5 ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Nash County

Located along the Tar River and surrounded by rural beauty, Nash County is a haven for the outdoors. From hiking and biking to disc golf and playgrounds, the park and outdoor areas around the county are well-suited for a little bit of everything.

Plan your next outdoor getaway in Nash County, and stop at a few spots recommended by locals.

Situated along the Tar River Trail and Tar River Paddle Trail, Battle Park offers a mix of recreation, history and natural beauty. The park overlooks the historic Rocky Mount Cotton Mill and also holds the Battle Park Cemetery. Additionally, the land in the park used to house Rocky Mount's first post office and theater, and also served as a battleground during the Civil War.

Now, the park's reputation has more to do with the abundant fish and wildlife found around the water — as well as one of the largest wooden suspension bridges in the country.

"The Battle Park area is known throughout Eastern Central North Carolina. There's a lot of fishing in the area, a boat ramp, a canoe launch that provides access to the Tar River Paddle Trail and two fishing piers," said Thomas Gillespie, recreation director for Nash County. "The park also has a greenway trail and multiple picnic shelters."

Some of the most popular fish that can be caught in the waters off Battle Park include rockfish, largemouth bass, Channel catfish and Flathead catfish, as well as bluegill and crappie.

The walking trails of Battle Park also connect to nearby Sunset Park, which is known for its basketball, tennis courts, amusement area and large dog park.

Stretching 215 miles from Nash County to the eastern coast, the Tar River's slow-moving water is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and more.

In Rocky Mount, support from local businesses makes it easier than ever for visitors to explore the water on their own.

"People from all over love to come to Nash County to fish, kayak and bike and hike our trails at the Tar River. The Rocky Mount Mills is a great starting point for all of these activities, and they have made great partnerships with Tar River Life for people to rent kayaks to float in the Tar River," said Barbara Green, the travel and tourism director in Nash County. "After they're done, they can enjoy a meal and an adult beverage at the many restaurants and breweries at the Rocky Mount Mills, including Koi Pond, Goat Island Bottle Shop, Hop Fly Brewing Company, Mystic Brewing and Rocky Mount Brewery, as well as a local coffee shop, Books and Beans."

While on the river, paddlers can explore over fifty miles of accessible waterways — and maybe catch a glimpse of mallards, Carolina chickadees and pine warblers hiding in the surrounding roots and trees.

Another feature just off the Tar River is Stoney Creek Environmental Park, located in Nashville. The park rests along the banks of Stoney Creek and also features picnic shelters, an amphitheater, tennis courts and a greenway that winds over the wetlands along the creek.

A 46.5-acre, newly constructed park, Nash County Miracle Park at Coopers is the first all-inclusive playground in the county.

It actually has a rubberized surface so that you can access the playground with a wheelchair. This was made possible thanks to a $750,000 grant the county received from Trillium Health Resources to fund the playground" said Gillespie. "It's also one of the many dog-friendly parks in the county, as well."

In addition to Miracle Park, many parks in Nash County also offer an array of amenities.

"Sunset Park is known for basketball and tennis courts, and there are always people on the courts getting exercise and sometimes being competitive, but in a fun way," said Green. "Families love the playground equipment that our towns have in all the parks. Some parks have kids zip lines, interactive music games, spray and skate parks, and some with amusement park rides such as a merry-go-round."

Located in Nashville, North Carolina, Rose Hill is a historic country estate established in the 1700s. Today, the property is used as a venue for weddings, events, corporate retreats and more. The 860-acres of Rose Hill also house an on-site sporting clay shooting range that was featured on ESPN Outdoors.

For Green, the venue is the epitome of picturesque southern hospitality.

"As soon as you turn in the long driveway leading up to the manor, you'll see the trees guide your way along the sides of the rolling fields of this beautiful countryside. Once you reach the manor, you'll see the beautifully manicured lawn, gorgeous flowers, rolling hills and a pond," said Green. "If you're looking for a wedding venue that is elegant, luxurious and can accommodate a large party, the Nathan Hall ballroom is ideal. The options to entertain on your special day are limitless at Rose Hill."

Frisbee meets golf at the disc golf courses across Nash County. In fact, the sport is so popular that the Rocky Mount Disc Golf community hosts weekly and monthly events for players of all skill levels.

"We've actually had people book the disc golf course in Nashville at Glover Park for a disc golf tournament. We also have an 18-hole disc golf course located in the City of Rocky Mount, which has fairly large usage, as well," said Gillespie. "It's a sport that's really up and coming, so we can gather a lot of input from the public regarding using those disc golf courses and any ideas or improvements."

Other disc golf courses in the county include: