One of my favorite places to go when I want to be with nature is right here in my own hometown!! Umstead Park - Many people that visit the area are completely surprised that we have a resource like Umstead Park right in the middle of the city.  The Park is centrally located between the airport and situated between Cary and Raleigh. One can enter on the Cary side at the Reedy Creek entrance off of Harrison Avenue or off of the Ebenezer Church Road in Raleigh.    

Umstead Park in Raleigh, NC has it all---I've written about other parks in the area but Umstead beats them all.  Umstead has hiking, horse back riding, bike trails, boat rentals, camping, picnic areas, and even educational/nature programs.  The resources are amazing.  There are 16 miles of moderate to easy hiking trails, 16 miles of biking and bridle trails, 3 lakes, 4 group campgrounds, and 2 camping areas.

When I used run my "long runs" I used to come out here with the NCRC. This group runs long runs on the trails. They even have marathons and Ultra Marathons(100M) here. My knees don't cooperate anymore but it sure is fun to watch.

Here are a few of the Hiking Trails out at Umstead that you might enjoy:

  • Beech Trail - Reedy Creek (0.5 miles, easy)
  •  Bridle and Bike Trails (16 miles, varies)
  • Company Mill Trail - Reedy Creek (4.5 miles, moderate)
  • Company Mill Spur - Reedy Creek (0.2 miles, easy)
  • Schenck Forest Inspiration Trail - Reedy Creek (0.5 miles, easy)
  • Loblolly Trail - Reedy Creek (6 miles, moderate)
  • Oak Rock Trail - Crabtree Creek (1 miles, easy) Pott's Branch Trail - Crabtree Creek (0.75 miles, easy)
  • Sal's Branch Trail - Crabtree Creek (2.2 miles, moderate)
  • Sycamore Trail - Crabtree Creek (6.5 miles, moderate)  
One of the many maps posted at the Entrances of Umstead Park One of the streams running through Umstead during daytime
Enjoy a serene picnic at Umstead
The beginning of Company Mill Trail

Just take a look at the natural beauty of this park. If you have the opportunity to escape for just an hour or two this should be your destination of choice. Be careful, though, there is lots of wildlife in the forest including snakes, bats, deer, mosquitoes, squirrels, and other wildlife.

 

11 Comments on Hiking, Biking, and More at Umstead Park in Raleigh

Do they have motorcycle tours?

KIDDING.

Wow that looks beautiful.  Makes you want to take off the tie and put on the hiking boots.  And we don't have Autumn out here in California, so enjoy the leaves' turning!

09/21/2007 01:34 PM by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)

cannot wait to get running out there!!

09/21/2007 02:19 PM by Julia

Tracy,

I have always like Umstead Park. I was just learning to inline skate out there. I am not sure I should have been on the rolling roads but I was and had a blast.

09/21/2007 02:23 PM by Susan Trombley Re/Max Broker Raleigh NC & Surrounding Areas (Re/Max Hometown)

Hi Julia,

Is it not to die for????? My personal favorite!!

You will start off at Company Mill trail and do a small loop.  If you're really adventurous you can extend your run through Sycamore Trail.  There is a hill in Sycamore that is MURDER!!.  I can't believe the "experts" say it's moderate.  If you can run here you can run anywhere!! You are going to love it!!

09/21/2007 03:28 PM by Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate Blog (Fonville Morisey)

O-I forgot to mention that the last picture on the right is the beginning of Company Mill Trail!! It's really steep and you have to finish your run up the hill!! O what fun!!!

09/21/2007 03:29 PM by Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate Blog (Fonville Morisey)

Susan - You are mighty adventurous to attack Umstead w/roller blades!! I love roller blading but the terrain at Umstead is a bit tricky!!! Glad you survived!

09/21/2007 03:31 PM by Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate Blog (Fonville Morisey)

Tracy - As always a great post - This is truly how blogging is to be done.  I hope you have a successful weekend.  BTW have you reposted your landscaping pics.

09/21/2007 05:53 PM by Rebecca Savitski NC Real Estate Listings (NC List for Less Realty Incorporated)

Hi Rebecca, I ordered the photos today. They should be up soon.

09/22/2007 04:19 AM by Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate Blog (Fonville Morisey)

Tracy, Umstead is great! I recently trained for and completed a half marathon with Team in Training, the nation's largest endurance sports training program.  We had lots of group runs there and although the hills on some trails were difficult, it is very beautiful!  We had a great time running, chatting, and raising money for a wonderful cause! Plus the program is a great way to get personalized training!

Team in Training

I even managed to complete the run! What a great Experience!

 

09/24/2007 06:53 PM by Yvonne Beal - Chatham County Real Estate Expert (Chapel Ridge Realty)

Cute picture!! I've done that one too Yvonne!! It was REALLY hilly but worth the effort.  Something you will always remember!! I like Company Mill and the Sycamore extention...

09/24/2007 07:04 PM by Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate Blog (Fonville Morisey)

I participated with Team in Training for a year .... one season as a participant (we went to Anchorage Alaska) and then as a mentor (we ran the Honolulu Marathon).  What an experience it was.  It changed my life.  Good to know it's in the triangle area. 

So, in November, I have to complete 18 and 20 miles to get ready for a marathon December 2, any suggestions?  Looks like my weekly training runs will start with the Company Mill trail.  YAY!

09/25/2007 11:55 AM by Julia

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Real Estate Agent: Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate Blog (Fonville Morisey)
Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate Blog
Cary, NC
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Fonville Morisey

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Welcome to my Triangle Area Real Estate Blog. This blog provides Triangle Area real estate information and resources to guide homeowners and buyers through the process of selling and buying a house, townhome or even investment property. If you are interested in Triangle Real Estate, please e-mail me here for a personal response! Thanks and let's get blogging!


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