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Long Creek Park Trail

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Hiking trails & Routes

Long Creek Park Trail

Moderate

4.6

(6745)

18,926

hikers

Long Creek Park Trail

Q: Is the Long Creek Park Trail suitable for beginners?

While the Long Creek Park Trail is generally graded as 'Easy' for its 7.5 km (4.6 miles) length, it does feature rolling hills that can be quite steep in sections. This provides a nice challenge, making it suitable for beginners looking for a bit more varied terrain than a completely flat path.

Q: What is the terrain and scenery like on the trail?

The trail is situated on a former golf course, offering unique terrain with rolling hills and scenic water views. You'll hike on old golf-cart paths, which provide a sense of seclusion despite being near residential areas. The park features open spaces, and in colder months, the frozen ponds can be quite beautiful. Be aware that some sections may have potholes or overgrown weeds due to maintenance needs.

Q: Is the Long Creek Park Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is a popular spot for dog walking. While not explicitly stated in the provided information, it's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them in public parks.

Q: What is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. In colder months, visitors have noted the beauty of frozen ponds. The rolling hills and open spaces make it pleasant in various seasons, though specific seasonal considerations like foliage or heat might influence your preference.

Q: What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

Wildlife, including various birds and squirrels, can often be seen along the trail. The park's natural setting, even within a former golf course, provides habitats for local fauna.

Q: Where can I park to access the Long Creek Park Trail?

Specific parking details are not provided, but as it's a park trail, parking facilities are typically available at designated access points within Long Creek Park in Winston-Salem, NC.

Q: Are there any fees or permits required to access Long Creek Park?

There is no mention of entrance fees or permits required to access Long Creek Park or its trails. It is generally considered a public park accessible to all.

Q: Is the Long Creek Park Trail a loop?

Yes, the primary route, known as the Long Creek Park Loop in Forsyth County, North Carolina, is approximately 7.5 km (4.6 miles) long, indicating it is a loop trail.

Q: Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Northeast Drive.

Q: Are there any specific features or viewpoints to look out for?

The trail's past as a golf course gives it a unique character with wide open spaces and scenic water views from the former course. While there aren't specific named viewpoints, the varied terrain and open areas offer many picturesque spots, especially around the ponds.

02:22

7.26km

80m

Hiking

The Long Creek Park Trail offers a distinctive hiking experience, winding through a landscape reimagined from a former golf course. You'll navigate mostly paved paths, remnants of old golf-cart routes, interspersed with dirt sections and rolling hills that include some steep inclines. Enjoy open fields, wooded edges, and scenic water views, with bridges crossing over creeks, all while keeping an eye out for diverse wildlife in this rewilding natural area.

Planning your visit to Long Creek Park is straightforward; it's a popular and dog-friendly trail, so you'll likely share the path with others. The 4.5-mile (7.3 km) route, with its 254 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain, is rated moderate and typically takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes to complete. The park also features amenities like a swimming pool and picnic shelters, making it suitable for a longer stay.

What truly sets this trail apart is its unique origin as a golf course, now transformed into a tranquil natural space. Despite its urban surroundings in Winston-Salem, it provides a surprising sense of seclusion and is recognized as an excellent spot for birdwatching. The park also preserves remnants of a 1784 grist mill site, adding a layer of historical interest to your outdoor adventure.

Last updated: June 9, 2026

Waypoints

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Parking

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7.26 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

6.53 km

645 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

6.78 km

380 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Today

Friday 10 July

32°C

22°C

91 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Long Creek Park Trail suitable for beginners?

While the Long Creek Park Trail is generally graded as 'Easy' for its 7.5 km (4.6 miles) length, it does feature rolling hills that can be quite steep in sections. This provides a nice challenge, making it suitable for beginners looking for a bit more varied terrain than a completely flat path.

What is the terrain and scenery like on the trail?

The trail is situated on a former golf course, offering unique terrain with rolling hills and scenic water views. You'll hike on old golf-cart paths, which provide a sense of seclusion despite being near residential areas. The park features open spaces, and in colder months, the frozen ponds can be quite beautiful. Be aware that some sections may have potholes or overgrown weeds due to maintenance needs.

Is the Long Creek Park Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is a popular spot for dog walking. While not explicitly stated in the provided information, it's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them in public parks.

What is the best time of year to hike this trail?

The trail can be enjoyed year-round. In colder months, visitors have noted the beauty of frozen ponds. The rolling hills and open spaces make it pleasant in various seasons, though specific seasonal considerations like foliage or heat might influence your preference.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

Wildlife, including various birds and squirrels, can often be seen along the trail. The park's natural setting, even within a former golf course, provides habitats for local fauna.

Where can I park to access the Long Creek Park Trail?

Specific parking details are not provided, but as it's a park trail, parking facilities are typically available at designated access points within Long Creek Park in Winston-Salem, NC.

Are there any fees or permits required to access Long Creek Park?

There is no mention of entrance fees or permits required to access Long Creek Park or its trails. It is generally considered a public park accessible to all.

Is the Long Creek Park Trail a loop?

Yes, the primary route, known as the Long Creek Park Loop in Forsyth County, North Carolina, is approximately 7.5 km (4.6 miles) long, indicating it is a loop trail.

Does the trail intersect other well-known paths?

Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Northeast Drive.

Are there any specific features or viewpoints to look out for?

The trail's past as a golf course gives it a unique character with wide open spaces and scenic water views from the former course. While there aren't specific named viewpoints, the varied terrain and open areas offer many picturesque spots, especially around the ponds.

What is the overall atmosphere of the trail?

The trail is appreciated for its peaceful atmosphere and sense of seclusion. Despite being surrounded by houses, the old golf-cart paths and open spaces create a serene environment, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quiet outdoor experience.