Adventure Awaits: Part 1 – Trekking – Kick Off Spring with Walking Adventures

Warmer weather is finally here, and that means it’s time to get outside! There is so much fun to be had outside that I’m writing a seven-part series on all the adventures that await you and your family.

In this first part, I’m focusing on “trekking.” Walking is a great way to not only get exercise, but have an adventure, as well. I know walking might sound boring, but there are so many ways to make it fun, even for little kids. I share those ideas and some of my favorite trails to walk in Forsyth County below.

Ideas to Add Adventure to Your Trek

Create a nature scavenger hunt, and find items on your walks.
Add timed sprints to your walks, and see who wins each one.
For places with creek beds or water, like Salem Lake or Tanglewood, add in some splash time.
Work on learning names of different plants and/or birds.

Trails to Hit for Your Next Walking Adventure

Here are four of the many great parks or trails in Forsyth County.

Reynolda Gardens & Village

Spring and summer are especially beautiful at Reynolda Gardens and Village. There are gorgeous flowers and foliage almost everywhere you look on the trails, at the gardens and around the village.

I love the waterfall here, as well. It’s small but very picturesque. The lawn in front of the waterfall is a great area to stop for a picnic.

Location: 100 Reynolda Village Way, Winston-Salem

More information: reynolda.org/gardens

Salem Lake

The trails around Salem Lake have almost unmatched views in this area. If you are ambitious in your trekking adventure, this is a great choice as the loop around the entire lake is seven miles long.

In addition to the stunning views among the walking trails, there are plenty of little creeks and water holes to make pit stops for water fun. Don’t forget to also visit the new playground and marina there to add to your adventure.

Location: 815 Salem Lake Road, Winston-Salem

More information: cityofws.org/2129/Salem-Lake

Stuart & Emma Thomas Memorial Trail

Located on the Crossnore Communities for Children property, this trail is truly a hidden gem in our community. The 92 acres of land incorporate trails that include views of everything from pastures and trees to our wonderful Winston-Salem skyline.

There are two entrances to this trail, which are off of Reynolda Road and Gillette Street. Depending on which route you take on the trails, the distance runs up to two and a half miles. One thing to note, there is minimal shade on this trail.

Location: 1215 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem

More information: piedmontland.org/sethomastrail

Tanglewood Park

While Tanglewood Park attracts many people for its many amenities, there is an intricate trail system around the entire park. The 1,100 acres feature numerous trail options, including the 2.2-mile Red Multi-Use Trail.

One of the best parts about walking Tanglewood is you’ll never know what you’ll come across. You could find a cool train on display, a wonderful Children’s Garden, horses and so much more!

Location: 4061 Clemmons Road, Clemmons

More information: forsyth.cc/parks/tanglewood

Be on the lookout for part two of this Adventure Awaits series in the May issue. I’ll be sharing some BIG adventures to consider this spring.

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Suzy Fielders

Suzy Fielders has had a passion for writing since her days in undergraduate school at Coker University, where she majored in Communications and Psychology. She loves hearing – and sharing – other’s stories as well as letting people know all the happenings, places, and events in and around Winston-Salem. Suzy, a Winston-Salem native, has written off and on for the magazine since 2013 and is excited to have multiple articles lined up for 2024 and beyond! In addition to her B.A. from Coker she has an M.A. in Communication Studies from UNC Greensboro. When she’s not writing or working with clients for her content marketing business, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three daughters.

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