Greensboro, North Carolina: 10 Easy Weekend Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips From Greensboro, NC: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Guilford County

If you live in or around Greensboro, North Carolina and you’re itching to get out of town for a day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find waterfalls, wineries, small-town main streets, and some really unique museums. The best part? All of these ideas are outside Guilford County but still close enough for a simple day trip or a quick weekend escape. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Greensboro, focusing on nearby counties like Alamance, Davidson, Forsyth, Randolph, Rockingham, and Stokes. Gas up the car, grab some snacks, and let’s hit the road.

1. Wander Historic Downtown Burlington (Alamance County)

About 30–35 minutes east of Greensboro, Burlington in Alamance County makes for an easy half-day trip. Start in Downtown Burlington, where old brick buildings now house coffee shops, local restaurants, and boutiques. It has that classic small-town Carolina feel, but with enough going on to keep you busy.
  • Stroll along the main streets and check out local shops.
  • Grab lunch at a locally owned restaurant or cafĂ©.
  • Visit the historic railroad depot area and snap a few photos.
If you’re traveling with kids, take a quick side trip to City Park to ride the old-fashioned carousel and miniature train. It’s simple, it’s charming, and it feels like a slice of old-school Americana. Driving tip: It’s close enough that you can head over after work on a Friday evening for dinner and a walk.

2. Hike and Relax at Hanging Rock State Park (Stokes County)

If you’re craving mountain views without driving all the way to Asheville, Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County is a fantastic option. It’s usually about an hour to an hour and 15 minutes from Greensboro, depending on traffic. This park is packed with:
  • Well-marked hiking trails (from short, easy walks to more challenging climbs).
  • Several waterfalls you can reach by trail.
  • A lake with a sandy beach area for swimming in warmer months.
The hike to the main Hanging Rock overlook is a workout, but it’s not extreme. Think of it like a long set of stairs with scenic rewards along the way. When you reach the top, you’ll get sweeping views of rolling hills and rocky cliffs. If you’ve been sitting at a desk all week in Greensboro, this is a great place to stretch your legs and reset your mind. Pack this: Water, snacks, and a light jacket. Weather can change quickly at higher elevations.

3. Step Back in Time in Old Salem (Forsyth County)

About 40–45 minutes west of Greensboro in Winston-Salem, you’ll find Old Salem Museums & Gardens in Forsyth County. This is one of the most unique historic areas in North Carolina. Walking through Old Salem feels a bit like time travel. You’ll see costumed interpreters, original buildings, and demonstrations of old trades like baking, woodworking, and more. Things to do:
  • Walk the cobblestone-style streets and explore the historic houses.
  • Stop into the bakery for fresh Moravian cookies or sugar cake.
  • Visit the museums to learn about early Moravian life and local history.
If you’re into history, architecture, or just cozy old towns, this road trip from Greensboro will keep you busy for hours. Even if you’re not a “history person,” the atmosphere, gardens, and food are worth the drive. Bonus: Combine this with a stop in downtown Winston-Salem for dinner or a coffee shop crawl.

4. Find Your Inner Kid at the North Carolina Zoo (Randolph County)

One of the absolute must-do road trips from Greensboro is the North Carolina Zoo near Asheboro in Randolph County. It’s about 45 minutes to an hour south of Greensboro. This isn’t just any zoo. It’s one of the largest walk-through zoos in the world, and it’s spread out over hundreds of acres of natural habitat. Highlights include:
  • Africa and North America sections, each with wide, open habitats.
  • Elephants, giraffes, lions, polar bears, and more.
  • Kid-friendly play areas and interactive exhibits.
Plan to walk a few miles if you want to see everything, so wear comfortable shoes. You can also take shuttle trams if you don’t want to walk the whole way. If you’re traveling with family or just love animals, this is an easy all-day adventure from Greensboro.

5. Explore Lexington: Barbecue Capital and Lake Views (Davidson County)

About 35–45 minutes southwest of Greensboro sits Lexington in Davidson County, widely known for its Lexington-style barbecue. If you love smoked pork with a tangy red slaw and hush puppies on the side, this is your spot. Here’s how to enjoy a day in Lexington:
  • Pick a classic barbecue restaurant and try a plate of chopped BBQ with all the fixings.
  • Walk around downtown Lexington and browse antique and specialty shops.
  • Head out to High Rock Lake (also in Davidson County) for a scenic drive or lakeside views.
On fall weekends, Lexington can be extra lively, especially around the time of the annual Barbecue Festival. If you time it right, your short trip from Greensboro can turn into a full-on food adventure.

