Looking to get your feet wet when it comes to paddling? There’s no easier or closer place to start than Salem Lake. Located within three miles of downtown Winston-Salem, this 365-acre lake that is known as the city’s outdoor gem. 

In addition to paddling, also explore the forested Salem Lake Loop Trail or experience the mountain biking trails. See our full guide to the trails at Salem Lake. 

How to enjoy Salem Lake 

There is so much to do at Salem Lake for visitors! Looking for a good time on the water but don't have your own gear, or just looking for an option that lets you leave the hauling to the professionals? You can rent gear, have it delivered to the lake, and receive guidance from the team at Triad Eco Adventures, a tour operator in downtown Winston-Salem. They offer stand-up paddleboards for the water and e-bikes for exploring the trails.

Alternatively, the team at the Salem Lake Marina (815 Salem Lake Road) can get you set up with a single or tandem kayak rental for just $4 per hour. You must be 16 years or older to rent. Make sure to arrive early because kayak rentals at the Marina are done daily on a first come, first serve basis, beginning when the Marina opens. 

Providing there’s availability, you can rent a kayak hourly up until 2.5 hours before Salem Lake closes with a return time of no later than one hour before close. You can also bring your own canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, as well as row your shell or sail a boat. If you’re bringing an inflatable kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard, you’ll need to run those by the team at the Marina to make sure they are ready for the water. 

Boating at Salem Lake is reserved for fishing, giving the area a quiet and leisurely energy perfect for fishing adventures. Motorized boats (which can have up to a 60-horsepower motors) are only permitted to run to and from fishing spots and the dock and all boats must be off the water 30-minutes prior to the park closing. Fishing can also be done from the pier but not from the banks of the lake, and you must have a valid NC fishing license.

Know before you go: No inflatable rafts/tubes or other watercraft that cause you to have your body in the water are permitted. Swimming in Salem Lake is not allowed.

As one of the largest manmade reservoirs in the state, Belews Lake offers more than 4,000 acres of water fun.  The lake was created in 1973 as a cooling station for the Belews Creek Steam Station. It sits just 30 minutes from Winston-Salem at the ‘four corners junction’ of Forsyth, Stokes, Guilford and Rockingham counties. 

The lake is known for its exceptionally clear water, making it a popular destination for paddle boarding, kayaking and boating. In addition, in 2025, Belews Lake Park opened with an ADA accessible floating fishing dock. With two marinas and four boat ramps (including two commissioned by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission), it’s easy to get on the lake.

  
How to enjoy Belews Lake 

 A great place to start is at one of the Lake’s two marinas. 

1. Carolina Marina — Located on the northeast end of the lake, Carolina Marina is the larger of the two. Here, you’ll find a substantial marina store with supplies. The store is also where you can rent pontoon boats (half day rentals and full day rentals available). If you have your own boat, take advantage of the boat launch here ($15 daily/$175 annually) and the service professionals on site who can provide boat maintenance and guidance. For convenience, there’s also a dry stack (‘boat hotel’) where you can store your boat and enjoy valet service. 
2. Humphrey’s Ridge Family Marina — Just a few miles south, Humphrey’s Family Marina is a quieter setting with a private campground. The marina offers boat slips and storage and has a grill that serves food for a quick bite. 

In addition to the marinas are two established lake access points with boat ramps. 

1. Pine Hall — Given its location on the northern side of the lake, just 15 minutes’ drive from Carolina Marina, this access tends to be a bit livelier with more motorized boats. There are two boat ramps and a courtesy dock. 
2. Piney Bluff — On the southwestern side of the lake (farther from the marinas) Piney Bluff is known for being the quieter of the two access points. It's especially popular with kayakers as it serves as the entry point for up to 7-miles of paddling to the northern end of the lake. There is one boat ramp and a courtesy dock. 

Know before you go: Arrive early. During busy weekends, officers may close the access parking areas when they reach capacity. It’s also important to know the water in the lake is more than 100 feet deep in some places, so it’s especially important to always wear your life jacket. No swimming away from the shore is permitted. 

