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

Lake Johnson Park

Updated: Nov 2, 2021

Lake Johnson Personal Boat Launch Closed

Code Red

Contact

Park Office - Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center
919-996-3141 | Email

Waterfront Center
919-996-3141 | Assistant Park Manager Chris Hill

Lake Johnson Pool
919-233-2111 | Reba Lewis, Facility Director (summer)

Address

Lake Johnson Park

4601 Avent Ferry Road

Raleigh, NC 27606

Subscribe

Overview

Clouds reflecting off the water at Lake Johnson

The park office is located at the Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center.
View the Lake Johnson Park map.
View parking information.
Subscribe to Lakes Newsletter to receive email updates.
View park alerts.

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

Fishing

Fishing is permitted from the boardwalk, rental boats, 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 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.

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.