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Print Friendly MapThe Salem Creek Greenway follows the tree-lined creek for just over 5 miles through southern Winston-Salem.
From the western end, the trail begins off the parking lot for the Marketplace Mall. From there, you will soon pass through Washington Park, a 75-acre recreational area with athletic fields, picnic pavilions, a dog park and a playground.
Once out of the park, you will reach S Broad Street; follow it north on the sidewalk, then go east on W Salem Avenue around the traffic circle to connect to the trail again.
Or, to avoid the traffic circle: just before you reach S Broad Street, take the fork to the right under the street; cross the large wooden bridge and follow the sidewalk to the left for approximately 200 feet, then make another left before the traffic circle. This will take you back under the street and past the tennis courts.
If you go north at the traffic circle, you can also hop on the Winston-Salem Strollway, a 1.2-mile rail-trail that parallels Old Salem Road into downtown.
Stay on the greenway and you'll travel between Winston-Salem University and Civitan Park and through Reynolds Park with its 18-hole golf course.
The trail's eastern end is at Salem Lake, the city's second largest source of water and a popular place for boating and fishing. Take the 7-mile loop around the lake for outstanding views of the water.
There are numerous places to park along the route and the city's public transit system (WSTA) provides access via a few bus stops.
Parking locations include Marketplace Mall (off Peter's Creek Pkwy), Washington Park (1490 S Broad Street), at Central Park (intersection of S Main St & E Salem Ave), Reynolds Park (2450 Reynolds Park Rd), and Salem Lake Park (1001 Salem Lake Rd).
There are bus stops at Marketplace Mall and at Central Park (intersection of S Main St & E Salem Ave).
Visit the TrailLink map for all locations, transit options, and detailed directions.
This is a paved, slightly narrow path of about 3.5 miles one way. No cross roads so auto traffic is not an issue. There is generally 1 water crossing and sometimes a flooded section. Can be muddy and sandy immediately after storms. Mostly shaded. Parking available by Salem College tennis courts. One hill of note; otherwise a pleasant bike ride. Can be crowded on weekends. Intersects with Salem Lake loop.
We take this ride multiple times a week, when the weather is good. Only problem is Marketplace Shopping Center now has posted many signs that only parking is for shoppers in mall and you will be towed. We are now parking at Washington Park.
We went for the first time today to the Reynolds Park location and it was disgusting! There were used condoms, drug paraphernalia & used needles and trash everywhere!! After walking for 10 min we seen 3 piles of dog poop no one picked up as well. Stay away it’s terrible.
Enjoyable 5 mile mostly flat trail along the creek that connects to the 7 mile Salem Lake unpaved (packed dirt/crushed gravel) trail around the lake. There are a couple of fairly steep, but short hills. Greenway trail is probably 60% shaded. Two spots not far from the Salem Lake end the trail goes through the creek, which isn’t a problem for bikers at normal water levels other than possible wet feet. A bridge would be nice. My biggest criticism, however, is the South Main street area. I guess the road bridge was too low to permit the trail to go under, so you wind up, around, over and around again to get back on the trail on other side of S Main. Biggest issue is inadequate signage in the area as there are other paved trails and sidewalks In the area that can cause confusion.
love riding this trail. offers a mix of asphalt and gravel with a wine bar in the middle. what else can you ask for.
Very nice, well maintained trail. Connects to Salem Lake Trail and passes by historic Old Salem. I've enjoyed it thoroughly despite the very hilly detour during construction. My favorite place in town to run aside from the lake trail.
Lots of nice shaded areas & some that passes by a babbling brook. Nice hills, wooden bridges, under overpasses, friendly fellow trail sharers and Park personnel. I was visiting my sister and had to do this trail twice. It was great! It connects to the Salem Lake Trail which I started but couldn't finish and had to turn around. I will have to come back to visit again to do the Salem Creek Greenway again and the Salem Lake Trail! It's a must do when visiting Winston Salem!
FUN!! I'm 67 and still building my bicycle muscles. Love this trail. Has just enough difficulty in short spurts for me to have fun and a challenge. Most of the trail is shaded and has wonderful views of the river and skyline of Winston-Salem. Looking forward to many more rides.
We found this trail to be clean and well maintained. It is an older asphalt/concrete trail. It went under the cross streets which was great.
Parts of the trail are low and could have water issues after a big rain. It has some hills.
It would be a good family ride. Serious bikers would call this an easy ride, I am riding a bike again after 40 years so it was a nice ride for me.
If you are looking for a flat and long run to knock out some miles and still have a good view in the process, you've come to the right place. It's paved and there are 4 different places to jump on the trail. And the best part is that it attaches to Salem Lake, which is 6.8 miles around as well. This is my favorite place to run in Winston-Salem.
Wonderful trail!
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