Length: 7.2 miles (partial loop)
Estimated Time: 2.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: William B. Umstead State Park
Trail Users: Hikers only
Dogs: Only if on a ≤ 6 foot leash
Features: Creeks, Forest
Crowds: High
Warnings: None
Trailhead GPS: 35.87200,-78.76040
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 clockwise direction.
The hike starts at the far end of the picnic area and descends to Pott's Branch via a couple switchbacks.
After intersecting Pott's Branch Trail and crossing the creek on a footbridge, the trail turns left and follows the creek upstream. The trail then crosses gravel Group Camp Road and begins a gradual ascent through the forest.
At 2 miles, the trail reaches a split where the loop portion of the hike begins. Go straight and descend steeply to Sycamore Creek along switchbacks. At Sycamore Creek, an unofficial trail to the right leads to the dam on Sycamore Lake.
The trail follows Sycamore Creek downstream for about a mile to Graylyn Multi-Use Trail at a scenic bridge.
Crossing the bridge, a spur leads to Company Mill Trail (See Umstead Company Mill Trail Hike for description). Adding the Company Mill Loop makes this hike about 11 miles. Sycamore Trail goes straight across Graylyn and continues following Sycamore Creek downstream. At about 4 miles, the trail departs its namesake and begins following a tributary. The trail then makes a steady climb to cross Graylyn Multi-Use Trail again and return to the split. Turn right to head back to the parking.
Hike Description:
The hike starts at the far end of the picnic area and descends to Pott's Branch via a couple switchbacks.
After intersecting Pott's Branch Trail and crossing the creek on a footbridge, the trail turns left and follows the creek upstream. The trail then crosses gravel Group Camp Road and begins a gradual ascent through the forest.
At 2 miles, the trail reaches a split where the loop portion of the hike begins. Go straight and descend steeply to Sycamore Creek along switchbacks. At Sycamore Creek, an unofficial trail to the right leads to the dam on Sycamore Lake.
The trail follows Sycamore Creek downstream for about a mile to Graylyn Multi-Use Trail at a scenic bridge.
Crossing the bridge, a spur leads to Company Mill Trail (See Umstead Company Mill Trail Hike for description). Adding the Company Mill Loop makes this hike about 11 miles. Sycamore Trail goes straight across Graylyn and continues following Sycamore Creek downstream. At about 4 miles, the trail departs its namesake and begins following a tributary. The trail then makes a steady climb to cross Graylyn Multi-Use Trail again and return to the split. Turn right to head back to the parking.
Blog Entries:
09-May-2020: Umstead Reopening
17-Nov-2018: National Take a Hike Day
01-Apr-2017: April Flowers in Umstead
External Links:
NC State Parks website: https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/william-b-umstead-state-park
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