Picnic Spots in Wake Forest 

While Summer is still upon us, there’s no better way to spend your time with friends and family outdoors over a shared meal. In the Wake Forest area, there are a few unique places to eat, laugh, and play over a picnic with your loved ones while enjoying the sights our town has to offer. Check out these top picnic spots in Wake Forest. 

Joyner Park
Becoming the centerpoint of town events and functions in 2009, this 117 acre park offers serene sights and sounds and rich history to observe and explore. The park land was originally a produce and cattle farm that was in service until the 1990s. Landmarks of the farm such as the chicken coop, cattle barn, and tobacco house are still there for anyone to venture through our town’s history. 

The pecan grove, which was planted in the early 1930’s, is the perfect spot within the park to find some shade, take a seat and enjoy the landscape of the park. The land is open enough to lay out your picnic essentials and even set up some of your favorite outdoor games. 

Once you’re finished, you can take a walk around the park exploring their 3 miles of paved trail and other local amenities such as the amphitheater and gardens. 

Alcoholic beverages and use of personal grills are prohibited at the park. Smoking is limited to certain areas within the park. All dogs must be leased when on park grounds.

Wake Forest Reservoir
This hidden landscape in the town of Wake Forest can offer a peaceful afternoon or evening on or by the water. The Wake Forest Reservoir was created in the 1960’s as a source of drinking water for the town. While the plant is no longer in service, you can still see some of the structures that helped keep it running. In 2012, a boy scout troop created a 1.5 mile trail on the west side of the reservoir and in 2013 a Wake Forest High School student also helped construct a portion of the western side of the trail. 

A blanket by the water is the perfect place to enjoy your picnic with family and friends. With the perfect landscape to eat and play you are bound to enjoy your time. After you’re done, you can enjoy your time on the water if you enjoy water sports, fish, or take a hike through the soft trails. 

Alcoholic beverages and use of personal grills are prohibited at the reservoir. Smoking is limited to certain areas within the reservoir. All dogs must be leased when on reservoir grounds.  

The College at Southeastern
The architecture of the formerly known Wake Forest College, now known as the College of Southeastern, is the perfect picnic spot with the convenience of downtown Wake Forest being right across the street. 

You can enjoy the historic scenery sitting under the oak trees by the school’s well known fountain, at the tables spread out throughout the campus, and more! Afterwards, you can peruse the downtown area checking out all the local shops and businesses. 

Mill Bridge Nature Park 
Mill Bridge Nature Park is located on the Border of the town of Rolesville and the town of Wake Forest. This park connects to the Wake Forest greenway and includes an amphitheater with over 200 seats. With many acres of land, walking trails, and activities, this is the perfect mid-day or evening picnic spot!

Forest Ridge Park
Located at 2100 Old NC 98 Highway in Wake Forest, you can explore over 587 acres of land made up of biking and hiking trails, falls, lake connecting points, and more! While picking the perfect spot in the park for your picnic, you can enjoy the garden centers and your little ones can have some fun on the park playgrounds! 

If you’re looking to host a larger gathering, you can reserved one of their picnic shelters inside the park grounds!