Sometimes you just need to get outside and go for a walk. Luckily, if you live in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point, or anywhere else in the Triad, there are plenty of great options. The range of plants and wildlife paired with natural lakes and temperate seasons make the Piedmont region of North Carolina a beautiful place to experience nature.
Here are a few of the best places to take a walk in the Triad.
Cedarock Park – Alamance County, NC
Cedarock Park is a 414-acre national park located just south of Burlington. Open every year from September until November, the park has 2.5 miles of marked hiking trails as well as several miles of unmarked trails. The hikes can be a bit challenging for beginners, so if you’re looking for a nice, easy walk, this may not be the best place to start. In addition to hiking, Cedarock Park offers trails for horseback riding, as well as two disc golf courses and numerous picnic shelters, campsites, and playgrounds.
City Park – Burlington, NC
If you’re looking to have fun with your family while also getting a little exercise, pack up the car and head to City Park. A mini amusement park sits at the center of the 76-acre park, featuring a restored 1910 Dentzel Menagerie carousel, amusement park rides, and a miniature train that wraps around the park. There are also athletic fields, a playground, and tennis courts as well as picnic areas and shelters with grills available.
In addition to walking around the park, you and your family can stretch your legs on the newly revamped greenway. Take a scenic walk through the woods without ever really entering the wilderness. If you’re looking for a bit more of a workout, a paved fitness track surrounds the athletic fields. Outdoor fitness equipment is spaced out along the track, enabling you to get a great workout without having to spend a beautiful sunny day inside.
Elon University Campus – Elon, NC
The town of Elon is located directly west of Burlington and is the home of one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country, Elon University. In fact, the entire 600-acre campus is a designated botanical garden. Elon is known for its trademark brick architecture and sidewalks as well as the numerous lakes and fountains. The campus also houses a 56-acre natural area, Elon University Forest, which is used for scientific research. A walk around Elon University will always leave you feeling refreshed and full of energy.
Greensboro Arboretum – Greensboro, NC
The arboretum is a fully landscaped 17-acre area of Lindley Park in the heart of Greensboro, North Carolina. It’s easy to get to from anywhere in the Triad. Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, the arboretum features ten different collections of plants as well as a butterfly garden, a wildflower tray, a rose garden, and a vine collection. Large wind chimes add to the beauty and calm ambience of the park. If you are looking for a tranquil walk on a sunny day, Greensboro Arboretum is an ideal choice.
Bicentennial Greenway – High Point, NC
With over 14.5 miles of trails, Bicentennial Greenway is one of the best areas to walk in the Triad. While parts of the greenway go through Greensboro, much of it is located in High Point. The greenway is a paved multi-use trail, meaning that in addition to walking or jogging, cycling is also encouraged. The Bicentennial Greenway weaves in and out of parks, natural areas, residential areas, corporate campuses, and farm fields, making it an interesting walk where the scenery is always changing. Wooden bridges that allow you to walk directly through the marshlands are a highlight of the trip.
Salem Lake – Winston-Salem, NC
Located just minutes from downtown Winston-Salem, Salem Lake is a 365-acre lake surrounded by a 6.5 mile unpaved trail. Completely undeveloped once you pass the fishing station, Salem Lake Trail offers a chance to escape reality and experience nature firsthand. Scenic lake views and wildlife will help you recharge your battery after a long week. If you’re more interested in a paved greenway, check out Salem Lake Greenway, which connects to Salem Lake Trail at the fishing station.
Of course, exercise and nature come with some level of uncertainty. If you get bitten or stung by an insect or twist an ankle, visit a FastMed Urgent Care at one of our 6 convenient locations in the Triad. We’ll have you back on the trail in no time!
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