Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Get the App

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Middle River – Great View of Little Lake loop from Cotton Bayou Trailhead

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Middle River – Great View of Little Lake loop from Cotton Bayou Trailhead

Moderate

4.9

(1721)

8,581

hikers

Middle River – Great View of Little Lake loop from Cotton Bayou Trailhead

04:13

16.8km

10m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: May 21, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

3.47 km

Viewpoint

4.16 km

Middle River

Highlight • River

Middle River joins Middle Lake and Little Lake. The Powerline Road bridge takes you right over the river where if you are lucky (or unlucky) you just might spot an alligator.

Tip by

5.88 km

Middle Lake

Lake

6.61 km

Middle Lake

Highlight • Lake

While Middle Lake may not be as expansive as its neighboring Lake Shelby, it offers a more intimate and secluded experience for visitors seeking a quiet retreat within the park.

Tip by

8.31 km

This expansive 900-acre freshwater lake invites visitors to indulge in a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing. The surrounding area provides ample opportunities for picnicking and sunbathing. It's also a vital freshwater resource in the region.

Tip by

8.33 km

Canal Trail Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

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 greenery, while Alligator Island adds to the scenic allure with its natural splendor, creating a picturesque and peaceful setting for cyclists to enjoy.

Tip by

13.6 km

Little Lake

Highlight • Lake

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

Tip by

14.1 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

16.8 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.8 km

2.36 km

612 m

Surfaces

13.2 km

3.05 km

581 m

< 100 m

Elevation

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

Weather

Today

Saturday 27 June

32°C

26°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

Want to know more?

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

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Edit route

Download GPX

Move start point

Embed on a website

Report an Issue

Report restricted access

Description

If you're looking for a substantial coastal walk with plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities, the Middle River – Great View of Little Lake loop from Cotton Bayou Trailhead is a fantastic choice. This moderate hiking route covers 10.4 miles (16.8 km) with a minimal 32 feet (10 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours and 13 minutes to complete. It's perfect for those who enjoy a longer, flat journey through diverse natural environments, offering a peaceful escape into Alabama's unique coastal ecosystems.

What to expect on Middle River – Great View of Little Lake loop from Cotton Bayou Trailhead

This trail takes you on a journey through a rich tapestry of coastal habitats, from wetlands and pine forests to coastal scrubland, all while offering extensive views of local waterways. You'll start on the paved Cotton Bayou Trail, which winds through dense vegetation, providing picturesque, tree-lined vistas. As you continue, the route opens up to the Middle River and the highlight, Little Lake, where the chances of spotting alligators, turtles, and various bird species like ospreys and herons are high. The terrain is consistently flat, making the moderate rating more about the distance than any challenging climbs, so be prepared for a long, steady walk.

Planning your visit

The Middle River – Great View of Little Lake loop begins at the Cotton Bayou Trailhead, conveniently located across from the tip of the Cotton Bayou waterway, just behind a shopping plaza. While specific parking details aren't provided, its location suggests accessibility. Given the coastal environment, it's always wise to carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months, and consider an early start to enjoy cooler temperatures and prime wildlife viewing. This trail is part of the larger Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system, offering a well-maintained experience.

Trail details