The best cycling routes around Winston-Salem
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Touring cycling around Winston-Salem features a network of greenways and trails that connect urban areas with natural landscapes. The region offers varied terrain, including paved paths along greenways, routes encircling lakes, and trails through woodlands. These routes provide connections from the city center to natural attractions, catering to different cycling preferences.
Best touring cycling routes around Winston-Salem
- The most popular touring cycling route is Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop, an easy 16.7 miles (26.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 38 minutes to complete. This route combines scenic lake views with greenway paths.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Salem Lake Trail, an easy 7.2 miles (11.5 km) path. This trail encircles Salem Lake, offering views of the water and surrounding woodlands.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Salem Creek Greenway, a 7.0 miles (11.2 km) trail leading through urban and natural areas, often completed in about 39 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Winston-Salem is defined by extensive greenways, scenic lake paths, and urban connections. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult routes.
- The routes in Winston-Salem are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews. More than 450 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Winston-Salem's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
4.6
(36)
76
riders
26.9km
01:38
150m
150m
The Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, connecting three distinct greenways into one cohesive route. You'll pedal along the Waughtown Connector Greenway, transition to the Salem Creek Greenway, and then enjoy the serene Salem Lake Trail, which provides pleasant views of the water. The smooth, paved surfaces make this an ideal choice for a relaxed ride, perfect for families or those new to cycling.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with parking typically available at various access points along the Salem Lake Greenway and Salem Creek Greenway. This easy 16.7-mile (26.9 km) loop, with its modest 482 feet (147 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 38 minutes. It's a fantastic option for a leisurely outing, especially during the milder seasons of spring and autumn.
This route stands out as one of the best touring cycling routes in Winston-Salem for its accessibility and gentle nature. It's a family-friendly and dog-friendly option, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone. The connection between the Salem Lake Greenway and Salem Creek Greenway creates a continuous path, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural features surrounding Salem Lake without significant effort.
4.9
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63
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11.5km
00:44
50m
50m
The Salem Lake Trail offers a refreshing escape, circling the tranquil waters of Salem Lake. This popular route is known for its smooth, well-maintained surface, making it an ideal choice for touring cyclists seeking a relaxed ride with continuous lake views. It's a fantastic option for those who appreciate a peaceful natural setting without demanding terrain.
Planning your ride is straightforward, with ample parking typically available at the main access points around Salem Lake Park. To ensure a more serene experience, consider visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays. The trail is accessible throughout the year, though the mild weather of spring and autumn often provides the most comfortable cycling conditions.
This 7.2-mile (11.5 km) loop is rated easy, featuring only 162 feet (49 metres) of elevation gain and taking approximately 43 minutes to complete. It's a favorite among locals for its accessibility and gentle profile, making it a perfect family-friendly cycling destination or a quick, invigorating spin for any rider.
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17
riders
11.2km
00:39
60m
60m
Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Salem Creek Greenway, a paved path stretching 7.0 miles (11.2 km). You will experience diverse scenery, cycling beside the tree-lined Salem Creek and through lush, wooded areas. The route offers glimpses of the Winston-Salem skyline and Salem Lake, providing a mix of natural beauty and urban views. You will also pass Molly Leight's Crossing, a notable bridge along the way. With a gentle elevation gain of 192 feet (59 metres), this ride takes approximately 39 minutes, making it perfect for a relaxed outing.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the greenway is easily accessible with parking available at various points along its length. Keep in mind that this is a very popular trail, especially during weekends, so you might encounter many other users. The paved, 8-foot-wide surface accommodates bikes, walkers, and even wheelchairs, making it an excellent choice for family-friendly cycling adventures. Consider starting your ride earlier in the day to enjoy a quieter experience.
Beyond its scenic appeal, the Salem Creek Greenway serves as a vital connection point within the region. The route provides convenient access to the historic district of Old Salem, allowing you to easily combine your ride with a cultural exploration. You can also connect to downtown Winston-Salem, expanding your options for dining or further sightseeing. This greenway stands out as a key recreational artery, blending natural beauty with urban convenience.
5.0
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12
riders
43.1km
02:40
320m
320m
Embark on a moderate touring cycling adventure around Salem Lake, starting conveniently from Wake Forest University. This route spans 26.8 miles (43.1 km) and involves a total elevation gain of 1056 feet (322 metres), typically taking about 2 hours and 39 minutes to complete. As you pedal, you will experience lush, shaded pathways that offer continuous scenic views of Salem Lake, winding through woodlands with open water vistas and opportunities to spot local wildlife like ducks, herons, and deer. You might even cross the historic Old Salem Covered Wooden Bridge, adding a touch of charm to your ride.
This touring cycling route primarily utilizes Winston-Salem's extensive greenway system, connecting you seamlessly from the Wake Forest University area to the Salem Creek Greenway and then directly to Salem Lake. The Salem Lake Trail itself, which forms a significant part of this loop, provides convenient amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and benches along the way. Consider starting your ride in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and potentially fewer crowds, especially during peak seasons.
The Salem Lake Park area is well-known as a popular hub for a variety of outdoor activities, making this route a vibrant part of the local recreational scene. The trail's connection to the 7-mile Salem Lake Trail highlights its importance within the community's network of paths. This loop offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban accessibility, showcasing why it is a notable option for cyclists looking to explore the Winston-Salem area by bike.
4.3
(3)
6
riders
10.2km
00:41
90m
80m
Cycle an easy 6.4-mile (10.2 km) loop through Winston-Salem's greenways, enjoying urban views and natural sections.
