Are you looking for the best outdoor activities near the Salem, VA, area? Start your search for warm-weather fun with this list of our four favorite ways to spend a day outside without straying too far from town.
1. Green Hill Park
One of the largest parks in the Roanoke County Park System, Green Hill Park in Salem is a common location for community events. Facilities here include a spacious open field, a 20-acre equestrian center, a covered picnic shelter, a playground, and athletic fields.
While you’re here, you can also fish for trout on the Roanoke River and access the paved multi-use Roanoke River Greenway Trail. Green Hill Park is located at 2501 Green Hill Park Rd.
2. Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail
Explore this local rail trail in Salem, which has a cinder surface that’s perfect for biking and hiking. As you traverse the nearly 2-mile route, you’ll observe historical markers that highlight important aspects of the Civil War battle that occurred here at Hanging Rock. In addition to the rock itself, you can look for old loading platforms used to transport coal, a trestle bridge, and Mason Creek.
Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail is also designated as an important spot for birdwatching by the Virginia Wildlife and Trail Guide. For a longer journey, you can access the nearby Hinchee Trail, which ascends about 2 miles up Brushy Mountain. The parking lot for the south end of the trail is located at the intersection of Branch Dr and Kessler Mill Rd.
3. Elmwood Park
Located about 7 miles from Salem in Roanoke, Elmwood Park is a popular spot for summer concerts and festivals with its 4,000-seat amphitheater. It also has a fountain walk, an art walk with outdoor sculptures, and a playground. Check the official Elmwood Park calendar to learn about outdoor yoga classes, races, tours, and other community events.
If you’d like to host a community event in the park, the city’s event planners can help you get started. Elmwood Park is at 706 S Jefferson St. It’s open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
4. Moyer Park
This local Salem park is a great place for a picnic lunch, especially if you reserve the covered shelter for a large group of family or friends. Moyer Park also has a skate park, a playground, horseshoe pits, and a basketball court for pick-up games.
You’ll find Moyer Park at 900 Union St. It’s open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
You’ll be able to bring the whole family, their sports equipment, your picnic gear, and more when you drive a GMC Yukon. Come to Hart Motors GMC today to see this spacious SUV in person.
Connect with us
