Roanoke Rapids, NC Road Trips

Similar to Goldsboro and Rocky Mount, Roanoke Rapids is another former textile mill town built on the fall line where the Piedmont bedrock meets the alluvial coastal plain, in nautical terms being the point where navigation no longer becomes possible for most water craft. This demarcation made for good zones in which to build mills and storage centers and towns that went along with them, and in this case it was along the Roanoke River. In Roanoke Rapids specifically, a canal was built to circumvent some challenges, and today this has become a popular park and trailway. The textile operations were a big business in Roanoke Rapids up until they closed up in the latter half of the 20th century. The film Norma Rae was made about unionization efforts by a woman in this region.

1 Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail, 15 Jackson St, ☏ +1 252-537-2769. Tu Th Sa 10AM-4PM. This is a fun trail because of the water features and historical value therein. The canal was used both for navigational purposes and to generate power. The trail is approximately 7.5 miles along. The museum covers the intent and stories behind the canal. $4 over age 9.

Second Street Lunch (2nd Street Lunch), 22 East 2nd Street, ☏ +1 252 537-5635. 8:30AM-6PM. Local favorite. $1-10. (updated Apr 2025)

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Roanoke Rapids SE, 74 Premier Boulevard, ☏ +1 252-535-3300. High speed wi-fi, outdoor pool. Days Inn Weldon Roanoke Rapids, 1611 Julian R Allsbrook Highway, ☏ +1 252-536-4867. Continental breakfast. Quality Inn, 1914 Julian R Allsbrook Highway, ☏ +1 252-537-9927. High speed internet access. Hilton Garden Inn Roanoke Rapids, 111 Carolina Crossroads Parkway (Interstate 95, exit 171), ☏ +1 252 519-2333. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Free parking, free Wi-Fi, non-smoking restaurant, indoor pool, fitness center. (updated Apr 2025)

By car. Roanoke Rapids is directly connected by highway with Rocky Mount (Interstate 95), Fayetteville (Interstate 95), and Elizabeth City (US 158).