Shelley Lake Loop Trail

In 2009, the Shelley Lake Loop Trail is thriving with hundreds of regular Raleigh citizens visiting to enjoy the environment of the lake.

Max found the concrete bridge located next to the boathouse full of children and adults exalting in the antics of the wintering sea gulls. Anxious dogs pulled at their leashes as they tried to stick their heads between the rails, excited by the fluttering birds.

Just below the upper parking lot off Millbrook Road Max could see small children playing on the playground behind the Sertoma Art Center.

A weekend visit is always an exciting family affair for many of the diverse people of the city. With winter here in Raleigh, Max could see the closed doors of the boat house where, during the summer, plus spring and fall weekends, the Parks folks rent paddle boats to provide access to the shallow lake.

Winter wasn't a barrier to some brave fishermen who were trying their luck at getting a reluctant catfish or two to take the lure.

As with most weekends, Max noticed that one main attraction was people with dogs. They were present today in every size and shape. There were cute puffy little Pekinese and large playful Labrador Retrievers (Yellow and Black).

There was one cute young puppy that had recently seen the doctor. Two young ladies sheltered it in a small area near the lake sure so it could get some sun. It wasn't yet ready to return to the walk.

Max saw a woman trying to convince her small dog, perhaps a Chihuahua, to sit on a picnic table while she attempted to photograph it. She was still trying perhaps twenty minutes later when Max looked back from the dam wall. It was definitely a dog day.

Runners like this trail because it has hills that can really get one in shape for a marathon. At least that is what Max was told by some young ladies that were carrying enough water to be in the foreign legion.

Bikers like this trail because if you start at the Long Branch Trail, head south across this the Shelley Loop Trail, and continue south along the Ironwood Trail and its connectors you can easily get a round trip ride of twenty miles without getting onto any city streets or only a few, depending on which connector you follow.

Folks with children in strollers like this trail in part, because of the birds. Children and many of the adults like Max, marvel at the stunts that birds will do for the smallest crumb.

This is a difficult trail if you are older and cannot manage hills well. Fortunately the city has many other greenway trails, some of which are easier on people with limitations.

Bird lovers can, of course, enjoy the different bird habitats that the seasons bring to the lake. In the winter the sea birds dominate, although some ducks would dispute that. In the spring migrating birds stop at the lake; ducks and geese just passing through join them. When late spring comes the lake is dominated by ducks, geese, turtles and blue cranes until the late fall arrives. Then it starts all over with birds migrating out of the area stopping in to say goodbye.

Max suggests that the visitor to Raleigh may want to visit Shelley Lake. Just down Millbrook Road a few traffic lights from the lake you can pick up a sandwich, chips and a soda to take with you. There is a Subway, KFC/Taco Bell and Food Lion at the shopping center there.

With your food in hand you can park at the lower lot on Millbrook and take your food to the top of the grassy area overlooking the lot. There at the top is a bench in the center from which you can see most of the lake as you enjoy your lunch. If time permits you can walk down to your left where you see all the birds. They will appreciate it if you share some of the bread from your sandwich and perhaps a chip or two.

Max wishes you a fine visit to one of Raleigh's best trails and parks.

Max writes about greenways, rare diseases, timely topics, places to eat, travel and other issues of interest. He encourages you to add your comments.

Link one is about Shelley Lake.

Link two shows a map of Raleigh Greenway system.

Link three is about Sertoma Art Center located at Shelley Lake.