Raleigh Greenway Report Two: Lake Lynn Trail

St. Fancis Would Love This Place

Capitol Area Greenway – Report Two: The Lake Lynn Trail 2.2 miles 

Background:

For those visiting Raleigh or are new residents of Raleigh not be aware of the wonderful park system and the “Capitol Area Greenway.”


The “Capitol Area Greenway” is a project in process. Started in 1997 by the city council of Raleigh it has a master plan to make sure that there is open space for residents throughout the city. It is being built one trail, park and community area at a time.

Today the city boasts of at least 46 miles of trails connecting many of the 3000 acres of park land. Over the next few years I hope to follow all of these trails and share my impressions.

After a good start with the master plan, the parks and trails were damaged badly in 1996 by Hurricane Fran. Although a lot of clearing and rebuilding had to occur the years immediately after the storm the city is well underway on its project to create links between the various greenways. Though many of the trails are not yet connected, those that are create wonderful off road access to many parts of the city, especially for bikers and runners.


Lake Lynn Trail – Report Two

Lake Lynn Trail and park entrance is located on West Millbrook Road. The Lake is located between Lynn Road on the south; Leesville Road on the West; Strickland Road on the North; and Ray Road on the East. Residential housing borders the park within feet of the trail on both the east and west sides of the lake. The main Parking is on Lynn Road in a dip in the road between Leesville Road and Ray Road. The parking lot is a relatively small. A lot of the regular users of the trail live in the adjoining apartment complexes along either side of the lake.

Entrance to the trail can also be gained from a community center on Ray Road. There is a short trail from the community center parking lot to the Lake Lynn Trail. My best guess is this trail will add about six tens of a mile to the hike, coming and going. If you take this trail you will be starting at the north end of the lake, about a half mile south of Strickland Road.