Greensboro, North Carolina is home to many beautiful parks that offer a variety of amenities and activities for residents and visitors. From scenic green spaces to sports complexes, there is a park for everyone to enjoy.
| Park Name | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| Country Park | Over 800 acres, tennis courts, soccer fields, disc golf, etc. |
| Bur-Mil Park | Athletic complex, disc golf course, dog park, trails. |
| Hagan Stone Park | Over 200 acres, hiking trails, waterfall, fishing areas. |
| Northeast Park | Diverse amenities, sports fields, hiking trails, fishing ponds. |
| Lake Daniel Park | Scenic 25-acre lake, trails, fishing, picnic areas. |
| Gilmer Park | Tennis courts, athletic fields, public 50-meter pool, velodrome. |
| Blue Bell Park | Hiking trails, athletic courts, picnic shelter. |
| Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library & Park | Library, maze garden, fountain plaza, sculpture gardens. |
| Center City Park | Events, concerts, ice skating rink, sculptures. |
| Bicentennial Greenway Trail | 4-mile paved loop, public art, walking and cycling friendly. |
| Guilford Courthouse National Military Park | Historic battlefield, hiking trails, fishing, disc golf course. |
| Greensboro Arboretum | 65 acres, diverse botanical collections, scenic paths. |
| Jaycee Park | Hiking trails, fishing ponds, disc golf course, sports fields. |
Here is a list of the top 12 parks in Greensboro that you must check out on your next visit.
Country Park
Name and Location: Country Park is located in Greensboro, North Carolina.
History and Significance: Established in 1939, Country Park is one of the oldest parks in Greensboro. It features athletic fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and more across its 127 acres.
What to Expect: Baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic shelters, playground, 1.3 mile loop trail encircling lake. Beautiful natural scenery.
Visitor Information: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Free admission. Public parking available. Leashed pets allowed on trails.
Country Park is one of Greensboro’s most popular parks, spanning over 800 acres of land. There are plenty of facilities including picnic shelters, tennis courts, soccer fields, boat rentals for the lake, a disc golf course and more. The huge size of the park means there is also plenty of space to explore wooded trails and open fields.
Walking/cycling paths wind through the park, perfect for an afternoon stroll. The lake is stocked for fishing, with a fishing pier and boat launch area. Nature programs are also offered here throughout the year.
Country Park offers something for everyone. Families will love the playgrounds, athletic fields and picnic areas. Outdoors enthusiasts can hike, bike, fish and boat. With so much to see and do, you can easily spend a whole day at Country Park exploring its natural beauty and amenities.
Bur-Mil Park
Name and Location: Bur-Mil Park in Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Established in 1963, Bur-Mil Park is one of Greensboro’s most popular parks thanks to its aquatic center, golf course, sports facilities, and trails.
What to Expect: 18-hole golf course, indoor/outdoor pool complex, athletic fields, fishing, playgrounds, walking/biking trails. Beautiful views of Lake Townsend.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-dusk. Some amenities require fee. Public parking available. Leashed pets allowed.
Conveniently located right off I-40 in northwest Greensboro, Bur-Mil Park is a sprawling public park perfect for sports and recreation. The park features one of the premier athletic complexes in the city, with facilities for baseball, softball, soccer, football, tennis, volleyball, and more. Up to 16 baseball/softball fields can be found here, many with spectator seating and concessions. Football and soccer enthusiasts will appreciate the park’s full-size soccer field and football field with seating for 5,000 fans.
In addition to the sports complex, Bur-Mil Park contains a large 18-hole disc golf course, an off-leash dog park, playgrounds, picnic shelters and walking trails circling a small lake. With such a variety of amenities, it’s easy to spend a whole day at Bur-Mil Park as both an athlete and a spectator. Events like tournaments and sport camps are hosted here throughout the year.
Hagan Stone Park
Name and Location: Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Developed in 1959 around the historic Hagan Stone building, the park provides a peaceful natural retreat minutes from downtown.
