One of the reasons we love living in Raleigh is having access to so many lakes and trails, and the Shelley Lake Park loop trail is another of our favorite short walks.
If you love hitting the trails and exercising in nature, definitely put this on your list of things to do in Raleigh. Even though you’re within an easy drive of downtown Raleigh, you’ll feel a world away.
Shelley Lake is located just 7 miles north-west of downtown Raleigh and just north of I-440. The car park entrance is off W Millbrook Road and is easily accessible.
This is a 2-mile paved loop trail around the 53-acre lake. The trail is mostly flat with one small incline at the start (or end depending on which direction you walk) and is good for all fitness levels and those pushing a stroller.
Also keep in mind that this is a popular trail and highly trafficked, especially on weekends, but we find the path wide enough for easy passing of others.
Starting at the main car park off W Millbrook Rd and at the Sertoma Arts Center, you will see a sign with a map as the beginning point, then head down the hill past the kids playground on the right towards the lake.