Lake Johnson Park is one of Raleigh's best spots when you want a workout that actually comes with a…read moreview. The 3-mile loop gave me the perfect mix of cardio, scenery, and just enough challenge to keep things interesting. The trail is mostly paved and very well maintained, but there are also a few off-road paths if you want to switch things up. The lake views are gorgeous throughout the walk, and the heavily wooded sections make it feel peaceful and shaded even on warmer days. I also appreciated that the trail has a few solid uphill stretches. I'd say it's ideal for intermediate walkers, runners, or cyclists looking for a scenic challenge without venturing into hardcore hiking territory. The only downside is the parking situation, which can get pretty tight during busy hours. Still, once you're on the trail, it's absolutely worth it. Raleigh really lucked out with this gem of a park.

Natures finest!…read more Local park with free (but limited) parking. Walking trails. Kayak and paddleboard rentals. Birdwatching. Clean picnic and public bathrooms. Great place to go and enjoy nature.

This is the place to go in Garner for your July 4th fireworks! You can rent a paddle boat during…read morethe day, walk the perimeter, have a picnic or play flag football on the gigantic fields. This park had bathroom facilities, dog parks and a playground. Police frequently patrol and keep the park safe for families. Don't miss the US War memorials! Such history at your finger tips.

Beautiful, spacious park in Garner! I visited Lake Benson Park mainly because I heard about the dog…read morepark. I stopped by on a Thursday night and the park was packed. Lots of kids on the playgrounds, people walking on the paths, and dogs in the dog park. I enjoy seeing parks full of people enjoying the outdoors. Pros: -Large dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs -Dog park is free for anyone to use (no pass required) -Clean park -Ample parking in lots or along the road -Beautiful, respectful veterans' memorial -Labelled areas and trails -Ample areas to sit -Multiple playgrounds and shelters Cons: -Dog park is open to anyone so the dogs may not be fixed, vaccinated, or well-trained -Most of the driving paths are not paved. This kicks up a lot of dust -Lots of bird poop on signs and benches. It's an outdoor park so this is understandable. Bring a towel if you plan to use the benches

Fantastic place for family fun, athletics, or just get togethers for groups…read more Suggest folks to come by and take time to sit out at the lake and enjoy the scenery.

Great recreational spot! Playgrounds, trails, picnic areas and a big old lake to ride around in…read more We brought our paddle boards and cruised around the afternoon. It was free, parking is limited near the boat launch area, but other options aren't too far away.

The park Is closed for construction, however it says it's open still. All I wanted to do was look…read moreat it for my child.

I like White Deer park, the trail is a nice good workout. I even had my gender reveal here at one…read moreof the shelters. The only downside is, the left entrance. They use to have a big slide that was alot of fun & they had seesaws. Maybe too many people got hurt and they removed the seesaws but that was the best part about the left side. The slide, last time I saw it - wasn't in the best shape. But that's just normal wear and tear. The right entrance however, big playground - lots to do. I had fun here even as a teenager. I still occasionally come here to walk the trail, I like this park alot. Lots of good memories here.

It's a nice park in the area! You'll get to expose yourself to sunlight and nature! Great place to…read moredo picnic or outdooring like fishing and playing toys on the lake! Cool place

What a scenic experience! The wind and good weather blew me here and it was just the space I needed…read moreto clear my head.

Who knew that this huge lake existed?! My native North Carolinian buddy Tim did, apparently! After…read morea bit over an hour long car ride heading east of Winston-Salem, we found ourselves unloading our fishing boat at the dock of B. Everett Jordan Lake. Everyone there was so friendly, quick to wave as you passed them by while zipping over the waters. The beauty of this place - from the flora to the fauna - is breathtaking; perfect location for camping, fishing, swimming and/or water sports fanatics such as myself. Even the wildlife (falcons, cranes, etc.) will stun you.... in the best way! Whatever (ahem) floats your boat, if you're looking for a quiet, serene location to escape the insanity, Jordan lake is definitely it! My friends (seen pictured upon the boat, in the background) didn't believe me when I said I would dive into the deepest end of the lake and swim my way back to shore... so these selfies snapped are proof of my claims! Hopefully, next time we return they'll be brave enough to join me in making a splash!!

