Lake Lynn Loop Hike

Lake Lynn Loop Hike is a 2.2-mile loop around Lake Lynn in North Raleigh.  The hike is along paved greenway trail and boardwalks around the lake and the trail is part of the Capital Area Greenway.

Length: 2.2 miles (loop)
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Lake Lynn Park
Trail Users: Hiking, dog walking, bicycles and other non-motorized uses are permitted
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Features: Lakes, Forest, Birding
Crowds: High
Warnings: None
Trailhead GPS: 35.87226,-78.69805

Directions:

The trailhead is at the south parking area for Lake Lynn at the dam.  From Raleigh, head west on US-70 for about four miles to Crabtree Valley Mall and turn right on NC-50/Creedmoor Road.  Go 2 miles and turn left onto Lynn Road.  In one mile, turn right into the parking area below the dam.

Map:

In the following map, the hike is shown in purple and follows the loop in the counterclockwise direction.

Click here for an interactive map of the park.

Hike Description:

A paved path leads up from the dam and meets the trail - it's a loop so you can go either way, but turn right for this hike and walk over the dam.

Lake Lynn was formed by the construction of Crabtree Watershed Dam #22b on Hare Snipe Creek in 1976.  This earthen dam makes the southern part of the loop.

Across the dam, the trail turns north and follows the eastern shore of the lake, ducking in and out of coves behind neighborhoods.

At 1.1 miles, the trail reaches the north end of the lake.  Hare Snipe Creek Trail goes right to the Community Center, with restrooms and parking.  Turn left instead to continue around the lake.  The shallow headwaters here are a good place to see wildlife.  See Lake Lynn Birding for more birds in the area.

The trail follows boardwalks around the headwaters of the lake then turns south along the western shore.

Heading south, the trail alternates between boardwalks and paved greenway trail.  A short spur on the right leads to street parking at Glenharden Drive.  The trail passes behind several apartment complexes before approaching the dam at the south end of the trail to finish up the hike.

External Links:

City of Raleigh Parks and Recreation website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/lake-lynn-park