A popular hangout for families to get outdoors near Winston Salem. 
 

Located east of Winston Salem, Salem Lake Park is a beautiful place to enjoy the day. There is a large fenced-in playground, boat/canoe/kayak launch area, marina, places to fish, and a hike or bike trail. The playground had one large structure with two stories of climbing and playing and two tall and two shorter slides. The playground is definitely geared towards children 3 and up. The swing set next to the playground has four traditional swings with two baby swings. There is no shade for the park, so in the summertime, the playground can get hot. Outside of the playground, there are shaded picnic areas near the water with geese and ducks hanging around. 

A short walk towards the marina from the playground is a place to launch your canoe, boat, kayak, or SUP from. We saw several families playing in the sandy area near the water. At the marina, you can sit on the wrap-around deck with rocking chairs and enjoy the lakeside views. There is a long pier to walk out and fish in the lake. Salem Lake Marina Center offers boat, canoe, and kayak rental as well as a fishing and bait station for all your fishing needs. The marina can issue state fishing licenses as well. The Salem Lake Marina has a large indoor space that can be rented out during or off-hours with a 2,500 sq ft room with a lobby, catering kitchen, and wrap-around deck for scenic views. This is a great space to host a wonderful gathering. 

The Salem Lake trail is nearly seven miles circling the 365-acre Salem Lake. The trail mostly consists of natural surfaces of dirt, sand, and gravel. You will get an amazing lake view of almost the whole trail. The Salem Lake trail will also connect you to the Salem Lake Greenway at the fishing station on the lake’s west end and will take you all the way to the mall on Peters Creek Parkway. Part of the trail near the playground has a storybook to read for young hikers. I always love this idea as it provides the kids something to find and look forward to on the trail. This small section only goes about a quarter of a mile on the trail and can be found heading counterclockwise on the trail from the playground. Do note, trail users, that the park closes in the evening, and the gates are locked. Time your hike or biking accordingly, and don't get locked in. When they open the dam gates, the back gate around the trail will be closed. 

This park is a popular hang-out for the locals, and it's obvious why. It's is a great place to spend a fresh air, family day together.