Shelley Lake Park
A serene 53-acre park featuring a 2-mile paved loop around a lake, perfect for walks, wildlife viewing, and family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Shelley Lake Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene 53-acre park featuring a 2-mile paved loop around a lake, perfect for walks, wildlife viewing, and family fun.
"Beautiful place to visit, get a good run in, get some peace of mind or just some fresh air."
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The paved trail is easy, but good walking shoes are a must for enjoying the full 2 miles.
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
While parts of the trail are shaded, sunblock and hats are essential for sunny days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 2-Mile Lake Loop
Around Shelley Lake
A paved, scenic trail offering beautiful lake views, wildlife sightings, and exercise stations. Perfect for walks, runs, and bikes.
Shaded Playground
Near the main entrance
A partially fenced and shaded play area, ideal for younger visitors to burn off energy.
Wildlife Watching
Throughout the park and lake
Keep an eye out for ducks, geese, turtles, and even bald eagles nesting in the area.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Paved Path
+1Timing is Key for Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The paved trail is easy, but good walking shoes are a must for enjoying the full 2 miles. +1
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
While parts of the trail are shaded, sunblock and hats are essential for sunny days.
📸 Camera Ready for Wildlife
You might spot ducks, geese, turtles, and even bald eagles!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drinking water points are available, but bring extra water for longer walks.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Comfortable Footwear Recommended
The paved trail is easy, but good walking shoes are a must for enjoying the full 2 miles. +1
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
While parts of the trail are shaded, sunblock and hats are essential for sunny days.
📸 Camera Ready for Wildlife
You might spot ducks, geese, turtles, and even bald eagles!
💧 Stay Hydrated
Drinking water points are available, but bring extra water for longer walks.
🧺 Picnic Spots Galore
Plenty of benches and picnic tables are scattered around for a relaxing break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Shelley Lake Park for its beautiful scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and well-maintained paved trails, making it ideal for walks, runs, and family outings. The abundance of wildlife and picnic spots adds to its appeal, though some may find it busy during peak weekend hours.
"Beautiful place to visit, get a good run in, get some peace of mind or just some fresh air. We went and filmed a music video and had no issues. The scenery was amazing and no one bothered us. I’m visiting from Florida and I will definitely make a trip back over here when I come back."
C.E.O. Seymore
"Great place to walk; it's nice, peaceful, and spacious, you're not always walking right behind someone or someone is right behind you, but if so people are good about speedwalking by you real quick or you can speedwalk by someone real quick and have some space again. I also like how there's plenty of benches and picnic tables scattered about if you have to take a break."
Amanda B
"We had fun and spent Sunday well herewith friends. Liked walking on Shelley Lake Trail. This park has plenty of parking, new restrooms, an art center, kids playing area, picnic benches are all along the lake trail, fishing pier, drinking water points. People were biking, running, walking, fishing etc. This lake has turtles, waterfowl, goose etc. Lake looks beautiful from the walking bridge above it. Took beautiful pictures here."
Chanchal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shelley Lake Park is located at 1400 W Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614. It's easily accessible by car and has ample parking available.
While specific bus routes may vary, checking the GoRaleigh transit website for routes serving the Millbrook Road area is recommended for public transport options.
From downtown Raleigh, take I-440 West to Exit 7B for Glenwood Avenue. Turn right onto Glenwood Avenue, then left onto Millbrook Road. The park entrance will be on your right.
Yes, Shelley Lake Park offers plenty of parking spaces, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Absolutely! Shelley Lake Park connects to the larger Raleigh greenway system, allowing for seamless access if you're already cycling or walking nearby. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Shelley Lake Park offers free admission, making it an accessible and budget-friendly outdoor destination.
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, providing ample opportunity for outdoor enjoyment.
No advance booking is required for general park access. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
While general access is free, larger organized events or specific activities might require permits. It's best to check the official Raleigh Parks and Recreation website for details on event permits.
Yes, the 2-mile paved loop is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it a great option for visitors with mobility challenges.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the 2-mile paved loop trail that circles the lake, offering scenic views and exercise opportunities.
Yes, there are restrooms available within the park, which are noted as new and well-maintained by visitors.
Yes, fishing is permitted at Shelley Lake Park, and there is a fishing pier available for visitors.
Absolutely! Visitors often spot various waterfowl, and there are even reports of bald eagles nesting in the area, making it a great spot for birdwatchers.
You can expect to see ducks, geese, turtles, squirrels, and deer. Bald eagles have also been spotted here.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Shelley Lake Park. Visitors typically bring their own food for picnics.
Yes, Shelley Lake Park has numerous picnic tables and benches scattered throughout the park, perfect for a picnic lunch.
The park is located in North Raleigh, which offers a wide variety of restaurants. You can find everything from casual eateries to more upscale dining options a short drive away.
Typically, there are no regular food vendors at Shelley Lake Park. It's advisable to pack your own snacks and meals.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The walking bridge over the lake offers a great vantage point for capturing panoramic views. The lake itself, with its wildlife and reflections, also makes for beautiful shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons, during the golden hours, offer the best natural light for photography, enhancing the park's natural beauty.
Keep an eye out for wildlife like ducks, geese, and potentially bald eagles, which make for unique photographic subjects. The changing seasons also offer beautiful scenery.
Drone usage is typically regulated in city parks. It's best to check with Raleigh Parks and Recreation for specific rules regarding drone operation before flying.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. For wildlife photography, a telephoto lens can be beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The 2-mile paved loop is perfect for family walks or bike rides, and the accessibility makes it easy for strollers. 🏃♀️ Runners and Fitness Enthusiasts
The park's connection to the larger greenway system also allows for longer, more challenging runs. 🐶 Dog Owners
📸 Nature Photographers
+1 Keep your camera ready for wildlife sightings, including various birds, turtles, and even bald eagles. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Greenway Connections
+1 The paved surface ensures a smooth experience, even for those using wheelchairs or strollers. Beyond the main loop, Shelley Lake Park also connects to the larger Raleigh greenway system. This integration allows for extended adventures, enabling visitors to explore further into the city's network of trails. This connectivity makes it a prime spot for longer runs or bike rides, offering a diverse range of routes and scenery.
For those interested in nature, the trails wind through wooded areas, offering a pleasant contrast to the open lake views. This variety in landscape enhances the overall experience, providing shaded sections during warmer months and beautiful autumnal colors in the fall.
Wildlife Encounters at Shelley Lake
Beyond the avian residents, keep an eye out for other creatures that inhabit the park. Turtles can often be spotted basking in the sun on logs or along the water's edge.
Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and avoid feeding the animals, as this can disrupt their natural behaviors and diets. The best times for wildlife viewing are often early in the morning or late in the afternoon when animals are most active.
Community and Group Activities
+2The park's amenities, including the paved trails, open fields, and picnic areas, make it an ideal location for these types of events. The welcoming atmosphere encourages participation, whether it's a casual stroll with new friends or a more structured meetup.
For those looking to join a group or organize their own event, checking local community boards or social media groups dedicated to Raleigh outdoor activities can provide valuable information on upcoming meetups and how to participate.
Social
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