Step Into Fall
Autumn leaves provide beautiful backdrops on these great Triad trails.
By Suzy Fielders
The perfect weather and gorgeous leaf changing views makes fall in the Triad an ideal time to get outside and walk. Whether you just want more exercise and fresh air or an excuse to get out of the office for a little bit, these walking trails are a must visit this fall.
Boone’s Cave Park
This 100 acre park is great for getting a lot of exercise as it has a lot of stairs on the paths to the cave. It’s great for all levels too, since there are multiple trails that range in difficulty from easy to advanced. Plus, the leaves look absolutely beautiful changing colors along the Yadkin River.
Location: 3552 Boone’s Cave Rd, Lexington, NC 27295
Country Park
This 400 acre park really has it all, including 13 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Of those 13 miles, 1.67 miles of the trail is paved. Additionally, this park offers fishing and pedal boats on the lake, playgrounds, a dog park, historical site, science museum, and much more.
Location: 3905 Nathanael Green Dr, Greensboro, NC 27455
Fourth of July Park
If you are taking your walk with a stroller or little ones, this is a great park to choose since the paths are paved. The largest overall loop around the park is half a mile. There is also a fun playground that caters to kids of all ages. The trees are all around providing optimal leaf changing views.
Location: 702 W Mountain St, Kernersville, NC 27284
High Point City Lake Park
The changing leaves look beautiful reflecting on the half mile trail of Arnold J. Koonce, Jr. City Lake. The newer pedestrian bridge provides a connection to the High Point Greenway (4.9 miles of trails) and Bicentennial Greenway (6.2 miles of trails).
Location: 602 W Main St, Jamestown, NC 27282
Keeley Park
This park has a multitude of trails to view the changing leaves, including a paved walking trail, cross country trail, and even a beginner mountain bike trail. Other amenities include a community garden and greenhouse, disc golf course, cornhole, and an all-inclusive playground.
Location: 4100 Keeley Rd, McLeansville, NC 27301
Knight Brown Nature Preserve
Boasting almost five miles of trails, this nature preserve has seven different trails that vary in length and intensity. Fall is so gorgeous here that their main website photo is one showcasing the colorful trees. There are also two streams at the site that feed into the Belews Creek.
Location: 221 Waterfield Ln, Stokesdale, NC 27357
Pilot Mountain State Park
If you’ve never been to Pilot Mountain in the fall, you are missing out. As the only real mountain in the Triad, it has the most stunning views during autumn. The trails at Pilot Mountain, whether on the mountain section or Yadkin River section, vary from easy to strenuous. Length of the trails runs from less than a quarter of a mile to over 12 miles.
Location: 1721 Pilot Knob Park Rd, Pinnacle, NC 27043
Rich Park
While it’s not one of the larger parks in the Triad, Rich Park is a real hidden gem as it provides three relatively brief trails with gorgeous tree-lined views. All three paved trails are under a half mile each so they are perfect for those looking for quicker walks or those with strollers.
Location: 299 Cemetery St, Mocksville, NC 27028
Salem Lake
The seven mile Salem Lake Trail wraps all the way around the lake meaning there is no part of this trail that doesn’t have amazing views. On the north side of the lake is a new playground and marina building with a pier. In that area of the trail is also a connector to the Salem Creek Greenway.
Location: 815 Salem Lake Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27107
Tanglewood Park
It’s really no wonder this is one of the most popular parks in Forsyth County considering the many amenities it offers visitors. But, at the core it has amazing walking trails that showcase all areas of the park. There are seven miles worth of trails, with two easy trails and one intermediate.
Location: 4061 Clemmons Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012
