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Rocky Mount takes its name from the rocky falls of the Tar River, where English and Scottish traders met Native peoples in the 1700s and where the river's power later drove one of the earliest cotton mills in North Carolina. Railroads did the rest: the Atlantic Coast Line built its shops here, the tracks became the line between Nash and Edgecombe counties, and the town grew into a busy market for cotton and tobacco.
Today the old mill is the centerpiece of a revival. Rocky Mount Mills has become a riverside campus of craft breweries, restaurants and restored mill houses, with summer concerts on the lawn, while downtown's historic train station and the Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences, set in a former tobacco warehouse, anchor the city center. The Rocky Mount Event Center adds large concerts, tournaments and family entertainment.
Outdoors, the Tar River Trail follows the water for about seven miles, linking Battle Park at the falls, the 1930s City Lake Park and Sunset Park. The city sits right on Interstate 95, making it an easy stop between the Northeast and Florida.
WiserMap travel guideRocky Mount North Carolina Mills and Tar River TrailPlan a Rocky Mount, North Carolina trip with Rocky Mount Mills, the Imperial Centre, the Tar River Trail, Battle Park, eastern NC barbecue and historic Tarboro.Read the guide
Rocky Mount grew up around the railroad, and the 1893 brick Amtrak station still anchors downtown, where the rail line splits the city between two counties. Surrounding blocks hold early 1900s commercial buildings, murals and local eateries. The station is still served by several daily Amtrak trains.
Founded in 1818 beside the falls of the Tar River, this was one of the oldest cotton mills in the South. The restored mill village now holds breweries, restaurants, offices and small rental homes, with outdoor space for concerts and events. Visit in the evening when the taprooms and patios are busiest.
A historic downtown block on Northeast Main Street that was once the heart of Rocky Mount's African American business district. Its restored buildings now house restaurants, shops and a hotel, with plaques and art recalling the area's past. It is next to the Event Center, so pair a meal here with a game or show.
Housed in a former tobacco processing plant downtown, the Imperial Centre combines the Maria V. Howard Arts Center, a children's museum and science center, and a planetarium, plus a community theater. It makes a good rainy-day stop for families. Check opening days, as some sections close on Sundays and Mondays.
A large downtown sports and events venue opened in 2018, with basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor track and space for concerts, tournaments and trade shows. It draws regional youth sports events on many weekends. Check the event calendar before visiting, as public open play times vary.
A city complex with multiple lighted baseball and softball fields, plus soccer and multipurpose fields, used for regional and national youth tournaments throughout the year. Spectators are welcome, and weekend tournaments make for a lively scene. Bring chairs and sun protection, as shade is limited.
The performing arts center on the campus of North Carolina Wesleyan University hosts touring concerts, plays, dance shows and lectures in its main auditorium, as well as student productions. It is the region's main stage for traveling performers. Check the season lineup online and buy tickets ahead.
A riverside park beside the falls of the Tar River and next to Rocky Mount Mills, with walking paths, a boat ramp, picnic areas and a historical marker for the original mill site. It is the main trailhead for the Tar River Trail. Water levels vary, so take care near the rocks below the falls.
Rocky Mount's paved greenway follows the Tar River for several miles, linking Battle Park, Sunset Park and other green spaces through wooded riverbanks and wetlands. It is flat and good for walking, running and cycling. Bring water, and expect parts of the trail to close for a while after heavy rain or floods.
A long-loved city park on the Tar River with a miniature train ride, a carousel, a splash pad, playgrounds, picnic shelters and access to the Tar River Trail. It is the city's most popular spot for young families. The train, carousel and splash pad run seasonally, so check the city parks schedule.
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North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
North Carolina, United States
Photo: Harris Walker, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Harris Walker, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Aegreen, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: K9257, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Nyttend, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Harris Walker, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Melissa Platero, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: DanTD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: "Rocky Mount Mills, Rocky Mount, N.C." in Durwood Barbour Collection of North Carolina …, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain