Salem Lake

Fun trail

It will take you some time to learn you way around out here. The trail markings are getting better. There is something for everyone out here. Some very nice singletrack, some good climbs, rock gardens, and a sweet jump section. There is even a BMX dirt jumping area.

Fun trails. But the jump area halfway through the Singletracks are Matt Hoffman stats, there's just no freaking way.

no markings but i loved getting lost in the woods

This is my backyard trail and I have slowly tried to clear parts of it with a hatchet and handsaw. I've never seen anyone enforcing the fine (if it even exists). Parking at end of New Greensboro Rd is best access point. You can go down the road past the fence and there will be trailheads on the left but the best one is the one next to the trashcans right where you park. No markings really to speak of but a fun place to "get lost" (Can't really ever get lost because you can always go downhill and end up at dirt road going around lake). There are some of the sickest downhill lines you'll find anywhere around. There is an old maintenance road that runs next to the power line towers that is a must if you like riding wide open. Probably longest downhill line in Triad that I can find. Starts up at top of hill (near I-40) and runs all the way down to the lake. It has overhanging thorns and lots of loose gravel but its such a fun run. Turn left when you finish that run and turn left onto the next trail head a few hundred feet down the road and it takes you back to the top. I'll do that 4-5 times and be whipped. Not your traditional, well-marked, loop-style trail but a great place to have fun and play like a kid. With a bit of effort, it could be a real destination.

Just an updated review regarding the Dojo & Beyond at No Name Trail inside the woods of Salem Lake. Ride on your own comfort level and just keep on rolling with those new features at the Dojo, Sortilege & Beyond.
Some blue markers are up to give riders a good flow of the trails but still lots of work needs to be done.
Keep riding and enjoy this awesome trail.
#keepbelieving

Update: Looks like maybe the city has started work on the trails as they become official. Cool wind-through-the-pines section near Linville Road and fresh blue square blazes on that end, too. Exciting!

(This is NOT about the sandy path around the lake. This is about the unofficial single tracks in the woods on the North shore of the lake between Linville Road and a maintenance road near the footbridge across the lake.)

The best place to park is probably the dead end of New Greensboro Rd. There are NO signs and there are LOTS of trails, but it's not really a large area, so, as I always say, "You can only get so lost." You'll run into a road or the lake sooner or later. ; )

Most of the trails are pretty rustic/natural, but there is one big area where ramps and jumps have been sculpted in our lovely native red clay. There are a couple of other areas with constructed "features." Some of these are old and decayed, so inspect before you ride!

There is lots of fun to be had, with trails of varying difficulties, so I agree with the previous reviewer: Get out and explore!

Well kept secret into the living woods of Salem Lake. 14 miles of labyrinth loops after loops unless some elves helps you out to find the right flow you will be amazed how fun and exiting the hidden gems of the singletracks inside the woods of Salem Lake. We call this the No Name Trail because you can get easily lost unless some elders and dwarfs guides you ;-)
Just keep exploring and ride on your comfort level. Don't stop exploring and enjoying the unending 14 miles of beauty. Just ride!

Single track is fun, but you aren't allowed too ride on it, path around lake is boring.

UPDATE 6/7/17: Folks have done a lot more work on this. There's a new XC trail in the evergreen section between the gas station and Linville side of the lake. It's pretty flat, but super twisty and fun! Folks have also added blue blazes along some of the trails near this section. The more technical features in this part have been built up--majorly--and now have some signage warning folks about the difficulty level. These changes have made the Salem Lake "secret" trails a TON more fun and interesting. Thanks to the trail gnomes!

These trails are a labyrinth with lots to explore and test. But it's difficult to get lost because the large lake and nearby highway are there to keep you oriented. Even without any signs or trail maps, I had fun riding solo and just seeing what I could find. In early spring, these trails are not overgrown. And despite the rule that we're actually not supposed to be riding these trails, there are plenty of built jumps, berms, and a huge freeride section. So no one seems to be policing this area. Lots of roots, log jumps, dirt jumps, roll overs, and drops. But nothing you can't avoid if you're not into the more risky technical features. Love it.

More of a free ride section in the woods with plenty of obstacles on the trail. You have do some exploring since there isn't any signage

fun singletrack. not too demanding elevation-wise, but plenty of obstacles to deal with. not my thing, but it looks like there's a pretty serious freeride section up there as well.

Depending on your route you can get a killer workout or have a ton of fun on jumps amd obstacles... or mix it all in! Climbs, bowls, jumps, logs, you name it, Salem lake has it!

Great place to ride. Unfortunately not for night riding. Some criminal elements lurk around at night. Unfortunately this would be a great place ride at night. But during the day it's smooth free flowing trail. Great to increase your speed with a few up hills. The connecting trail to go downtown Winston and old Salem is an enjoyable ride Also. I heard you can get fined if you ride the trails in the woods ,but they are fun and are well used. They should be opened to the public and maintained. They add to the Salem lake adventure. I did 25 miles there one morning and enjoyed every minute of the ride. A fun place to ride walk of run.

Trail could be fun if ridden more and maintained better. Right now it's hardly visible, no signes and wooden features are in bad shape.

I have been to Salem Lake's singletracks 2 times now, and I am addicted to the place! First off, the greenway is really fun in areas and don't pass it off. Once I went downtown taking the Salem Creek greenway and the Old Salem strollway after MTBing and ate at the Mellow Mushroom so that was definately a plus!
Now on to the really cool stuff! I have been on the sections close to Linville Road and there are the 2 BMX like areas, but it is really fun to go on the trails too. Lots and lots of elevation variations and the trail gets to be pretty tight in places, but I would reccomend this to anybody with a good quality bike that isn't afraid to take a few risks or minor falls.

Okay I went and spent more time on the trails in the woods. (shh, don't tell the authorities) I walked around a lot of stuff since I was by myself and did not want go to the hospital. It is pretty technical and with large obstacles. I did not really like it because it did not flow very well and I could not figure out where I was and where I was going.

Rode around the lake last monday night. I saw on the news that the trail was closed. You could not make a full loop. the water at the dam was 1 foot to almost 2 feet above normal. Did not ride the single track!

rode this tonight. It is very technical and rooty. Good trail it is just the roots are really bad.