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Shelby Lakes Trail – Great View of Little Lake loop from Palm Plaza

Shelby Lakes Trail – Great View of Little Lake loop from Palm Plaza

Easy

3.4

(12)

riders

Shelby Lakes Trail – Great View of Little Lake loop from Palm Plaza

01:43

34.6km

30m

Road cycling

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 30, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

6.36 km

Gulf Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Elevated platform that provides a great view of Gulf State Park and the Gulf of Mexico in the distance.

Tip by

9.72 km

From the Canal Trail viewpoint overlooking Shelby Lake and Alligator Island, cyclists are treated to panoramic vistas of serene waters and lush vegetation. Shelby Lake's tranquil surface reflects the surrounding …

Tip by

13.0 km

Shelby Lakes Trail

Highlight • Trail

Great trail that runs next to Shelby Lakes. It is perfect for biking or walking and gives amazing views of the lake.

Tip by

29.0 km

Great View of Little Lake

Highlight • Viewpoint

From the Catman Trail this is a great view point of Little Lake and the grass lands right next to the water.

Tip by

30.5 km

Hidden Lake

Highlight • Lake

Whether you seek solitude or a quiet retreat, Hidden Lake at Gulf State Park is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. While not as well-known as its larger counterparts, …

Tip by

34.6 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

27.6 km

6.53 km

461 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

22.7 km

10.7 km

784 m

450 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Sunday 12 July

30°C

20°C

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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Description

If you're looking for an easy, scenic road cycling route that's perfect for the whole family, the Shelby Lakes Trail – Great View of Little Lake loop from Palm Plaza is an excellent choice. This 21.5-mile (34.6 km) route, rated easy, offers minimal elevation gain of just 114 feet (35 metres) and can be completed in about 1 hour and 43 minutes, making it an ideal way to explore Gulf State Park's diverse ecosystems.

What to expect on Shelby Lakes Trail – Great View of Little Lake loop from Palm Plaza

As you pedal along the Shelby Lakes Trail, you'll find yourself immersed in the natural beauty of Gulf State Park. The route is predominantly paved and flat, offering a smooth ride through picturesque coastal pines and past the serene waters of Lake Shelby. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife; this area is a haven for alligators, various bird species like bald eagles and osprey, and even otters or white-tailed deer. It's a gentle ride, perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy nature without a strenuous workout, and the minimal elevation makes it accessible for all skill levels.

Planning your visit

Starting from Palm Plaza, this route is part of the larger Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail network, which means you'll find convenient amenities like restrooms and water fountains along the way. Gulf State Park also offers a complimentary bike-share program, allowing you to borrow a bicycle for the first three hours at no cost if you don't bring your own. Remember that a 10 mph speed limit is enforced on the trails to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment.

Trail details