The trail is short - the entire loop
around the lake is about 5 miles (1.5 miles on the
greenway, 0.5 miles of dirt road and 3 miles of
single-track). We recommend to ride the loop clockwise
from the lake Johnson parking area, (near the boathouse),
start with a warm-up on the greenway, after passing the
dam and the bridge look for a trail on the right (about
1.5 miles from the parking lot).
The
trail closely follows the lake with lots of ups and
downs, and many exposed roots. Some climbs are very steep
- the steepest is the climb to the gazebo overlook
followed by a very steep downhill.There is one rocky
creek crossing with about 2 ft. drop to the creek (I
usually dismount here). After about 2 miles, the trail
meets with greenway again. From here you can turn right
across the bridge to complete the short loop (about 3.5
miles). For the full 5 mile loop, turn left towards the
other parking lot, cross the Avent Ferry road and pick up
the singletrack on the other side. The trail follows the
lake for another mile, with more ups and downs and
several muddy spots. The trail ends at a wooden bridge,
turn right after the bridge onto a dirt road to complete
the loop. There are many joggers and hikers using this
trail, so plan to pass a lot of people, especially on the
greenway.
Lake Johnson Park is composed of a 150+
acre lake and 300+ acres of land surrounding the lake.
The park offers non-motorized boating, greenway trails,
fishing, picnic shelters, and a variety of classes. The
Waterfront Program Center has an indoor conference room a
deck and a covered verandah available for rent.
Park Hours and Fees:
No fee. Park hours are posted and change according to
season.
Directions: From I-440 take
Western Blvd. into Raliegh. Right on Avent Ferry Rd. Lake
Johnson entrance is 3 miles on the left. Driving Directions via Yahoo
Rules of the Trail
Obey the signs posted on all greenways
showing the rules and regulations.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages is
not allowed.
It is unlawful to possess firearms or
other weapons.
Motorized vehicles are not permitted on
the greenways or in non-designated areas.
Building fires is allowed only in
grills.
It is unlawful to remove, destroy, or
damage any plant life or property.
Pets must be on a leash.
The owner must remove all waste left by
pets.
It is unlawful to kill, trap, or molest
animals or birds.
Swimming in lakes or streams is not
permitted.
Horses are prohibited on trails unless
signed for equestrian use.
All trail users under the age of 16 are
required to wear a safety helmet when using a bike,
skates, scooters or any other non-motorized vehicle.
You don't actually ride in the water. The
map software is a little off.
Description
The
trail closely follows the lake with lots of ups and
downs, and many exposed roots. Some climbs are very steep
- the steepest is the climb to the gazebo overlook
followed by a very steep downhill.There is one rocky
creek crossing with about 2 ft. drop to the creek (I
usually dismount here). After about 2 miles, the trail
meets with greenway again. From here you can turn right
across the bridge to complete the short loop (about 3.5
miles). For the full 5 mile loop, turn left towards the
other parking lot, cross the Avent Ferry road and pick up
the singletrack on the other side. The trail follows the
lake for another mile, with more ups and downs and
several muddy spots. The trail ends at a wooden bridge,
turn right after the bridge onto a dirt road to complete
the loop. There are many joggers and hikers using this
trail, so plan to pass a lot of people, especially on the
greenway. 
