William B. Umstead State Park, once known as Crabtree Creek Recreation Demonstration Area, is located in Wake County near downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. With its boundless network of hiking and multi-use trails, three manmade lakes and their tributaries make it a great multiple-bridges park. Pack a picnic as both park entrances offer picnic shelters, or better yet, pack an overnight bag to stay at Crabtree Creek’s camping areas, primitive cabins, and the historic landmark Maple Hill Lodge. Your visit will bring to light from the very beginning that great care went into the creation of William B. Umstead State Park, especially into the building of its many bridges that course through multiple hiking trails. Here are a few highlights.
It is easier to appreciate this gorgeous North Carolina State Park when you know about the investment that went into creating such an impressive public space.
Civilian Conservation Corps, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons From about 1936-1949, some of the Civilian Conservation Corps construction projects at the park included clearing trees and brush to create a lake on Sycamore Creek; building a dam, group camp cabins, and mess halls; and excavations for a waste disposal field and septic tank.
- North Turkey Creek Trail/Graylyn Trail
Bill Watson/AllTrails Set aside about two hours to hike this moderately challenging six-mile out-and-back trail.
A wooden bridge takes you deep into the unpaved, multi-use, wide, and shaded path.
Christopher Boyce/AllTrails Expect some steep inclines and windy turns, and no parking spaces are offered here.
Also, keep an eye open for some babies along the way that might sleep in this handmade nest.
Joy McGrael
And this is the only place in the world where you can find a one-of-a-kind, approximately 25-foot-long, red oak tree artfully carved with chainsaws by artists Randy Boni and Jerry Redi of Smoky Mountain Art.
Paul Sullivan/AllTrails It is just off the Graylyn Trail.
When you cross this iron bridge, you begin the trail’s loop section.
Brian Bomgaars Notice the stark architecture against the leafy backdrop.
- Company Mill Trail to Reedy Creek Trail Loop
Andrew Maclaren This approximately 5-mile loop trail is also moderately challenging and takes about two hours to complete.
After about 25 minutes, Crabtree Creek appears, which is where the Company Mill site existed back in the early 1800s.
John Moore/AllTrails Remnants of the old dam are visible on both sides.
The views are stunning everywhere you look, especially at Reedy Creek.
Michael C/AllTrails
- Sal’s Branch Trail
Tony Kershaw/AllTrails This easy, 2.5-mile, loop trail only takes about an hour to hike.
The gentle, rolling stroll guides you through gorgeous pines and hardwoods.
Heidi W/AllTrails
And if you’re lucky, a handsome, eastern box turtle might greet you.
Trent Rogers/AllTrails
- Sycamore Trail
Jose Lopez/AllTrails Try out the 7.2-mile, moderately challenging loop trail which takes about two hours to hike.
The curving stone bridge makes a picturesque arch dividing the horizon.
Laura Asselin/AllTrails
And bits of history are tucked in everywhere throughout the park.
Mike Murray/AllTrails
- Big Lake Upper Dam Loop
Pj Paolino/AllTrails This wooden bridge takes you across a drainage stream near Big Lake. Several parking areas make this trail accessible including Big Lake, the visitor center, and the Campground Spur.
And some of us don’t need a bridge at Big Lake.
Christopher Boyce/AllTrails Come on in — the water’s just fine.
No matter what time of year, the scenery is always rich at this multiple-bridge park state park in North Carolina.
bobistraveling, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Have you decided to explore the most breathtaking views and trails in this vast multiple bridges park? If you visit William B. Umstead State Park, please tell us about your adventures in the comments below. And if you are open to an old-fashioned experience, take a delightful carriage ride through Raleigh.
Civilian Conservation Corps, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
From about 1936-1949, some of the Civilian Conservation Corps construction projects at the park included clearing trees and brush to create a lake on Sycamore Creek; building a dam, group camp cabins, and mess halls; and excavations for a waste disposal field and septic tank.
Bill Watson/AllTrails
Set aside about two hours to hike this moderately challenging six-mile out-and-back trail.
Christopher Boyce/AllTrails
Expect some steep inclines and windy turns, and no parking spaces are offered here.
Joy McGrael
Paul Sullivan/AllTrails
It is just off the Graylyn Trail.
Brian Bomgaars
Notice the stark architecture against the leafy backdrop.
Andrew Maclaren
This approximately 5-mile loop trail is also moderately challenging and takes about two hours to complete.
John Moore/AllTrails
Remnants of the old dam are visible on both sides.
Michael C/AllTrails
Tony Kershaw/AllTrails
This easy, 2.5-mile, loop trail only takes about an hour to hike.
Heidi W/AllTrails
Trent Rogers/AllTrails
Jose Lopez/AllTrails
Try out the 7.2-mile, moderately challenging loop trail which takes about two hours to hike.
Laura Asselin/AllTrails
Mike Murray/AllTrails
Pj Paolino/AllTrails
This wooden bridge takes you across a drainage stream near Big Lake. Several parking areas make this trail accessible including Big Lake, the visitor center, and the Campground Spur.
Come on in — the water’s just fine.
bobistraveling, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
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Address: William B. Umstead State Park, 8801 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27617, USA
