Salem Lake Trail

The Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop offers a refreshing mix for road cyclists, combining smooth paved sections with natural surface paths around the lake. You'll cycle through tranquil, tree-lined greenways, past urban parks, and near historic Old Salem, before opening up to expansive views of Salem Lake. The lakeside portion is often shaded by hardwoods and pines, providing continuous glimpses of the water and opportunities to spot local wildlife like ducks and deer.

This easy 16.7-mile (26.9 km) route has a gentle 482 feet (147 metres) of elevation gain and takes about 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete. While the Salem Creek Greenway is mostly paved, the 7-mile Salem Lake Trail is unpaved packed dirt and gravel, which can be challenging for narrow road bike tires due to roots and uneven terrain. Numerous parking access points are available along the route, and restrooms can be found at the Salem Lake Marina.

This popular multi-use trail is a local favorite for exercise, shared by cyclists, runners, and walkers. The varied terrain and scenery make it a notable route in the Winston-Salem area, connecting urban green spaces with natural lakeside beauty. It's an excellent option if you're looking for a diverse ride that's not too strenuous but still offers a good workout and plenty to see.

Embark on a varied cycling adventure with the Salem Lake – Salem Creek Greenway loop, a moderate 25.3-mile (40.8 km) route that winds through natural scenery and urban parks. You'll pedal alongside the tranquil Salem Creek, enjoying tree-lined paths and glimpses of city parks, before reaching the expansive views of Salem Lake. The trail around the lake offers continuous water vistas, shaded by hardwoods and pines, with opportunities for birdwatching and spotting wildlife like deer. Expect a mix of paved asphalt, boardwalk, and concrete on the greenway, transitioning to packed dirt and crushed gravel on the Salem Lake Trail, which adds an engaging challenge for road cyclists.

Planning your ride requires a bit of foresight, as there's no direct greenway connection from East Forsyth High School; you'll need to use local roads to reach an access point. Once on the greenway, you'll find restrooms and water fountains conveniently located around Salem Lake. Be prepared for some sections of rough pavement on the greenway and potentially muddy or sandy spots after rain, particularly near the lake, which can affect your ride quality.

This loop is praised for its connectivity, offering a continuous off-road experience away from vehicular traffic for significant portions, minimizing at-grade crossings. The Salem Lake Trail is a highlight, popular for its picturesque lake views and interpretive signs about local flora and fauna. While the route has a gentle elevation gain of 1137 feet (347 metres) and can be completed in about 2 hours and 1 minutes, the unpaved sections around Salem Lake make it more suitable for gravel or hybrid bikes, or adventurous road cyclists.