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Tips from the Community
Here you will find a really nice bridge that passes over Salem Creek. Although there is a trail that runs along the creek it is not often that you get a good view of it due to the thick growth around it. This spot really lets you look up and down the creek. There is also a plaque right before the bridge explaining where it gets its name and some of the history of the area. Very interesting.
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Although this foot bridge was build in 1998 it looks like something out of the past. It connects the Strollway to the south end of Old Salem. It is not the main entrance to Old Salem, but it is a nice entrance and is reminisce of something from that time period.
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Reynolda’s Gardens and grounds were originally part of the Reynolda estate. Now it is a free entry 134 acre garden complex that includes formal gardens, greenhouses and woods. It is a veritable outdoor horticultural oasis open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk. A beautiful place to visit.
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Another good Winston-Salem Greenway. Salem Creek Greenway runs along Salem Creek from Marketplace Mall, through Washington Park, under Broad Street, across Main Street and through Happy Hill and Reynolds parks to Salem Lake Park. It is a good connector to Salem Lake with a wide paved trail.
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The Waughtown Connector runs from Marble and Waughtown streets through Quarry Park to the Peachtree Greenway. It is about 1.61-mile long and is around 10 foot wide. It a good trail that is mostly paved but when not there is a gravel trail. If you are carrying on from the Connector Greenway onto the Salem Lake Trail then the latter is more suited for a gravel bike than an all out road bike being mainly a dirt trail.
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The Waughtown Connector Greenway is one of many connector trails that connect to the Salem Creek Greenway. It is almost 2 miles long and is a mix of pavement and crushed limestone.
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The Salem Lake Trail is a very popular trail near Winston-Salem. The path runs around the banks of Salem Lake. The path is mostly dirt but has some paved parts and is popular with cyclists, walkers and runners.
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The greenways around Winston-Salem are really nice for riding, walking or running. This section runs along Salem Creek and is a great way to get to Salem lake. At times some of the lower sections can flood when there is a lot of rain.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available around Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 30 options available. These include 14 easy routes, 16 moderate routes, and 4 more challenging routes, catering to various skill levels.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Winston-Salem?
The spring and fall seasons are generally ideal for touring cycling in Winston-Salem. The weather is typically mild and pleasant, and the natural landscapes, especially along the greenways and lake trails, are particularly beautiful with blooming flowers or vibrant autumn foliage.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Winston-Salem?
Yes, Winston-Salem has several excellent family-friendly options. The city's extensive greenway system offers many flat, paved paths suitable for all ages. Routes like the Salem Lake Trail and the Salem Creek Greenway are popular choices, providing easy rides with scenic views. The Muddy Creek Greenway is also noted for being flat and relaxing, meandering alongside horse pastures.
Are dogs allowed on the touring cycling trails in Winston-Salem?
Many of Winston-Salem's greenways and multi-use trails are dog-friendly, provided your dog is kept on a leash. It's always a good idea to check specific park or trail regulations before you go, but generally, you can enjoy a ride with your canine companion on routes like the Salem Lake Trail and various greenways.
What kind of scenic views or attractions can I expect along the touring cycling routes?
Touring cycling routes in Winston-Salem offer diverse scenery. You can enjoy tranquil lake views along the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop, urban vistas and murals on the Long Branch Trail, and peaceful woodland paths. Many routes also pass by or connect to attractions like Reynolda Gardens, Quarry Park with its deep blue lake overlooks, and historic sites like the Old Salem Covered Wooden Bridge.
Are there any loop trails for touring cyclists in Winston-Salem?
Yes, Winston-Salem features several excellent loop trails. A prominent example is the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop, which combines the scenic Salem Lake Trail with the Salem Creek Greenway for a comprehensive ride. The Salem Lake Trail itself is a 7-mile loop around the lake. Additionally, the city's interconnected greenway system allows for creating longer loop excursions.
Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Winston-Salem?
Parking is generally available at various access points for the greenways and trails. For instance, Salem Lake Park, which serves as a hub for the Salem Lake Trail and Salem Creek Greenway, offers dedicated parking facilities. Many other greenway segments also have designated parking areas, often near trailheads or parks they connect to.
Can I access touring cycling routes using public transport in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem's public transportation system, Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA), does offer bus services that can provide access to certain areas near greenways and cycling routes. Cyclists should check WSTA routes and schedules to see which lines best connect to their desired starting points, as buses are typically equipped with bike racks.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the cycling trails?
Yes, several cycling routes, especially those connecting to or passing through urban areas, offer convenient access to cafes and eateries. The Salem Creek Greenway, for example, links downtown Winston-Salem to Salem Lake, putting you within reach of various dining options. The Innovation Quarter, traversed by the Long Branch Trail, also features urban amenities including cafes.
What is the elevation profile like for touring cycling in Winston-Salem?
The touring cycling routes in Winston-Salem generally feature varied terrain. Many greenways, such as the Muddy Creek Greenway, are relatively flat, making for easy rides. However, some routes, like the Salem Lake loop from Wake Forest University, can include moderate elevation changes, offering more of a workout. The region's diverse landscape provides options for both gentle and more undulating rides.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Winston-Salem?
The touring cycling experience in Winston-Salem is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 140 reviews. Reviewers often praise the extensive and well-maintained greenway network, the scenic lake views, and the convenience of routes that connect urban areas with natural escapes. The variety of easy and moderate options is also frequently highlighted.
Are there any longer touring cycling routes that connect multiple greenways?
Absolutely. Winston-Salem's greenway system is designed to be interconnected, allowing for longer, more extensive touring cycling adventures. For example, the Salem Creek Greenway directly links to the Salem Lake Trail, forming a substantial loop. The Long Branch Trail also connects with the Salem Creek Greenway, enabling a combined ride of up to 20 miles, offering a mix of urban and natural scenery.
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