creek Area

^ Trails

(icon, icon, icon)**

< Old Fort >

Marion

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Greenlee Rd (SR-1234)

Cross Street:

Parker Padgett Rd (SR-1240)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

< Old Fort < Curtis Creek (icon, icon, icon)**

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will allow these destinations but not at this location. Consider adding Visitor Center.

Images: Google Earth

190 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 221 Bypass

Cross Street:

US 70

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

< Mt. Mitchell State Park <^ Blue Ridge Pkwy

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

^ Little

Switzerland

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 70

Cross Street:

N Main St (US 221 Bus/NC 226)

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Site Image

< Old Fort

< Lake James

< Camping Downtown Marion >

Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow aome destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. sider adding shopping/dining Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 70

Cross Street:

US 221 Bypass

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow aome destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. Consider adding shopping/dining

< Visitor Center

^ Old Fort Little Switzerland

Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —191

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 70

Cross Street:

US 221 Bypass

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Visitor Center

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Mining

< Little Switzerland

^ Downtown Marion

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

< Downtown Marion

Primary Street:

US 221 Bypass

Cross Street:

US 70

< Camping

Speed Limit:

^ Visitor Center SB

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

^ Mining Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

< Downtown Marion

Primary Street:

I-40 EB Off Ramp (Exit 85)

Cross Street:

US 221

< Blue Ridge Pkwy

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Schematic

Sign Data

Traffic Direction:

Site Image

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

< Little Switzerland Mining

> Images: Google Earth

192 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I-40 WB off-ramp (Exit 85)

Cross Street:

US-221

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Sign Number:

32 Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I-40 EB Off-Ramp (Exit 86)

Cross Street:

NC 226

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Sign Number:

33 Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I-40 WB Off-Ramp (Exit 86)

Cross Street:

NC 226

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Blue Ridge Pkwy > Little > Switzerland < Mining

Downtown Marion > Blue Ridge Pkwy > Little Switzerland

Linville Falls

Sign Data

Sign Type:

Schematic

Downtown Marion >

Sign Data

Sign Type:

Site Image

Downtown Marion > Blue Ridge Pkwy > Little Switzerland

Linville Falls

> Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —193

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Rutherford Rd (NC226)

Cross Street:

US 221 Bypass and US 221

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction: SB Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. Consider adding other destinations

Sign Number:

35 Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 221

Cross Street:

US 221 BYP and NC 226

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. Consider adding other destinations

Little Switzerland

Linville Falls

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

NC 226

Cross Street:

US 221 Bypass and US 221

Speed Limit:

45 WB

Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign. Consider adding other destinations

194 — APPENDIX

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

^ Mining

^ Downtown Marion < Mt Mitchell State Park < Blue Ridge Pkwy < Visitor Center

Sign Data

Downtown Marion >

Sign Number:

Traffic Direction:

Schematic

Blue Ridge Pkwy >

Sign Data

Sign Type:

Site Image

^ Little

Switzerland

^ Blue Ridge Pkwy ^ Visitor Center Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Site Image

Schematic

Sign Data

Site Image

Schematic

Sign Data

Site Image

Schematic

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 221 Bypass

Cross Street:

NC 226 and US 221

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will not allow some of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

Sign Number:

< Downtown Marion < Lake Jam`es < Dining / Shopping Mining >

# 38 Removed from plan

Sign Type: Primary Street:

Cross Street: Speed Limit: Traffic Direction: Notes:

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

NC 226

Cross Street:

NC 226A near Blue Ridge Pkwy

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will consider allowing this sign and these destinations only if Little Switzerland is defined as an urban area

< Little Switzerland < Dining / Lodging Blue Ridge Pkwy >

Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —195

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Chestnut Grove Church Rd(SR-1447)

Cross Street:

NC 226 A

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will consider allowing this sign and aome of these destinations only if Little Switzerland is defined as an urban area and they are within 2 miles.

Marion

Dining / Shopping Little Switzerland

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

Catawba River Rd (SR-1274)

Cross Street:

Catawba River/ I-40 EB off ramp

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will allow these destinations but not at this location. Consider a sign on Catawba River Rd, outside of controlled access area.

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 221

Cross Street:

NC 226

Speed Limit:

Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to the great distance from urban. NCDOT will not allow any of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign

196 — APPENDIX

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

< Catawba Falls (mileage xx) < Recreation Park < Camping

Sign Data

< Little Switzerland <^ Blue Ridge Pkwy

^ Linville Falls

^ Public Golfing Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Sign Number:

Sign Data

Site Image

Schematic

Sign Data

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

# 43 Removed from plan

Sign Type: Primary Street: Cross Street: Speed Limit: Traffic Direction: Notes: See Sign # 12

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

US 70 (W. Main St)

Mtn. Biking / Hiking

Cross Street:

Old US 70 (SR-1400)

Andrew’s Geyser >

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Lodging

Notes: NCDOT will sign allow at this location with these destinations. Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

W Henderson St (SR-1001)

Cross Street:

Railroad St

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Notes: NCDOT will allow sign at this location. NCDOT will not allow any of these destinations due to distance of >2miles from sign.

