Enjoy the Outdoors Year-Round in Halifax County
Halifax County has four distinct seasons to experience, from the heat of summer to the cool days of spring and fall, as well as the chance of some fluffy flakes in winter. In every season, visitors can enjoy the outdoors here, from the local wildlife to exhilarating mountain bike trails to serene waters on which to while away the morning with a fishing rod. Here are some ideas about what to do here to explore all that the area has to offer throughout the year.
Summer Living at Its Best
Where the warmth of summer hits Halifax County, the place to be is on the water. Lake Gaston, a 20,000-acre lake in Littleton, is situated between the Kerr and Gaston Dams. Public access to the water can be found at the Lake Gaston Day Use Area, which includes a boat ramp and swimming beach. The park also has a reservable picnic area for those looking to make a day of it.
Another place where outdoor enthusiasts can take in the sun while enjoying time on the water is Roanoke Rapids Lake in Roanoke Rapids. The Day Use Park offers a 17-acre lakefront site for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the numerous walking trails in the park, as well as family-friendly activities, like a playground, sand volleyball courts, and a 9-hole disc golf course. Locals consider this park to the one of the best spots for taking in the sunrise or sunset reflecting on the water.
Paddlers looking to spot some local wildlife are sure to enjoy the Roanoke River. The trees along the banks provide some cooling shade on hot days, as well as home roosts for numerous birds. Check out the map for the Roanoke River State Trail, a blueway trail that runs from Roanoke Rapids to Albemarle Sound, to plan out an afternoon or even a multiday excursion along the river.
Take to the Trails for the Colors of Autumn
The cooler temperatures of fall beckon hikers and mountain bikers to the trails that crisscross Medoc Mountain State Park in Hollister. With nearly 30 miles of trails to explore, everyone can find a path that suits their skill level, whether those that meander along the creek or others that climb up to the summit. Bikers will find 9 miles of multi-use trails that take advantage of the park’s rolling terrain. Make sure to follow the directional arrows to ensure a pleasant experience for all riders.
For an easier, yet just as interesting, adventure, the 7.5-mile trail in Roanoke Rapids along the former Roanoke Navigation and Power Canal leads bikers and walkers on a journey back in time. Visitors can see some of the most impressive and best preserved remains of early 19th-century canal construction, such as hand-hewn stone culverts, locks, and an aqueduct with a 35-foot arch. The Roanoke Canal Museum in Roanoke Rapids and Riverside Mill in Weldon offer free bike rentals for the trail.
Experience the Magic of Winter
Winter in North Carolina might not evoke images of snow-covered hills and cozy ski chalets, but the season does bring a sense of wonder to Halifax County. It does snow most years, at least enough to enjoy some sledding, but without the bitter cold one finds further north.
Take advantage of the cooler weather to tour Sylvan Heights Bird Park without the crowds of summer. Many of the species found here are accustomed to winter weather and are still going about their daily activities, while others from warmer climates remain cozy in their aviaries. Take a stroll through the park’s nature trails to spot the changes in the landscape that winter brings to this region.
Wintertime also signals the arrival of the holiday market season. From home decor to thoughtful gifts to antiques and collectibles, shoppers will find it all. Some of the larger holiday markets include the Riverside Mill Holiday Open House in Weldon, Shop & Stroll Holiday on Roanoke Avenue in Roanoke Rapids, and Red Wagon Christmas Open House in Weldon, where visitors might even get a glimpse of the big man himself—Santa!
The Splendor of Spring
Each spring, striped bass—or rockfish, as they’re known in this area—migrate up the Roanoke River from Albemarle Sound to spawn, an event that draws anglers for a 2-month keeper season and another 2 months of catch-and-release. Fishing enthusiasts will find plenty to catch in Lake Gaston, Roanoke Rapids Lake, and the Roanoke River, as well as the many creeks and streams that make their way through the county. The most popular fishing spot is in Weldon, known as the “Rockfish Capital of the World.” Other sport fish that thrive here include crappie, catfish, yellow perch, and largemouth bass. Visitors will find several bait shops and outfitters in the region, as well as guides who know all the best sites.
Fish aren’t the only wildlife that draws visitors to Halifax County. Numerous mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians live in the area, and spring is a great time to see them. Whether from the lakeside trails, where wading birds, turtles, frogs, and small mammals are emerging with the warmer weather, to forest walks at Medoc Mountain, where deer, black bears, and weasels can be spotted. The best chance to see these animals is to keep quiet while walking down the paths.
No matter what time of year, Halifax County offers outdoor lovers a chance to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of this part of North Carolina. Any season is perfect for a visit!