Salem Lake

Here's one of the nicest reservoir paddles I've yet to enjoy!  What makes a Salem Lake paddle so pleasant for area paddlers is that while the lake isn't really that big -- about 360+ acres -- the lake bends and arcs in such a way as to have you think that you're really further away from your launch point that you really are.   The picture below doesn't show the entire lake body.

Plus, if you take the left finger of the lake, you can paddle underneath Business I-40 and watch the trucks and cars rumble loudly overhead.  Then you can congratulate yourself for being on the water and not on the interstate!

Vital Statistics:  Because Salem Lake is a city-run park, you have few more rules than usual to abide.

First, the park has hours and whatever the hours are, the lake closes 30 minutes before that.  So, if you're looking for a Spring paddle and the lake closes at 5 pm, you need to be off the water at 4:30.  Also, unlike other paddles at Jordan Lake, for example, you can't get on the water until the park opens, usually somewhere between 7 and 9 am, depending on the day and season.

You must also wear your life vest and you cannot swim in the lake.  Period.

If you decide to fish from your kayak, then you must have a fishing license, which you can purchase at the park office.


Boat Ramp:  Yes!  A nice one at that. It has one of the more generous areas for boat prep.  Because Salem Lake is popular for fishing, you'll likely see a good many people fishing off the pier or launching their own small boats as well.


Restrooms:  Yes!  Up at the park office.

Rentals? Yes, but they are seasonal and dependent on water temperature.  After the water temps drop below 65 degrees, the city doesn't rent canoes or kayaks.  Usually this means rentals are available from April through October.


Fees:  Yes!  This is a Winston-Salem city park, but both residents and non-residents must pony up a launch fee.  The city website gives fuller details, but I *think* I recall paying $4 a boat on the several times I launched here.

You can also buy a season's pass if you really like paddling here.


Other Amenities:  What makes Salem Lake so nice is that you'll find a few picnic tables scattered about as well as a seven-mile trail circling the lake.  It's a great walk, and if you paddle, you're going to see lots of happy people out walking or, perhaps, riding their mountain bikes.    So, you can paddle and explore an urban environment as long as you like and then stretch out the lower body with a walk.

Another side benefit to a paddle here is that you'll likely chart a route to the lake that takes you past Old Salem.  If that happens, and if you like indulging in North Carolina history, you can add to your outing by stopping by Old Salem and walking about there.

What Might You See?  A good-sized population of coots likes to winter at Salem Lake.