North Carolina Lake Park Named 4th Best Picnic Spot Nationwide

Photo bymixbook

A picnic is a perfect way to slow down, enjoy nature, and spend quality time outdoors. It’s something I don’t do often enough, but I always enjoy it when I do.

Last fall, I had a great time sharing a picnic lunch with friends in Central Park. But you don’t need to travel to a crowded spot like Central Park for a perfect picnic.

In fact, a North Carolina lake park was recently named the 4th best picnic spot in the nation.

Photo byRALtoday - 6AM City

According to a recent survey by Mixbook, Raleigh’s Lake Johnson is one of the top "off-grid" picnic locations in the U.S.

The survey aimed to find the best, lesser-known picnic spots that offer tranquility and natural beauty—an escape from busier locations like Central Park.

Photo byThis is Raleigh

Lake Johnson Park in Raleigh spans 500 acres, with a 150-acre lake as its centerpiece. The park features paved greenways, natural trails, fishing, paddling, sailing, and shelters available for rental. It’s a serene spot, perfect for a picnic, and offers a beautiful setting right near NC State’s campus.

Photo byThis is Raleigh

While most of my visits to Lake Johnson were for running laps around the lake—a memory I don’t cherish as much—I’m now tempted to return and enjoy a more relaxed experience there.

Photo byThis is Raleigh

Lake Johnson isn’t the only Carolina spot recognized for its picnic potential. Other notable locations include:

• 29th: Botanical Gardens at Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina
• 41st: Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter, South Carolina
• 59th: Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Durham, North Carolina
• 66th: Falls Park on the Reedy, Greenville, South Carolina

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to enjoy a picnic, these spots are definitely worth considering.