I've been coming here since college and I still love it! The 3.5 mile trail is great for runs (there are a few good hills there) or for walking with the dogs. You can also go off the paved trail and explore the wooded trails. There are plenty of less traveled areas where we are able to let our dog swim when the weather is nice. It gets crowded and can be difficult to find parking at times, but people are coming and going so often that you usually don't have to wait too long for a spot! read more

This lake is huge! There are lots of things to do but beware of the geese.

Probably my favorite walking and running trail in the triangle. You have a choice of 3 distances, depending on which route you take. It's challenging in some areas, very intense in others, and very steady most of the way. Not too crowded, well maintained, paved, beautiful natural scenery. Although I do not go out onto the lake, there are usually kayakers out there having a nice time. People fish off the bridge and the dam, crowd is polite and mature...always a plus. Only negatives are: 1) the parking, but you just have to be patient and wait for someone to return to their car and pull out 2) There is a peeper/voyeour middle aged man in a large white truck that parks and waits for women to get into the back seat of their vehicles (to change into running gear) then pulls up beside you and shamelessly tries to watch you. REPORT HIM. read more

My husband and I make it to Lake Johnson monthly. It's beautiful and the loop is about 3 miles. Parking can be an issue though.

Love this park. It is less than a mile from my house and is the best trail I've found. Great for walking for a more challenging walk with lots of hills, shade, and not a lot of bugs. I love doing this ~3 mile loop with friends or just by myself as well. Lots of people run or bike it as well. Definitely a hidden gem and one of the better trails in the area! read more

I haven't spent a lot of time at Lake Johnson, but back in the days when I lived close by, my friend and I would run/jog around the trails. Nice, mostly paved pathways are a great escape and are great exercise...but be prepared if you want to traverse the full loop. It's over 3 miles, and if you're not expecting it you might get tired out earlier than you'd hoped. Even so, you can take a quick break overlooking the lake before you make the rest of the trip. If you're on foot, make sure to watch out for others - the cyclists on the trails can come up on you quickly and don't always make their presence known. read more

My favorite of the lakes in the area. The view over the side by the dam area looking at the sunset is just the prettiest. The paved path is about a 5k, and there are some trails off of the path, too. There's a restroom and boathouse along the way. While there are parking lots, they get pretty busy during peak times. Some areas have pretty ample street parking. Good mix of students, families, and professionals. I've never felt unsafe walking with friends. read more

This is one of my favorite places in the world. My fiancé lives in the close-by Lake Johnson Mews apartments, so we spend quite a few evenings every week taking a walk around the lake. It is not so terribly crowded on a weeknight that you can't move, but you will see quite a few people and dogs. Weekends are especially popular. The boathouse is well taken care of...I think they even have snacks there! Occasionally, a food truck will come and park outside of the boathouse. Overall, this a great place to go if you are looking for a nice walk, or to rent a boat. read more

To Day we were going to go to lake Johnson to go kayaking so we filled out the form and went in the line when we did the person at the cashier said to get in line when we were already then someone else we went around the line and the Cashier didn't make them get in line and by the time we got to the cashier they were all out of kayaks they the cashier discriminated my mom because she didn't speak English when we ask for a reservation for a kayak the cashier as for my I d but scenic I don't want to get a drivers license is after waiting in line for 20minutes and the cashier not letting me have a kayak they were disrespectful read more

This is one of my fave parks to come to - especially if it recently rained since they have a paved loop. I believe it is about 3 miles around on the paved trail, but you can continue on across the road to do another loop on a more natural path. Only downfall is that parking is super limited on beautiful days when everyone else wants to walk the trails as well. There are plenty of dogs, runners, and bikes as well. They also have very affordable paddle boats and canoe rentals. Restrooms at the rental area and dog friendly / accessible water fountains. read more

This place has an awesome asphalt path that goes all the way around the lake. It's nice to walk on weekend afternoons. I am very grateful that we have something like this in our area. read more

Great gem in Raleigh, but never any parking!!! I know I am going during peak times because of my work schedule, but those of us with 8-5 jobs want recreation too. It's tough because I get amped up, drive over and check all three spots to park and they're always full! Half the time there's a game or something going on at the school so I can't park there and walk down. Other than that, this place is great! 3 mile paved path around the lake, unpaved trails on one side, kayak rentals, restrooms, and pretty views. Great trail in Raleigh if you can find parking. It's usually pretty crowded when I go after work which can be annoying, but if I have to go by myself I like that it's a popular park and I feel safe. Wish they would add more parking somehow. read more

A great place to enjoy nature. The park has a nice paved 3 mile trail. The trail has both hills and flat areas. Also, you can rent paddle boats and kayaks to spend time on the water. Definitely a place to visit if you enjoy the outdoors. read more

