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Lake Information for Shelby Lakes


Map: 
Description: 

Gulf shores is the premier beach vacation destination is Alabama. The sugar-white beaches attract visitors from all over the world; however, even cyclists need an escape from roasting on the beach and too much fried shrimp. Gulf Shores offers a number of short and long rides in and around the beach and town; perfect for sweating off excess seafood consumption.

By a quirk of geography, advanced cyclists will be hard-pressed to find a pleasing and easily navigated loop from Gulf Shores to the mainland. Alabama Highway 59 represents a bit of a cycling bottleneck for all but the most hard-headed cyclists. The bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway and the several miles of shoulder-free road north of the bridge pretty much keep cyclists onshore or inland, with not much movement in between.

Fortunately, many of the main roads in Gulf Shores are equipped with paved shoulders or bike lanes. Getting around by bike in this busy beach resort town is surprisingly easy. The two rides described here are examples of quick, easily navigated leg-stretcher rides that start and end at Gulf State Park. Visiting cyclists who wish to explore around Lake Shelby and Orange Beach can saddle up for a 17-mile fat-burner from the Park, around Canal Road to Orange Beach and returning on Orange Beach Boulevard (AL 161) to Perdido Beach Boulevard (AL 182). For an easier ride for more casual riders, the loop around Shelby Lake is a scenic 5.5-mile jaunt that can be extended to explore "The Strip" on AL 182 and the State Park's unfettered stretch of beachfront.

A longer out-and-back ride can be found along AL 180 (Fort Morgan Road), which runs east-west out to Fort Morgan. AL 180 has either bike lanes or paved shoulders the entire 21 miles to Fort Morgan State Park and the Mobile Bay Ferry.

Facilities and Parks: 

Shaded parking, water, restrooms, lakeside cabins, camping, picnic area

Directions to Lake: 

* From I-65 (and I-10)
* Take Exit 37 to AL 287 (Rabun Road CR 47)
* Turn left onto AL 287 and continue towards Bay Minette for about 4.3 miles
* Continue onto AL 59 S (bypass Bay Minette) and travel approximately 50 miles. (Cross over I-10 at Exit 44 in approximately 19 miles.)
* Cross the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge
* Turn left onto AL 180 E (Fort Morgan Road). In .3 mile, AL 180 turns north at the intersection with AL 135
* Continue straight onto AL 135 (Fort Morgan Road)
* The Gulf State Park entrance is in a quarter mile. Park at the park headquarters on the left.

Optional Information
Surface area: 
862.00
Name: 
Shelby Lakes
Lake type: 
lake
State: 
Alabama

Businesses Located Nearby

Bait & Tackle

    Frith's Bait & Supply
  • 2508 E 2nd St - Gulf Shores, AL
  • (251) 968-6484

Boat Rental

    Wallace Boat Rentals & Tours
  • 5749 Bay La Launch Ave - Orange Beach, AL
  • (251) 981-5757
    Barracuda Boat Rentals
  • - Pensacola, FL
  • (850) 712-2573

Vacation Rental

Bar and Restaurant

    Kirk Kirkland's Hitchin' Post
  • 3401 Gulf Shores Pky - Gulf Shores, AL
  • (251) 968-5041

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