The Roanoke Canal contains some of the most impressive and best-preserved early 19th-century canal construction in the nation. Enjoy this seven-mile hiking trail, which has been designated as a site on the NC Coastal Plains Birding Trail. An interactive museum interprets life along the Roanoke River since the 18th century. See a replica batteau boat and try your hand at navigating a lock system. Begun before 1819 and completed in 1823, the Roanoke Canal was built as the North Carolina segment of the ambitious Roanoke Navigation System.