Top Places to Walk in Winston-Salem

Christy Bellis

October 6, 2021

One of our favorite things about Winston-Salem is all the wonderful places to walk. From neighborhoods to long trails, Winston is full of places to explore if you are an outdoor lover.

Here are some great places to walk or run in Winston-Salem!

Updated September 2025

Reynolda Gardens & Trails

Everyone in Winston knows and loves Reynolda Village, but did you know there are walking trails behind the village? Walk past the garden and Reynolda House, and you’ll find a large field with a path running around its perimeter.

Decisions, decisions: When you eventually reach a fork in the path, you can go left to return to Reynolda Village or right for a longer path through the forest.

Graylyn Estate

Graylyn Estate, a boutique luxury hotel near Reynolda Village, features beautiful architecture and gorgeous landscapes that make it feel like you’re in a French village.

Pro Tip: Walk around Graylyn at sunset!

Long Branch Trail

Long Branch Trail starts at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, runs through Innovation Quarter, goes under Business 40, and finishes at the Salem Creek Greenway. In total, the trail is 1.7 miles long and offers beautiful views of the city.

Bonus: This trail connects with the greenway along Salem Creek and Salem Lake if you want to extend your time outside!

The Downtown Strollway

This 1.2-mile path connects downtown with Old Salem. Although the trail isn’t long, it’s a great way to incorporate a trip around the historic district into your walk.

Keep Going: The Downtown Strollway also connects to the Salem Creek Greenway if you want to extend your walk!

Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail

Nestled on Crossnore’s campus, the trail affords memorable views of rolling pastures, old oak trees, and glimpses of the city skyline. Depending on your route, the Thomas Memorial Trail can extend up to 2.5 miles!

Walkability: Portions of the trail running through pastures and the back part of the property are hilly.

Hanes Park

Hanes Park sits in the heart of West End, featuring several unique bridges, a playground, tennis courts, and a track!

Pro Tip: We highly recommend going in the fall – the leaves are incredible!

The Quarry at Grant Park

Take in the gorgeous skyline views at The Quarry at Grant Park on foot! The 1.6 mile Waughtown Connector trail runs from Marble and Waughtown streets through Quarry Park to the Peachtree Greenway.

Keep Going: Extend your walk by continuing onto the 0.6-mile Peachtree Greenway!

Salem Creek Greenway

This 5.2-mile greenway starts in Washington Park and takes you all the way to Salem Lake. The route is perfect if you’re planning a long run or bike ride since you can take a 7-mile loop around Salem Lake!

Salem Lake

Salem Lake has 7 miles of mostly shaded walking, biking, and running paths. This trail is great for long walks or runs. While it is a little hilly at some points, the shade from the trees makes this a great spot to visit even during hot summer days.

Bonus: Feeling adventurous? Explore the lake from the water on a kayak! Rentals are available from May 1 to September 30.

Muddy Creek Greenway

Muddy Creek Greenway winds through open meadows, horse pastures, and a forest. The flat trail runs nearly 3 miles along Muddy Creek from Country Club Road to the Villages of Summerfield Farms housing development.

Pro Tip: Muddy Creek Greenway is a great trail to rollerblade on!

Tanglewood Park

Tanglewood Park features an easy multi-use 2.2-mile loop that takes you through the picturesque property, which also features tennis courts, an Aquatic Center, horse stables, gardens, golf, and more!

Holiday: Tanglewood Park is home to the annual Festival of Lights in November and December!

Bethabara Greenway

The 2.7-mile greenway connects the 300-year-old Moravian settlement of Bethabara with nearby neighborhoods and shopping centers.

Walkability: The greenway has flat and easy terrain that is ideal for biking, running, or walking.

C.G. Hill Memorial Park

C. G. Hill Memorial Park covers 185 acres in Pfafftown and offers a variety of amenities, including a playground, restrooms, picnic areas, and a serene fishing lake. The park features two scenic trails: a 0.3-mile loop around the lake and a 0.4-mile upper trail loop.