Lake Johnson Park
A 500-acre oasis with a 150-acre lake, offering scenic trails, kayaking, fishing, and picnic spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Lake Johnson Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 500-acre oasis with a 150-acre lake, offering scenic trails, kayaking, fishing, and picnic spots.
"Pictures don’t do it justice! This beautiful park is a serene spot."
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tough; try the lot past the bridge if the main one is full.
👟 Trail Variety
Enjoy both paved paths and natural, wooded trails for diverse hiking experiences.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Paved Loop Trail
Circumnavigates the lake
A scenic 2.8-mile paved path perfect for walking, running, and cycling with beautiful lake views.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Boathouse
Explore the 150-acre lake from the water. Rentals are available, offering a unique perspective of the park.
Natural Trails
West side of the lake
Discover a more rugged experience with wooded areas, hills, and opportunities to see water birds.
Pedestrian Bridge
Crossing the lake
A picturesque spot for fishing, watching the sunset, and enjoying panoramic views of the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Trails and Activities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tough; try the lot past the bridge if the main one is full.
👟 Trail Variety
Enjoy both paved paths and natural, wooded trails for diverse hiking experiences.
🛶 Water Activities
Rent a kayak or canoe for a serene experience on the 150-acre lake.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it great for furry friends.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Challenges
Parking can be tough; try the lot past the bridge if the main one is full.
👟 Trail Variety
Enjoy both paved paths and natural, wooded trails for diverse hiking experiences.
🛶 Water Activities
Rent a kayak or canoe for a serene experience on the 150-acre lake.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails, making it great for furry friends.
📸 Sunset Views
The pedestrian bridge offers fantastic spots for sunset watching.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lake Johnson Park is highly recommended for its beautiful lake, diverse trails, and recreational opportunities like kayaking and fishing. Visitors appreciate the scenic views, especially during fall foliage, and the accessibility of paved paths for walking and cycling. While parking can be challenging, the park's natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthwhile destination.
"Highly recommended. Has picnic areas and rentable room for events. Also has easy to moderate paved route suitable for walking, running, dog walking, cycling, or whatever else. The lake is beautiful and colors are amazing in the fall season. There is also possibility for fishing and kayaking. Parking is hard but there is another parking lot past the bridge. Pictures don’t do it justice!"
Omar Othman
"Beautiful park in the middle of town, it was only about 2 miles from the hotel I was staying at. The lake trail goes all the way around and it has several hills on one side. The bridge looked like a great place to fish."
Amanda Snapp
"This park has both natural and paved trails. My favorite is the side with natural trails that include multiple trails through the more densely wooded area west of the Lake. If you take the main natural trail (Shoreline Trail) that connects to the unpaved Greenway Trail that wraps around around the north end of the Lake (boardwalk) then back to Avent Ferry Road, across the footbridge to the south parking lot, I record a distance around 2 miles. However, if you become familiar with the many secondary (unnamed) trails in the wooded area around the Shoreline Trail, one can easily garner over 2 miles in that section alone. That is what I like to do when I walk our dog on this section of trail. I like the woods, hills, nice views of the lake, and water birds. The shade on the trail is especially nice in the summer. The dog likes the paw-cooling water of the streams we walk through. The paved trail sections around the east and south part of the Lake are nice and I do enjoy them as well. All in all, Lake Johnson has nice trails that can be enjoyed by cyclists, runners, walkers, and strollers of all ages."
Robert Hitchcock
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Johnson Park is located at 4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC. It's accessible by car, and many visitors use GPS for directions. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient.
Parking is available, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends. Some visitors recommend trying the parking lot past the bridge if the main lot is full.
Yes, Lake Johnson Park is accessible off the Walnut Creek trail, making it a great stop for longer cycling or hiking routes.
Yes, Lake Johnson Park is conveniently located just minutes from downtown Raleigh, making it an easily accessible nature escape.
While specific public transport routes can vary, checking local transit apps or websites for bus routes serving the Avent Ferry Road area would be the best approach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Lake Johnson Park is a public park and generally does not require an entrance fee for general access to trails and picnic areas.
Park hours typically align with standard daylight hours, but it's always a good idea to check the official Raleigh Parks and Recreation website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
For general park access, no advance booking is usually required. However, if you plan to rent a kayak or canoe, or reserve a picnic shelter or rentable room for events, advance booking is highly recommended.
