Salem Lake Trail - Winston Salem, NC
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou
“If you begin and finish your day with thoughts of gratitude, you’ll find yourself living from a place of abundance rather than lack. Those first and final moments set the tone for the many minutes that fall in between.” - Erica Layne
“Be an encourager. The world has plenty of critics already.” - Dave Willis
The Story -
On Saturday morning Sophie and I hiked seven miles on the magnificent Salem Lake Trail at Salem Lake Park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Despite being only thirty minutes from my house and easy to get to, I had never been to Salem Lake Park. My visit on Saturday will definitely not be my last!
Salem Lake and Salem Lake Trail -
Located only minutes from downtown, Salem Lake is the largest body of water in Forsyth County and is known as the hidden diamond of the city of Winston-Salem. A large man-made 375-acre lake reservoir originally dammed in 1911 is surrounded by a wide and well-maintained multi-use seven-mile trail popular with hikers, runners, and cyclists. The park and lake are a true oasis for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering scenic views of the lake in a peaceful and beautiful natural setting, seemingly miles from civilization.
Spill The Tea -
I arrived at the main entrance of Salem Lake Park and parked at the office near the fishing pier and marina, unaware of all the activity scheduled there for the day. The Park was truly alive with energy and excitement - a Wake Forest professor was conducting a watercolors painting class next to the water with a dozen students, an organization that helps children with special needs was hosting a fishing day for families on the pier, and the Wake Forest club rowing team was conducting a lively practice on the water. There was a joyous feeling in the air, and the energy in the atmosphere was almost as vibrant as all the fall colors surrounding the lake. I could not help but feel it as well.
Add Some Cream and Sugar -
Leaving the pier, I decided to hike the trail counter-clockwise to hopefully catch the sun hitting the water and surrounding trees in the perfect lighting. In hindsight, it really didn’t matter which direction I hiked the trail, it was magnificent from any direction. The trail wrapped around the lake and its many fingers, producing amazing views around every turn. The mostly flat, gravel, and dirt trail was wide and well-maintained, suitable for hikers, runners, and cyclists. And there were lots of each! Yet despite a large number of people on the trail, it never felt crowded. I guess you can spread a lot of people out over seven miles! And since I wasn’t in any hurry or in the middle of a workout, I stopped multiple times along the way to admire all of the beauty around me.
Wrap It Up -
The Salem Lake Park and Trail is a true “diamond” located in the heart of the Triad. It was my first time visiting the park, and at the perfect time of year no less, and I was entranced with the trail and all of its allure. At a length of seven miles, the trail does get your legs burning and heart pumping and benches are available every half mile to take a break if needed. And maybe after your hike, you can even catch a fish, row a skiff, or paint a gorgeous watercolor!
Sassafras and Skinks