6. Paddle or Float Along the Dan River (Rockingham & Stokes Counties)

If you like the idea of a lazy day on the water, the Dan River offers a peaceful escape just north of Greensboro. Parts of the river run through both Rockingham and Stokes counties. You can:
  • Rent a tube, kayak, or canoe from local outfitters along the river.
  • Drift downstream for a few hours under shady trees.
  • Pack a picnic and stop along the riverbank where it’s allowed.
On a warm summer day, floating the Dan River feels like nature’s version of a long, relaxing nap. It’s slow, calm, and great for friends, couples, or families with older kids. Safety note: Always wear a life jacket and check water levels and weather before you go.

7. Discover Saxapahaw: Tiny River Village with Big Personality (Alamance County)

If you’re looking for something a little artsy and off the beaten path, try Saxapahaw in Alamance County. It’s a small former mill village, about 40–50 minutes from Greensboro, depending on your route. The heart of Saxapahaw sits along the Haw River, and the old mill buildings have been turned into a mix of:
  • Restaurants and a general store with local products.
  • Live music venues (especially popular in warmer months).
  • Loft-style living spaces and small shops.
You can walk along the river, grab a meal, and enjoy a laid-back but creative vibe. On some weekends, there are outdoor concerts and markets that draw people from all over central North Carolina. If you’d rather chill than rush, Saxapahaw gives you that slower pace without feeling sleepy.

8. Hike the Uwharrie Mountains (Randolph & Nearby Counties)

Looking for another outdoor escape from Greensboro? Head south toward the Uwharrie Mountains, part of the Uwharrie National Forest. Portions of this area sit in Randolph County and nearby counties. The Uwharries aren’t huge mountains like the Blue Ridge, but they offer rolling hills, forested trails, and a peaceful, rugged feel. Here’s what you can do:
  • Day hike on well-marked trails with moderate elevation changes.
  • Look for wildlife and quiet creek crossings.
  • Try mountain biking or horseback riding on designated paths (if you have the gear).
If you’ve been thinking, “I want to go hiking near Greensboro, but I don’t have all weekend,” this is a great choice. It feels remote, but it’s still just a short drive away.

9. Visit Eden: Rivers, History, and Small-Town Charm (Rockingham County)

Head north from Greensboro for about 45–55 minutes and you’ll run into Eden in Rockingham County, a town shaped by its rivers and textile history. You can spend a relaxed day here:
  • Walk or bike along the Smith River Greenway for an easy, scenic outing.
  • Explore historic areas like Leaksville and Draper, which are now part of Eden.
  • Check out local diners or family-owned restaurants for that classic small-town feel.
Some weekends, you’ll find river festivals or community events that give you a real taste of local life. It’s a nice change of pace from city traffic and shopping centers.

10. Explore Winston-Salem’s Arts District (Forsyth County)

We already talked about Old Salem, but Winston-Salem has another side that’s worth a separate trip: its downtown arts district in Forsyth County. About 35–45 minutes from Greensboro, this area combines street art, galleries, restaurants, and breweries. You might:
  • Walk through the arts district and check out murals and public sculptures.
  • Visit small galleries featuring local and regional artists.
  • Grab a craft beer, coffee, or dessert and people-watch from a patio.
If you like your road trips with a little more city energy, this is a good option. You can easily pair it with Old Salem earlier in the day or turn it into an evening date from Greensboro.

Tips for Planning Short Road Trips From Greensboro

To make these day trips from Greensboro more enjoyable, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Time your drive: Leaving after morning rush hour or before evening traffic makes a big difference.
  • Check hours: Especially for museums, historic sites, and outfitters.
  • Pack a “go bag”: Keep a small backpack with water, sunscreen, bug spray, a phone charger, and a light jacket in your car.
  • Mix it up: Alternate between outdoor adventures, small-town visits, and food-focused trips so it always feels fresh.
If you’re thinking, “I’m stuck doing the same things every weekend,” just pick one of these ideas and put it on your calendar. Once you start exploring outside Guilford County, you’ll realize how much there is to do within an hour of home.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip From Greensboro?

Have you tried any of these Greensboro day trips already? Maybe you have a favorite waterfall in Stokes County, a barbecue spot in Davidson County, or a hidden gem in Alamance or Rockingham you think more people should know about. I’d love to hear about it.
  • Which of these 10 road trip ideas would you try first?
  • Do you have your own “secret spot” outside Guilford County?
Share your thoughts in the comments and let other readers know what you recommend. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who live in the Greensboro area or are planning a visit to central North Carolina. The more we share our favorite places, the more we all get to enjoy this beautiful part of the state.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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