Salem Lake

Salem Lake is a city-run park in Winston-Salem built around a lake, with a fishing pier, a boat launch and a walking trail that loops the water. Anglers fish from the pier or the shore, and the marina center houses the lake offices and a bait shop. The trail draws runners, walkers, bikers and equestrians.

Fishing requires a modest fee for adults, teens and seniors, kids 11 and under fish free, and anyone 16 and older needs a state fishing license. Boaters check in at the marina office before launching, and the pier and water access close at 6:30 p.m. daily. The gates lock at 7 p.m. each night, so plan to be out before then. The shelter and pavilion are shared public spaces and are not available for rent.