William B Umstead State Park
Located in Wake County, North Carolina, William B Umstead State Park is a 5,599 acre park that is situated between Raleigh and Durham. It features three man-made lakes, the TRACK Trail, and the Loblolly Trail.
Three man-made lakes
Located in Raleigh, North Carolina, William B Umstead State Park offers a variety of recreation options. It features three manmade lakes for fishing and boating. It also has over twenty miles of hiking trails. The park is located just minutes from downtown Raleigh.
The park has several facilities, including a visitor center, two group camps with cabins, and a campground. There are several hiking trails, which range from easy to moderate in difficulty. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of special events at the park. The park is open from April to October.
There are four restrooms at the park. Visitors can also find picnic areas and grills. There are also picnic tables that are free to use. If visitors are looking for an activity that is a little less active, they can rent canoes or rowboats. They can also attend educational programs, which are offered by the park’s Rangers.
The park’s facilities include a visitor center and historic Maple Hill Lodge. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, and horseback riding on the park’s trails. The park is also home to a number of North Carolina’s rare flora and fauna.
TRACK Trail
Whether you’re a hiker, a biker, or a runner, Umstead State Park has some great trail options to choose from. This park is a trail running paradise, spanning 5,500 acres of dense, new growth forests, lakes, and quiet creeks.
There are two main trail sections, one in the north and one in the south. The northern section is a quiet and scenic place to explore. The park has 28 tent campsites for visitors, March through December. You can also rent canoes or boats at the boathouse on Big Lake.
The biggest draw is the Umstead 100 mile race, held each October. If you’re up for the challenge, you might even want to participate. If you’re not, there are still plenty of volunteer opportunities to take advantage of.
The TRACK Trail at Umstead Park is a great way to get a little exercise in. The 0.6 mile loop trail is easy to follow and provides interpretive panels along the way. The park also has a water fountain. It’s located 80 yards after you enter the park on Trenton Road.
Company Mill Trail
Located near Raleigh, North Carolina, William B. Umstead State Park is a state park with a lot of character. This park is well-maintained and has a lot of trails to choose from.
One of the best trails in the park is the Company Mill Trail. This trail is only a little over six miles, but is a great example of the park’s many trails. The trail is easy to follow and can be completed in a half-day.
The trail starts at the Reedy Creek parking lot. It has ample parking and restrooms are located just past the gate. The trail is moderate, but there are some decent hills to climb.
The company mill was a water powered grist mill owned by the Page family. It supported 40 families in the area. They also built a strong community around the mill. Sadly, the community was destroyed in the 1930s. The community had a school, store, and church. The area was also home to a few graveyards.
Loblolly Trail
Whether you’re looking for a quick walk or an extended hike, there are plenty of trails in William B Umstead State Park. These trails are ideal for walking, hiking, biking, and even skiing. You’ll find a variety of terrain and scenery, plus remnants of history and wildlife.
A great trail to try out is the Loblolly Trail. This trail is an out-and-back course that’s relatively easy to walk, but has a bit of technicality. The trail starts off flat and is followed by a series of switchbacks along the hillsides. Then it starts to descend toward Reedy Creek. Eventually it ends with a small uphill climb.
Another trail to check out is the Sycamore Trail. This trail is the longest trail in Umstead State Park. It is 7.2 miles long, and makes a loop. The trail takes you through rolling hills of pines and hardwoods, as well as through Sycamore Creek. The trail is ideal for families, and offers a moderate elevation gain and moderate views of the surrounding scenery.