Battle Park

Rocky Mount's largest park, with 57 acres, is located at the "Great Falls of the Tar River," where aboriginal hunters once roamed, and the Tuscarora hunted and fished. The site was home to settlers from Virginia over 200 years ago, and eventually became the early Rocky Mount. In addition to the Tar River Trail, there are paths that lead to the original "rocky mounds," the site of the first Rocky Mount post office. The Park includes scenic overlooks of the Tar River, three picnic shelters, a gazebo, fishing piers and a boat ramp. It also contains a cemetary with markers dating before the Civil War. The Confederate Monument on the edge of the Park was unveiled in 1917 in memory of Nash County soldiers known as "The Bethel Heros."

Sunset Park

This park offers many activities including a miniature train, historic carousel, lighted tennis courts, a softball field, a spray park, a skate park, basketball courts and many picnic shelters. Located off Sunset Avenue on River Drive.

Spray Park

This one-of-a-kind attraction features 10 computer controlled water spray fountains within a traditional playground structure. The play area is opened year-round with spray elements operable, weather permitting. Located at Sunset Park on Gay Street in Rocky Mount.

• FOR MORE INFORMATION
• 252-446-0500

Skate Park

Ramps and hills for kids of all ages.
Located at Sunset Park.

The Carousel

The Sunset Carousel, built in the 1920's and installed at the Sunset Park in 1952, is one of 21 surviving "Country Fair" style carousels. This type was built to be moved from fairground to fairground, and has a smaller scale than other types. Its horses are characterized by flattened ears and an absence of other protrusions which would be easily knocked off with frequent moving. The Carousel was badly damaged in the flood following Hurricane Floyd in 1999, and has been completely restored.

The Miniature Train

The miniature train has also been in the park since the 1950's. It was renovated in early 1999 by Consolidated Diesel employees who also painted it with the authentic colors of the original Atlantic Coast Line train it represents.

Tar River Trail

Tar River Reservoir

Water sports of all kinds, boat ramps, fishing and just plain outdoor enjoyment. Located on Bend of the River Road and Sapony Creek.

• FOR MORE INFORMATION
• 252-442-6933

Tar River Paddle Trail

Canoeists can explore the Tar River Paddle Trail. The trail is comprised of ten canoe and kayak access locations that connect over 50 miles of the Tar River and Stony Creek.

Canoe Rentals

Canoe launch sites are available on Stony Creek and the Tar River. Canoes and kayaks are available for day or weekend rental at reasonable rates.

• FOR MORE INFORMATION
• Steve's Bicycle Shop
• Peddler's Village
• 1120 S. Wesleyan Blvd
• 252-442-5020

Tar River Trail

Relax and take a leisurely stroll or bike ride on the new, 3.5 mile trail along the Tar River. Enjoy the scenery and the history that includes Battle Park, Martin Luther King Park and Stith-Talbert Park.

Tourist Trails

There are a variety of walking and driving trails designated in the area.

Rocky Mount Sports Complex

A division of the Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation Department, the Sports Complex will provide facilities for recreational programs such as baseball, softball, soccer and football and other field sports. It will serve as a venue for local, state and national sporting events. Once complete, The Rocky Mount Sports Complex will be one of the largest sports complexes on the entire eastern seaboard. The facility will operate during ten months of the year with the other two months earmarked for general maintenance and upkeep on the facility. During weekdays the fields will be used by Parks and Recreation Department programs and local leagues. On weekends they will play host to Tournament action, bringing some of the best local, state and national sports talent right here to Rocky Mount.

City Lake

This man-made lake completed in 1933 by the WPA. Renovations include a lighted fountain, gazebo, wildlife island and observation decks, extending over the water.

Stith-Talbert Park

Stith Talbert Park provides a popular recreation are for Rocky Mount. Features include picnic shelters, basketball court, a fishing pier, a baseball field, soccer field and playground equipment. The largest single span wooden arch bridge in the southeast connect Stith Talbert Park to Battle Park.

Martin Luther King Jr. Park

This site honors the memory of the legendary civil rights leader, whose "I have a dream" speech was first delivered at Rocky Mount's Booker T. Washington High School on November 7, 1962.

Grover Lucas Park

Located on Halifax Road, it was the setting for the NC State 2000 Tar Heel Little League Tournament.

Buck Leonard

Little League games are played on this site near the birthplace of the legendary Walker F. "Buck" Leonard, a 1972 inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Picnic Shelters

18 parks in Rocky Mount provide picnic shelters for families, groups and non-profit activities. Please contact the Parks and Recreation Department to make a reservation; otherwise sites are available on a first come, first serve basis.

• FOR MORE INFORMATION
• 252-972-1151