3 Best Hiking Trails in Winston Salem, NC

"Pilot Mountain State Park is a 2,400-foot mountain with a separate riverfront area. The park is an ideal place for hiking and rock climbing. The park covers 3,872 acres of forest and has 14 miles of hiking trails. This trail is generally considered easy to moderately challenging. The park offers year-round activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, rock climbing, picnicking, hiking, and environmental education. Pilot Mountain State Park also features three picnic areas, tables, and grills for visitors. The trails are open for various activities like hiking and horseback riding. The trails are within walking distance of the camping area. The park also features designated areas for pets.

"Hanging Rock State Park Trail is a 9,011-acre ideal destination to have a pleasant and relaxed time with family and friends. The state park features a 5.8 km out-and-back trail, which is generally considered a moderately challenging route. This takes an average of 1 hour 43 minutes to complete the total trail. This is a popular area for hiking, running, walking, and various recreational opportunities. Hanging Rock State Park Trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This nature park also features picnic tables, a barbecue grill, public restrooms, kid-friendly hikes, and wheelchair accessibility facilities for the convenience of visitors.

"Salem Lake Trail is a hub for various fitness activities, where equestrians, cyclists, walkers, and runners enjoy fitness activities. The trail's elevation gain is 236 feet, and it takes approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes to complete the entire trail. The Lake Trail stretches almost 7 miles around Salem Lake in Winston-Salem City Park. The park has a 365-acre lake, and the trail offers panoramic views over the water. Water fountains at the Point parking lot and Linville Road are operational between April and October. Salem Lake also provides fishing from the pier or a boat. There are also canoes available for rent, and paddleboarding is permitted. The park also includes a spacious playground, picnic tables, public restrooms, and a picnic area. Dogs are allowed in designated leash areas.