  
Charters and Rentals

Like their service for Salem Lake, Triad Eco-Adventures can get you set up with paddling gear rentals for use at Belews Lake, or you can opt to join in on one of their guided paddleboard tours. 

Captain Bob, a navy veteran who operates Bob Mensch Charters, offers fishing charters, fly fishing instruction, eco tours and sunset cruises. All charters are on board “Pittsie,” a 21-foot Nautic Star Model 211 Angler, Center Console Boat.

The Dan River connects Virginia and North Carolina, crossing the state line eight times as it winds 214 miles from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Kerr Scott Reservoir. The longest uninterrupted stretch in North Carolina, some 90 miles, is known as the Dan River State Paddling Trail. Various river access points are just a quick daytrip away from Winston-Salem, giving visitors access to the most scenic navigable stretch of the river which passes through Hanging Rock. 

"It’s far easier to get on the river than you think,” said David Hoskins, who has owned and operated the Dan River Company canoe and kayak rental service for 25 years. Hoskins says the river conditions make it great for beginning paddlers and casual tubers, but he notes the river offers diverse experiences including up to class II whitewater in the northern section.

“It’s beautiful. The scenery is awesome. The water is clean." 

How to enjoy the Dan River

Start your experience at an area outfitter. 

For tubing shuttles: Those looking to tube can head to General Dan’s Tubing in Danbury. Perched on a hill overlooking the river and Moratock Park, General Dan’s will rent you a tube and shuttle you to the starting point for your relaxing float back to your car, which lasts about 3-4 hours depending on conditions.

For kayak and canoes: Look no further than the Dan River Company, located just 1000 feet outside of Hanging Rock State Park in Danbury. Owner David Hoskins is a fourth-generation paddler. 

The company will shuttle you to a private access point so you can experience a 6.2-mile stretch of the river (about 2.5-3.5 hours paddling time) that travels through the Hammer Stern Wilderness Preserve to Hanging Rock State Park.  With the Dan River Bluffs (stunning rock cliffs), the landmark Demon Rock, and opportunities to spot countless wildlife along the way, it’s no wonder this stretch has received an A++ rating for scenery from Canoe & Kayak magazine. 

When you finish your paddle, clean up in the showers/changing rooms and then head next door to the Green Heron, a local staple for more than a decade for drinks and food and porch seating overlooking the river. Look up as you walk inside: The Hoskins’ family canoe, which his great grandparents purchased in 1939 and drove down from New York, now hangs in the rafters. 

• Good to know: River conditions can change quickly, so trip availability may vary. Before you head out, call the Dan River Company at 336-593-2628 for the latest conditions and trip recommendations. Hoskins says calling is the best way to get the latest updates: "We'll pick up anytime you call, seven days a week."

  
Self-guided experiences 

If you have your own gear, there are numerous access points, from the established Hanging Rock State Park Dan River access (1258 Flinchum Road) and Moratock Park in Danbury to the Hemlock Golf Course access closer to Belews Lake. 

The Dan River Basin Association (DRBA), a nonprofit that protects and promotes the area’s natural resources, maintains an interactive map with access points, routes and other river information.

Flowing from the North Carolina mountains through the Piedmont, the Yadkin River is a geographical and historical wonder. "We call it the ‘hidden river,’” says Ward Swann, a coordinator with the nonprofit Yadkin Riverkeeper. Swann grew up in Winston-Salem experiencing the Yadkin.

The surprise of the river is the best part: Surprise at how wild it is, surprise at how beautiful it is, surprise of the wildlife on the river.” 

The Yadkin River State Trail extends 162 miles from Kerr Scott Dam to Morrow Mountain State Park. There are numerous access points and river parks along the way, including several key points within easy daytrip distance of Winston-Salem. 

The Yadkin is typically a bit higher flow and faster than the Dan, make it especially popular for more experienced paddlers while still featuring stretches perfect for easy tubing. 

  
How to enjoy the Yadkin

If you're in the Winston-Salem area and wanting to experience the Yadkin River, the easiest way is bringing your own kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The River Section of Pilot Mountain State Park perhaps offers the best way to connect with the Yadkin close to town. 

