Shelby Farms to Herb Parsons Lake loop

This moderate road cycling route is estimated to take up to 5 hours to complete. The actual duration can vary based on your fitness level, speed, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

The route primarily features well-paved surfaces suitable for road cycling. Within Shelby Farms Park, you'll find smooth, paved paths like the Shelby Farms Greenline and the Chickasaw Bike Trail. While the loop utilizes paved roads around Herb Parsons Lake State Fishing Area, be aware that some connecting segments of the overall route might be unpaved or more challenging.

This is categorized as a "moderate" road ride and requires a good level of fitness. With a distance of nearly 60 km and some elevation gain, it's not ideal for absolute beginners. Some sections may also present challenges due to potential unpaved segments.

You can typically find parking within Shelby Farms Park, which offers multiple access points to its extensive trail system. Herb Parsons Lake State Fishing Area also provides amenities including parking, picnic tables, and restrooms, making it another potential starting or stopping point.

You'll experience diverse and picturesque landscapes. Shelby Farms Park offers dense woodlands, open meadows, and rides alongside lakes like Hyde Lake and the Pond at Shelby Farms Park. As you approach Herb Parsons Lake, you'll enjoy tranquil waters, hardwood forests, and open fields, providing a peaceful ambiance.

Spring and fall are generally the best times to cycle this route. The weather is typically milder, and the natural scenery is vibrant with spring blooms or fall foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter might bring colder temperatures, though the paved nature of much of the route makes it accessible year-round, weather permitting.

Yes, this route incorporates sections of several other trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Shelby Farms Greenline, Chickasaw Trail, Wolf River Greenway, and the Memphis Loop, among others, as you navigate the loop.

There are no specific permits or entrance fees required to cycle this route. Shelby Farms Park is generally free to enter, and access to the roads around Herb Parsons Lake is also open to the public.

While Shelby Farms Park is generally dog-friendly, with many areas allowing leashed dogs, this specific route is designed for road cycling. If you plan to bring a dog, ensure they are accustomed to riding in a bike trailer or can keep pace safely on a leash in appropriate areas, and always check local regulations for specific sections of the route.

Near Herb Parsons Lake State Fishing Area, you'll find convenient amenities such as parking, picnic tables, restrooms, and even a bait shop. Within Shelby Farms Park, there are various facilities, including restrooms and visitor centers, depending on your starting point.

Given the diverse landscapes of woodlands, meadows, and lakes, you might spot various wildlife. Expect to see different bird species, squirrels, and possibly deer, especially in the quieter, more natural sections around Herb Parsons Lake and the wooded areas of Shelby Farms Park.