What to Expect: Hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing, playground, disc golf course. The historic Hagan Stone house hosts events. Beautiful lakefront views.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-dusk. Free admission. Public parking available. Leashed pets allowed.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Brandt in northwest Greensboro, Hagan Stone Park is a peaceful spot surrounded by nature. The park spans over 200 acres with hiking trails winding through woodlands and along the lake shore. Park highlights include a scenic waterfall, fishing areas, picnic shelters, and a wheelchair-accessible treehouse that provides panoramic views over Lake Brandt.
Hagan Stone Park has plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing is permitted in designated areas – the lake is stocked with bass and sunfish. Boating is also allowed, with electric motors only. There are over 4 miles of scenic hiking trails to explore. Mountain bikers also take advantage of the trails offering fun single-track routes.
Birdwatchers will appreciate the diverse habitats along the trails where they can spot woodpeckers, chickadees, wood thrush and even eagles.With so much natural beauty, Hagan Stone Park is a great place to relax in nature not too far from downtown Greensboro. Visitors can swim, boat, fish, hike, birdwatch, picnic, or simply sit by the lake soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Northeast Park
Name and Location: Northeast Park in Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Established in 1963 as one of Greensboro’s first integrated parks during the Civil Rights era. Home to annual Fourth of July festival.
What to Expect: Playgrounds, athletic fields, walking trails, picnic shelters, skate park. Community events held year-round.
Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission. Public parking available.
At over 400 acres, Northeast Park is one of Greensboro’s largest municipal parks. It contains a diverse range of amenities and facilities to accommodate many recreational interests. Athletic facilities include soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, volleyball courts, and more. The recreation center on site has an indoor pool, gymnasium, fitness center, classrooms and banquet halls.
Outside, the park features several playgrounds, picnic shelters, fishing ponds stocked with catfish and largemouth bass, and over 5 miles of wooded hiking trails. A scenic creek runs through the property. Other park highlights include an off-leash dog park, roller hockey rink, disc golf course and outdoor fitness stations. Concerts and events are often held at the park’s amphitheater during summer.
Northeast Park provides something for all ages. Families can picnic, play on the playgrounds and enjoy the water features on a warm day. Athletes have their pick of fields and courts for sports. Outdoorsy types will love exploring the trails and fishing spots. With so much to do, Northeast Park is a great choice for a day of family fun and recreation.
Lake Daniel Park
Name and Location: Lake Daniel Park in Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Created in 1974 around scenic Lake Daniel, the park provides outdoor recreation while protecting local wildlife.
What to Expect: Jogging/walking trails, fishing areas, playground, picnic shelters. Spot wildlife like birds, turtles, deer. Beautiful lake views.
Visitor Information: Open daily 8am-dusk. Free admission. Public parking available. Leashed pets allowed.
Sitting on over 100 acres southwest of downtown Greensboro, Lake Daniel Park is a scenic park centered around a lovely 25-acre lake. Park highlights include a paved 1.3 mile trail loop around the lake, perfect for an invigorating walk or jog. Benches line the trail at intervals, providing idyllic spots to relax and gaze out over the lake.
Fishing, model boating and kayaking are all popular pastimes at Lake Daniel. The lake is stocked with catfish and largemouth bass. Sheltered picnic areas with grills allow visitors to cook out while enjoying lake views. Playgrounds, athletic fields and courts provide options for more active recreational activities.
Lake Daniel Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, 5K races and fishing tournaments. The scenic beauty makes it a favorite spot for wedding ceremonies and photos too. Visitors will love strolling around the lake and taking in its natural splendor.
Gilmer Park
Name and Location: Gilmer Park in Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Donated to Greensboro in 1926 by local textile industrialist John Gilmer. Swimming pool added in 1932.
What to Expect: Outdoor pool, playgrounds, athletic fields, walking trails, picnic shelters. Site of annual 4th of July celebration.
Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Pool open summers only. Free admission; pool fees apply. Public parking available.
Located right off Wendover Avenue in northwest Greensboro, Gilmer Park may be lesser-known than some larger parks but it packs a lot of amenities into its 50 acres. Facilities include lighted tennis courts, volleyball courts, athletic fields, playgrounds, walking trails and picnic shelters. The focal point of the park is theSetFillPool, Greensboro’s only public 50-meter pool. Aquatic programs like swim lessons, aerobics and lap swimming are offered here.