From the Park’s Shoals Access to the Donnaha (Dawn-ah-ha) Access, it’s a 2.5-hour paddle (6.9 miles). Along the way, see the rock ruins of the Bean Shoals Canal, a historic project abandoned in the 1820s, and explore the many islands along the way. See our full guide to Pilot Mountain State Park. 

Speaking of islands, in 2026, two islands between the Donnaha access and the Old Highway 421 access (6.6 miles; 2.5 hours paddling time) became permanently protected and opened for paddlers to use as a rest stop and primitive campsite. The public helped choose the name for the islands, Aquilla, which means “eagle” in Latin; an apt name given you may see bald eagles in this area and at many other points along the Yadkin River. 

In addition to these two roues, there are three other routes near Winston-Salem:

• 421 River Park to Huntsville Access (Huntsville is sometimes called the Shallowford or Bob Pate access)
  • Distance: 5.4 miles (2 hours paddle time)
• Huntsville to Tanglewood Access
  • Distance: 10.8 miles (3.5 hours)
• Tanglewood to US Highway 64
  • Distance: 16.7 miles (5.5 hours) 

For maps, access points, routes and information, explore the online resources from Yadkin Riverkeeper. 

  
Gear outfitters on the Yadkin 

The closest Yadkin River Outfitter to Winston-Salem is NC River Riders in the town of Ronda. They offer tube, kayak, canoe and tube tracker (inflatable mix between kayak and tube) rentals.

Know before you go: Several of these routes do feature a dam. Pay close attention to signage indicating portages to help you safely navigate around these areas. 

• Hanging Rock Lake at Hanging Rock State Park (pictured above): Enjoy boat rentals between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day (Thursdays through Sunday) and take in the beautiful scenery. Swimming and fishing is also permitted at the lake during this time (fees apply). No personal boats and watercraft are allowed on the lake.

• Kernersville Lake Park: This scenic lake in the community of Kernersville, just east of Winston-Salem, offers numerous amenities including a launch point for kayaks, a picnic shelter and a walking trail. You can rent pedalboats ($5 per half hour) and rowboats (starting at $5 for every three hours) seasonally

• Tanglewood Park (Mallard Lake) : This small lake at outdoor recreation hub Tanglewood Park in nearby Clemmons offers pedal boat rentals seasonally. Pedal boats are $5 per half hour. Other boats and swimming are not permitted.

• Tanglewood Aquatic Center: This massive aquatic compound within Tanglewood Park gives visitors the option to wade into cool, refreshing water without the adventure. Perfect for families with small children or anyone with accessibility needs! It offers a zero-depth entry wading pool with three large water features, a splash pad featuring water features for the little ones to enjoy, a large main pool with diving boards and two slides, plus a winding tubing river which includes two slides of its own.

Triad Eco-Adventures:  Owner Hal Boyle will tell you he's "in the business of fun." Triad Eco-Adventures offers customizable paddling experiences for individuals and groups, with instruction included. Reserve gear to pick up yourself or have it delivered. While they primarily operate at Salem Lake and Belews Lake, they can also craft adventures based on your skill level and interests.. 

Great Outdoor Provision Company:  Whether you're new to paddling or a seasoned adventurer, this outdoor outfitter is a go-to source for gear and expert advice. Each employee has firsthand outdoor experience, and the Winston-Salem store even has a dedicated Paddlesports Manager..

As you navigate area waterways, keep these tips in mind to help you, and your fellow paddlers and boaters, have a safe and fun experience on the water.

• Keep your eyes on the skies: Check the weather before you go to make sure conditions are safe. Use apps such as PaddleWays to check water levels for rivers.
• Life jackets save lives: Always wear a life jacket when recreating on the water.
• Throw don’t go: In the event of an emergency, throw a floatable object or rope to someone in the water, rather than jumping in.
• Steer clear of debris: The combination of tree debris in the water and a strong current make for a dangerous situation. 
• Paddle with a buddy: Having someone with you is safer and you’ll get to share the experience!