Residents are invited to explore the future of Winston-Salem's growing greenway network through two upcoming public meetings and a newly released regional greenway guide designed to help people discover trails throughout the area.
The Winston-Salem Area Transportation Planning Organization (WSATPO), in partnership with Piedmont Legacy Trails, has released the Winston-Salem Area Greenway Guide, a free online resource featuring 19 greenways and trail segments across Winston-Salem, Kernersville, Clemmons and Bermuda Run. The guide provides information on trail distances, surface types, parking, trailhead locations, amenities and system connections to help residents and visitors navigate more than 30 miles of trails throughout the region.
The guide highlights destinations ranging from the Salem Lake Trail and Salem Creek Greenway to neighborhood connectors and future trail projects planned throughout the area.
People are also reading…
"Getting more people walking and biking starts with making it easy to find where to go," said Liam Bowman, Bicycle & Pedestrian Coordinator for WSATPO. "This guide includes everything from trail distance and surface to parking and connections, putting all the information people need in one place. It's a practical tool that makes it easier to choose walking or biking for both recreation and commuting."
"Winston-Salem has an incredible network of greenways, but knowing where the trails are, and how they connect, can be a challenge," said DeLaney Yokley, Piedmont Legacy Trails Coordinator. "We're excited to bring all of that information together in one guide, and grateful to WSATPO for supporting this project. We hope it helps both longtime trail users and people who are just discovering greenways find a new place to explore."
The Winston-Salem Area Greenway Guide is available at www.piedmonttrails.org/winston-salem-greenway-guide.
As interest in greenways continues to grow, the City of Winston-Salem Department of Transportation is also seeking public input on two important greenway studies.
Long Branch Trail Phase 3 public meeting
Residents are encouraged to attend a public meeting for the Long Branch Trail Phase 3 Feasibility Study on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Samaritan Ministries, 414 E. Northwest Blvd.
The study is evaluating potential routes for the next extension of the Long Branch Trail, which would connect the current northern end of the trail near 25th Street to the future Grounds development area near Wake Forest athletics facilities, the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Intergenerational Center and other community destinations.
Attendees will have an opportunity to review proposed alignments, learn about potential trail features and amenities, and speak with City staff and the consultant team. Public feedback will help identify a preferred route and guide future planning and design efforts. Staff and project consultants will be available throughout the open house to answer questions and discuss project goals, design considerations and next steps.
The meeting will be conducted in an open-house format, allowing participants to attend at any time between 5:30 and 7 p.m.
"Public input is an essential part of the planning process," said City transportation officials. "We encourage residents, businesses, trail users and neighborhood groups to attend and share their ideas as we explore opportunities to expand this important community asset."
Salem Creek Greenway public open house
The City will also host a public open house for the Salem Creek Greenway Low Water Crossing Feasibility Study on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Salem Lake Marina, 815 Salem Lake Road.
This study is evaluating options to improve a section of the Salem Creek Greenway that experiences recurring flooding and periodic closures. Proposed improvements are intended to enhance safety, accessibility and the overall user experience while addressing long-standing drainage and flooding challenges along the corridor.
Community members will have an opportunity to review study findings, explore recommended improvement alternatives and provide feedback on the proposed path. Staff and project consultants will be available throughout the open house to answer questions and discuss project goals, design considerations and next steps.
The meeting will be conducted in an open-house format, allowing participants to attend at any time between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.
The Winston-Salem Area Transportation Planning Organization (WSATPO) is the federally designated transportation planning agency for the Winston-Salem area, leading long-range planning and funding coordination for all modes of transportation, including roads, transit, bicycling and walking. WSATPO staff work within the City of Winston-Salem Department of Transportation and support efforts to expand safe and accessible transportation options throughout the region.
About Piedmont Legacy Trails
Piedmont Legacy Trails is the trails collective for the Piedmont Triad, working to promote the region's trails, connect trail initiatives and support communities through outdoor recreation and active transportation opportunities across 12 counties in central North Carolina.
