Weldon: Roanoke River, Canal History, and Architecture

Plan your trip to Weldon around a range of interests: river activities on the Roanoke River, the historic Canal Trail, and architecture from different eras. When looking for a hotel in Weldon, you can first consider whether fishing and paddling, canal history, or historic buildings will be the focus of your trip.

On the Roanoke River and the Canal Trail

Weldon is known as the “Rockfish Capital” for its spring striped bass fishing on the Roanoke River. The river’s rapids are at Weldon Boat Landing, where River Falls Park is also located. Visitors kayak and canoe through the rapids here. Fishing and time on the water are two distinct ways to enjoy the river.

River Falls Park has space to relax, play, and picnic. The playground and picnic shelters are open daily from sunrise to sunset. As these hours apply to the listed facilities, check the latest information before your visit.

The eastern trailhead of the Roanoke Canal Trail is in River Falls Park. The trail follows the canal’s original towpath for 7.2 miles between Roanoke Lake and Weldon. The Bicycle Loan Program at the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail makes it possible to bike, walk, and jog along this historic, scenic route. If you plan to use the program, check its availability before your trip.

Canal History and Historic Architecture

The remains of the Roanoke Canal were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The Roanoke Navigation System also includes the massive stone Chockoyotte Creek Aqueduct, which visitors can see. A Confederate cemetery is also located along the Canal Trail, a few blocks from Riverside Mill.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Weldon Historic District features residential architecture in the Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Neoclassical Revival, and Craftsman styles. Individual buildings reveal this history in different ways: Grace Episcopal Church in the district is Gothic Revival and dates approximately from 1872 to 1899. The Edwards-Green House is a two-story wood-frame residence with Italianate features; it is thought to date to around 1878.

Railroad history is also part of Weldon. The state’s oldest railroad building is located here. The Portsmouth and Roanoke Railway built its first section as a freight depot between 1838 and 1845. These dates refer to this first part of the building.

Mills, Visitor Experiences, and Getting Around

The Weldon Mills Distillery building was originally built as a grain mill in 1892. Today, the distillery offers tours and has a tasting room. Check tour dates and availability in advance. The distillery is less than two miles from Interstate I-95. For directions, use an up-to-date map.

Riverside Mill is 1.5 miles from I-95 Exit 173 in Weldon. Set in a historic cotton mill on the banks of the Roanoke River, the site brings together an antiques center, a crafts gallery, and outlet stores. The foundation stones of a Confederate hospital are still visible next to the mill.

To get a feel for Washington Avenue, Weldon’s “Main Street,” take the Downtown Tour. It starts at Rocky Rockfish Park, follows the avenue, and points out local history and shopping opportunities. Routes may change, so check the tour information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Roanoke Rapids, Enfield, Scotland Neck.

For the broader travel overview: Halifax.