Waterfall Hero Hikes: Umstead Chainsaw Art Hike

In November 2017, a fallen red oak in William B. Umstead State Park was carved, using chainsaws, into a beautiful work of art. A short hike along Multi-Use Trails leads to the artwork.

Length: 1.2 miles (out and back)
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: William B. Umstead State Park
Trail Users: Hikers, bicycles, equestrians
Dogs: Only if on a ≤ 6 foot leash
Features: Forest, Artwork
Crowds: High
Warnings: None
Trailhead GPS: 35.86780,-78.75252
Log Art GPS: 35.86227,-78.74895

Directions:

The trailhead is at the multi-use parking area in Umstead State Park, access from the Crabtree Creek entrance. 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. In 1.2 miles, right after passing the visitor center, turn left on Maintenance Road and then an immediate right on Group Camp Road, which becomes gravel. In 0.3 miles turn left on Sycamore Road. Follow to the grassy parking area at the end.

Map:

In the following map, the hike is shown in pink.

Click here for an interactive map of the park.

Hike Description:

From the parking area, hike down the multi-use trail spur for about 0.3 miles to Graylyn Multi-Use Trail. Turn right and hike another 0.3 miles to the chainsaw art on the left.

In November 2017, chainsaw carvers Jerry Reid and Randy Boni from Smoky Mountain Art in Gatlinburg, TN carved the fallen red oak tree using chainsaws.