Lake Lynn Trail

The Lake Lynn Loop Trail, part of Raleigh's Capital Area Greenway, is a 2-mile loop around the man-made lake in North Raleigh. There is parking at the south end of the lake along Lynn Road and at the community center off Ray Road. From the south parking lot, head up the stairs and follow the trail across the earthen dam. Across the dam, follow the trail as it heads north along the east side of the lake. The trail is a mix of paved greenway trail and boardwalks over the lake. Along the lake are neighborhoods and apartment complexes, but there are enough trees and wildlife to forget you're in the city. As you approach the northern end of the lake, it becomes more swampy and there are a number of water birds in the shallow waters. Mallard ducks and Canada geese are the most common, but herons, cormorants and osprey can also be seen. At the northeast corner of the lake, a connector trail leads to the Community Center. Turn left instead and stay on the boardwalks to loop around the west side of the lake. There are a number of coves that the trail crosses on boardwalks which provide more great opportunities to see wildlife. In warmer weather, turtles congregate on exposed branches to bask in the sun. As you get back around to the dam, the Hare Snipe Creek Trail continues south to Lynn Road. At this junction, turn left to continue back to the dam and the parking lot.