Start your day with some time on the trails! Tanglewood Park has nearly 6 miles of multi-use paths and just over 5 miles of mountain biking trails, giving you plenty of options for a morning workout. The scenery shifts as you go from shaded woods to open horse pastures to the park’s pool and tennis courts. 

Admission is just $2 per car ($8 for passenger vans), though you can also find free parking along North Trail Road with direct access to the paths. Be sure to stop by the Welcome Center for a trail map, or snap a quick photo at one of the kiosks before you head out. 

To find the Welcome Center, enter the park, then take the first left onto Northtrail Road and it is the first building immediately on the right.

After your hike, slow the pace with a visit to the Arboretum and Gardens. Relax on a shaded bench to admire seasonal blooms, then wander through the Formal Garden, the fragrant Herb Garden, and the circular paths lined with annual and perennial displays. It’s not only a nice spot to recharge, but also one of the most photogenic areas in the park.

Next, head to the stables for a peaceful horseback ride through the park. After being matched with one of their friendly horses, you’ll spend about an hour winding along wooded trails, past open fields, and alongside the Yadkin River. 

It’s a unique way to see more of the park’s landscape. Be sure to call ahead for reservations—rides are $40 per person and payment is cash or check only.

By midday, you’ll probably be ready to cool off. The Peter S. Brunstetter Aquatic Center is the perfect spot, with a large outdoor pool with two slides and diving boards, tubing river, splash pad, and a wading pool for little ones. 

A concession stand is available for snacks and lunch, but if you plan on bringing food, you’ll want to check their cooler and outside food policies. Admission is $8 per person, and the pool is open seasonally.

In the afternoon, tee off at one of Tanglewood’s two championship courses, both designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. 

The Championship Course has even been named the top public course in North Carolina by North Carolina Magazine, and the clubhouse recently reopened after a major renovation. You can also book a round on the Reynolds Course, or keep it casual at the Par 3 course and driving range. 

Tee times should be reserved in advance, and prices vary by course and time. 

Not a golfer? Try Softgolf™, a playful spin on the sport with oversized foam balls and larger holes. The equipment lights up after dark, making it just as fun for an evening activity. Prices start at $13 per person and it’s recommended to book in advance.

As the day winds down, make your way to Mallard Lake, the more accessible of the park’s two lakes. It’s a beautiful spot to catch the sunset, whether you grab a bench, spread out a blanket on the grass, or settle in at one of the picnic tables. 

If you have a valid North Carolina fishing license, this is a great place to cast a line. If you decide to visit the lake earlier in the day during Mallard Lake operating hours, you can also rent a pedal boat for $5 per person per half hour. Find out more about fishing and hours here.

If you’d like to extend your stay, Tanglewood offers several lodging options right inside the park. For a touch of luxury, book a room at Excelsior at the Manor House, originally built in 1859 and decorated with vintage details that make it feel like a step back in time. Excelsior also manages a larger guest house that sleeps eight, an apartment for seven, and four cozy lakeview cottages tucked into the woods for added privacy. 

Travelers with RVs will find a convenient campground as well, with 44 newly renovated sites that all include full hookups.

• Dog Park - If you’re traveling with your pup, the fenced-in dog park is a great spot to let them run off-leash. There are separate spaces for large and small dogs, and you do not have to pay the park entrance fee to access the dog park.
• BMX Racing - Tanglewood is home to an official BMX track that hosts races and events throughout the year. Check the schedule if you want to watch or ride.
• Tennis - There are both clay and hard courts here. Reservations are recommended, but you can also drop by and try your luck. However, classes, programs, and private lessons are often hosted here.
• Canoe & Kayak Access - If you have your own gear and can set up a shuttle, take advantage of the park’s river access point. Note, the access is steep and a bit overgrown.
• Playgrounds - Families will find multiple playgrounds scattered throughout the park, perfect for kids to burn some energy between activities. There is even a historic train to check out.
• Picnic Shelters - Multiple picnic shelters and event venues are available for rent if you are planning a large group event. If you don’t see a reserved sign, the picnic tables are open for public use.
• Tanglewood Festival of Lights - One of the top holiday light displays in North Carolina, the Festival of Lights is a drive-through attraction that is almost five miles long with 80 unique displays. This event runs from mid-November to New Year’s Day. 

Learn about more things to do in Winston-Salem and other lodging options near Tanglewood by downloading a Visitor Guide and signing up for our e-newsletter.