There is a lot to love about living in Salem, VA. One of our favorite things about living in this beautiful city is the number of great places to walk safely and enjoy nature in the area. Read on if you are wondering which trails are worth checking out. Today, we’re focusing on our favorite hiking trails and walking paths that you can drive to from Salem.
1. Mason Creek Greenway
One of the most popular walking paths in the area is the Mason Creek Greenway. You can find this one-mile one-way paved path behind the GE plant at 1501 Roanoke Blvd. If you usually take long trail hikes, you may doubt that the Mason Creek Greenway is worth checking out. We can assure you, though, that there is a lot you can see along this greenway.
You can find workout equipment along the path, so you can work your lats or abs. There are also open fields that are great for soccer, lacrosse, or tossing the softball with your kids. Moreover, if you keep your eyes peeled, this is a great one-mile stretch for bird watching. Over 100 bird species have been documented along this greenway.
2. Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail
Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail at 469 Kessler Mill Rd is also worth checking out. There are many points of interest along this trail, including a railroad trestle bridge, a low water bridge, and Hanging Rock. There are also several historical markers that you can stop and read that commemorate the Civil War skirmish that was fought at Hanging Rock. This one-way trail is 1.8 miles in one direction, and it is great for:
- Walking
- Cycling
- Dog walking
- Bird watching
- Jogging
3. Roanoke River Greenway
You also can’t go wrong hiking down a section of the Roanoke River Greenway. This paved greenway is nearly 10 miles long, and there are several access points. Our favorite access point is Green Hill Park at 2500 Green Hill Park Rd.
Once you’re done walking, there is a wide variety of outdoor activities you can enjoy. You can watch your kids play soccer, football, baseball, or softball or fish along a one-mile section of the Roanoke River. It is stocked with trout, and you may catch enough fish to grill at the park.
There are many miles of beautiful trails and stroller-friendly paths within driving distance of Salem. However, you can’t get there without a vehicle that won’t let you down. If your current car has been letting you down a lot lately, consider upgrading to a 2023 GMC Terrain SLT. To take it for a test drive, visit us today at Hart Motors GMC.
Connect with us
