Explore Outdoors in Kernersville
What you find might surprise you.
One minute, you’re walking through downtown Kernersville with a coffee in hand. A few miles away, you could be following a wooded trail across a gurgling stream, casting a fishing line into a quiet lake, or riding your bike through single-track paths.
Kernersville’s parks offer an easy change of pace during a getaway to Winston-Salem. Whether you have an hour between other stops or want to spend most of the day outside, these trails, lakes, and green spaces give you plenty of ways to explore.
Cascades Preserve
If you want to be immersed in nature but don’t want to drive to Pilot Mountain or Hanging Rock State Parks, Cascades Preserve is a wonderful option. As you walk into the dense forest, traffic noise quickly fades and is replaced by the sound of birds singing.
Small bridges cross streams along the way, although water levels vary depending on recent rainfall. There are approximately 2 miles of trails within Cascades Preserve, but it connects to the larger Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which runs across North Carolina from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks.
Pro tip: There isn’t large signage when approaching the parking area, so watch carefully as you approach or you’ll drive right past it.
Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden
Paths wind between landscaped displays, seasonal flowers, raised garden beds, and seating areas where you can pause and take in the changing colors here at the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden.
Spring brings one of the garden’s most popular displays, when thousands of tulips bloom across the grounds. While there is no required admission fee, there is a suggested donation of $4 per adult.
Kernersville Mountain Bike Park
Experienced cyclists can trade paved greenways for a wooded singletrack at Kernersville Mountain Bike Park. The 3.9-mile trail system is geared toward intermediate riders, with turns, climbs, and technical features throughout the course.
The trails close during wet conditions to protect them from damage, so check the current trail status before visiting, especially if the area has recently received rain. This is one of many great places for mountain biking near Winston-Salem.
Kernersville Lake Park
At Kernersville Lake Park, much of the activity centers around the water. You can fish from the shoreline, rent a pedal boat or Jon boat, or settle onto one of the many benches and picnic tables overlooking the lake.
A nature trail offers another way to explore the park, while the playground gives younger travelers space to run around. Pack a lunch or reserve the picnic shelter to turn your visit into a relaxed afternoon by the water.
Pro tip: Don’t forget you’ll need a valid North Carolina fishing license for fishing at any of the parks mentioned.
Etta Lea & Lawrence Pope Memorial Park and Kerner Mill Greenway
Part of the larger planned Piedmont Greenway, the Kerner Mill Greenway offers a paved route for walking, jogging, and cycling along Kerner Mill Creek (also known as the Scott Willis Memorial Trail). The completed section extends 1.2 miles from the trailhead on Oakhurst Street.
If you’re exploring downtown and want a longer walk, the Oakhurst Street Trailhead is a few blocks away and offers a scenic option near town.
Triad Park
This is one of the largest parks near Kernersville, so you’ll want to check the map before visiting or stop by the park office when you arrive. Multiple parking areas provide access to the walking and hiking trails, playgrounds, disc golf course, and small fishing pond.
The trails are one of Triad Park’s biggest draws, whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a longer outing. Families will also appreciate having several playgrounds spread throughout the park and a kid-friendly storywalk.
Leave time to visit the Carolina Field of Honor, a moving veterans memorial with monuments honoring each branch of the U.S. military.
Fourth of July Park
Fourth of July Park in Kernersville offers something for the entire family! Kids can head for the large playground, older children can visit the skate park or basketball court, and adults can walk along the trails beneath the trees.
A small stream runs through Fourth of July Park, adding a peaceful backdrop to your walk. On Saturday mornings, you can also step inside the historic Piney Grove Schoolhouse, a one-room schoolhouse dating back to the 1800s.
Century Lake Park
Kernersville’s newest lake park is where you can fish from the pier, launch a canoe or kayak, or enjoy a picnic with views of the six-acre lake.
The park also has grills and restrooms, making it a convenient option for a low-key afternoon. Anglers and paddlers may prefer Century Lake when they want a smaller, less crowded setting than Kernersville Lake Park.
Downtown Parks
While exploring downtown Kernersville, you’ll find several small green spaces where you can rest between shops and restaurants or let the kids use up some energy. Harmon Park has a fountain, gazebo, grassy areas, and a small playground, while Founders Park offers a peaceful water feature and koi pond.
Rotary Park is another convenient place to pause, with shady benches and it’s the location of the Kernersville Farmer’s Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. These parks make it easy to add a few minutes outdoors to a day spent downtown.
Pro tip: Grab a coffee or sweet treat at one of the local businesses in downtown Kernersville and take a seat at one of the tables by the water feature in Founders Park or one of the benches in the other parks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are no required admission fees for the parks in Kernersville.
You may need to pay for optional activities such as boat rentals or picnic shelter reservations, and the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden suggests a $4 donation per adult.
Dogs are allowed at most Kernersville parks but must remain leashed. Fourth of July Park also has a designated off-leash dog park, and pets aren’t permitted on rental boats at Kernersville Lake Park.
Check the rules for your specific destination before bringing your dog. As always, be sure to clean up after your pet and follow all posted rules.
Restrooms are available at the following parks: Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden, Kernersville Lake Park, Triad Park, Fourth of July Park, Century Lake Park, and Harmon Park.
Many Kernersville parks offer paved paths, accessible parking, restrooms, and other features that make visits easier for people with limited mobility and families using strollers.
Fourth of July Park is home to Freedom Playground, Forsyth County’s first accessible playground, featuring ramps and inclusive play equipment for children of varying abilities.
Because surfaces, slopes, and amenities differ by park—and some nature trails are unpaved—visitors should review the individual park map or contact the office of Kernersville Parks & Recreation directly before arriving to confirm that it meets your specific accessibility needs.
Cascades Preserve is the best option for a true wooded hike, with a little more than 2 miles of trails through forested terrain and along streams. Triad Park also has hiking trails, while Kernersville Lake Park offers a shorter nature trail for a more relaxed walk.
Technically located in Winston-Salem, but a short drive from Kernersville, is Salem Lake. Explore the 7.2 mile trail that loops around the entire lake- perfect for walking, running, and biking. An on-site marina, nature center, boat and kayak rentals, playground, and restroom facilities are also available on site.
Our event calendar stays up to date with a wide variety of events, including outdoor events. Head to the calendar and use the filtering tool to search by town/region and category.
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