OVTA 50th March: The Night Before Kings Mountain

This event features multiple ways during the afternoon and evening to come experience the Cowpens the way the "Overmountain Men" would have when they gathered at this well-known cattle pasture on October 6, 1780; their last chance for rest and food before continuing to the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7, 1780.

Check out our list of programs below and see which ones are the best choices for you! All programs are free and do not require reservations.

Schedule of events:

12:30pm - "Nature Trail Hike"!
Join Ranger William of Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail to explore a scenic trail that tends to be "hidden" for most visitors to the Cowpens. This hike is two-miles in length on a natural surface trail over hilly terrain. Meet at the beginning of the Nature Trail at the Picnic Shelter Area of the park. Bring water and sturdy footwear.

4:30pm - 6:00pm - "Ride to the Cowpens"!
Just as thousands of Patriot militia rode to the gathering at the Cowpens, you too can "ride" to the Cowpens! Bring your bicycles, skateboards, scooters, etc. and take a spin around the 3.5-mile Loop Road after it closes to cars at 4:30pm. This is a drop-in ride so feel free to start and stop when you want, and go as fast or slow as you're comfortable with!
- Parking can be at the main Visitor Center lot or the Trailhead Parking lot along Highway 11.
- Please nothing motorized during this ride.
- All wheeled-devices must stay on the paved Loop Road and are not allowed on any of the trails.
- Helmets are strongly encouraged!

 

5:00pm - 6:00pm - "A Trail with a Tale" Hike!
Join Ranger William from the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail for a guided tour around a different part of Cowpens National Battlefield, and what this field meant to local Patriots prior to it becoming a famous battle site. This walk will be approximately one mile in length on grass and paved trails. Meet at the benches behind the Visitor Center. Bring water and sturdy shoes.

5:30pm-6:15pm-Outdoor concert by the Jordan River Band sc.!
Whenever thousands of Patriot militia gathered together, you know they were going to have a good time! Join us for a good time with some bluegrass music from The Jordan River Band sc! Pack your picnic blanket, camp chairs, some snacks, and listen to some great evening music in the grassy field behind the Visitor Center.

6:30pm - 7:30pm - "The Night Before Kings Mountain!"
The main program of the evening! Enjoy the storytelling of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association, a group of costumed volunteers who annually recreate the journey made by the Patriot frontiersmen to the Battle of Kings Mountain. This will also be in the grassy field behind the visitor center, so bring your camp chair, take a bite of your rations, and join us as we re-create the gathering that took place in the meadow on October 6th 244 years ago!