The best road cycling routes around Winston-Salem
4.0
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508
riders
62
rides
Road cycling around Winston-Salem offers a diverse landscape, characterized by an extensive network of greenways, scenic lake trails, and the rolling terrain of the Piedmont region. The city's commitment to outdoor recreation provides varied routes that traverse parks, wooded areas, and urban connections. This environment supports both leisurely rides and more challenging routes, making it suitable for different cycling preferences.
Best road cycling routes around Winston-Salem
- The most popular road cycling route is Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop, a 16.7 miles (26.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 27 minutes to complete. This easy route offers scenic views along Salem Lake and the tree-lined creek.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Mountains to Sea Trail: Shallow Ford Loop, a moderate 30.5 miles (49.0 km) path. This route features varied terrain and connects to the historic Shallow Ford area.
- Local road cyclists also love the Meadows loop from Wake Forest, a 38.5 miles (61.9 km) trail leading through open meadows and rural landscapes, often completed in about 2 hours 41 minutes.
- Road cycling around Winston-Salem is defined by interconnected greenways, picturesque lake trails, and the rolling hills of the Piedmont region. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy, flat paths to more challenging routes with elevation gain.
- The routes in Winston-Salem are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.0 stars from 4 reviews. More than 400 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Winston-Salem's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
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(2)
62
riders
26.9km
01:27
150m
150m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
21
riders
49.0km
02:05
390m
390m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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15
riders
61.9km
02:42
510m
510m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
10
riders
32.9km
01:25
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
45.0km
01:56
370m
370m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Tips from the Community
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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Shallowford Square is a great recreational town square and venue be it for events or just a visit. It has an amphitheater, nice lawn, playground and rest rooms. It is also home to the town clock and Lewisville Veterans Memorial.
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This is your typical beautiful white wooden-paneled church house that is in an evergreen rural setting. These small country churches were so popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the wooded areas of the United States and formed the backbone of the protestant christian communities.
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Bethabara was the first European settlement in the North Carolina Piedmont district being founded way back in 1753 and is a National Historic Landmark. It is now a public designated park that encompasses 183 acres of preserved wildlife, historic buildings and grounds. There are walking and birding trails and protected wetlands for everybody to enjoy.
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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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The 700+ mile NC 2 Mountains to Sea route is the main artery of the North Carolina bicycle route system. It cuts across from west to east traversing the rugged mountains as it goes. It encompasses the rolling pastures of piedmont farm country, and the flat coastal region. In addition it connects most of North Carolina's larger cities. The route starts in the hiller southwestern corner of the state and finishes at the Outer Banks in the east.
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The Shallow Ford was an important ford in the Yadkin River that allowed Native Americans, frontiersmen, settlers and buffalo to cross the Yadkin river. It has a hard rock bottom that spans an area of 100 feet wide and 300 feet across the river from bank to bank. It also greatly helped farmers to cross with their heavily laden wagons.
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The church has a nice history which began in 1914. Cotton and tobacco farmers used to gather here and they eventually gathered momentum to somehow build a house of god. Over the last 25 years it has seen its flock explode from 50 to over 800 worshippers. It has a good size car park to start your bike ride from and you can pray for a PB at the same time!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available around Winston-Salem?
There are over 60 road cycling routes available around Winston-Salem on komoot, catering to various skill levels. This includes 12 easy routes, 42 moderate routes, and 6 more challenging options.
What types of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem offers a diverse landscape for road cycling. You'll find extensive greenways, scenic lake trails, and the rolling terrain characteristic of the Piedmont region. Routes traverse parks, wooded areas, and urban connections, providing a mix of flat paths and routes with elevation gain.
Are there any easy or family-friendly road cycling routes in Winston-Salem?
Yes, Winston-Salem has several easy and family-friendly options. The city's extensive greenway system, including the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop, offers mostly flat, paved paths suitable for all ages. The Salem Lake Trail, a 7-mile loop, is also a popular choice for a relaxed ride with scenic views.
What are some scenic landmarks or natural features I can see along the routes?
Many routes offer picturesque views. You can cycle along the tree-lined Salem Creek, enjoy views of Salem Lake, or explore the historic gardens and meadows at Reynolda Gardens. The Salem Creek Greenway and Reynolda Gardens are notable highlights. You might also encounter unique spots like the Lowery Mill Creek Crossing and Old Railway Bridge on the Salem Lake Trail.
Are there any routes that connect to historical sites?
Yes, routes like the Mountains to Sea Trail: Shallow Ford Loop connect to the historic Shallow Ford area. Another option is the Shallow Ford State Historic Site loop from Lewisville, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Winston-Salem?
The komoot community highly rates road cycling in Winston-Salem, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from interconnected greenways to rolling hills, and the scenic beauty of areas like Salem Lake and the wooded creek paths.
Are there any longer, more challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced riders, routes like the Meadows loop from Wake Forest offer a longer distance of 38.5 miles (61.9 km) and significant elevation gain, leading through open meadows and rural landscapes. There are 6 difficult routes in total for those seeking a greater challenge.
Where can I find parking for road cycling routes in Winston-Salem?
Many popular cycling spots in Winston-Salem offer convenient parking. For example, Salem Lake, Tanglewood Park, Quarry at Grant Park, and Reynolda Gardens are well-known destinations with facilities for visitors, including parking. The greenway system also often has access points with parking.
Can I access any road cycling trails using public transport?
Yes, some trails offer good accessibility. The Long Branch Trail, an urban greenway, is known for its direct accessibility from the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter in downtown Winston-Salem, which can be reached via public transport.
What is the best time of year to go road cycling in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem's climate generally supports cycling for much of the year. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, making them ideal seasons for exploring the greenways and rural roads. Summers can be warm, while winters are typically mild.
Are there any loop routes available for road cycling?
Yes, many road cycling routes in Winston-Salem are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop, which circles Salem Lake and connects to the greenway system.
Are there any routes that pass by lakes or water features?
Absolutely. The Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop offers continuous scenic views along Salem Lake and the tree-lined creek. Another route, the Conrad Lake & Shallow Ford State Historic Site loop from Lewisville, also features a lake as part of its journey.
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