Lake Johnson Park

Overview

• The park office is located at the Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center.
• View the Lake Johnson Park map.
• Subscribe to Lakes Newsletter to receive email updates.
• View park alerts.
• City of Raleigh Leave No Trace Principles

Amenities

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

• Fishing is permitted from the boardwalk, fishing pier, designated bank fishing area, and personal paddle craft (all NC fishing regulations apply).
• Rod and Reel Loaner: for more information, view the Waterfront Program Center information.
• All visitors fishing must have a current North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) fishing license. Learn more about obtaining a fishing license.

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 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.

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

• This one-mile stretch of natural surface trails is located on the west side of the park.
• It is heavily wooded with views of the lake and plenty of habitats for native wildlife.
• Learn more about the Interpretive Poetry Trail
• View the Interactive Map for the Interpretive Poetry Trail.

Programs

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

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

• Park Office
• Programs
• Facility rentals 
• View details and hours

Waterfront Center

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

Seasonal Paddling and Sailing Programs

• Personal launches
• Facility rentals
• View details and hours

Lake Johnson Pool

5623 Jaguar Park Drive
919-233-2111

• Seasonal pool
• Spray ground
• Baby pool
• Lap & recreation pool
• View details and hours