^ Mining ^ Blue Ridge Pkwy ^ Linville Falls ^ Little

Switzerland Images: Google Earth

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

APPENDIX —197

Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I-40 EB off ramp

Cross Street:

Parker Padgett Rd (SR-1240)

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

Site Image

Schematic

< Old Fort < Curtis Creek Area < Trails (icon, icon, icon)**

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will allow these destinations but not at this location. Consider adding Visitor Center. Sign Data

Sign Number:

Sign Type:

Wayfinding

Primary Street:

I-40 WB off ramp

Cross Street:

Greenlee Rd (SR-1234)

Speed Limit: Traffic Direction:

< Old Fort < Curtis Creek Area < Trails (icon, icon, icon)**

Notes: NCDOT will not allow sign at this location due to controlled access. NCDOT will allow these destinations but not at this location. Consider adding Visitor Center. Sign Data

Sign Number: Sign Type: Primary Street: Cross Street: Speed Limit: Traffic Direction: Notes:

Images: Google Earth

198 — APPENDIX

DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

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McDowell County Wayfinding Wayfinding All items

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

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DESTINATION MCDOWELL TOURISM MASTER PLAN

Destination McDowell - Tourism Master Plan

Articles inside

C. Old Fort Trails Project Overview

A. Destination McDowell Fact Sheet

EXHIBIT 71: ORCHARD AT ALTAPASS MASTER PLAN

EXHIBIT 69: LYNN GAP TRAILHEAD

IMPROVEMENTS AND PEDESTRIAN CONNECTOR

EXHIBIT 70: MINERALS MUSEUM TRAILHEAD

MAP 08: LITTLE SWITZERLAND AREA PROJECTS

EXHIBIT 66: CURTIS CREEK TRAILHEAD

EXHIBIT 63: NORTH CATAWBA AVENUE RENDERING

EXHIBIT 62: COMMERCE STREET RENDERING

AVENUE CROSSINGS

EXHIBIT 50: GEORGIA STREET CROSSING

EXHIBIT 48: STATE STREET RENDERING

EXHIBIT 52: BALDWIN STREET RENDERING

EXHIBIT 54: MCDOWELL HOUSE RENDERING

EXHIBIT 51: BALDWIN AVENUE CROSSING

EXHIBIT 53: MARION STREET CROSSING

EXHIBIT 46: PEAVINE STUDY AREA

AND SIGNAGE

INTERIOR IMPROVEMENTS

EXHIBIT 36: W. HENDERSON GATEWAY STREETSCAPE

EXHIBIT 37: WEST HENDERSON STREET STREETSCAPE

EXHIBIT 41: DREXEL PROPERTY

EXHIBIT 38: WEST HENDERSON STREET RENDERINGS

EXHIBIT 40: LOGAN STREET RENDERING

EXHIBIT 35: MARION STUDY AREA

MAP 06: MARION AREA PROJECTS

EXHIBIT 32: OLD FORT GATEWAY SIGN - NCSTEP PLAN

WONDERLAND

MAP 05: COUNTY-WIDE WAYFINDING

EXHIBIT 26: OLD FORT TRAILS PROJECT MAP

EXHIBIT 25: FRIENDS OF MOUNTAINS TO SEA TRAIL

EXHIBIT 24: OVNHT CONNECTOR

ASSOCIATION (OVTA

SEGMENT 3

EXHIBIT 19: BLACK BEAR TRAILHEAD

STATE TRAIL (F3ST

EXHIBIT 20: US HWY 64 TRAILHEAD

EXHIBIT 16: PHILLIPS LANDING ENTRANCE SIGN

MCDOWELL COUNTY

4.1 County-wide Connections Tourism Area

3.3 Community Survey

3.4 Emerging Themes and Guiding Principles

EXHIBIT 13: PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

3.1 Tools of Engagement

OUTDOOR RECREATION

3.2 Community Partners

EXHIBIT 12: MCDOWELL ARTS COUNCIL ASSOCIATION

EXHIBIT 10: MARION

EXHIBIT 09: OLD FORT

EXHIBIT 08: LITTLE SWITZERLAND

EXHIBIT 06: STATE TRAILS

RECREATION BUSINESS CASE STUDIES

EXHIBIT 05: CATAWBA FALLS

EXHIBIT 04: POINT LOOKOUT TRAIL

EXHIBIT 03: CATAWBA RIVER

1.1 Project Background

EXHIBIT 02: PISGAH NATIONAL FOREST

2.3 Previous Planning Efforts

1.4 Plan Organization

1.2 Project Goals

2.4 Asset Inventory

1.3 Planning Process

2.1 Regional Context