Montgomery County Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies Strategic Plan
Outdoor Recreation Economy
Outdoor recreation and heritage tourism are important components of Montgomery County's identity, quality of life, and economic development strategy. The county is home to nationally recognized assets including the Uwharrie National Forest, Lake Tillery, Badin Lake, the Uwharrie River, the Yadkin-Pee Dee River system, and Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site. Together, these destinations support hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, paddling, camping, hunting, fishing, off-highway vehicle recreation, cultural tourism, and educational experiences that attract visitors from across North Carolina and beyond.
Recognizing the growing economic impact of outdoor recreation, Montgomery County participated in North Carolina's Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies (CORE) program through the NC Main Street & Rural Planning Center. Through this initiative, local governments, businesses, community organizations, and residents collaborated to develop the Montgomery County Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies Strategic Plan, creating a roadmap for leveraging outdoor assets to support economic growth, tourism development, entrepreneurship, and community vitality.
The strategic plan identifies opportunities to:
- Enhance outdoor recreation infrastructure and amenities
- Strengthen connections between communities and natural assets
- Support tourism and visitor spending
- Encourage entrepreneurship and small business development
- Improve quality of life for residents
- Attract and retain workforce talent
- Promote Montgomery County as an outdoor recreation destination
The plan reflects Montgomery County's commitment to leveraging its natural, cultural, and recreational assets as a catalyst for economic development and long-term community prosperity.
Click here to view the Montgomery County Creating Outdoor Recreation Economies Strategic Plan, which was adopted in October 2025.