Near Walnut Creek Trail
Morning light at Lake Johnson.
Near Walnut Creek Trail
The section of trail on the north side of Lake Johnson follows a maintenance access road and is very wide and flat.
Near Walnut Creek Trail
The footbridge that crosses Lake Johnson. You are likely to encounter fishermen and other park users on this section of the route.
Near Walnut Creek Trail
Lake Johnson reflections
Near Walnut Creek Trail
Trailhead to Walnut Creek, off Centennial Parkway

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Walnut Creek Trail

2.7 (3 Ratings)
This mostly paved greenway connects Lake Johnson to the Neuse River Trail.
15.2
mi
Distance
149
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
BirdingRiver/CreekWildlife
Access Issues
Open from dawn to dusk.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
15.16mi
Distance
149ft
Elevation Gain
398ft
Elevation Loss
20%
Max Grade
415ft
High Point
157ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
This greenway is mostly paved and offers hikers a great many options and various access points. It is an improved trail that can connect to other areas of the Capital Area Greenway trails. There is ample foilage, clear fields of vision, and occasional trail markers along most of its length. Depending on the season, parts of the trail could be underwater, muddy, and slippery with fallen leaves. This section has three tunnels that go under major roads. Thankfully, two of the tunnels have a working lighting system and are clear of debris. However, the tunnel which goes under Lake Wheeler Road is dark, murky, and muddy. Do not hike through this tunnel when it is dark.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
No Condition Reports
Report Conditions

Nearby Hike Routes

Lake Johnson - West Loop

Hike Route

Lake Johnson - West Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
2.75 mi
+165 ft
Turkey Creek/Cedar Ridge Loop

Hike Route

Turkey Creek/Cedar Ridge Loop

Birding
moderate
5.01 mi
+312 ft
Company Mill Trail

Hike Route

Company Mill Trail

Birding
moderate
5.91 mi
+584 ft
Bond Park Lake Loop

Hike Route

Bond Park Lake Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
3.02 mi
+152 ft
Lake Trail

Hike Route

Lake Trail

Birding
moderate
6.08 mi
+184 ft
Umstead Loop

Hike Route

Umstead Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
12.37 mi
+948 ft
Contributors
Kevin Rumsey