Recreation

Appalachian Trail Hiking

Located just outside of Salem • Website

The Triple Crown is an experience that features some of the best hiking in the Roanoke Valley in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. During this portion of the Appalachian Trail, hikers will be rewarded with incredible overlooks, unique rock formations that create opportunities for bouldering, shelters for a rustic camping experience, and challenging trails that you can check off your bucket list!

Billy Sample Field at Kiwanis Park

1000 Union Street • (540) 375-4021 • Website

Kiwanis Park is the Home of the Salem High School Varsity, Junior Varsity and the Roanoke College Men’s Baseball Teams. This facility hosts events which draw state and national athletes and spectators. The events held at this facility range from youth, adult, high school, collegiate and national levels.

Carvin's Cove Bike Trails

Located just outside of Salem • Website

Carvins Cove is a mountain biking paradise. With nearly 60 miles of trails, it's earned a reputation as one of the best places on the East Coast for mountain biking. Located less than 10 miles from Salem, the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve sits on over 12,500 acres and is the second largest municipally owned and managed park in the United States. In addition to fantastic cross country single track, free riding downhill trails, and fire roads for mountain biking, the Cove also features a 630-acre reservoir for paddling and outstanding opportunities for hiking, including access to the nearby Appalachian Trail.

Farmers Market

3 East Main Street • (540) 375-4098 • market.salemva.gov

The Farmers Market is located on the corner of Broad St. and Main St. in downtown. In an effort to provide a convenient location for local farmers to sell their products, the City of Salem constructed the market in 1992. Visitors to the market will find a homegrown bounty of fresh produce (organically grown available), home-baked goodies, landscape and garden plants, honey, eggs, antibiotic and hormone free grass finished meats, greenery, jams, and jellies.

Several times during the summer months, the market is turned into a concert venue hosting acts from all different musical genres.

Greenway Trails

Locations throughout the City of Salem • Website

The Roanoke River Greenway in Salem is part of a larger mulit-jurisdictional project to build a trail through the four localities within the Roanoke Valley. Currently approximately four miles of the Greenway has been completed within the City. Several other phases are in planning.  Salem is also home to the Mason Creek Greenway, and the Hanging Rock Battlefield Trail. The portion of the Roanoke River Greenway around the Moyer Sports Complex has been designated the David Smith Trail. See the full map HERE.

Hanging Rock Golf Club

1500 Red Lane • (540) 389-7275 • hangingrockgolf.com

Overlooking the beautiful Roanoke Valley of Virginia, Hanging Rock Golf Club is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The course, designed by Russell Breeden, offers a championship layout that guarantees Roanoke golf enthusiasts of all skill levels a challenging and exciting round.

Historic Downtown Walking Tour

Locations throughout Downtown Salem • Website

Over more than 200 years, the thriving community of Salem in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia has seen a lot of history. The Great Wagon Road gave way to an interstate highway; one-room schoolhouses evolved into modern facilities; charming Victorian neighborhoods. They remain charming Victorian neighborhoods. The story of Salem's past is the story of us all-an American hometown carved from the wilderness when the nation was new; growing and changing through the years but retaining her own unique charm. Come take a closer look!

James I. Moyer Complex

1000 Union Street • (540) 375-4021 • Website

The James I. Moyer Sports Complex is one of Salem’s premier recreational facilities.  The complex opened in April of 1992, and hosts many different athletic events and tournaments.  Typically events are held an average of 230 days a year, with an annual attendance of approximately 250,000 guests.

Lake Spring Park

700 W Main St. • (540) 375-3057 • Website

Lake Spring had been a popular attraction for citizens and visitors dating back to the late 1800s when the area was home to the once popular Lake Spring Hotel. In more recent times, Lake Spring Park has been the site of hundreds of wedding photos, prom pictures and, to this day, it is easily the most photographed place in the city.

Longwood Park

601 E Main St. • (540) 375-3057 • Website

Longwood Park is the largest park in Salem. The park has 5 shelters - 2 can be reserved - and an amphitheater for evening concerts and movies.

Roanoke River Blueway

Locations throughout the City of Salem & Roanoke • Website

The Roanoke River Blueway offers a unique combination of urban, front country, and back country recreation opportunities in the upper Roanoke River watershed. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, tubing, wading, wildlife viewing, and watershed education – with convenient access to other outdoor and cultural amenities in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

 

Rotary Dog Park

1301 Indiana Street • (540) 375-3038 • Website

Dogs are not allowed in Salem’s public parks, even if they are on a leash, but the new dog park has remedied that problem and given dog owners a place to exercise their animals and socialize.

Salem Municipal Golf Course

601 Academy St. • (540) 354-3542 • Website

Salem Municipal Golf Course was built in 1919 on a 46 acre tract of land just a few blocks from the center of the city. The picturesque par 34, nine-hole, 2400 yard course is the perfect place for new golfers of any age to learn the game in a relaxing atmosphere.

Salem Museum & Historical Society

801 East Main Street • (540) 389-6760 • salemmuseum.org

Since 1970, the Salem Historical Society has been dedicated to the mission of “preserving the past, informing the future.” Located since 1992 in the Williams-Brown House (built 1845), and since 2010 in our state-of-the-art, environmentally sensitive addition, the Salem Museum is a vital part of our community. Enjoy your visit to our website and come back often – But we'd also love to welcome you in person at our Museum!