I have been to Lake Johnson many times and my most recent visit was February 17. I love the park and walking trails, but the parking is limited and often hard to maneuver. This time, I went to relax and sit by the water, but was disrupted by barking dogs, crying children, and car horns. Usually, I have the best experience when I go to Lake Johnson, but there are a few things the managers could update. read more

This is my go to for recreation out in nature. What an excellent resource for the community and health. The dock and bridge are fantastic. A popular spot for area residents. During peak hours parking can be hard to come by. If you live close, ride your bike or walk there for added convenience & carbon footprint reduction! read more

Lake Johnson has a great trail with a nice 3 mile loop. Also, it's only $5 to rent a kayak for an hour. It's such a great weekend activity and the lake is beautiful! read more

Absolutely love this place!! It's nice and quiet which allows me to enjoy a hike or a bike ride around the lake. During the summer they have paddle boat and kayak rentals which is always a great way to spend the day. read more

Beautiful park with trails, restrooms, picnic tables, grills, and a club house. Walking is about 3 1/2 miles all the way round and has paddle boats and canoes to rent as well. Perfect year round especially in the Fall when the leaves start to turn. read more

One of the best place to run and get lost in the woods. I come here as often as possible and enjoy every minute of it.

I've lived here for two years now and frequented Lake Johnson about 3 or more times a week. I love the staff and the cleanliness most. The views on the trails are breathtaking. And being out on a kayak to catch sunset? You can't beat that. It's a smaller lake so it's easier to navigate all the little nooks and crannies. I love being able to walk there. Everyone is so friendly. Great place to enjoy life. read more

I was in town for a few hours while my husband had a business meeting and found this delightful park on Yelp. My pup was along for the trip, so it was perfect for walking with him. There's a nice pavilion with restrooms, meeting room, docks and concessions. Susie was very friendly and helpful telling me the mileage and provided a map. They rent several types of watercraft like canoes, kayaks, john boats, & paddle boats but until May 1st you can only rent the john boats. They loan fishing gear if you want to drop a line off the docks or bridge. There were lots of walkers with dogs or strollers, a few joggers and one cyclist. The paved path was plenty wide enough and mostly shaded with trees along the lake. Picnic tables and benches dotted the path giving those who wanted a rest a nice place to sit and relax. Most of the trail was flat on the pavilion side of the lake, but there were several steep hills on the opposite side. I found one station near the pavilion that provided pet waste bags, but it was obvious not many other pet owners found them by the numerous surprises left behind. I call them surprises because they were sometimes hard to see once they had been flattened by stroller wheels or shoes. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and would definitely come back again, next time trying the unpaved trail. read more

Lake Johnson Park - Parks Near Me - Raleigh, North Carolina

Love this park! It's my dog's favorite place in the world too. As a woman I always feel safe going there alone and walking the trail. I also rent Kayak sometimes...$5 hour is a great deal! I am taking 1 star away because of the parking situation. It is very limited for the amount of people that go here. Last time I circled the lots for 30 mins looking for a space. I would have just left but my dog would have been heart broken if I just drove him to the lake and we didn't get to walk. So I stuck out the parking spot search for him. Even though the parking is challenging I will continue to frequent this lake...because it's worth the hassle! read more

My church Victorious Praise Fellowship rented the facility for a game day with tons of fun activities. The staff helped to re-arrange the main room and even helped hang decorations outside. They cheered us on and a few of the staff members jumped in to help rescue me and the losing side during the tug of war event. It was an amazing event and I believe that the staff was the icing on the cake. Can't wait for the next event read more

Lake Johnson is such a peaceful retreat in Raleigh. Both the paved and unpaved trails offer solace from the everyday stress life. The pavilions are great spaces for parties, get togethers, and picnics. Staff are super friendly and accommodating to make your trip worth it. Love it! read more

Beautiful park. Try the other side that is not paved. It's little shorter path but the terrain is fun (not too hard) and a nice alternative to the paved section on the lake by the recreation center. Just be careful on the unpaved path across the street to make sure you stay on the trail! My girls and I got off on a wrong trail and ended up on Jones Franklin road somehow. We backtracked and it all worked out fine. We love the natural trail. read more

Really nice place to rent boats and spend some time on the water! I rented kayaks here with a friend. The boats were nice, the process was quick and easy, and the price is good too ($5/hour for kayaks). Parking is limited and so you might have to park in an overflow lot 0.5 miles away, which is a downside. Also, there's no swimming in the lake (but I have yet to find a lake where the public can swim in Raleigh). I definitely like this place much better than Lake Crabtree for boat rental! read more

Great place to go for a hike. Not totally flat, so those of you who are want to get the heart rate up some, it's a great place. That said, it's not so hilly that someone of reasonably good conditioning can't make it all the way around. The hike is about 5 miles for those of you that want to hike both sides of the lake. The area to the East of the Avent Ferry Road bridge is paved. The area to the West of the AFR bridge is not paved, but still a good trail. There is good parking and the area seems like it's located in a good neighborhood. I started the hike around 6:30 PM and finished at about 7:45 PM and there seemed to be a lot of college aged people out hiking and maybe some tourists. There is a place to buy food and drinks near the bridge. All in all a great experience and lots of friendly people. I'd definitely go again. read more