There were ample camping/picnicking sites near the water. There was plenty of shade and the sites…read morewere clean.

Falls Dam and the greenway trails around it are a great and quick escape to nature. In minutes…read moreyou'll be away from the traffic and the stress of your particular day. I hope plans to turn this into a white water park do not come about. Let nature be nature. We need it more than it needs us.

I feel so lucky to live close to the dam. I am an hobbyist photographer and the wildlife here is…read moreamazing. I have watched a Osprey dive in and catch a fish. I have seen numerous Blue Heron and have gotten pictures of them catching fish. Eastern Blue Birds, vultures, and too many other birds to count. The Neuse River Greenway Trail starts here and you can walk up and down the trail from here. There is ample parking and you will see numerous people there ready to jog, hike or bike from the parking lot. You can park at the dam during the hours it is open and hike across the dam. The place is clean and there are bathrooms and a visitors center where members of the Army Corp of Engineers will happily answer any questions that you may have. Great place and it is all free.

Such a fun place to take kids or if you wanna be a big kid yourself! I like how they have teenagers…read more(maybe some college kids) working there. They're all so friendly and welcoming! Gives them an opportunity to earn some money during the season. We got the aquabana as they call it, for half a day (4 hours) and it was worth it ! We didn't swim but the kids did and they had a blast! You're able to bring a cooler with food and drinks ( juice, tea, soda, water. No alcohol) they have a food truck on site, as well as a "dirty soda" stand. Flavored sodas with cream (very popular in Utah but slowly making their way to the east coast) as well as a first aid bungalow. Everyone gets a life vest but kids under 18 MUST wear theirs at all times! I like that rule! Keeps the kids safe. Of course the teens working there are certified lifeguards just in case! They also offer scuba classes/lessons at the quarry. Would I come back? YES! Maybe one day I would try the courses and swim or paddle board but the go around it was nice relaxing and letting the kids live carefree in the lake!

Me and my husband had such a fun time here! It was just enjoyable sitting in our beach chairs…read morelistening to the music after running and swimming around out there. The inflatables are so much fun and you get tired out after about an hour. They had a food truck that had some great options as well we enjoyed. I would say this is a great spot for all ages.

Enjoyed a walk around the lake after breakfast. Beautiful walking trail and a nice dock area with…read morerocking chairs overlooking the lake. The trail is unpaved with lots of trees, perfect for walking and running.

TLDR: Peaceful lake in Holly Springs. Check out the retreat center (they have animals!). Relax in a…read morerocking chair on the deck and listen to the flowing water and birds. Note that you cannot fish off the deck. Why have I not visited this lake before?? I have passed by it several times and decided to stop and enjoy my breakfast here on a gloomy morning. The lake has benches on the grass near the shore, ample parking, trash cans, lost and found, restrooms, water fountains, dog waste stations, posted rules, weight scale, and marked trails. The retreat center has a large, clean deck with picnic tables and umbrellas. The deck provides a beautiful view of the lake and plenty of bird sounds (mainly from the geese). Inside they have resources and reptiles. Excellent area in Holly Springs to learn, exercise, fish, and appreciate nature.

Surprised I haven't reviewed this park yet. We have been exercising here for several years. The…read morepark is clean and well marked. It has ample walkways mostly flat with some intense hills. It used to be a golf course converted to a public park. Previously it included a large area across Hilltop Needmore Rd, which now houses a new community center. Overall lovely place for family walk.

My dog and I like to walk the trails at this park. There are (3) trails; I consider the red trail…read moreto be the hardest because it has the most hills (it's a little over 2 miles), so your legs really feel the burn, the yellow trail (also a little over 2 miles) is an average hike, and the blue trail (0.6 miles) is easy breezy. This park is very scenic and it used to be a golf course. It's surrounded by large homes, and you can peek at everyone's backyard and sometimes that's awkward. Lol. My biggest complaint is that the trails need to be wider. It's impossible to social distance and when someone is walking in the opposite direction, someone ends up in the grass (usually me). I appreciate all of the doggie poop bag stations, and there are several bathrooms located off the trails. I give this park 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because I'm generous.