Discover Martin

Martin offers different ways to plan a trip: the Roanoke River, with opportunities for paddling and fishing; historic buildings; and local events. If you’re planning a hotel stay, you can first decide whether river activities, heritage, or a particular event should be the focus. The places and activities offer concrete ideas to help you plan.

Roanoke River and Trails

The Roanoke River runs through Martin County and offers paddling and camping trails, as well as opportunities for rock fishing. On the Roanoke River State Trail, you can paddle, fish, and camp; platforms along the route provide places to stay overnight. The Skewarkee Rail Trail connects to the Roanoke River Boardwalk and offers opportunities for walking and cycling through river landscapes. It also intersects with trails in the NC Birding Wildlife Viewing Trails program. The Martin County Equine Trail has a different focus: its shaded loop is one mile long and intended for horseback riding. The trails thus differ in activity and scenery, without requiring you to follow a particular route sequence.

Williamston’s boat ramp may also be of interest for a stay by the water. It has parking for boat trailers, as well as a fishing pier or boardwalk. It is the only boat ramp in Martin County with a restroom. Since facilities may change, it’s a good idea to confirm what’s available before your visit.

Historic Sites in Williamston

The Asa Biggs House was built in 1835 and combines Greek Revival and Federal architectural styles. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. A self-guided tour is available at the house’s Visitor Center on Church Street in Williamston; it’s best to confirm availability in person. The Williamston Commercial District is also listed on the National Register.

Other historic attractions in Williamston include the Old Martin County Courthouse, built around 1885; the Doctor W. Bagley Office, dating to around 1850; and Skewarkey Primitive Baptist Church, built around 1853. Williamston Colored School is a one-story red brick building. With support from the Julius Rosenwald Fund and the State Literary Fund, it was established as the first modern high school for African Americans in Williamston. The Historic Church Trail connects information about the history and architecture of the churches with a self-guided tour; interpretive information is available on site.

Hamilton and Regional Heritage

In Hamilton, the National Register Historic District also includes antebellum homes dating from 1830 to 1850. A self-guided tour of homes and other buildings in Historic Hamilton is available at Hamilton Town Hall. Since it’s advisable to confirm before your visit, check availability while planning. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, built around 1881, is a Gothic Revival-style timber-frame church.

Interpretive signs can be found at the historic site of Hamilton Rosenwald School, built around 1920. Markers for the Roanoke River Underground Railroad Trail are also located at the school. Rosenwald River Center was historically known as Hamilton Colored School. Preservation work is underway so that it can serve as a visitor and community center and provide information about its role in the Underground Railroad.

Other cultural and historical destinations are spread across Martin County: Fort Branch has been privately restored and is regularly opened to the public as a regional historic site. Arrange your visit in advance. St. James Place Museum in Robersonville is among the county’s cultural and historical destinations.

Events and Other Activities

The Chicken Mull Festival in Bear Grass is a fall festival celebrating Chicken Mull, a traditional Martin County dish. The 13th edition is scheduled for October 24, 2026. The 2026 festival is planned to feature live music, a poultry show, a classic car cruise, and local vendors. Check the date and program before you travel.

The Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center is located right off US Highway 64 at Exit 512. The venue for equestrian events and other spectator events opened in 1998; individual event dates vary. The Martin County Arts Council offers arts programs at the art center in the Flat Iron Building on Washington Street, as well as through its community work. At JLS Alpacas, visitors can interact with alpacas and learn about farm life; visit arrangements may change. Farm Life Disc Golf Course offers disc golf among loblolly pines, although course conditions may change.

In Everetts, visitors can see the J.T. Barnhill Building on US Business 64/13. It continues to operate as a general store and has a painted advertising sign on the exterior; its use as a store may change. The former Champion Automobile Building is a prominent feature of Everetts’ business district, which is about one block long. Together with the sites in Williamston and Hamilton, this architectural heritage adds to the trip ideas beyond the river and trails.

Discover more destinations: Williamston, Granville County, Pender, Madison County, New Hanover, Polk County, Union County, Cherokee County.

For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.