A Must Do For Nature Lovers: Lake Lynn Trail in North Raleigh

If you’re looking for some solitude and to stretch your legs on one of the most beautiful lake trails in Raleigh, we thoroughly enjoyed the Lake Lynn Trail in North-West Raleigh, just 8 miles from downtown

Lake Lynn Trail, Raleigh
We loved all the boardwalks

The Lake Lynn Trail is a paved 2.8 mile loop that follows the perimeter of the lake offering lovely views, and it’s part of the Hare Snipe Creek Trail and the greater Capital Area Greenway system, one of the best features about living in Raleigh

At just under three miles, it’s the perfect length for us with kids and for those looking for a quick morning walk or after work evening de-stress. 

As well as the trail, Lake Lynn Park includes a community center with a gymnasium, a playground, tennis courts, a youth baseball field, and picnic shelter.

We loved all the wooden boardwalks across the lake, and the mixture of paved trail, forest setting, and lake views. Even in the warmer months most of the trail is shaded with gorgeous trees offering some relief, but there’s a good mix of open sunshine too!

Lake Lynn Trail, Raleigh, North Carolina

Instead of walking this trail, we decided to bike it as we were a bit short on time and were overdue for a bike ride, but there was a good mix of walkers, joggers, and bikers. 

Considering we did the Lake Lynn Trail on a Sunday of the Memorial Day weekend we didn’t find it too crowded, but weekends or mornings/evenings would obviously be the peak times so keep that in mind. 

For families with kids, the trail was relatively flat with a few small inclines but our kids had no problem biking it, and we saw plenty of families pushing strollers. If you get tired, there’s some nice areas to rest and take in the views, especially along the boardwalk areas!

It’s one of the prettiest lakes in Raleigh. The scenery is beautiful with the gorgeous trees and forest backdrop against the lake. There’s also plenty of wildlife spotting with turtles, ducks, geese, and it’s a birding hot spot. It would be stunning here in the Fall. 

Lake Lynn Trail, Raleigh, North Carolina

Compared to the other lake trails in Raleigh, I liked this trail more than the Shelley Lake Trail, but the Lake Johnson Trail is still my favorite trail in Raleigh!

Quick Facts:

Lake Lynn Trail, Raleigh, North Carolina
  • Lake Lynn is a man-made lake and was created for flood control purposes in 1976 by damming Hare Snipe Creek, a tributary of Crabtree Creek, and the lake lies entirely within the city of Raleigh’s 75-acre Lake Lynn Park.
  • Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a 6-foot leash.
  • Canoe friendly.
  • No swimming.
  • No bathroom facilities on the actual trail, you’ll have to go to the community center in Lynn Park for those. 

Parking:

A person riding a bike down a dirt path in a forest

There are two entrances to the park, both with parking. The biggest car park is at the Lake Lynn Community Center entrance (7921 Ray Rd, Raleigh).

The other entrance and car park is directly off Lynn Rd, near the intersection of Leesville Rd. This entrance is where the mile marker starts, but a smaller car park so will fill up quickly in peak times. 

We started at the Lynn Rd parking lot and went clockwise which worked out perfect for us.

person bike riding through a forest

Overall, the Lynn Lake Trail is moderately-trafficked and mostly flat, and is perfect for families looking for a leisurely stroll or bike ride, or even for those that like to run. 

Watch our Video from Lake Lynn

Press play below to watch this short video of the trail around the Lake Lynn. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more Raleigh videos.

Have you walked this trail, or any other trails in Raleigh? Share your tips with us in the comments below!

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