Umstead State Park - Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, and Mountain Bike near Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh,North Carolina
35.88066800309, -78.7585439913
9.7 miles NW of Raleigh, North Carolina
GPS: 35°52'50.4"N 78°45'30.8"W
Maps | Directions
State: North Carolina
Trails/Routes: 0.6-3.7 mi

Restrooms Picnic Tables Lakes Rivers Streams Trails Wildflowers Ponds Fall Colors Pet Friendly Bicycles Fishing State Park Paintball Permitted

Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, and Mountain Bike

People in North Carolina’s Triangle find respite in the natural haven that is William B. Umstead State Park. Umstead State Park is an impressive 5,579 acres of nature’s wonders in the middle of the bustling cities of Raleigh, Durham and Cary.

The forested expanse of this park contains over 20 miles of clearly marked hiking trails, and 13 miles of multi-use trails. Visitors use the multi-use trails for mountain biking, horseback riding and of course hiking. These trails vary from beginner to intermediate in difficulty. No matter what your level is, there is a trail waiting to be explored.

The three lakes in the park provide stunning views from many of the trails and for fishermen as they patiently wait for a catch. Fishing is allowed on all lakes and streams in the park. Fishing is available year-round. North Carolina fishing regulations are enforced.

Canoes can be rented at Big Lake on summer weekends. Big Lake is the largest of the three lakes. Tent and group campsites are available for reservations from March 15th through December 1st each year.

Umstead State Park is divided into two sections, Crabtree Creek and Reedy Creek and is easily accessible from Interstate 40 and US 70. The easy access, variety of activities and connection to nature make William B. Umstead State Park a place you will want to visit throughout the year.

Never modify trail features. Ride trails when they're dry enough that you won't leave ruts. Speak up when you see others on the trail and always yield to hikers, horses, and others coming uphill. Always ride on the established trail.

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Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.

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  1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
  2. Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  3. Dispose of waste properly
  4. Leave what you find
  5. Minimize campfire impacts
  6. Respect wildlife
  7. Be considerate of other visitors

Directions

From Raleigh, North Carolina

  1. Head north on S Wilmington St toward New Bern Pl (0.1 mi)
  2. Turn left onto E Edenton St (0.2 mi)
  3. Turn right onto N McDowell St (0.3 mi)
  4. N McDowell St turns slightly right and becomes Capital Blvd (0.6 mi)
  5. Take the U.S. 70/NC-50/Wade Avenue ramp to RDU International Airport/Res Tri Park/Interstate 40 (0.3 mi)
  6. Continue onto NC-50 N/US-70 W/Wade Ave (0.1 mi)
  7. Take the U.S. 70 W/NC-50 N/Glenwood Avenue N ramp (0.1 mi)
  8. Merge onto NC-50 N/US-70 W/Glenwood Ave
    Continue to follow US-70 W/Glenwood Ave
    (9.0 mi)
  9. Turn left onto William B Umstead State Park Rd (0.9 mi)
  10. Slight right
    Destination will be on the right
    (253 ft)
or

William B. Umstead State Park has two entrances: the Crabtree Creek entrance on Hwy 70 (Glenwood Ave) and the Reedy Creek entrance (exit 287 on I-40).

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Guest Review/Comments

/5
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tasiawhicker

1/17/19 8:24 am
I have visited Umstead Park several times over the years. It has always been a great place to walk for hours. Very clean and beautiful.
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Umstead Big Lake added by tasiawhicker Umstead Big Lake added by tasiawhicker
Umstead Canoeing on Big Lake added by tasiawhicker Umstead Canoeing on Big Lake  added by tasiawhicker Canoe Rental Docs on Big Lake added by tasiawhicker Canoe Rental Docs on Big Lake  added by tasiawhicker Umstead added by tasiawhicker Umstead added by tasiawhicker Umstead State Park | NC Weekend | UNC-TV by North Carolina Weekend on PBS NC Mountain Biking Umstead State Park Raleigh NC -  G by mountainbikekayak William B. Umstead State Park, North Carolina Camp by Campsite Photos

Trails

Distance ?

2.2 miles

Real Ascent ?

183 feet

Real Descent ?

180 feet

Grade (-5° to 5°)

-9% to 8%

Distance ?

1.1 miles

Real Ascent ?

123 feet

Real Descent ?

123 feet

Grade (-6° to 5°)

-10% to 8%

Distance ?

0.6 miles

Real Ascent ?

70 feet

Real Descent ?

75 feet

Grade (-5° to 6°)

-10% to 10%

Distance ?

2.1 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-31 feet

Real Ascent ?

240 feet

Real Descent ?

271 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-9° to 7°)

-17% to 13%

Distance ?

2.7 miles

Real Ascent ?

326 feet

Real Descent ?

328 feet

Grade (-16° to 8°)

-29% to 14%

Distance ?

1.6 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-84 feet

Real Ascent ?

88 feet

Real Descent ?

172 feet

Avg Grade (-1°)

-1%

Grade (-4° to 3°)

-7% to 6%

Distance ?

2.4 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-182 feet

Real Ascent ?

218 feet

Real Descent ?

400 feet

Avg Grade (-1°)

-1%

Grade (-10° to 9°)

-18% to 16%

Distance ?

1.9 miles

Elevation Gain ?

118 feet

Real Ascent ?

205 feet

Real Descent ?

87 feet

Avg Grade (1°)

1%

Grade (-4° to 6°)

-6% to 11%

Distance ?

3.5 miles

Elevation Gain ?

81 feet

Real Ascent ?

296 feet

Real Descent ?

215 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

0%

Grade (-3° to 6°)

-6% to 11%

Distance ?

1.2 miles

Elevation Gain ?

162 feet

Real Ascent ?

195 feet

Real Descent ?

33 feet

Avg Grade (2°)

3%

Grade (-4° to 4°)

-7% to 7%

Distance ?

2.6 miles

Elevation Gain ?

85 feet

Real Ascent ?

380 feet

Real Descent ?

295 feet

Avg Grade (0°)

1%

Grade (-8° to 8°)

-14% to 14%

Distance ?

3.7 miles

Real Ascent ?

493 feet

Real Descent ?

494 feet

Grade (-9° to 11°)

-15% to 20%

Distance ?

1.4 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-150 feet

Real Ascent ?

64 feet

Real Descent ?

214 feet

Avg Grade (-1°)

-2%

Grade (-7° to 5°)

-13% to 8%

Distance ?

0.8 miles

Elevation Gain ?

-191 feet

Real Ascent ?

14 feet

Real Descent ?

205 feet

Avg Grade (-3°)

-4%

Grade (-9° to 1°)

-15% to 2%

Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.

Other Mountain Bike Trails, Hiking Trails, Canoeing Areas, and Horseback Trails Nearby

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