21+ Things To Do at Tanglewood Park

Jacob Gauthier

June 15, 2026

Most people know Tanglewood Park for its Christmas lights, but there’s a lot more to explore year-round! From horseback riding and mountain bike trails to an arboretum and aquatic center, here are 21+ things to do at Tanglewood Park.

Updated June 2026

Horses at Tanglewood Park — Photo by Jason Tarr

Overview of Tanglewood Park

Before it was a park, Tanglewood was an estate. The 1,100-acre property in Clemmons belonged to William Neal Reynolds, brother of R.J. Reynolds, whose tobacco company put Winston-Salem on the map. When William died in 1951, he left the land to Forsyth County as a public park.

Park admission is $2 per car. If you plan on coming often, annual passes are available.

Pro Tip: Looking to save a few dollars? Park for free along Northtrail Road!

Walk, Run, and Bike the Trails

Multi-Use Trail

A wide, paved trail that winds through much of the park, making it one of the best ways to explore Tanglewood. Its 3.16 miles of connected pathways are perfect for walking, running, or biking.

Nature Trails

Little Walden Nature Trail | A hidden gem, this 0.9-mile loop takes less than 30 minutes to walk. Check out the trail map! Good to Know: Park in front of Tanglewood’s administration building on Nature Trail Drive for easy access.

Yadkin River Nature Trail | A mostly flat 2.46-mile loop through woods and meadows along the Yadkin River. Great for wildlife and birdwatching, with a natural surface along the river and a gravel road to close the loop. Getting There: Follow the park entrance road to River Birch Creek Road, then continue until you reach the parking lot on the left, across from Skilpot Lake.

Biking

Mountain Bike Trails | No matter your skill level, Tanglewood has a trail for you. Bike the 1.47-mile beginner trail, the 2-mile intermediate trail, or the 3.79-mile advanced trail.
BMX Track | Tanglewood’s official USA BMX track hosts weekly practices and races, with various membership options available.

Go Horseback Riding

If you’ve ever walked by Tanglewood Stables, you’ve probably spotted horses grazing in the nearby fields. The stables are home to privately boarded horses, as well as the park’s own horses!

Did you know Tanglewood Stables offers riding and hayride experiences? To book a reservation, call (336) 766-9540. Note: They only accept cash or checks.

Guided Trail Rides | Ages 6 and up | 45-55 minutes | A mounted guide leads you through Tanglewood’s scenic river trails and wooded paths. Check out team member Stevie’s experience.

Pony Rides | Ages 6 and under | Perfect for birthday parties, group outings, or family reunions.

Riding Lessons | For riders of all skill levels | Both group and private lessons are available.

Go on a Hayride | A fun option for larger groups, Tanglewood’s hayrides seat up to 25 and run year-round. There are even themed seasonal rides, like the Easter egg hunt hayride and the pumpkin pick hayride!

Play a Sport

Tennis | Serve up a match on one of Tanglewood’s six clay courts or four hard courts. Reservations are required and can be made through Pat’s Tennis Aces at (336) 778-6260 or [email protected].

Golf | Fore! Tee off at one of Tanglewood’s public courses — no membership required. There are 2 18-hole championship courses, a more relaxed 18-hole Par 3 course, and 2 driving ranges.

Softgolf | Think golf, but make it family-friendly. Use oversized clubs and balls and even play at night with their glow-in-the-dark equipment.

Disc Golf | Coming soon! Tanglewood’s new disc golf area will feature 33 baskets and 51 tee pads, including a beginner-friendly 6-hole course and a championship-level 18-hole course. The project is expected to be completed in late summer 2026.

Water Activities

Outdoor Aquatic Center | Aside from the main pool, there’s also a wading pool, splash pad, and winding lazy river.

Boating | Take a pedal boat out on Mallard Lake; each boat seats up to 4 people. Check out team member Stevie’s experience.

Fishing | Spend a relaxing day fishing at Mallard Lake or Skilpot Lake. Good to Know: You’ll need a valid North Carolina fishing license. Children under 12 fish for free with an adult!

Kid-Friendly Fun

Tanglewood has 2 playgrounds — one near Mallard Lake and a newly rebuilt one by Shelter #4. Kids can also climb aboard the historic train next to the Aquatic Center! Good to Know: Mallard Lake’s playground is more shaded.

Host an Event

With its picturesque scenery, Tanglewood is also a popular destination for events. From laid-back celebrations to picture-perfect weddings, there are venue options for gatherings of all sizes and styles.

Shelters | Capacity varies | Choose from 5 unique shelters spread across the park, each offering a different setting for picnics, parties, and group gatherings.

Walnut Hall | Up to 80 | A cozy event space with a mountain lodge feel, perfect for birthday parties, small wedding receptions, and other intimate celebrations.

Red Barn | Up to 250 | A rustic venue ideal for large gatherings, wedding receptions, and other celebrations with lots of guests.

The Arbor | Up to 200 | A beautiful outdoor space located within the Arboretum. Note: The Arbor can only be booked for ceremonies like weddings or funerals.

The Clubhouse | Up to 150 | The newly rebuilt Clubhouse has in-house catering and can host weddings, corporate events, and parties.

Stay the Night

RV Campground | With more than 40 campsites, this scenic campground is a great home base for extended stays or weekend escapes. Open March through early December.

The Manor House | Stay in the former estate of William and Kate Reynolds, featuring 10 individually designed, vintage-style rooms.

Lakeside Cottages | Set along the shore of Mallard Lake, these cozy cottages accommodate up to 4 guests.

Group Stays | Bringing a bigger group? The Guest House sleeps up to 8, and The Apartment accommodates 7.

Explore More Outdoors

Arboretum and Gardens | “Stop and smell the flowers” — literally. Take a slow, unhurried walk through Tanglewood’s arboretum and gardens. Check out the wildflower section, the children’s garden, and the carnivorous plants in the bog garden! Classes and volunteer days are offered occasionally throughout the year.

Tanglewoof Dog Park | Let your pup run free in this spacious park, featuring separate areas for large and small dogs.

Eat and Drink at the 19th Hole

No need to leave the park for a meal. The 19th Hole, located inside The Clubhouse, serves breakfast and lunch alongside cocktails, mocktails, wine, and beer — a welcome stop before or after a day of exploring.

Drive Through the Festival of Lights

Tanglewood’s Festival of Lights is one of the region’s most beloved holiday traditions! Every year from mid-November to New Year’s Day, 300,000 visitors drive through miles of dazzling displays lit up by over 1 million LED lights!