William B. Umstead State Park | Raleigh

William B. Umstead State Park is a vast, forested natural preserve covering approximately 5,599 acres, situated between Raleigh, Durham, and Cary in the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont region. Renowned for its tranquil woodlands, scenic trails, and rich biodiversity, it is one of the most significant and accessible recreational and conservation areas in the Research Triangle. The park offers extensive opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding, camping, and wildlife observation, all while preserving a deep historical and ecological legacy.

Historical Background

Early Land Use and Establishment

Prior to its designation as a state park, the land that is now William B. Umstead State Park was largely exhausted farmland, depleted by generations of cotton farming and unsustainable agricultural practices. During the 1930s, the U.S. government acquired this land under the New Deal-era Resettlement Administration. The goal was to rehabilitate degraded land and convert it into public recreation spaces.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) played key roles in transforming the terrain. These labor forces:

Reforested large tracts of land

Built dams to create lakes

Constructed trails, shelters, picnic areas, and bridges

Developed roads and recreational infrastructure

Segregated Park Eras

Initially, the park was split into two racially segregated areas:

Crabtree Creek section for white visitors (opened in 1937)

Reedy Creek section for African-American visitors (opened in 1950 as Reedy Creek State Park)

In 1966, during the Civil Rights era, both sections were integrated and renamed William B. Umstead State Park, in honor of North Carolina Governor William Bradley Umstead, who was known for supporting conservation and public service projects.

Natural Features and Landscape

The park sits within the Piedmont physiographic region, characterized by gently rolling hills, mixed hardwood and pine forests, and nutrient-rich soils.

Forests

The park's dominant tree species include oaks, hickories, sweetgums, beech, and loblolly pines.

A notable feature is the Piedmont Beech Natural Area, a 61-acre designated National Natural Landmark, known for its mature American beech stands, untouched by logging or farming.

Lakes and Streams

There are three manmade lakes within the park:

Big Lake (near the Crabtree entrance)

Sycamore Lake

Reedy Creek Lake

These are fed by a network of streams and creeks such as Crabtree Creek and Sycamore Creek, supporting a wide range of aquatic and riparian ecosystems.

Wildlife

Common wildlife includes white-tailed deer, raccoons, foxes, beavers, and squirrels.

Bird species: woodpeckers, barred owls, hawks, herons, and songbirds are abundant.

The lakes are home to various fish such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Recreational Activities

Hiking

The park features over 30 miles of hiking-only trails. These range in difficulty and showcase the park’s rich ecological variety:

Company Mill Trail (5.8 miles): A popular loop that passes historic mill ruins, stream crossings, and quiet forested areas.

Sycamore Trail (7.2 miles): A moderate trail with varied elevation and scenic creek views, popular with long-distance hikers.

Sal’s Branch Trail (2.8 miles): Ideal for beginners and families, looping around Big Lake with gentle terrain.

Loblolly Trail (2.7 miles): Located near the Reedy Creek section, offering access to smaller creeks and quiet forest paths.

Multi-Use Trails

Approximately 13 miles of multi-use trails are open to bicyclists and equestrians:

Reedy Creek Trail

Turkey Creek Trail

Graylyn Trail

These trails are wide, gravel-based paths ideal for mountain biking and horseback riding. Trail intersections are well-marked with maps and signage.

Boating and Fishing

Big Lake provides seasonal canoe and rowboat rentals.

Fishing is permitted with a valid North Carolina fishing license; anglers often catch bass, sunfish, and catfish.

Only non-motorized boats are allowed, preserving the tranquil ambiance of the park.

Camping

Camping in Umstead is a quiet, rustic experience. The park offers:

Tent and trailer sites: Basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms.

Group camps: Designed for larger parties with communal dining shelters, wash houses, and sleeping quarters.

Maple Hill Lodge: A primitive lodge facility used for group reservations, particularly by youth groups or nature organizations.

Camping is seasonal, typically open from April through October, and reservations are required.

Picnicking

There are several well-maintained picnic areas, including:

Covered shelters available for reservation

Tables with grills set along scenic wooded paths

Proximity to restrooms and trailheads

Educational and Interpretive Services

Visitor Center (Crabtree Entrance)

Offers interpretive exhibits on local ecology, geology, and the park’s history.

Staff provide trail maps, answer questions, and guide school groups.

Regularly hosts ranger-led programs on birdwatching, orienteering, forest ecology, and historic site tours.

Historic Features and Sites

Numerous remnants of early 20th-century farms and millworks remain scattered throughout the park:

Old stone foundations, wells, and chimney ruins can be found off-trail and along longer hiking loops.

Company Mill site on Crabtree Creek is one of the most visited historic landmarks inside the park, formerly a grist mill in the 1800s.

Visitor Information

Addresses:

Crabtree Creek Entrance: 8801 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, NC 27617

Reedy Creek Entrance: 2100 N. Harrison Avenue, Cary, NC 27513

Operating Hours:

Open year-round (except major holidays)

Typically open from 8:00 AM to sunset, with seasonal variations

Admission: Free for day-use

Parking: Available at both entrances, with overflow lots during peak seasons

Restrooms: Modern and pit-style restrooms are located throughout the park

Pets: Permitted on leash (maximum 6 feet) but not allowed in park buildings

Accessibility: Some trails and picnic areas are accessible, with wheelchair-friendly paths near the visitor center and Big Lake

Overall Experience

William B. Umstead State Park is not just a place for recreation—it's a landscape that reflects North Carolina’s environmental restoration efforts, social history, and natural heritage. Whether you're seeking solitude among towering hardwoods, an invigorating trail run, or a family picnic by the lake, the park provides a peaceful, scenic, and educational environment just minutes from urban centers. It stands as a model of how degraded land can be reclaimed and reborn as a thriving public asset.