The trail is one of six nominees in the American Planning Association North Carolina Chapter's greenway division Great Places in North Carolina contest.

Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky and Roanoke Canal Museum Cultural Resources Leader Randall Spence drafted the nomination entry for the contest.

Out of 18 nominations, the trail made the final six nominees on which the public can vote for until 5 p.m. on February 27.

“When I saw it, I thought Roanoke Rapids has a really great greenway,” Lasky said today. “I nominated it to let people know it's a gem that our city has and that it has something for everyone.”

To win the contest, Lasky said, would be an accolade for the city.

In the nomination, the trail is described thusly: “The Roanoke Canal Trail is a remnant of historic navigation designed to connect the Blue Ridge Mountains and Norfolk. The trail follows the original towpath for 7.2 miles providing pedestrian and cyclist access between Roanoke Rapids Lake Day Use Park and River Falls Park in Weldon. Informational displays along the way illustrate the history of transportation on the Roanoke River from the early 1800s forward. Historic structures and architectural features are preserved to portray the engineering feats. The Canal Trail hosts the annual Roanoke Canal Half-Marathon drawing hundreds of visitors to the Roanoke Valley area.”

“For me, it's therapeutic,” Lasky said. “We are lucky to live here and I feel like everyone should be proud of it.”

Roanoke Rapids Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said, “It's a great opportunity for the Canal Trail to be recognized throughout the state. The Canal Trail appeals to a wide variety, offering historical points of interest, leisurely walks, nature observance, athletic and competitive interest

and education opportunities.”

Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “We are very fortunate to have a 7-mile long green space running from the park on the lake to another at the river in Weldon. To be nominated with Raleigh, Durham and Orange County speaks volumes of the trail and the very pride we have for it.”

A victory, she said, “Would be great for promoting the trail. Ours has so much rich history.”