The Roanoke River offers a distinctive perspective on Martin: It runs through Martin County, where paddling and camping trails and opportunities for rock fishing are among the waterfront experiences. Nearby, places like Williamston and Hamilton tell stories of architecture, educational history, and local life. You can shape your discoveries around nature and culture, without encountering them in quite the same way.
Along the Roanoke River: Routes on the Water and on Land
On the Roanoke River State Trail, you can paddle, fish, and camp. There are platforms for overnight stays along the route. The trail brings together several ways to spend time by the river, from a paddling trip or fishing to staying overnight at a campground along the route.
The Skewarkee Rail Trail also passes through landscapes along the Roanoke River. It offers walking and cycling routes, connects to the Roanoke River Boardwalk, and intersects trails in the NC Birding Wildlife viewing trails program. Another clearly defined option is the Martin County Equine Trail: a shaded, one-mile loop for horseback riding. Its length, loop shape, and intended use set it apart from the options for walking, cycling, or traveling on the water.
The Williamston boat ramp 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 amenities may change, it is best to check before your visit.
Williamston: Architecture and Local History
The Asa Biggs House was built in 1835 and combines Greek Revival and Federal styles. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. If you are interested in architecture, its two distinct styles offer a concrete way to engage with the history of the house. A self-guided tour is available at the Asa Biggs House Visitor’s Center on Church Street in Williamston; it is best to confirm availability in person.
The Williamston Commercial District is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other historic landmarks in town include the Old Martin County Courthouse, built around 1885, the Doctor W. Bagley Office, from around 1850, and Skewarkey Primitive Baptist Church, from around 1853. Their approximate construction dates place these buildings in different decades of the 19th century.
The Historic Church Trail offers a self-guided tour with on-site signs about the history and architecture of the churches. The interpretive information lets you consider the buildings’ design and background. The Williamston Colored School tells another, distinct story: The one-story red-brick school was built with support from the Julius Rosenwald Fund and the State Literary Fund as Williamston’s first modern high school for African Americans.
Hamilton: Buildings and African American History
Hamilton’s National Register Historic District includes Antebellum homes dating from 1830 to 1850. Hamilton is also home to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, built around 1881, a frame church in the Gothic Revival style. The district’s houses and the later church offer different perspectives on the town’s architecture over time. A self-guided tour of homes and other buildings in Historic Hamilton is available at Hamilton Town Hall; confirm availability before your visit.
The historic grounds of the Hamilton Rosenwald School, built around 1920, have interpretive signs. The Roanoke River Underground Railroad Trail has markers at the school. The Rosenwald River Center was historically known as Hamilton Colored School. Work is underway to preserve it so it can serve as a visitor and community center and share information about its role in the Underground Railroad. At these sites, it is also important to distinguish between existing interpretive information and an ongoing preservation project.
Local Life, Events, and More to Explore
In Everetts, the former Champion Automobile Building anchors the business district, which is about a block long. Visitors can see the J.T. Barnhill Building on US Business 64/13; it still operates as a general store and has a painted advertising sign on the outside. Since its use as a store may change, it is a good idea to confirm before visiting.
The Martin County Arts Council operates out of the Flat Iron Building on Washington Street and offers arts programs at the arts center and through community outreach. At JLS Alpacas, visitors can interact with alpacas and learn about life on a farm. Since visitor arrangements may change, it is best to confirm in advance. For culture enthusiasts and travelers interested in learning about local agriculture, these are two distinct ways to experience life in the region.
The Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center is just off US Highway 64, at Exit 512. The venue for equestrian events and other spectator events opened in 1998; event dates vary. If you want to include an event in your plans, check the relevant date in advance.
The Chicken Mull Festival in Bear Grass is a fall festival celebrating chicken mull, a traditional dish from Martin County. The 13th edition, scheduled for October 24, 2026, is set to feature live music, a poultry show, a classic-car cruise, and local vendors. Check the date and program again before making plans, as they may change.
Explore more destinations: Williamston, Mcdowell, Greene County, Rockingham County, Madison County, Wayne, Watauga, Graham County.
For the broader travel overview: North Carolina.
