For one of the most rewarding small-town destinations in eastern North Carolina’s Inner Banks region, Williamston, NC offers a thoughtful mix of outdoor adventure, riverside history, and family-friendly attractions. The county seat of Martin County sits along the western bank of the Roanoke River — historically known as the “Moratock” — and that river identity runs through the town’s most distinctive attractions. Walkers and cyclists can explore the Skewarkee Rail Trail, a beloved multi-use path built along the former Atlantic Coast Line Railway corridor, linking the historic downtown to the river. At the trail’s terminus, Moratoc Park and River Landing anchor the riverside experience with a 550-foot boardwalk, picnic shelters, and easy access to launch a kayak or boat onto the Roanoke. Beyond the river, the Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center hosts horse shows, dressage competitions, and tractor pulls throughout the year — adding equestrian and rural-life energy to Williamston’s broader attractions calendar. Click on any of the attractions below to explore the spots we’ve personally visited around Williamston.
