Shelley Lake Park - Raleigh, NC
Shelley Lake Park: A Dog-Friendly Gem in Raleigh, North Carolina
Located at 1400 W Millbrook Rd, Shelley Lake Park stands out as one of the most beloved dog parks in Raleigh, North Carolina. This scenic spot offers a peaceful escape with a beautiful 53-acre lake, a 2-mile paved, shaded, and stroller-friendly trail—perfect for dog walking or running. The park’s natural beauty is complemented by wildlife viewing (think ducks and turtles!), wheelchair-accessible paths, plentiful parking, and excellent amenities for people and pups alike.
Shelley Lake Park isn’t just for exercise—it’s a community hub with picnic tables, an art center, a playground, basketball courts, and public restrooms. The combination of pet-friendly trails, shaded routes, and accessible facilities makes this park a must-visit for local dog owners and their families. While the park can get crowded on weekends, especially with joggers, cyclists, and nature lovers, early mornings provide a quieter experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Are dogs allowed at Shelley Lake Park? Yes, dogs are allowed at Shelley Lake Park and welcomed on the trails.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain on-leash while visiting Shelley Lake Park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, the park features wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and paved trails.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are picnic tables and benches along the lake trail.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available on-site.
- Is there parking available? Yes, Shelley Lake Park offers plenty of parking for visitors.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there is a paved 2-mile trail around the lake with greenways connecting to other paths.
- Is there shade or shelter available? The trail and park feature plenty of shade and tree cover, making it comfortable for walks even on warmer days.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park includes a playground and other kid-friendly amenities.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? Shelley Lake Park can be quite busy on weekends; for a quieter visit, try early mornings.
Reviews
Shelley Lake Park in Raleigh, NC, is a true gem that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and community engagement. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an active day out, this park has something for everyone.
The 2-mile paved loop trail around the 53-acre lake is ideal for walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all skill levels. The trail is mostly flat, shaded, and stroller-friendly, making it accessible for families and individuals alike. Along the way, you’ll encounter scenic views, a charming boardwalk, and an overlook tower that offers a unique perspective of the lake.
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.
Shelley Lake Park is a great spot to escape the city without actually leaving it. The walking trail around the lake is peaceful, with awesome views and plenty of shady spots to chill. I loved seeing all the ducks and turtles hanging out—it felt like nature’s own little social club. The only downside? It gets crowded on weekends, so if you’re looking for solitude, early mornings are your best bet. Also, watch out for speedy cyclists! Overall, it’s a beautiful park for a walk, run, or just soaking in some fresh air. Definitely worth a visit!
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.
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.