10 Easy Road Trips Near Winston-Salem, NC (All Out of Forsyth County)
If you live in or around
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, you already know there’s plenty to do in town. But sometimes you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see something new without driving all day.
The good news? Within about an hour or so of Winston-Salem, you’ll find small towns, state parks, vineyards, and historic sites that feel like mini-vacations. And all of the ideas below are
outside Forsyth County, in nearby counties like Davidson, Davie, Guilford, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, and Yadkin.
Use this list when you’re hunting for
day trips near Winston-Salem, looking for
things to do near the Triad, or just need a fun Sunday drive.
1. Lexington: Barbecue Capital & Lake Views (Davidson County)
Lexington is only about 30–40 minutes south of Winston-Salem, but the vibe feels totally different. This small town is famous for one thing above all:
Lexington-style barbecue.
- Dig into classic BBQ – Try one of the long-time joints for chopped pork, red slaw, and hushpuppies. There’s nothing fancy about it, and that’s exactly the point.
- Hit High Rock Lake – Just outside town, this large lake is great for boating, fishing, or just walking along the water. Pack a folding chair, a cooler, and you’re set.
- Stroll Main Street – Grab a coffee, pop into a few shops, and check out the murals and old brick storefronts.
If you’re trying to plan an easy
family day trip from Winston-Salem, Lexington is a solid choice: short drive, good food, and simple small-town charm.
2. Tanglewood Park’s Neighbors: Farm Country in Davie County
You may know Tanglewood Park in Clemmons (Forsyth County), but just across the county line in
Davie County, things get even more rural and peaceful.
Think rolling fields, old barns, and roads where you might pass more tractors than SUVs.
- Explore country backroads – Take a slow drive through Farmington and Advance. Stop at produce stands when you see them. The best peaches and tomatoes often come from plain-looking roadside tables.
- Find a local farm or creamery – Many small farms open to the public on weekends, offering fresh ice cream, eggs, or seasonal events like pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
- Picnic by the Yadkin River – Look for small access points and bring your own picnic. You don’t need a big park to enjoy the water—just a blanket and some snacks.
This kind of trip is perfect when you want to unplug, drive slowly, and see where those two-lane roads take you.
3. Downtown Greensboro: Museums, Murals, and Great Food (Guilford County)
If you’re craving more city energy, head east to
Greensboro, about 30–40 minutes from Winston-Salem. It’s one of the best
day trips in the Piedmont Triad when you want variety.
- Walk Elm Street – Downtown Greensboro is full of murals, local restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. It’s very walkable, and parking is usually easy.
- Check out museums – The city has powerful history and civil rights exhibits, plus science and kid-friendly spots. Great rainy-day option.
- Relax at a brewery or café – Outdoor patios are common, and many spots are kid- and dog-friendly.
I like Greensboro for those days when I want to feel like I “went somewhere,” but don’t want to deal with big-city traffic or a long drive.
4. Guilford Courthouse National Military Park: History in the Woods
Still in Guilford County, but a totally different experience, is
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, on the north side of Greensboro.
Here, you get a mix of
American Revolution history and a peaceful, wooded setting.
- Walk the battlefield trails – The paths are mostly gentle and easy, so this works well for families or casual walkers.
- Drive the auto tour – If you don’t feel like walking a lot, you can follow the park roads and stop at key spots.
- Learn local history – The battle here played a major role in the Revolutionary War. The visitor center gives helpful context without being overwhelming.
If you’re trying to mix
education and
fresh air on a weekend, this is a smart stop.
5. Hanging Rock State Park: Waterfalls & Views (Stokes County)
Looking for a more adventurous
outdoor day trip from Winston-Salem? Head north about 45 minutes to
Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County.
This is one of the Triad’s favorite spots for hiking.
- Hike to Hanging Rock – The main trail climbs to a huge rock outcrop with wide views. It’s not super long, but it does have some elevation, so take your time.
- Chase waterfalls – The park has several short waterfall hikes, great if you prefer shorter walks or have kids with you.
- Swim or paddle – In season, the small lake offers swimming and boat rentals. It feels like a classic summer day camp scene.
Bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and maybe a change of socks. Your future self will thank you.
6. Hanging Out in Danbury & Along the Dan River (Stokes County)
Just beyond Hanging Rock, the little town of
Danbury makes a nice add-on to your Stokes County road trip.
- Float the Dan River – Several local outfitters offer tubing and kayaking. On a hot day, drifting down the river at about 2 miles an hour is hard to beat.
