Trail at Lake Johnson curving into green wooded area with sun peeking through

Lake Johnson Park


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Overview Amenities Rental Equipment Trails Programs Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center Waterfront Center Lake Johnson Pool Hours

Year 1952 | Acres 500 (Lake is 150 acres)

Lake Johnson has a paved greenway and natural surface trails, fishing, public programs (including paddling, sailing, & environmental education), indoor facility & shelter rentals, and a swimming pool. 

Contact

 

Park Office - Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center
ljwoodlandctr@raleighnc.gov
919-996-3141

Waterfront Center
919-996-3141

Lake Johnson Pool
919-233-2111 

Address

Lake Johnson Park
4601 Avent Ferry Road
Raleigh, NC 27606

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Park Rules

  • Swimming/wading is not allowed.
  • All dogs must be under control and on a 6-foot leash.
  • Pet owners must clean up after their pets.
  • Alcohol is permitted only with a City of Raleigh alcohol permit.
  • Smoking is permitted only in the parking lot.
  • Biking is allowed only on the greenway trails.
  • Hammocking is permitted only at designated hammocking posts. See park map for locations.
  • Drones are not allowed. See approved locations for drones.

Nature Preserve

Lake Johnson Park has a dual designation of metro park and nature preserve. Lake Johnson Park utilizes prescribed burns as a way to manage the park's natural resources. Learn more about prescribed burns in Raleigh Parks.

Amenities

Lake Johnson Boathouse

Accessibility Information

Accessibility
Lake Johnson has an assortment of accessible amenities in the park.  See our park map for general wayfinding and facility locations. 

Parking
Lake Johnson has 3 accessible parking spaces located in the parking lot at the waterfront center off Avent Ferry Road as well as 4 accessible parking spaces located in the parking lot at the Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center located off Jaguar Park Drive.  There are 2 accessible parking spaces at the “South” parking lot along Avent Ferry Rd and 1 additional parking space at the Lake Dam Road parking lot. 

Access to the Waterfront Center
The accessible entrance to the Waterfront Center is located at the front of the facility.  A ramp leads patrons directly to deck, veranda, and restrooms.

Restroom Facilities and Lake Overlook
Restrooms with accessible features are located at the Waterfront Center.  The deck and veranda provide a covered area to enjoy the view of Lake Johnson. Restrooms with accessible features are also located at the Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center. The deck at the Woodland Center provides views of the surrounding Forest at approximately 15 feet above the ground.  

Accessible Fishing Dock
The accessible fishing dock is located behind the waterfront center.  The access ramp is located off the sidewalk between to waterfront center and the boardwalk across the lake.  

For more information about access at the park please call 919-996-3141.

Fishing

Hammock Posts

  • Hammock posts are installed along the greenway trail to provide the opportunity to stop, relax, and enjoy the lake views. Hammocking is permitted only in designated areas. See park map for locations.

Wildlife Viewing

  • Walk the park trails or sit at one of the numerous spots along the trails to observe wildlife found throughout the park.
QR Fitness Trail sign on the trail at Lake Johnson Park

QR Fit Trail

  • Patrons can now easily combine upper body, core, flexibility, and lower body exercises with walking or running. Six stations, found on the west side of the park, cover approximately a one-mile loop where patrons can stop and use their smartphone QR reader apps to access short videos that lead through specific types of exercises.
  • A personal mobile device with cellular data is required to access workouts.
  • Videos are easily accessed from the Thomas G Crowder Woodland Center located at 5611 Jaguar Park Dr.

Rental Equipment

Boat Rentals are now available through a third-party vendor Wake Rack. Kayaks and Stand Up Paddleboards (SUPs) are located near the Waterfront Center in lockers. Reserve Equipment Online. 

Want to know more about the process and how to reserve boats?
Visit Wake Rack's website and learn everything there is to know about the process. And don't forget to check the Lake Wheeler location as well.

Trails

Paved Greenway

  • Approximately 2.8 miles of paved greenway loops around the east side of the lake and is a part of the Walnut Creek Greenway Trail
  • More information about the Capital Area Greenway System 
  • Trailhead parking:
    • Lake Dam parking lot: 1320 Lake Dam Rd.
    • South parking lot: 5041 Avent Ferry Rd.

Natural Surface Trails

  • Approximately 1.5 miles of unpaved, natural surface trail that loops around the west side of the lake, getting you closer to nature
  • Bikes not permitted on the south half of trail section
  • Trailhead parking:
    • Thomas G Crowder Woodland Center: 5611 Jaguar Park Dr.
    • South Parking Lot: 5041 Avent Ferry Rd.

Interpretive Poetry Trail

Programs

Butterfly resting on flowers

Join us for one of our many programs offered at Lake Johnson Park! Browse and register for programs and classes at Lake Johnson Park on RecLink.

Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center

Thomas Crowder Woodland Center

5611 Jaguar Park Drive
919-996-3141, ljwoodlandctr@raleighnc.gov

Waterfront Center

picnic tables on the deck of the watefront center with a view of lake johnson

4601 Avent Ferry Road
919-996-3141, ljwoodlandctr@raleighnc.gov

Seasonal Paddling and Sailing Programs

Lake Johnson Pool

Lifeguard chair and flags lake johnson pool aquatics parks

Pool at Lake Johnson Park.

5623 Jaguar Park Drive
919-233-2111

Hours