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Lake Townsend Park adventures

Lake Townsend Park Adventures

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.

1200+
Acres Protected
15
Miles of Trails
100,000+
Annual Visitors
1958
Year Established

About Lake Townsend Park

 

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.

Highlights

Highlight

Lake Townsend Reservoir – largest lake in Greensboro ideal for fishing and paddling

Highlight

Multi-use Trails – well-maintained hiking and mountain biking routes circling the lake

Highlight

Boat Rental Facility – offers canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for lake access

Highlight

Picnic and Playground Areas – family-friendly amenities throughout the park

Notable Natural Features

Lake Townsend Reservoir

A 188-acre man-made lake providing water recreation and habitat in the park.

Lake Townsend Trail

A roughly 12-mile loop trail combining mixed terrain suitable for hiking and biking.

Boat Rental Dock

Facility offering daily canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals for lake exploration.