- Grab a simple meal – Small cafés and diners around town serve up burgers, barbecue, and country cooking.
- Slow down and sit a while – Sometimes the best part of a trip is just sitting on a porch, watching the world go by.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to get out of town and see some water,” this one is for you.
7. Pilot Mountain State Park: The View You See from the Highway (Surry & Yadkin Counties)
If you drive west on Highway 52 from Winston-Salem, you’ve probably seen that big, rounded peak sticking up from the ridgeline. That’s
Pilot Mountain, and it’s one of the most iconic sights near the Triad.
Pilot Mountain State Park spans
Surry and Yadkin counties, and it’s only about 30 minutes from Winston-Salem.
- Drive up to the top – You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker; a park road takes you close to the summit, with short trails leading to overlooks.
- Circle the knob – The trails around the “Big Pinnacle” give you sweeping views of the Yadkin Valley and distant Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Stop at overlooks on the way up – Even the pull-offs offer great photo spots.
It’s one of the easiest ways to feel like you’re in the mountains without driving all the way to Asheville or Boone.
8. Mount Airy: “Mayberry” Charm & Surry County Wine Country
Continue farther up Highway 52 and you’ll reach
Mount Airy in Surry County, about an hour from Winston-Salem. Fans of
The Andy Griffith Show know it as the inspiration for “Mayberry.”
- Explore downtown Mount Airy – Stroll past old-timey shops, classic diners, and fun photo ops. It’s touristy in a lighthearted way.
- Check out a museum or tour – There are small attractions tied to the show and to local history.
- Visit nearby wineries – The Yadkin Valley wine region includes several vineyards around Mount Airy. Many offer tastings, live music, and beautiful hillside views.
This makes a great couples’ day trip or a relaxed outing with friends. You can walk, sip, and snack your way through the day.
9. Yadkinville & the Heart of Yadkin Valley Wine Country (Yadkin County)
If you like the idea of wine tasting without driving too far, head west from Winston-Salem into
Yadkin County, especially around
Yadkinville.
- Plan a mini wine trail – Several wineries sit within a short drive of each other. Pick two or three, leave plenty of time, and go slow.
- Pack a picnic – Many vineyards let you bring your own snacks. Sitting on a hill with a simple picnic can feel just as special as any fancy restaurant.
- Enjoy the farmland views – Even if you’re not big on wine, the rolling hills and rows of vines make for a peaceful drive.
If you’re coming from Winston-Salem, this is one of the closest ways to feel like you snuck off to wine country for the day.
10. Madison & Mayodan: Small-Town River Adventure (Rockingham County)
To the north of Winston-Salem, in
Rockingham County, the towns of
Madison and
Mayodan sit along the
Dan River and
Mayo River. They’re great for low-key outdoor fun.
- Go tubing or kayaking – Local outfitters rent tubes and boats, then shuttle you upriver so you can float back down.
- Explore Mayo River access areas – Simple trails and river views give you easy options for short walks.
- Grab a bite in town – Finish your day with burgers, wings, or ice cream at a casual local spot.
This is a fun option when it’s too hot to hike but you still want to be outside.
Tips for Planning Your Winston-Salem Road Trips
Before you head out on these
short road trips from Winston-Salem, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check hours – Small-town shops, restaurants, farms, and wineries may have limited hours, especially on Sundays or in winter.
- Watch the weather – Mountain and river spots can change quickly. Bring layers, sunscreen, and extra water.
- Keep some cash on hand – Produce stands and some small businesses may not take cards.
- Have a “backup plan” stop – If one place is unexpectedly closed or crowded, you’ll have another idea ready.
One nice thing about the Triad is how close everything is. You can wake up late, decide on a whim where to go, and still have a full day of exploring.
What’s Your Favorite Day Trip Near Winston-Salem?
These 10 ideas are just a starting point. From
Lexington barbecue to
Hanging Rock waterfalls, from
Greensboro museums to
Yadkin Valley wineries, there’s a lot to discover just beyond Forsyth County.
Have you taken any of these road trips?
Did I miss one of your favorite spots in Davidson, Davie, Guilford, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, or Yadkin County?
Share your favorite out-of-county day trip from Winston-Salem in the comments—and feel free to add any tips, like the best time of day to go or a “must-try” dish.
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends or family who live in the Triad or anyone planning a North Carolina trip. Your share might be the nudge they need to get out and explore this beautiful corner of the state.
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