🌳 Nature & Outdoors in Winston-Salem
Unplug, unwind, and soak in the natural beauty of the Piedmont.
Winston-Salem offers a refreshing mix of scenic parks, wooded trails, lakeside views, and beautiful gardens — perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers. Whether you’re into biking, hiking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a quiet picnic, the outdoors here has something for everyone.
🏞️ Parks & Trails
Tanglewood Park
One of the region’s largest and most popular parks, offering golf, horseback riding, scenic trails, picnic shelters, and a dog park. In winter, it hosts the Festival of Lights — a must-see!
This 1,200-acre park was once the estate of William Neal Reynolds, brother of tobacco businessman R.J. Reynolds. The Reynolds willed the Tanglewood property to the citizens of Forsyth County to share as a public recreational park. The combination of its streams, woodlands, and grassy pastures with the traditions of its architecture, horses, gardening, and wide range of recreational activities make Tanglewood an ideal countryside park to visit over and over again.
📍 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC
Salem Lake Trail
Often called the “hidden diamond” of Winston-Salem, this 7-mile trail loops around the peaceful Salem Lake. Perfect for walking, biking, or running.
Salem Lake Trail is a seven-mile loop trail that encircles the 365-acre Salem Lake in Salem Lake Park, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities such as walking, fishing, and boating. The trail is open daily with extended weekend hours, and the park features shared-use shelters and pavilions that are not available for rent to ensure public access.
📍 1001 Salem Lake Rd
Washington Park
A charming neighborhood park with mature trees, walking paths, a playground, and a splash pad for kids in the warmer months.
SUMMER IN THE PARK Summertime is back and so is free daily programming in Washington Park thanks to the First Financial Bank Summer Series! Enjoy free workout classes, live music, and much more all summer long.
📍 1490 S Broad St
Miller Park
Wooded and serene, Miller Park features nature trails, open spaces, and play areas — great for relaxed afternoons.
Located southwest of the intersection of Interstate 94 and Brewers Boulevard, it is the ballpark of Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers. It opened in 2001 as a replacement for Milwaukee County Stadium.
📍 400 Leisure Ln
🌸 Gardens & Nature Spaces
Reynolda Gardens
Step into a peaceful oasis of formal gardens, greenhouses, and nature trails, all adjacent to Reynolda House Museum. Free and open year-round.
Where to Find Us Reynolda’s 170-acre historic estate comprises Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Reynolda Gardens, and Reynolda Village Shops and Restaurants.
📍 100 Reynolda Village
Bethabara Park & Nature Preserve
A blend of early American history and natural beauty — with forested walking trails, historical ruins, and a restored Moravian village.
Historic Bethabara Park is a 183-acre wildlife preserve and National Historic Landmark located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, serving as the site of the first European settlement in the North Carolina Piedmont, founded by Moravians in 1753.
📍 2147 Bethabara Rd
Gateway Nature Preserve
Located near downtown, this hidden gem offers forest trails, a pollinator garden, and creekside views — great for educational or quiet strolls.
Gateway Nature Preserve is open year-round during daylight hours per Winston-Salem guidelines. Explore our Trails -Immerse yourself in the quiet beauty of the woods and take a hike on the Forest Discovery Trail.
📍 Near Salem Creek Greenway entrance
🌿 Local Tip
Most trails and parks are dog-friendly and free to enter. Visit during spring or fall for the most colorful views and best hiking conditions.