Umstead Big Loop Hike

The Umstead Big Loop is a circuit hike through William B. Umstead State Park in Raleigh.  The hike mostly follows Multi-Use Trails to make a big loop around the park.

Length: 10.5 miles (loop)
Estimated Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: William B. Umstead State Park
Trail Users: Bicycles and horseback riders allowed on most of hike; hikers only on Sycamore Trail
Dogs: Only if on a ≤ 6 foot leash
Features: Lakes, Creeks, Forest
Crowds: High
Warnings: None
Trailhead GPS: 35.87225,-78.76108

Directions:

The trailhead is at the last parking area at the Crabtree Creek entrance to Umstead State Park.  The Crabtree Creek entrance is located about ten miles northwest of Raleigh on US-70. From I-40, take I-540 east (exit 283) for about 4 miles to to US-70 E (exit 4). The park entrance will be on the right after just over a mile.  Follow the park road to the end and park.

Map:

In the following map, the hike is shown in green and follows the loop in the counterclockwise direction.

Click here for an interactive map of the park.

Hike Description:

The hike starts from the last parking area on the Crabtree Creek side of the park. A dirt path at the far end of the parking lot leads down towards big lake and boat rentals. At the lake, turn left on the paved path leading over the dam. There are really nice views of the lake from here and it’s a great place to catch the sunrise.

Past the boathouse, turn right on the gravel road and begin a gradual ascent. Vehicular access is limited on this road to registered group campers, but there are occasionally cars so use caution while hiking. In about a mile, bear right on the gravel road to lead out to mid gate and Reedy Creek Multi-Use Trail. Turn left on the MUT, which is a historical road that connected Raleigh and Hillsborough.

The multi-use trail is open to hikers, bicycles and equestrians through the park and is part of the East Coast Greenway.  Company Mill Trail intersects the trail twice, before and after passing Warren Cemetery.

In about 2.5 miles, Graylyn Multi-Use Trail splits to the left and Cedar Ridge Multi-Use Trail just after that. The trail then descends to a bridge over Crabtree Creek and Reedy Creek Lake Multi-Use Trail splits to the right at the lake.

In about 4.5 miles, reach the end of Reedy Creek Multi-Use Trail and go left on South Turkey Creek Multi-Use Trail to follow the east boundary of the park.

As the road approaches Ebenezer Church Road, there is a bridge over Crabtree Creek at 6 miles.  South Turkey Creek ends here at the intersection with Cedar Ridge and North Turkey Creek Multi-Use Trails. Go straight on North Turkey Creek.   This trail follows Sycamore Creek on a bluff above and then follows a tributary.

In just under 9 miles, North Turkey Creek ends at Graylyn Multi-Use Trail. Turn right here and then shortly turn left to head towards the Multi-Use Trail parking.   Right away, turn right on the blue-blazed Sycamore Trail, which is hiking only.  Follow this trail just over a mile back to the parking lot.

Blog Entries:

25-Nov-2017: Chainsaw Art

External Links:

NC State Parks website: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-park