My boyfriend and I went to Lake Johnson yesterday after a friend recommended it and we absolutely loved it! We rented one of the paddle boats and it was so much fun! The weather was great and it is a really beautiful setting! I highly recommend it! read more

Does anyone know of any improvements planned for the path at Lake Johnson? It's getting worse every time we go...tree roots cracking and lifting the cement, very bumpy...it's such a beautiful place but the path is becoming unsafe. read more

I have just recently discovered Lake Johnson even though I have lived within 5 miles of it for 2.5 years and ever since I have been trying to work a weekly run/walk there! This 3-3.5 mile loop is a great place to go walking, running, bring your friends or your dog. There are a good amount of hills right when you start if you park off Avent Ferry Rd and go towards your right but getting those out of the way first makes the rest of the time seem like a breeze. There seem to always been a nice amount of people around so I wouldn't be worried walking around the trails by myself especially when it is nice out. The views of the lake are so beautiful and a nice way to just step back and enjoy nature. They have a little welcome center where you can rent water toys but I have not yet done that. There always seem to be people fishing off of the bridge as well. I highly recommend this park for anyone who is close enough to go! read more

Mostly travelers were familiar with Raleigh city but I was unfamiliar with this city. When I visited this city then I came to know about this city. I know only about this city that this city is capitol of North Carolina. This city is very nice with its sightseeing tour. My all days in this city were very nice. These days change my life and teach me some new facts for surviving this life. This city is most famous for its historic places. When I was on this city I thought I will write my own experience for this city. This city was very nice with its sights, places, nightlife, and lodging facilities, and more. After coming back from this city, I take rest of one week and start to write on this city. My friends and my siblings also ask for the photos but I never showed them. I always said them I will show them with my experience. This city gives me lot of memories and moments to which them I can never par. Before going to this city I was worried a little for taking my Raleigh hotels. But when my told me to search on net by discount raleigh hotels (http://www.hotelsatanywhere.com/usa/nc/raleigh-hotels/) which gives a list of hotel with discount offer. I made my reservation through this site and get an exciting offer on the reservation of my hotel. I went to this city by air for five days. On the first day of trip, I leave my home for airport early morning. I reached to this city at the time of noon; it was the journey of 5 to 6 hours. As I received my luggage I came outside the airport and take lunch in a restaurant. After taking lunch I hire a taxi to catch my hotel. My hotel was situated at a very few distance from this airport. As I reached to hotel then I feel so happy to see the facilities and architecture of my hotel. On reception I showed my presence and went to my room. This day, first of all I take son rest and enjoy the facilities of my hotel. This day I see only one destination point of this city which was very nice. This destination was a park containing with verdant greenery, plants and flowers. The night view of this park was very interesting with musical and colorful fountains. At the time of night I went to the market of this city to know more about destination point and take dinner in a restaurant which provides all types of foods at affordable price. After taking dinner, I turned back to my hotel, get ready for other day and went to bed for sleeping. On the second day of my trip, first of all I went for triangle segway which was famous place with historic sights. All the sights were fully describing the history of this city. After seeing the sight I went for museum of art and history which was very nice with rotating exhibits and the history of this city with latest collection of arts and exhibitions. On the third day of trip, I went for marbles kid's museum which was famous place for kids for enjoying adventurous activities. I also went to museum of natural science through which I came to know about the facts of nature and life science. This day I also went to Pullen Park which was an excellent water center with different types of water activities. At this park, I take enjoy of water activities. On the third day, I went for Lake Johnson Nature Park where I enjoyed natural trails like biking, hiking, and more. At this park I also take enjoy of boating, fishing, and more risky acts also. This day I also get the chance to see the state fair which was very interesting with adventure ridings. This fair was very nice and I take enjoy of this fair and ridings also. This day I also enjoyed the nightlife of this city. For enjoying nightlife of this city, I went to music clubs for enjoying music, dance, and visit streets of this city. On the fourth day of my trip, I went for the other sights of this city. This day I also went to shopping stores from where I take some good things like picture, clothes and more. This day, I attend an event in this city which was including in my hotels package and it was so interesting. This event just likes a sporting events and I enjoyed this event a lot. On the fifth day, l left my bed early morning, get ready and went for the other attractions of this city. This day I visit state university and state park also which were so nice. This day I can't see more attractions because I have to leave this city. So this day, I visit these sights only and some sights around my hotels. At the time of evening, I left my cheap hotels (http://www.hotelsatanywhere.com) with nice memories and moments. While going to airport I also saw William B. Umstead park which was very nice. At the time of night, I take my flight and returned back to home with these nice memories. read more