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Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Top Spots in and near Winston-Salem

  • Walnut Cove, North Carolina

    Hike and Rock Climb Moore's Knob

    4.3
    Looking for a shorter hike with stunning views, or a place to rappel with a backdrop like no other on the East Coast? Look no further than Moore's Knob, located within Hanging Rock State Park. Just North of Winston-Salem, Moore's Knob is one of the many wonders of the Sauratown Mountains. At 2579...
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  • Danbury, North Carolina

    Hike to Hanging Rock

    4.4
    2.45 mi / 515 ft gain
    Park in the main parking lot for Hanging Rock State Park, and the trailhead can easily be found in the upper parking lot (furthest away from the main building), and is clearly marked. The trail starts off by descending, but don't be fooled, it quickly turns into a steady climb that will have you ...
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  • Danbury, North Carolina

    Hanging Rock Trail

    4.5
    2.6 mi / 780 ft gain
    Beautiful hike through forest up to an elevation of 2000+ feet. The park itself is 7,869 acres with over 18 miles of trails. This trail is one of them. The Hanging Rock Trail is 1.3 miles one way. It included a moderate incline up well kept dirt and gravel trail then, turns into steps made of tim...
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  • Pinnacle, North Carolina

    Rock Climb at Pilot Mountain SP

    5.0
    Wide assortment of climbing on some of the best granite in the world. The grades range from 5.5 to 5.13 so anyone could find their level. It is a very top rope friendly climbing area. All thanks to the Carolina Climbers Coalition who regularly check and maintain all of the bolts located on all of...
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  • Walnut Cove, North Carolina

    Hike the Sauratown Trail

    22 mi / 800 ft gain
    You can through-hike or section hike.  I did it from Tory's Den to the Corridor Trail Parking Lot in about 10 hours. Check the Sauratown Trail Association's website before traveling.  It is a bridle and hiking trail so the hiking is fairly easy. A lot of it travels beside streams. In other places...
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  • Pinnacle, North Carolina

    Hike the Jomeokee Trail at Pilot Mountain SP

    4.3
    0.8 mi / 100 ft gain
    This unique peak, also known as the Big Pinnacle, is in Pilot Mountain State Park.  From the main parking area on top of the mountain on Pilot Knob Park Road, you can first view the Big Pinnacle from the overlook attached to the parking lot.  The prominent mountain behind the Big Pinnacle is Hang...
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  • Walnut Cove, North Carolina

    Lower Cascade Falls

    4.4
    0.75 mi / 105 ft gain
    A beautiful hike through the forest of Hanging Rock State Park. Trail meanders through pines and hardwoods filled with boulders, mountain laurel, scenic views, and the occasional deer or turkey. The trail begins as gravel and dirt then turns into steps made of wood and stone. Also on the trail is...
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  • Asheboro, North Carolina

    Drive the Uwharrie Scenic Road

    This peaceful drive begins at the intersection of US 64 & NC 49 in Asheboro, North Carolina. Follow NC 49 along the the Carolina slate belt southwest toward Concord. Along this 50 mile drive, you'll take in amazing views of the Uwharrie National Forest, so have your camera ready!  
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  • Burlington, North Carolina

    Rock Creek Trail

    1.75 mi / 167 ft gain
    Cedarock Park is a 500-acre park named for the abundance of cedar trees and rock outcroppings. The park features a network of hiking and equestrian trails, disc golf and footgolf courses, primitive camping, a fishing pond, canoe and kayak rentals, basketball and volleyball courts, picnic shelters...
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  • Burlington, North Carolina

    Fish the Haw River in Great Bend Park

    2.0
    0.4 mi
    After parking at Great Bend Park, follow the trail about 100 yards to a bridge which provides you access to a 5-acre island that overlooks the dam's waterfall. While the Haw River is easy to wade, the island offers a number of bank fishing spots for those who would prefer to keep their feet on so...
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  • Snow Camp, North Carolina

    Cane Creek Mountains Northern Approach Loop

    2.32 mi / 351 ft gain
    The Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area is a nature park in the Piedmont Region of North Carolina. Pine Hill Trailhead is the first phase of the park and includes 3.5 miles of trails. All the trails are color-coded and marked with matching blazes every tenth of a mile. The 2.5-mile Northern Approac...
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  • Meadows of Dan, Virginia

    Photograph Mabry Mill

    4.7
    Mabry Mill is one of the most photographed spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and rightfully so. Located at MP 176.1 the mill is beautiful in any season and easily accessed from the parking lot. Since this place is so popular, be prepared for crowds.This place is a nice " leg-stretcher" if driving ...
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  • Graham, North Carolina

    Kayak Swepsonville River Park to Saxapahaw Lake Paddle Access

    This 5.5-mile stretch of the Haw River, often called "Sweps to Sax", is perfect for beginners or a relaxing paddle. This section of the river sits between two dams and creates waters calm enough for an out-and-back paddle if you want to double the mileage.  When you put in at Swepsonville River ...
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  • Willis, Virginia

    Hike Buffalo Mountain

    4.7
    2 mi / 700 ft gain
    COVID-19 CLOSURE: Due to Covid-19, this trail will be closed effective April 10, 2020 at 8 PM until June 24, 2020.  A short 1.0 mile hike to the summit with 700’ elevation gain, the trail switchbacks steeply up to the exposed rocky summit. To the north you can see Sharp Top and Flat Top at the Pe...
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  • Statesville, North Carolina

    Hike the Lake Shore Trail at Lake Norman

    4.4
    5 mi / 75 ft gain
    From the Cove Picnic area in Lake Norman State Park, you immediately begin hiking along the lakeshore. If you don't want to take the full lake loop, use Short Turn Trail for a 2.5 mile hike. This trail makes for a moderate hike or solid trail run route.
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Top Activities

Camping and Lodging in Winston-Salem

Greensboro KOA Journey
Greensboro, North Carolina

Greensboro KOA Journey

Getaway Asheboro
Asheboro, North Carolina

Getaway Asheboro

From $149 / night

King's Mountain Point Picnic Pavilion (Nc)
Troy, North Carolina

King's Mountain Point Picnic Pavilion (Nc)

Badin Lake Group Camp
New London, North Carolina

Badin Lake Group Camp

Badin Lake Campground
Eldorado, North Carolina

Badin Lake Campground

Arrowhead Campground
Eldorado, North Carolina

Arrowhead Campground

Guides, Insights and Stories from Winston-Salem

Add these three North Carolina destinations to your must-visit list

Add these three North Carolina destinations to your must-visit list

The Outbound Collective

Four days hiking and paddling in North Carolina's Piedmont Region

Four days hiking and paddling in North Carolina's Piedmont Region

Simone Adams