Oct. 3, 2020 - Down from Maine, visiting my Daughter and her boyfriend in NC . . . They spoke highly of Lake Johnson Park in Raleigh, it's worth your time for a relaxing outdoor experience! Started in 1952, this 500 acre (300 acres in another source) park hosts a variety of perks & outdoor pleasures! Park entrance is free ! There is amble parking, in several lots. The main parking lot fills up fast, so go on their website to locate the other parking lots. We parked over at the Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center, next to the Johnson Park Swimming Pool.

Here's a list of the Lake Johnson Park perks:

*5 miles of easy trails ( some paved) *Tree identification signs *Easy to read Trail Map *Boat rentals (seasonal) *Fishing ( NC regulations & licenses) *Picnic Tables and some charcoal grills *Pavillion available for events *Swimming Pool *Beautiful Lake ( no swimming) *Loads of trees for Bird Watchers *QR Fit Trail ( 6 stations) *Info Kiosk available & restrooms **Thomas G. Crowder Woodland Center ( another review - located in park)

To sum it all up, this is a good half day well spent with family and/or friends outside on a day that's not too hot, you do need to cool off but not in this lake !

Note: You may notice a bit of an oily substance near the water's edge . . . Not to worry it's natural! As certain materials ( pine needles and iron, etc. ) decompose, there is at times slight oily surface. Don't drink it!