Why leave town
Winston-Salem sits in the middle of the Piedmont, with mountains, rivers and other cities within a short drive. That makes it an excellent base for day trips, most of which take twenty minutes or less to reach. This guide covers the best of them and shows how to pair them.
Pilot Mountain State Park
About twenty minutes north, Pilot Mountain is the region's signature landmark. A quartzite knob called the Big Pinnacle rises above the Piedmont, and a scenic road reaches the Little Pinnacle Overlook, where views sweep over the countryside. The Pilot Knob loop circles the base of the pinnacle for close looks at the rock faces. Sunrise, sunset and autumn foliage are the best times. Check road and trail status before you go, bring layers and water, and stay on marked trails. The mountain is said to have inspired Mount Pilot in The Andy Griffith Show, so it pairs naturally with a visit to the nearby town of Mount Airy if you want a Mayberry detour.
Tanglewood Park
In Clemmons, about fifteen minutes from downtown, this 1,100-acre county park along the Yadkin River offers golf on two championship courses, a par-3 course and Softgolf. The Arboretum has 26 themed gardens, and there are trails, playgrounds, pedalboats on Mallard Lake, a seasonal aquatic center and Tanglewood Stables for trail and pony rides, with reservations recommended. In winter, the Festival of Lights draws crowds. It is a good family day and a good contrast to museum days.
Korner's Folly in Kernersville
About fifteen minutes from downtown, this 1880 Victorian house was built by artist and designer Jule Gilmer Korner, and it is nicknamed the Strangest Home in America. A guided tour of its many levels and ornate rooms takes about an hour. Check opening days. It is an easy stop on the way to or from High Point or Greensboro.
High Point
About twenty minutes south, High Point offers the Furniture City Trolley Tour, the High Point Museum, Furnitureland South and the downtown food hall. See the High Point guide for details, and avoid April and October Market weeks unless you want the crowds.
Historic Bethabara Park
About fifteen minutes north, Bethabara marks the Moravians' first Southern settlement in 1753. Admission is free, with guided tours on most days. It pairs well with Old Salem for a Moravian double bill.
Reynolda and nearby
Although within the city, the Reynolda estate feels like an escape, with gardens, trails and the house museum. It is a good half-day.
Combining trips
A scenic day: Pilot Mountain in the morning, lunch in a small town, then Tanglewood or a winery in the afternoon. A design day: Kernersville and Korner's Folly in the morning, High Point for the trolley and museum in the afternoon. A history day: Bethabara in the morning, Old Salem in the afternoon.
Seasonal advice
Spring brings blooms and mild temperatures, summer favors water at Tanglewood, autumn is the best season for Pilot Mountain, and winter suits indoor sights and lights festivals. Weather can change quickly on the mountain, so dress in layers.
Practicalities
All of these trips are easiest by car. Fill the tank, download maps in case of weak signal, and check opening hours the day before. For group outings, call ahead. Several of these sights are free or low-cost, which makes them good value.
Where to stay
Base yourself at any Winston-Salem hotel and return each evening for dinner in the Arts District. The Kimpton Cardinal, Hotel Indigo and Hampton Inn and Suites are all well placed for evenings out, and Graylyn Estate offers a quiet retreat after a day of driving. If most of your time is in High Point, consider the JH Adams Inn.
Rainy-day swaps
If the weather turns, replace Pilot Mountain or Tanglewood with indoor options: Korner's Folly for a guided house tour, the High Point Museum for exhibits and miniature rooms, or Kaleideum if you have children. Check forecasts the night before, since showers on the mountain can reduce views, and fog sometimes hides the pinnacle entirely. A flexible plan makes the day trips far more enjoyable.
Safety and etiquette
Stay on marked trails, keep a close eye on children near drop-offs, carry water, and follow park rules on pets and fires. Leave no trace, and respect the historic houses and the people who live near them.
