Lake Townsend Park is a major urban park in Greensboro, North Carolina, offering extensive outdoor recreation on the city’s largest lake, with ample opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking.
Lake Townsend Park spans over 1,200 acres around Greensboro’s largest lake, Lake Townsend, a 188-acre reservoir. The park is located in Guilford County and serves as a vital green space for residents and visitors in the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The park features a diverse mix of hardwood forests, open fields, and riparian habitats that support local wildlife such as blue herons, great horned owls, and occasional bald eagles. Created in the mid-20th century as part of Greensboro’s water supply, Lake Townsend has since become a focal point for outdoor recreation, managed by the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. Popular activities include kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, with the lake stocked to support largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill. Around the lake, multiple trails wind through woodlands and meadows, perfect for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. The park also offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and a boat rental facility. Seasonal programs and events, such as fishing tournaments and birdwatching outings, attract families and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The park's blend of water-based and land-based recreation, alongside its accessibility from Greensboro, makes Lake Townsend Park a favored destination for both day visits and casual weekend outings.
Lake Townsend Reservoir – largest lake in Greensboro ideal for fishing and paddling
Multi-use Trails – well-maintained hiking and mountain biking routes circling the lake
Boat Rental Facility – offers canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for lake access
Picnic and Playground Areas – family-friendly amenities throughout the park
A 188-acre man-made lake providing water recreation and habitat in the park.
A roughly 12-mile loop trail combining mixed terrain suitable for hiking and biking.
Facility offering daily canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals for lake exploration.