Support Us Button Widget

Spend a day at Lake Johnson Park in Raleigh, NC

Photo provided

Table of Contents

Lake Johnson Park is a beautiful place. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, Lake Johnson Park offers a picturesque place where residents can spend a great day alone or with their whole family.

Water Activities

Since the park is located next to a lake, the main opportunities are associated with various water activities. Here you can rent kayaks, boats, canoes, and other non-motorized vehicles and just sail around while exploring the area. When you get tired, land on the bank and have a picnic. Or you can come with your own baits and go fishing with the whole family. Please be aware that swimming in the lake is prohibited.

Hiking

The second thing that comes to mind when it comes to activities in Lake Johnson Park is hiking. Numerous paved and unpaved trails are laid out on over 300 acres. You can walk along or rent a bike and go around every corner. If you wish, you can stop for a picnic in specially equipped shelters. By the way, dogs are allowed, so you can take your pet with you, provided that it is on a leash.

Wildlife Viewing

All nature lovers should definitely attend one of these lectures. You will be able to watch birds, bats, explore different types of trees and plants, and learn how to navigate the wild forest using a compass. You can also learn the basics and nuances of nature photography.

What’s especially interesting is that the park provides a night hiking program. This gives you the opportunity to meet nocturnal animals such as owls and singing amphibians and learn more about their lives and habits. The forest looks very different after sunset.

Seasonal Activities

With winter now in full swing, the park continues to offer a range of seasonal activities. Most of them can be attended by the whole family, even with small kids. Under careful guidance, your children will learn how to make crafts from branches, cones, and other natural materials that can be found in the forest. For teenagers, there is a sophisticated program in which they will make home decorations and gifts.

Limitless Opportunities

On the territory of Lake Johnson Park, you can find almost any recreational activity to your liking. You can participate in events and listen to lectures organized by local experts. Or you can walk around the territory on your own. Walk, run, go boating, and enjoy nature.

Contributing writer Travis Holloway is a hiker, traveler, and sports lover. Do you want to join the conversation? Share your thoughts by contributing to our Voices platform.

More from RALtoday
Sponsored
Raleigh restaurants, cafes, and diners serving up all the eggs, pancakes, mimosas, and other brunch favorites you want to eat.
For the first time since 1990, you can back the Pack in the NCAA men’s soccer finals — and it’s all happening in Cary.
If you’re a fan of real trees over artificial, this list is for you. We’re highlighting 10 local spots to pick up Christmas trees in Raleigh, including home delivery options, pre-flocked trees, and NC-famous Fraser firs.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
Hi Raleighite. It’s that time of year again — Spotify Wrapped is out, and so is ours. Ready to see how our year stacked up?
A grassroots effort is helping central NC properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
All-you-can-eat restaurants are trending right now, and for good reason. Explore some of Raleigh’s best restaurants where you can enjoy as much as you’d like without the extra markup.
Read on to find out what’s next for your Tobacco Road college football team, including a chance at a conference championship, trips to Brazil, and another chance for Bill Belichick.