Shelby Farms Park is one of Memphis’ greatest treasures, and a truly stunning outdoor amenity. At 4,500 acres, it covers an area roughly five times the size of New York City’s Central Park.
It’s an outdoor lover’s paradise, offering everything from wildlife viewing on scenic trails to kayaking in tranquil lakes to exploring the woods on horseback. Here are 10 ways you can enjoy the outdoors at Shelby Farms Park.
1). Explore the trails on foot.
Holly WhitfieldShelby Farms Park offers more than 40 miles of scenic, multi-use trails, including some beautiful unpaved trails, perfect for hiking or enjoying a relaxing walk to soak up some soothing forest vibes.
On the six miles that make up the Tour de Wolf Trail, you’ll pass by Beaver Lake, a perfect spot for viewing waterfowl. Or get a workout on the Wolf River Trails, which meander through the Lucius Burch Jr. State Natural Area, parallel to the Wolf River.
There’s a good chance you’ll cross paths with forest inhabitants, from industrious woodpeckers to graceful deer to busy beavers. Monthly guided hikes are also available.
2) Hit the bike trails.
Holly WhitfieldThe park has several paved trails for cyclists. There’s The Promenade, a popular path that takes you along the edge of Hyde Lake in the heart of the park. It’s the park's first separated-use trail, with a loop for cyclists and a separate trail for pedestrians.
There’s also the 2.75-mile Chickasaw Trail at the northern portion of the park, which winds past several lakes and through pine and hardwood forest areas, and the 3.6-mile Dunnavant Trail that takes you all the way from the Wolf River Bridge to Shelby Farms Greenline. Mountain bikers will enjoy the unpaved Tour De Wolf and Wolf River Trails.
If you don’t own a bike, a variety of rentals are available at the Hyde Lake Wheelhouse, including mountain bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and, for those who really want to test the strength of their relationships, tandem bicycles. If you’ve got kiddos, children’s bikes and trailers are also available for rental.
3). Rent a kayak or canoe.
Allen GillespieShelby Farms is a great kayaking or canoeing spot for both beginners learning to paddle on calm waters and those with more experience. You can enjoy some quiet time on the lake, or people-watch folks passing on The Promenade.
Non-motorized boats are allowed on all lakes at Shelby Farms. There’s a boat launch ramp on the north edge of Hyde Lake, near the park’s main entrance. If you don’t have your own watercraft, you can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle board at the Hyde Lake Boathouse.
Humans under age 12 and four-legged friends are permitted to participate in the fun, but both are required to wear a lifejacket, available with boat rental if you don’t have your own.
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