Shelley Lake Loop Hike

Shelley Lake Loop Hike is a 2-mile loop around Shelley Lake 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.  The trail is designated as a National Recreation Trail.

Length: 2.2 miles (loop)
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Shelley Lake 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: 35.85845,-78.66536

Directions:

The trailhead is at the Sertoma Art Center at Shelley Lake.  From Raleigh, head west on US-70.  Immediately after passing I-440 beltline, turn right on Lead Mine Road.  Go 1.3 miles and turn right on Millbrook Road.  In 0.3 miles, turn left into the park.

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:

The hike begins at the far end of the parking lot between the restrooms and Sertoma Art Center and descends down to the lake where the loop portion splits.  Go right to follow the loop in the counterclockwise direction.  The trail passes by the dock then crosses over the dam above the other parking area.

Across the dam, the trail meets up with Mine Creek Trail and follows the east shore of the lake and past open fields and a split with Snelling Branch Trail.  At the north end of the lake is a bald eagle nest.

At the head of the lake, Mine Creek Trail splits right.  Go left to stay on Shelley Lake Loop Trail and swing around the west shore of the lake.  The trail leads back to the initial split over some high boardwalks.

Turn right at the split to return to the Sertoma Art Center and parking lot.

External Links:

City of Raleigh website: https://raleighnc.gov/places/shelley-lake-park