Shelley Lake Park, Raleigh

Shelley lake is a lake. It has a paved walkway around it with walkers, runners, and bikers. It has exercise stations. It's partially shaded. There are ducks and geese that children feed. There's a playground. There are basketball courts. There is a boathouse where you can rent canoes and paddle boats. There are bathrooms. It connects to the Capital Area Greenway system. It can get somewhat crowded on nice weekend days. The two sections of the walkway on each side of the dam are highly sloped. I guess beyond that, the rest of what one would think of Shelley lake is subjective. What I don't understand about the two negative reviews here is the extreme anger towards... well... a *lake*. If you have personal issues, I guess you may hate inanimate objects like Shelley lake. Otherwise, you will probably find it at least adequate as a lake. It may not be as amazing as the lakes in Yellow Stone, or the Great Lakes. But it's a decent place to hang out or exercise on a sunny day.

this puddle is only a good place to visit if you are completely bored out of your mind while visiting family. It makes you very thankful for living out west. I can't wait to go home. How did I live here so long - I guess ignorance is bliss.

My 2 year old loves to run down to the bridge to watch the geese, ducks & turtles. Today we say baby gosslings. We then take a hike through the "forest" to the kid's playground. It's nice and shady and a great place to go in the spring & summer. Maybe not the most unique lake in the world but we go there at least once a week and never experienced a bad smell.

A very poor excuse for a "lake" as it is feels very stagnant and nothing but an excuse for a walking trail and "recreation" area. The lake actually smelled foul when I was there and it was just like a big hole in the ground filled with water. I've seen "rockpits" that have more character. Other than the fact that it retains water there is nothing scenic, pretty or positive that I could say about it.

Awesome trail & walking area, Very peaceful and Safe!!

This is one of the best walking trails in the area. It has a 2 mile walking trail, which goes all the way around the Shelly lake. Small area for kids to play and watch ducks. Very safe and always some people around.Not many bugs. Great view of the lake and the trees as you start your trail jog/walk. Right off Millbrook Road in Raleigh. Only drawback is very limited parking spots. Must visit if you are in Raleigh-Cary vicinity. Great place to walk/jog/bike.

WE ARE NEW HERE TO THIS STATE AND IT WAS GREAT ! I LOVE THE WATER AND DUCKS. MY KIDS CANT WAIT TO GO BACK

Shelley Lake has a 2.08 mile paved track (not 3) around an extrememly scenic lake/park. There are a few hills, but mostly flat--frequented by walkers, cyclists, and runners, as well as leisure strollers and familes relaxing and exercising together. One of the best aspics is that it connects in several places to the Raleigh Greenway. You can actually walk on shady paved walks all the way to Crabtree Mall. My friends from Durham come over to walk with me there as they say there is nothing remotely as nice in their area. I prefer it to Lake Lynn, as the walkways at Lake Lynn are very sloped side to side, which makes for awkward muscle usage! Sertoma Arts center also located there, as well as a soccer field, boat house, and clean restrooms