Walk, bike and run on the Long Branch Trail in Winston-Salem
The Long Branch Trail is a 1.7-mile paved pathway in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem. Beginning in the city’s Innovation Quarter, the trail offers a birds-eye view of Winston Salem’s innovation in progress and an impressive view of Winston-Salem’s downtown skyline.
Just a couple blocks from the trail, you can explore local favorites like Bailey Park, a popular gathering and event space, and many of the city’s best shops and restaurants.
Even more, the trail connects downtown to the Salem Creek Greenway, a paved pathway that leads you some of the city’s favorite recreational areas such as Salem Lake and The Quarry at Grant Park.
History of the Long Branch Trail
The trail is named after the historic Long Branch community- a historic Black neighborhood. The trail is also a part of a former Norfolk-Southern rail line and still uses the original rail bridges over Third, Fourth, Fifth and Seventh Streets. Today, the area is home to the Wake Forest Innovation Quarter.
The trail opened in 2018, developed as a collaboration between Wake Forest Innovation Quarter, the City of Winston-Salem and the North Carolina Department of Transportation. Built to increase accessibility to outdoor spaces and further Winston-Salem's reputation as a pedestrian- and bike-friendly city.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It is free to visit the Long Branch Trail.
The trail is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
The trail is well-lit in the evening, with streetlamps throughout.
The Long Branch Trail is a favorite place for to walking, running and biking. The trail is also a great area to bring your dog (on a leash) for a pet-friendly adventure.
On the trail, you’ll find benches, water fountains and bike racks. You can rent bikes at the two Zagster bike share stations along the way.
Along the way you’ll also see public art, including sculptures and murals. Bring your camera to capture amazing views of the city skyline!
There are seven (7) entry points to the Long Branch Trail in downtown Winston-Salem. Some of the access points have stairs and/or an accessible ramp leading up to the trail.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
- E Seventh Street
- E Fourth Street
- Fogle Street
- N Research Parkway
- Rams Drive
- Salem Creek Greenway
The most parking spaces are at the intersection of E Third Street and N Research Parkway. Street parking is available on N Research Parkway Blvd.
You can also park at Bailey Park or on the Fogle Street curve at Third Street (accessed by Patterson Avenue). There is also on-street parking near the E Seventh Street entrance.
Please note: The parking lot found at the beginning of the trail at Martin Luther King Jr. Drive and Research Parkway, is a private lot owned by Atrium Health and is not open to the public.
A 1.3-mile extension of the Long Branch Trail has been approved and construction will begin in the next couple years. The extension will connect the Innovation Quarter to 25th Street. The groundbreaking on the extension is planned for 2027 with a completion date of 2028.