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Hiking trails & Routes

Middle River – Canal Trail Viewpoint loop from Cotton Bayou Trailhead

Hiking trails & Routes

Middle River – Canal Trail Viewpoint loop from Cotton Bayou Trailhead

Moderate

4.9

(1721)

8,581

hikers

Middle River – Canal Trail Viewpoint loop from Cotton Bayou Trailhead

04:13

16.8km

10m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

3.47 km

Viewpoint

Viewpoint

2

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

4

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

5

8.31 km

Shelby Lake

Highlight • Lake

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

6

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 …

Tip by

7

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

8

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

B

16.8 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

13.8 km

2.46 km

601 m

Surfaces

13.2 km

3.03 km

557 m

< 100 m

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Elevation

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

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Tuesday 3 November

26°C

22°C

67 %

Additional weather tips

There’s a fairly high chance of rain. Consider packing a waterproof jacket.

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