Salem Lake Trail

There is no fee to enter and park at Salem Lake. Fishing and boating fees apply. 

Park hours are different during the week and on the weekend. Hours also vary seasonally. Please check the Salem Lake Park website for up-to-date information. 

The trails close 30 minutes before the park closes.

The primary access point for Salem Lake is at 815 Salem Lake Road in Winston-Salem. From downtown, head east just 3.5 miles, passing Winston Salem State University on S Martin Luther King Jr. Drive before taking Reynolds Park Road to Salem Lake Road. 

There are also access points at:

• Linville Road Parking Area (226 Linville Road SE)
• New Greensboro Road Parking Area (At the end of New Greensboro Road)

Those on foot can utilize the Salem Creek Greenway to link up to the Salem Lake Loop Trail.

For those utilizing the trails, park outside the Salem Lake Park gate. On Salem Lake Road, there is a parking area at the playground and picnic shelter on the right just before the gate. Also on Salem Lake Road is the Dragon’s Lair Kids Mountain Biking area parking lot. 

Trail parking can also be found at Linville Road and at New Greensboro Road. 

Those utilizing the boating, fishing pier and marina can park in the large marina lot inside the gate on Salem Lake Road at 815 Salem Lake Road.

Yes, restrooms are available next to the marina office, at the point parking area next to the playground (just before the main entrance gate for the marina) and at the Linville Road parking area. 

The park features other services such as drinking fountains and dog waste stations.

There is a Bait Shop at the Salem Lake Marina/Pier that serves as an information center. 

The Bait Shop is staffed during business hours. Staff can assist with park information and maps, rentals and other services such as fishing licenses. 

Included in the Bait Shop are reptile exhibits where you can view various snakes and lizards. There is also a small gift shop with snacks, drinks and souvenirs. 

You can reach the Marina Office at: 336-650-7677

There are important rules to know before you go to Salem Lake including:

• No bank fishing is allowed. All fishing must be done from the fishing pier or approved boats.
• No motorized boats above 60-horsepower are allowed on the lake.
• No swimming is allowed in the lake.
• Keep pets out of the lake water.
• The lake and trail close 30 minutes before the park closes. Please be off the lake and the trail so the park can be closed properly.
• Do not feed the ducks or geese. Feeding the waterfowl may be harmful to their health.

• Walk/hike/run/bike the 7-mile Salem Lake Trail.
• Boating – Rent kayaks, paddle boards, Jon boats and canoes.
• Fishing – Fishing can be done from boats or from the fishing pier. Check with the Marina to ensure you have the right license. The Lake is stocked with:
  • Bream
  • Carp
  • Catfish
  • Crappie
  • Hybrid Bass
  • Large Mouth Bass
  • White Perch
• Marina – Visit the Bait Shop for information, pay fishing and boating fees, to see reptiles on display and to purchase drinks/snacks/souvenirs. There is also porch-style seating with scenic views of the lake and a building that can be rented out for weddings and special events.
• Playground – Families can enjoy the playground at the Point parking area just before the main entrance gate for the Marina.

The primary trail at Salem Lake is the 7-mile Salem Lake Trail. There are mile markers on the trail to help you keep track of distance. See our trail guide for a visual guide of what you’ll see along the way. 

The Salem Lake Trail does connect to the paved Salem Creek Greenway, which travels through the heart of Winston-Salem and connects Salem Lake to other key points of interest including the Quarry at Grant Park (via the Peachtree Greenway) and the downtown Long Branch Trail.