Weldon connects the Roanoke River with a layered canal and town history. In spring, the town is known as the “Rockfish Capital” for striped bass fishing in the river. At Weldon Boat Landing, visitors can paddle kayaks and canoes through the rapids. A visit can therefore focus on anything from river activities to historic trails and buildings.
River and Roanoke Canal Trail
River Falls Park is at Weldon Boat Landing, where the Roanoke River rapids are also located. The park offers space to relax, play, and picnic. The playground and picnic shelters are open daily from sunrise to sunset. Check these hours before your visit.
The eastern trailhead of the Roanoke Canal Trail is located in River Falls Park. For 7.2 miles, the trail follows the canal’s original towpath between Roanoke Lake and Weldon. The Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail’s Bicycle Loan Program makes it possible to cycle, hike, and jog along this historic, scenic route. Check the program’s availability before your trip.
Individual structures also tell the story of the waterway: visitors can see the massive stone Chockoyotte Creek Aqueduct, which is part of the Roanoke Navigation System. The remains of the Roanoke Canal were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The trail, aqueduct, and canal remains offer different ways to explore the history of the waterway.
Architecture and History in Weldon
Weldon’s National Registered Historic District includes residential architecture in the Italianate, Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Neo-Classical Revival, and Craftsman styles. Individual buildings provide specific examples of this broad range: Grace Episcopal Church in the Weldon Historic District is Gothic Revival and dates approximately from 1872 to 1899. The Edwards-Green House there is a two-story wood-frame residence with Italianate features; it is dated approximately to 1878.
Railroad history also has a special connection to Weldon: the state’s oldest railroad building is located in the town. Its first section was built by the Portsmouth and Roanoke Railway between 1838 and 1845 as a freight depot. The date and original function refer to this first part of the building.
Another historic building is Weldon Mills Distillery. Its building was originally constructed as a gristmill in 1892. The building’s history and its current use as a distillery are two different aspects of a visit.
Places, Tours, and Visit Planning
Weldon’s Downtown Tour begins at Rocky Rockfish Park and runs along Washington Avenue, Weldon’s Main Street. Along the way, it highlights local history and shopping opportunities. Since route details may change, it’s a good idea to check them before your visit.
Weldon Mills Distillery offers tours of the distillery and has a tasting room. Tour times and availability may change, so check in advance. The distillery is less than two miles from Interstate I-95. For specific directions, use an up-to-date map.
Riverside Mill combines an antiques center, an arts and crafts gallery, and outlet stores in a historic cotton mill on the banks of the Roanoke River. The foundation stones of a Confederate hospital are still visible next to the mill. Riverside Mill is located in Weldon, 1.5 miles from Interstate I-95 Exit 173.
Those who choose Weldon can tailor their stay to their interests, choosing among the river, canal history, architecture, and the offerings of historic mills. The places and themes mentioned offer different points of focus; together, they show how closely the town’s history is connected with the Roanoke River and its former transportation routes.
Discover more destinations: Roanoke Rapids, Scotland Neck, Enfield.
Go to the main travel overview: Halifax.
