Shelley Lake Park

Just checked out this awesome lake park, and it’s seriously amazing! The walking loop is perfect for a chill stroll, and the views are top-notch. If you’re into nature vibes and just want to chill out, this spot’s a winner. Definitely worth swinging by for some relaxing time outdoors.

Shelley lake, park, and trail are awesome. Personally I consider it like a "light" version of Lake Johnson, except that in my personal case, Shelley lake is closer to home and makes for an easy trip. Also saw the bald eagle here the other day, which was very cool. Have met some nice folks on the trail as well. Another good example of the great parks system we have here in beautiful Raleigh.

Easy stroll around the lake with most of it being shaded by the trees. We saw squirrels, cardinals, frogs, ducks. There's a beautiful spot towards the end of the loop where you can sit on the grass and see a view of the lake from a top.

Really beautiful place to take a nice walk. Love that it's paved which makes it accessable for our daughter's wheelchair. There were other greenways connecting to the main loop around the park, and the main loop is a really easy walk with pretty scenery. We saw tons of deer and squirrels, and even took pictures of a bald eagle.

We went in November. It was 66 degrees out, but the shade made it feel cooler than it actually was. Gorgeous fall leaves even after the peak, and I'm certain this will become one of our go-to places for getting our steps in.

This recommendation is for wildlife photographers. Probably one of the best Lakes for wildlife photography in the north Raleigh area. During the Summer the best bet is to get out there between sunrise and 11 am. I have seen new and interesting wildlife nearly every time I've been there.

Our go-to FIVE STAR walking spot! Perfect for a 1.5-2 mile walk or run around Shelley Lake in north Raleigh, North Carolina. Lots of trees and wildlife. A gorgeous view of the sky and lake while crossing over the earthen dam. No cost; kids playground; restrooms; picnic tables; lots of grassy areas for blankets; good parking situation; and craft center.

A lovely park in North Raleigh and quite scenic. This is a great place to see birds including nesting bald eagles. We have seen deer and other wildlife. The path around the lake is fairly smooth and it appears that the flood issue in one section has been mitigated. They have also built new restrooms. A great place for dog walking and apparently biking.

Such a beautiful and peaceful place for a nature walk. Parking is plentiful and new restrooms are open at the trailhead. Runners, bikers, walkers and lots of dogs frequent this 2 mile loop so it can get a little crowded on the weekends. This is one of my go to places and I never tire of the scenery.

Love this place. Very serene and a great place to walk the trails. The people are polite and friendly and there is enough to do whether walking for exercise of relaxing.

It was a nice cool Saturday Morning. We wanted to take the dog out for a scenic walk. Came to check out Shelly Lake Park. They had plenty of parking and a new bathroom upon the entrance.

There was basketball courts and a small playground at the trailhead. The walk itself is decent I’d say about 2.5 miles, longer than you’d think. 1 small hill but the rest of it is flat.

There was plenty of folks with dogs and a lot of people running.

A good park. I’d recommend.

After searching a Lake for Fishing we decided to come at Shelley Lake Park. As you enter the walking trail you will see a notice board which is up to date. As you walk further down You get to see a beautiful view of lake from Fishing Pier point. They also do have an art center which was close at our visiting hours. Its a pretty lake to spend time with family, they have a walking trail, easy to bring in your stroller. They also have play area for the kids.

Nice paved trail around lake with tons of wildlife even on a busy afternoon. We saw tons of birds, several deer, squirrels, and of course dogs being walked with their owners. Very peaceful and relaxing, many benches spread around the approximately 2 mile loop around the lake in case you need to rest. The path around the late is also connected to Raleigh's Greenway system.

This is a lovely park with plenty of parking & new public toilets. The art center is right there. Although there is a very obvious path, if you have trouble with your knees, inclines, or declines you should have a walking stick or sticks & go carefully. It’s worth it though because the lake is lovely. Also: lots of nesting birds ❤

A great place to hike, bike, and have a picnic. Lots to do for kids and adults. At the entrance of the park there are nice remodeled bathrooms, an art center, and a playground. The walking trails and scenic views of the lake are great too.There are informative animal information posted throughout the park. All the drinking fountains provide cold and refreshing water as well.

My latest visit, 3rd overall, was once again great. Lots of people exercising or just enjoying nature!

Beautiful park. Very relaxing. It is a great park for a nice walk or just to bring the kids to play. Walking trail, bridge and scenery for the lake. Park has swings and slides and sandbox.

Raleigh is full of little outdoor delights like Shelly Lake. Just off Millbrook this 2+mile walking trail wanders through woods and open air to give you a great get away from the hustle and bustle. Benches, open fields, and even a fishing dock make this a great place for everyone to come out and enjoy some fresh air. Come early enough in Spring and you’ll get a glimpse of the nesting eagles and their babies. Done want to walk? Then come play on the playground or hit the court and play some pick up basketball.
Shelly Lake Park also has an activity center they hosts different art and community activity.
Fun for everyone here

Ah. Shelly lake. How many times have I ran you, walked you -- the number is endless! This park holds a special place in my heart, and I like bringing my family here.

There's an ACTIVE BALD EAGLE NEST.

LET ME REPEAT.

ACTIVE BALD EAGLE NEST!!!!!! 🦅

I had never seen an eagle IRL until this park. They are beautiful, big and well deserving of all the space the city staff has given them.

It does get very busy on the weekends and when the weather is nice. There are new bathrooms which is awesome cause the old bathrooms were no good.

Playground and an attached Art building.

Go today and get in to nature. It's a blessing this park exists 🙏🏻

Edit: November 2021 - I had a chance to catch a glimpse of the beautiful park eagle. It was fishing near the geese 🦅

2 mile loop around lake is great for running. Usually a decent amount of people there throughout the day which makes it a good safe trail, and many other off-shoot paths so you can train for all sorts of distances. Bathrooms are decent for a public greenway and there are open spaces to go throw a ball or fly a kite. There is a playground and basketball courts as well, so something for everyone :)

Pretty little park. Nice trail by the water and in the foliage. Saw birds & deer. Good spot for a sunset picnic!