Gilmer Park is also home to Greensboro’s only velodrome, an Olympic-style bicycle racing track. The steeply banked curve and narrow race circuit provide exciting high-speed thrills for cycling fans. Supporting the velodrome is the Greensboro Velo Club, which hosts races and clinics.
Between the velodrome, pool and other amenities, Gilmer Park offers some unique attractions you won’t find elsewhere in Greensboro. The park’s convenient location right off Wendover Avenue also makes it easy to access.
Blue Bell Park
Name and Location: Blue Bell Park in Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Established in 1929, making it one of Greensboro’s first public parks. Named for local textile mill Blue Bell Inc.
What to Expect: Athletic fields, playground, walking trail, picnic shelters, fishing. Home to annual bluegrass and folk festivals.
Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission. Public parking available.
Tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood of northeast Greensboro, Blue Bell Park covers 25 acres bounded on three sides by North Buffalo Creek. Mature oak, beech and maple trees shade most of the park. Facilities include a playground, tennis courts, basketball court, athletic fields and a picnic shelter alongside the creek.
Where Blue Bell Park really shines is the hiking. A one-mile hiking loop encircles the park, taking you through the peaceful woods and along the creek. Additional dirt trails spur off the main loop for further exploration. Birdwatchers flock here to spot some of the over 56 species documented in the park, including belted kingfisher, Acadian flycatcher and yellow-throated warbler.
With its idyllic creekside setting and family-friendly amenities, Blue Bell Park is a scenic greenspace tucked away within the city. The hiking trails allow you to get immersed in nature right in the heart of Greensboro.
Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library & Park
Name and Location: In Greensboro, NC. Jointly operated library & public park facility.
History and Significance: Opened in 2002, first jointly developed library & park project in Greensboro. Named for first African American female Guilford County Commissioner.
What to Expect: Library, playground, picnic area, athletic fields, walking trail, outdoor amphitheater. Diverse programs and events.
Visitor Information: Library open Tu-Sat. Park open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission. Public parking available.
More than just a public library, this branch also includes a delightful park that makes it worth the visit even if you’re not in the mood for books. The Kathleen Clay Edwards Library is situated downtown adjacent to Fisher Park, conveniently located right off Elm Street. The library itself includes reading rooms, a computer lab, children’s room and more. Outdoors, the grounds have been developed into a vibrant community park.
Park features include a maze garden planted with viburnum hedges, a fountain plaza and multiple sculpture gardens interspersed with flowers and native plants. Winding brick pathways connect the different zones, with plenty of benches for resting. The tropical garden has a distinctly worldly flair, while the children’s garden incorporates kid-friendly learn-through-play elements. Special events like outdoor concerts and story times are also hosted here.
With its harmonious blend of nature and culture, this downtown public park alongside an enriching library makes for a rewarding visit. You can nourish your mind with books indoors, then explore the tranquil gardens outside.
Center City Park
Name and Location: Center City Park in downtown Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Created in 2004 as part of downtown Greensboro revitalization. Hosts major city events and festivals.
What to Expect: Open green space, walking paths, children’s memorial, outdoor stage/amphitheater. Location for concerts, festivals, farmers markets.
Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free admission. Street parking available nearby.
Right in the heart of downtown Greensboro sits Center City Park, spanning a full city block. This lively public space hosts events and provides a convenient downtown green space to enjoy. Designed for flexibility, the open lawn and courtyards accommodate concerts, festivals, holiday celebrations and seasonal events throughout the year. Permanent amenities include a performance stage, interactive fountain water feature, and various sculptures, including a playful installation of bronze croquet rabbits.
Center City Park is the site of Downtown Greensboro’s ice skating rink in winter months. Summer brings free outdoor concerts, Movies in the Park nights and food truck festivals. The park is planted with Yoshino cherry trees that explode into a riot of pale pink blossoms in spring, together with other ornamental trees and flower beds. With its flexible design and downtown location, Center City Park is the focal point for community gathering year-round in Greensboro.
Bicentennial Greenway Trail
Name and Location: The Bicentennial Greenway Trail runs through Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Constructed in 1976 as part of the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration. Connects parks and greenspaces throughout the city.
What to Expect: Paved walking/biking trail stretching over 10 miles. Accessible from multiple parks along its route. Ideal for walking, running, biking.
