Little Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.0 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Little Falls
Little Falls is a small falls on the Tar River listed by the USGS in Battle Park, Rocky Mount's largest city park, which is centered on the Falls of the Tar River beside the Rocky Mount Mills complex. The paved Tar River Trail runs next to the river and links several city parks, so the river can be seen on an easy walk. The park also has picnic shelters, a gazebo, a boat ramp and fishing piers.
The Setting
Little Falls sits at 62 feet within City of Rocky Mount - Battle Park, in the coastal lowlands of North Carolina.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The Tar River Trail is mostly paved, with one boardwalk section over marsh, and runs next to the Tar River through Battle Park and other city parks. Biking and walking paths also loop through Battle Park.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall is typically more active due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks around the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and supervise children closely. Watch for poison ivy and ticks in the area.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Tar River, 0.9 miles away, not on Little Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
92 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 50 years of record
3.22 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge TAR RIVER AT NC 97 AT ROCKY MOUNT, NC (1 km away).
Today
Moderate
92 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Moderate
103 cfs
8/10Thu
Moderate
102 cfs
5/10Fri
Moderate
103 cfs
8/10Sat
Moderate
103 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
106 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
106 cfs
8/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to early April, peaking in March.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Rocky Mount hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Little Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Little Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 71°F to 43°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 94 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Here the descent is spread out: 3-meter lidar measures about 18 feet of drop through Little Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 64 feet above sea level.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 64 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 18 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Battle Park is on the Tar River in Rocky Mount, next to the Rocky Mount Mills complex on Falls Road.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
62 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.960988° N, -77.801368° W
Land Management
Managed by UNK
Visitor Tips & Gear
Visit during the spring or after rainfall for the best water flow. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Early mornings or weekdays are less crowded.
Where to Stay
Tru By Hilton Rocky Mount, Nc
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Rocky Mount, NC
Holiday Inn Rocky Mount I-95 @ US 64 by IHG
Residence Inn by Marriott Rocky Mount
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other nearby natural attractions may include hiking trails, picnic areas, or additional waterfalls. Check local guides for more details.
Wildlife
The area is home to various birds, small mammals, and insects. Be mindful of wildlife and avoid disturbing their habitat.
Cities near Little Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Little Falls
27 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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