William B. Umstead State Park — Attraction in Raleigh

If you’re looking for a good park nearby, Umstead is perfect being right in middle of the City of Raleigh. However, if you’re not a runner or some looking for a quick hike of scenic walk, Or just looking for something- idk the right word? Better, more features, exciting? Then take a bit of an extra drive to Fall’s Lake. Or better yet, Eno Park (eno park can give sort of a Smokey mountain hiking trail feel in the middle of the piedmonts, which I really appreciate for just a ~30minute drive). But Umstead is a great in it own right definitely worth a visit especially at sunset. :) awesome for biking and running too. Or if you know a few spots- great for yoga or whatever floor sport you want! It was my Covid sanctuary to get out of the house through 2020 and even now. Awesome for a small hike during a date (maybe not the first date, unless you both trust/know each other well, keep first dates in more public areas as a good rule).

Important Safety Notes: if you’re going to go deep into the trails be careful, it’s easy to get lost. Maps aren’t very good unless you paid good money for one. Service shouldn’t be bad anywhere in park at least in my experience though so no need to panic if you keep a cellular device on you. My high school cross country team would run here for practice - that’s 1-2hours 5-6 days a week. Even then some girls would get lost. We ran in pairs but still, one time 2 girls ended running around a marathon because they took accidentally took an early turn into a path they didn’t know. They just kept running (as a hardcore XC runner does lol) ~5hours later we find them. So, take note of your turns in Umstead, even move a stick or something because there can be similar looking turns, always know how to turn back, don’t go too far in if you’re not familiar with it, and … make sure if you do turn back you can get to your car before it’s closing time. The rangers will typically do a loop around the common trails after close to make sure they don’t shut people in, but if they don’t see you, gates will close with your car still in the park. Has happened to me 2x over the years haha! Thankfully I had someone to pick me up, and the other time found a ranger to unlock the gate just in time. Would...

Sept. 3, 2021 - (Riddle) “ Kids old & new, LOVE Me through & through, because there’s Loads to Do! ( Guess who I am)

In Raleigh, NC you might spend a few hours at the William B. Umstead State Park! Lot’s to do :

*Big Lake ( fishing available) *Boat & Canoe rentals ( Covid era, No) *Visitor’s Center *Education & History displays for children *Hiking trails *Picnic areas ( tables & charcoal grills) *Paved walking paths ( handicap accessible) *2 Camps with Cabins, wash houses *Tent campground open in summer months Restrooms *Maple Hill Lodge available for groups *Pavilions available *Fireplaces available

My wife and I enjoyed several hours on a sunny day at a FREE Umstead State Park! Stopped at the visitors center for trail maps & restrooms. The park rangers were very pleasant & helpful! They suggested we drive toward the lake, park, enjoy a lunch, then go for a hike. . . We did ! We were impressed with the Umstead park’s asphalt walk ways to handicap accessible picnic areas & restroom facilities .

After lunch, time for a hike . . . but which trail? We checked the map, and selected Sal’s Branch Trail ( 2.5 miles) an easy hike with tree roots, and up & down hills back to the Visitors Center. I then walked down the 1/2 mile road to my car, but “hey walking is exercise”! No problem! Great hike, on a nice day with reasonable temperatures, low 80’s! ( Maine-ahs struggle with heat over 80 degrees!)

Today was perfect ! (Riddle Answer: A Park!) I’d rate this park a solid 4.5 with a one suggestion. ( at the end of review)

Significant Background of Park(s)

Pre 1700’s - Native American Indians here! +Occaneechi tribe +Lumbee tribe +Coharie tribe +Meherrin tribe +Haliwa Saponi tribe +Waccawaw Siouan tribe +Eastern Cherokee tribe +Sappony tribe

1774 - White settlers begin settlement

1934 - NC state agencies buy 5,000 acres

1935 / 36 - CCC & WPA build park facilities

1937 - Crabtree Creek Recreation Area opens ( for Whites only)

1950’s - 1,000 acres create Reedy Creek State Park (for Blacks only)

1966 - Two parks merged, named after NC Governor William B. Umstead .

Suggestion: There is no public access road that connects both parks? Maybe it’s...

I am sorry to say that this park was not designed well. We parked in the additional parking lot behind the the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center was very nice, with a small museum and history of the park. We were glad to obtain a map of the trails there. That was good. We took that Sal Branch trail thinking it would be an easy hike to the main attraction - the lake. But the path was muddy and roots made the walking difficult for a senior member of our 3 person 1 dog party. We used the map and decided to walk on the road to get to the lake knowing it would be more level. After half way to the lake we realized that that was too dangerous. We walked back to the car and drove to the parking lot by the lake. There was still a root bound trail to the lake, but not that bad. Once at the lake, which was beautiful, there was only one picnic table to sit at and it was occupied. We walked over the bridge and dam to the canoe launch. The layout of paths, pavilions, and tables should be near the lake, to take advantage of the beautiful scenery. There was no place to sit to rest or have a picnic, unless you sat on the ground, which was wet on the day we went. The path to the lake should be paved, making it easier for seniors and strollers. Then once at the lake make it comfortable to stay awhile. I’m sure the wooded paths are nice for running and dog walking. But you can find wooded paths at most state parks. It is the lake that makes this park unique. And I am glad the canoe rental is an option, but it is not year round. Nice park, but...