Leashed dogs are welcome in Lake Johnson Park, making it a great spot for dog walkers. Ensure your pet is under control and clean up after them. +1
Yes, fishing is permitted at Lake Johnson Park. The pedestrian bridge is noted as a good spot for fishing.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, running, cycling on paved and natural trails, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. The park offers a variety of outdoor recreation options. 
The park features a 2.8-mile paved loop trail that is mostly shaded and suitable for all skill levels. There are also natural, unpaved trails on the west side offering a more rugged experience with hills and wooded areas. +1
Yes, Lake Johnson Park is a great destination for families. Kids can enjoy the open spaces, walking trails, and the opportunity to see nature.
Late afternoons offer beautiful lighting for photography, especially around the lake and pedestrian bridge, with the sunset providing stunning colors. +1
Yes, Lake Johnson Park has picnic areas, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing outdoor meal. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Lake Johnson Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics or dine at nearby establishments in Raleigh.
Picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, often near the lake or along the trails. Finding a spot with a nice view is usually easy, especially on the paved loop.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, especially for picnics. Remember to pack out all trash to keep the park clean.
While not in the park itself, the surrounding areas of Raleigh offer numerous cafes and restaurants. You can grab a bite before or after your visit.
Yes, the park has rentable rooms for events, and catering can be arranged for private gatherings.
📸 📸 Photography
The pedestrian bridge offers panoramic lake views, especially at sunset. The paved loop trail provides scenic backdrops with water and greenery, and the natural trails offer a more intimate, wooded setting. +1
Fall is particularly stunning due to the vibrant foliage colors around the lake. Spring and summer offer lush greenery, while winter can provide a serene, minimalist landscape.
Don't miss capturing the reflections on the lake, especially during the golden hour. The boathouse area and the boardwalk sections also offer unique photographic perspectives.
Yes, the combination of water, trees, and open skies makes Lake Johnson Park an excellent location for landscape photography.
Drone usage is typically regulated in public parks. It's advisable to check the specific rules and regulations set by Raleigh Parks and Recreation regarding drone operation before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the park's designated areas, making it a full day of family adventure. The availability of boat rentals also offers a unique water-based activity that can be a memorable experience for children, provided they are supervised closely.
🐶 Dog Owners
Remember to bring water for your dog, especially on warmer days, and always clean up after them to keep the park pristine. The streams along the natural trails can also be a refreshing spot for dogs to cool off.
🏃♀️ Runners and Cyclists
For those seeking more challenging terrain, the natural trails on the west side of the lake offer a more technical and hilly experience, perfect for trail runners or mountain bikers looking for a different kind of challenge. The park's accessibility from other trail systems also makes it a convenient stop for longer rides.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Lake Johnson Park
For those seeking a more rugged adventure, the park boasts natural, unpaved trails, particularly on the west side of the lake. These trails wind through wooded areas, offering a more immersive nature experience with varied terrain, including hills and streams. Hikers often enjoy the solitude and the chance to spot local wildlife and water birds. Combining sections of the paved loop with these natural trails allows for customizable routes, with some visitors reporting easily covering over 2 miles in the wooded areas alone.
These trails are also dog-friendly, making Lake Johnson Park a fantastic destination for pet owners looking for outdoor exercise with their furry companions. Remember to keep dogs leashed and to clean up after them to help maintain the park's beauty for everyone.
Water Adventures on Lake Johnson
+1Many visitors rave about their kayaking experiences, describing the lake as beautiful and the weather as perfect for a day on the water. It's a great way to enjoy the fresh air and serene environment. Whether you're an experienced paddler or a beginner, exploring the lake by kayak or canoe is a highly recommended activity.
While kayaking and canoeing are the primary rental options, the lake is also a popular spot for fishing. The pedestrian bridge, in particular, is noted as a prime location for casting a line and enjoying the tranquil waters.
Picnicking and Relaxation
Beyond casual picnics, the park also features rentable rooms that can accommodate events, making it a suitable venue for gatherings, parties, or small celebrations. This adds another layer of versatility to the park's offerings, allowing for more organized group activities.
The park's natural beauty, including the vibrant colors during the fall season, enhances the picnic experience. It's a place where you can unwind, enjoy good food, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for many locals and visitors alike.
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