The enabling legislation for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail provides for certifying sites along the trail route that have historical significance to the march of the Patriot army to Kings Mountain. The management plan drawn up by the National Park Service at the trail's inception identified 16 potential sites worthy of certification.

An important point is that certification does not provide for unlimited public access. Sites on private property remain private property. Public access is provided only on the day of the OVTA march reenactment visit. Access at other times is at the owner's discretion. Visitors should contact the owner in advance to arrange access.

Public sites are open during regular operating hours and for the normal fees charged, if any.

Cowpens - The site is certified and is part of Cowpens National Battlefield. Open to the public, this is the spot where the Patriot army ate on the night before the battle.

Cherokee Ford of Broad River - This site is not certified. This site is private property and access is at the owner's discretion.

Kings Mountain Battlefield - The site of the battle is certified and is part of Kings Mountain National Military Park. The site is open to the public.