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Bike touring routes & trails

Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop

Easy

3.1

(28)

riders

Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop

Q: What is the terrain like on the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop?

The loop offers a diverse cycling experience. The Salem Creek Greenway section is mostly an 8-foot wide paved trail, though it includes a couple of short, steep hills and can have wet or muddy sections after rain. The Salem Lake Trail is primarily a natural-surface path, often packed dirt or crushed gravel, with some paved segments and gentle elevation changes. Be prepared for potential muddy or sandy conditions on both parts after storms.

Q: How long does it typically take to cycle the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop?

The entire loop is approximately 26.9 km (16.7 miles) long. For touring cyclists, it typically takes around 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

Q: What type of bicycle is best suited for this loop?

Given the mixed terrain, a hybrid or gravel bike is ideal for this loop. While the paved Salem Creek Greenway is suitable for road bikes, the unpaved sections of the Salem Lake Trail (packed dirt/crushed gravel) can be challenging for narrower road tires.

Q: What kind of scenery can I expect along the route?

You'll enjoy varied and pleasant scenery. The Salem Creek Greenway follows the tree-lined Salem Creek, passing through city parks like Washington Park and near historic Old Salem. The Salem Lake Trail offers outstanding views of Salem Lake, running through shaded woodlands with hardwoods and pines, and providing open water vistas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like ducks, squirrels, and fish.

Q: Is the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

Q: What is the best time of year to cycle this loop?

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter may bring colder temperatures. Be aware that sections can be muddy or sandy after heavy rains, regardless of the season.

Q: Are there any permits or entrance fees required for Salem Lake Park or the trail?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access Salem Lake Park or to use the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop. It is freely accessible to the public.

Q: Where can I park to access the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop?

There are numerous parking access points along both the Salem Creek Greenway and at Salem Lake. A popular starting point is the Salem Lake Marina, which also offers restrooms.

Q: Does the loop connect to other trails or points of interest?

Yes, the Salem Creek Greenway is a key connector. It links to other trails like the Winston-Salem Strollway and the Long Branch Trail, allowing for extended rides into downtown Winston-Salem. The route also passes through sections of the Waughtown Connector Greenway and the Peachtree Greenway.

Q: Are there restrooms or water available along the trail?

Restrooms are available at the Salem Lake Marina and near the playground at Salem Lake Park. While there are no dedicated water stations directly on the trail, you can find water at various parks along the Salem Creek Greenway or at the Salem Lake Marina.

01:38

26.9km

150m

Cycling

Embark on an easy touring bicycle ride along the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop, a route that offers a refreshing mix of natural scenery. You will cycle 16.7 miles (26.9 km), gaining a gentle 482 feet (147 metres) of elevation, making it accessible for most riders. The journey, which typically takes around 1 hours and 38 minutes, guides you through shaded greenway sections, where you can enjoy the sounds of the creek. As you approach Salem Lake, the landscape opens up, providing expansive views across the water. The trail around the lake is often shaded by hardwoods and pines, creating a pleasant atmosphere for your ride.

Planning your outing on this loop is straightforward, as you will find numerous parking access points conveniently located along both the greenway and directly at Salem Lake. This makes starting your ride flexible, no matter which section you prefer to begin with. For your comfort, restrooms are readily available at the Salem Lake Marina and near the playground. This family-friendly route is generally accessible throughout the year, with no specific warnings about permits or seasonal closures to consider.

This route stands out for its varied cycling experience, combining paved greenway sections with a natural surface loop around Salem Lake. As you pedal, you will encounter diverse scenery, from the tranquil, tree-lined Salem Creek Greenway to the expansive open water vistas of Salem Lake. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including ducks, especially around the lake portion of the trail. The route also passes through several city parks and near historic Old Salem, blending natural beauty with glimpses of local landmarks.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

352 m

Waughtown Connector Greenway

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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.

Tip by

8.97 km

Salem Creek Greenway

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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.

Tip by

11.9 km

Salem Lake Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

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.

Tip by

26.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

24.3 km

2.17 km

314 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

15.6 km

10.1 km

848 m

340 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (290 m)

Lowest point (230 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 10 May

28°C

12°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like on the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop?

The loop offers a diverse cycling experience. The Salem Creek Greenway section is mostly an 8-foot wide paved trail, though it includes a couple of short, steep hills and can have wet or muddy sections after rain. The Salem Lake Trail is primarily a natural-surface path, often packed dirt or crushed gravel, with some paved segments and gentle elevation changes. Be prepared for potential muddy or sandy conditions on both parts after storms.

How long does it typically take to cycle the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop?

The entire loop is approximately 26.9 km (16.7 miles) long. For touring cyclists, it typically takes around 1 hour and 38 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and stops.

What type of bicycle is best suited for this loop?

Given the mixed terrain, a hybrid or gravel bike is ideal for this loop. While the paved Salem Creek Greenway is suitable for road bikes, the unpaved sections of the Salem Lake Trail (packed dirt/crushed gravel) can be challenging for narrower road tires.

What kind of scenery can I expect along the route?

You'll enjoy varied and pleasant scenery. The Salem Creek Greenway follows the tree-lined Salem Creek, passing through city parks like Washington Park and near historic Old Salem. The Salem Lake Trail offers outstanding views of Salem Lake, running through shaded woodlands with hardwoods and pines, and providing open water vistas. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like ducks, squirrels, and fish.

Is the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, always ensure your dog is on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

What is the best time of year to cycle this loop?

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter may bring colder temperatures. Be aware that sections can be muddy or sandy after heavy rains, regardless of the season.

Are there any permits or entrance fees required for Salem Lake Park or the trail?

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access Salem Lake Park or to use the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop. It is freely accessible to the public.

Where can I park to access the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop?

There are numerous parking access points along both the Salem Creek Greenway and at Salem Lake. A popular starting point is the Salem Lake Marina, which also offers restrooms.

Does the loop connect to other trails or points of interest?

Yes, the Salem Creek Greenway is a key connector. It links to other trails like the Winston-Salem Strollway and the Long Branch Trail, allowing for extended rides into downtown Winston-Salem. The route also passes through sections of the Waughtown Connector Greenway and the Peachtree Greenway.

Are there restrooms or water available along the trail?

Restrooms are available at the Salem Lake Marina and near the playground at Salem Lake Park. While there are no dedicated water stations directly on the trail, you can find water at various parks along the Salem Creek Greenway or at the Salem Lake Marina.

Is the Salem Lake and Creek Greenway Loop suitable for beginners?

The overall loop is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for various fitness levels, including beginners. The paved Salem Creek Greenway section is largely flat and very accessible. While the Salem Lake Trail has unpaved sections and gentle elevation, it's still manageable for those new to cycling, especially on a hybrid or gravel bike.