Tanglewood Park 

Looking to get your feet wet riding in Winston-Salem? Start at Tanglewood, a sprawling park and outdoor recreation hub just 15 minutes away in nearby Clemmons. The trails here are perhaps the “best established and most beginner-friendly in the area,” says Jake Easter, a founding member and current leader of the Forsyth Off-Road Bicycle Association (FORBA). FORBA creates community by connecting riders to places to ride and works with local government leaders and volunteers to develop and maintain area trails. 

While Tanglewood is great for beginners, the 10 miles of flowing trails through wooded paths and open fields serve up opportunities for riders of all skill levels. Choose from three trails: Northeast Trails (beginner), Northwest Trails (moderate) and North Central Trails (advanced). To access the trails, most area riders choose to park in the lot across from the dog park on North Trail Road (make a left just before the Welcome Center). There is no fee to park at that lot or to ride. 

Pro tip: Pay close attention at trail intersections. Many of the mountain biking trails cross mixed-use paths popular with horseback riders and walkers.

Salem Lake 

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place to ride in Winston-Salem than Salem Lake. This urban oasis is less than 10 minutes from downtown. Even more, Salem Lake features an active Marina and serves as a connection point to the Salem Lake Greenway, which courses more than 5 miles through the city. 

Beginners and casual riders will enjoy the Salem Lake Trail, a wide and well-maintained 7.2-mile loop around the lake. The path is packed gravel and it’s relatively flat. Parking is available at both ends of the lake, but the Marina lot or the lot just outside the Marina gate (known as The Point), are popular for the number of spaces, ease of access and proximity to lake amenities. 

Take it up a notch on the Jesus (hey-soos) Trail, which runs parallel to the Salem Lake Trail and connects in multiple places. The 5.5-mile trail is a narrower single-track and has some technical sections making it beginner-to-intermediate (or as Easter calls it “beginner plus”). The trail is dedicated to a local boy with down syndrome who fell in love with all aspects of mountain biking. 

The newest mountain biking feature at Salem Lake, the Dragon’s Lair, opened May 2025 and is specifically designed for kids learning to ride. A new parking area serves as the starting point for the two trails that together total less than a mile. Kids can begin with the Dragon’s Belly, geared toward balance bikes before working up to Dragon’s Tooth, which has a series of rollers and berms.

Hobby Park 

Experienced riders, this one’s for you. Just 15 minutes southwest of downtown, Hobby Park’s single-track trails are highlighted by the twists, turns, downhills, rock features and jump lines that make for a heart-pumping adventure. In all, the total run is about 7 miles but there are plenty of bail outs (exit points) along the way for you to craft the ride that’s right for you. 

Pro tip: The area features less signage and amenities than Tanglewood or Salem Lake, so plan ahead and prepare by looking at a map before you go. 

Moore’s Springs at Hanging Rock State Park 

Local mountain bikers will tell you, the Moore’s Springs trails at Hanging Rock State Park are worth the daytrip. In just about a 45 minute-drive, you can be at one of North Carolina’s most iconic state parks, riding some of the best trails around. 

“It’s the best designed, best signed and best variety of trail in the area,” Easter said. “It’s got elevation and mileage.” 

Speaking of mileage, there are more than 20 miles of top-tier trails, ranging from beginner level on the Hognose Trail to the appropriately named Rattler for advanced riders. Park at the Moore’s Spring Access: 2568 Moore’s Spring Rd., Westfield, NC. 

Pro tip: While you’re there, pair your ride with an exploration of the State Park’s five named waterfalls or hike to sweeping vistas atop mountain peaks. See our complete guide to the trails at Hanging Rock State Park.

• Kernersville Bike Park – In the charming town of Kernersville, to the east of Winston-Salem, are 27 acres of land dedicated to mountain biking enthusiasts. The nearly 4-mile loop trail can be ridden in either direction. When you’re done with your ride, discover all this small-town has to offer. Check our insider’s guide to local eats, history and scenery.
• The Ridge Cycle Hub (Lexington) – A series of trails first established in the 1990s are getting new life as local organizations and community leaders partner to update and expand this mountain biking hub 20 minutes south of Winston-Salem. Riders applaud the drops and climbs, trail design and great flow on the mostly single-track trail system. The Ridge has now expanded to 10 miles of trail.

Bringing the right gear can make or break your time on the trail. Thankfully, Winston-Salem serves as a great homebase for your adventures, with gear outfitters standing at the ready to help make sure you have what you need. 

A great place to start is at Great Outdoor Provisions Company, a one-stop shop for trail necessities and expert local advice. 

Other local retailers to check out:

• Triad Eco Adventures and  Pedego: if you're searching for e-Bike rentals and tours, this is your one stop shop located near the Old Salem Historic District.
• Ken’s Cycling: a long standing local go-to for bikes, service, accessories, and friendly faces.
• BeSpoke Cyclery Bike Shop and Piedmont E-Bikes: local shops in the same building, located in the town of Lewisville near Tanglewood Park.

Perhaps the best part about mountain biking in Winston-Salem is the thriving community of area riders eager to create meaningful connections and experiences for locals and visitors alike.

FORBA hosts a weekly Tuesday evening mountain biking ride at 6 p.m. at Hobby Park. All are welcome. The trail is considered intermediate. 

BeersNGears has a standing Monday evening social ride designed for beginner road cyclists. They meet at Fiddlin’ Fish Brewing at 6:15 p.m. 

Community-wide annual events include the Gears and Guitars Festival (May) and Hallowheels (Fall). 

FORBA sends out an e-newsletter to help you stay in the know about upcoming rides, events and trail developments. 

Our community of riders are very welcoming,” Easter said. “People are more than welcome to join us anytime they are in town. Get in touch and we’ll put them in the right group and set them up with people to ride with to experience the area’s trails.”

When you ride, practice Leave No Trace Principles and be courteous to fellow riders and others enjoying the trails.

• If trails are wet, choose another day to ride to prevent causing ruts
• Yield to uphill riders as climbing requires more momentum
• Step off the trail, especially near intersections to allow for a clear path
• Enjoy the trails, but leave modifications to those dedicated to maintaining the trail features.
• Pack out any trash and items you pack in.