Visitor Information: Open daily dawn to dusk. Free to use. Parking at access points along the trail.
As one of Greensboro’s first greenway trails developed back in the 1970s, the Bicentennial Greenway Trail holds a special place in the city’s recreational scene. It consists of a 4-mile paved multi-use loop following the scenic floodplain of Buffalo Creek. The trail begins downtown at Center City Park, making it very accessible.
Ideal for walking, jogging or cycling, the greenway trail takes you through natural wooded areas and open green spaces dotted with public art installations. There are several access points if you want to do a shorter segment of the loop. The trail is peaceful and scenic, making you forget you’re right in the heart of the city.
Fitness walkers appreciate the measured mile markers along the pathway. Families can bring kids to ride bikes safely away from traffic. Birdwatchers will want to keep an eye out for barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, belted kingfishers and other wildlife attracted to the creek habitat.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Name and Location: Located in Greensboro, NC. Commemorates the Battle of Guilford Court House in 1781.
History and Significance: Preserves and interprets the site of Revolutionary War battle that led to British surrender at Yorktown. Established as national park in 1917.
What to Expect: Museum, film, visitor center, monuments, hiking trails, living history. Annual reenactment of battle.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Free admission to grounds, fee for museum. Parking on site. Guided tours available.
This National Park Service historic site commemorates the Battle of Guilford Courthouse during the Revolutionary War in 1781. Today the park preserves the battlefield landscape and interpretive trails around the visitor center. Exhibits provide insight into the pivotal Revolutionary War battle and other park history. Living history programs with reenactors dressed in period costumes bring the 18th century setting to life.
In addition to the battlefield park itself, recreational facilities include hiking trails, fishing access at Lake Brandt and a nine-hole disc golf course. Two loop hiking trails start near the visitor center, ranging from 1.25 miles to 5.5 miles. Trout and catfish abound in Lake Brandt, a peaceful setting for fishing from the shoreline or a small boat. With recreational opportunities as well as fascinating history, Guilford Courthouse National Military Park makes for an enriching and invigorating visit.
Greensboro Arboretum
Name and Location: Greensboro Arboretum is located in Greensboro, NC.
History and Significance: Established in 1992 on former farmland. Home to extensive botanical gardens, trails, and educational programs.
Spread across 65 acres near downtown Greensboro, the Greensboro Arboretum showcases cultivated gardens and natural woodland areas with over 2,000 species of plants. As a free public park, it’s a wonderful place to take a relaxing stroll surrounded by incredible horticultural displays. The Arboretum’s major features include 10 distinct gardens like the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, Conifer Collections, Daylily Garden and National Azalea Repository.
Brick walkways wind through the different garden zones and interconnecting woodlands. Fountains, streams and pools create tranquil water features throughout the Arboretum. Visitors can pack a lunch to enjoy at one of the many picnic areas tucked under shade trees. Special events, tours, workshops and classes are also hosted here to educate plant lovers.
With its diverse botanical collections and scenic winding paths, the Greensboro Arboretum is an oasis for nature lovers right within the city. You can easily spend hours wandering through the different gardens and admiring the floral beauty.
Jaycee Park
Jaycee Park is beloved by the residents of northwest Greensboro for its scenic hiking trails, fishing ponds and diverse amenities. At over 400 acres, the park contains several miles of wooded natural surface trails open to hiking, trail running and mountain biking. Jaycee Park is also one of the city’s best parks for fishing, with eight ponds stocked with several species including catfish, carp and crappie.
Other facilities at Jaycee Park include athletic fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, playgrounds and picnic shelters. A scenic stream with mini waterfalls flows through the property. An 18-hole disc golf course winds through the woods surrounding the ponds. Jaycee Park has a little something for everyone when you want to get outdoors and active in the fresh air.
Conclusion
Greensboro lives up to its “Tournament Town” nickname with the vast array of parks and green spaces available for recreation and outdoor activities. The parks listed here are just a sampling of the many gems around town.
Whether you want to hike woodland trails, paddle a kayak, play sports, have a family picnic or simply relax in nature, you’re sure to find a welcoming Greensboro park to meet your needs. Exploring these beautiful public spaces will give you a deeper appreciation of the city’s abundant natural attractions.