Lake Johnson Park - One of Those Places Where I Can’t Wait to Go Back
The last time I stayed in Raleigh, I made a google search for the best places to watch a sunrise. The next morning the weather was chilly and cloudless, so at early ‘o clock I put on my warmest gear, grabbed my camera, and headed to Lake Johnson Park, only 10 minutes from downtown. The parking lot was well-marked and right along the trail that follows the edge of the 150 acre lake.
Getting on the Trail
Right away, I knew this would be a good adventure, because the mist was rising off of the lake, just as it did when I explored the Rappahannock River in VA, and the Congaree River in Columbia, SC. I set off clockwise around the lake, as nearby residents ventured out of their homes to walk their dogs or go for a run. We acknowledged the cold temps (32 F) to one another, and lingered in the places where there was a little sun shining between the trees.
The lake, originally called Lake Mattamuskeet, was created from Walnut Creek in 1923 by the City of Raleigh as a reservoir for drinking water. A 778’ long dam about 40’ high was constructed to impound water from the Creek. The Park was expanded in 1952 for public recreation and for the preservation of nature, while retaining a role in the City’s water management in the Neuse River Basin. In the 1980, the paths were paved as a part of the Raleigh Greenway.
I spied a heron fishing along the shore. Cormorants were stretching their wings out, warming themselves before their first dives of the morning. Songbirds were singing everywhere in the trees. The path was well marked with maps and mileage markers, so I wasn’t afraid of getting lost or running low on energy before making my way around the 2.8 mile Western loop. It felt like a safe place. Over the course of the hour as I walked and explored, more and more people came out and the mist dissipated.
The southern part of the loop, furthest from the Activities Center and the Boat dock, meandered away from the lake and the trail got a little hilly. It also skirted along I-40, and the noise of morning commuter traffic was noticeable. The din drowned out some of the bird calls, and reminded me how grateful I was not to be commuting somewhere. Soon enough, I passed a smaller parking lot and descended the hill along Avent Ferry Road to one of the trail highlights, a long wooden pedestrian bridge over the Lake. It is set off from the road, giving unobstructed views in all directions. That’s where I noticed a group of turtles beginning to warm in the sun.
Finishing the East Loop Trail
I took a quick tour of the well-maintained Activities Center and the boat dock before returning to my car for a splash of leftover coffee and a small bite to eat. Soon, I was heading back to pack my suitcase and spend the remainder of the day exploring Route 1, but this morning’s walk had already made it memorable.
The Things I Missed
The weather was jolly bracing, so the prospect of paddling, sailing, or stand-up paddle boarding was right out. I saw no frogs (too cold), snakes (that was fine), luna moths (wrong season), hawks (but I heard one calling), falcons (no binoculars), and the swimming pool (closed for the season). I also didn’t take time to fish for Bass, white perch, bluegill sunfish, black crappie, carp, gar and catfish because I needed to get to Augusta, GA by sundown! Apparently, there are hammock posts available if you want to bring your own and gaze out at nature in repose. The Fall foliage is supposed to be amazing, and looking at photos by others, I’d really like to see it. Somewhere within the 500 acres of the park there’s a QR Fit Trail and an interpretive poetry trail. I suppose I’ll have to go back – maybe with someone who has a dog, because pooches are welcomed, as long as they’re leashed.
What to Know Before You Go
If you get there before I get back, here’s what you should know: Lake Johnson Park main entrance is at 4601 Avent Ferry Road is open sunrise to sunset and is FREE. There are 5.8 miles of paved multi-use trails, including a part of the Raleigh Greenway. There are 6 parking lots, 2 of which are located along Avent Ferry Road, as shown on the MAP. You can reserve Boat rentals. 2,500+ additional photos can be browsed here, and some are excellent. Check out Park notices for special conditions or events.
Peter Evans Apr 29, 2026 Raleigh NC Fishing Nature Parks
Apr 29, 2026
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