Events and Programs

An inviting trail at William B. Umstead State Park

Park Maps and Brochures:

We want to make park visitors aware of repairs being done on the Reedy Creek bathrooms. While these repairs are being fixed the bathrooms will be closed. However, there will be port-a-johns availabe for visitors to use. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Posted on: Wednesday, June 20, 2018

Cedar Ridge Trail Culvert Washout

Please use extreme caution when hiking Cedar Ridge Trail due to a culvert washout . Our maintenance team is working quickly to repair the trail.

Posted on: Thursday, June 14, 2018

Events and Programs

William B. Umstead State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.

Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.

Nature Play with Families

This is for families with an interest in connecting children with nature. The time together will be varied, from wood games, crafts, woodlore, to spontaneous play and nature exploration. If this is something the parents want to continue, we can start meeting monthly at some arranged convenient time. Ranger Billy will lead the group but is receptive to any ideas or assisting in anyway if other members of the group want to lead or share their skills, knowledge and passion.

Program Length: 1-1.5 hours
Limited to 15 families
Reservations required. Please call the Visitor Center at #919-571-4170 to make reservations.

NOTE: A change of clothes might not be a bad idea.

Date of Event:

Wed, 06/27/2018 - 10:00am

Start Location:

Visitor Center (Located off Highway 70/Glenwood Ave, Raleigh)

Story Time

We'll be reading "Whose Nest?" and learning about different animals that live in a nest. Then, we'll do a craft, making birds using paper, googly eyes, craft feathers and markers, for children to take home. Be ready to have fun! Supplies will be provided for the craft. Parent/guardian must accompany children. Story time will start 5 minutes after program start time so we can finish our book and/or activity on time.

Program Length: 1 hour
Limited to 10 participants.
Reservations required. Please call the Visitor Center at #919-571-4170 to make reservations.

Date of Event:

Wed, 06/27/2018 - 10:00am

Start Location:

Visitor Center Classroom

Animals of Umstead - Jr. Ranger program

Join a Park Ranger for an overview of the Junior Ranger program and learn general information about the animals that call William B. Umstead State Park home. The program is recommended for children ages 6-12, giving children an opportunity to take a closer look at careers managing natural resources, and examine the plants and wildlife found in state parks. Additional time required to complete booklet activities.
Please print a copy of the Junior Ranger Booklet to bring with you at https://files.nc.gov/ncparks/37/Junior-Ranger-Booklet-2015.pdf

Program Length: 1 hour
Limited to 20 participants.
Reservations required. Please call the Visitor Center at #919-571-4170 to make reservations.

Date of Event:

Fri, 07/06/2018 - 10:00am

Start Location:

Visitor Center

Mobility Limited Access to Log Art

If you are or have a friend or family member that is wheelchair bound or has mobility issues Ranger Jess will be leading a vehicle trip out to the log art from Graylynn gate. You must have your own vehicle to follow the ranger lead truck out to the log. You must follow the Ranger's instructions regarding driving in a pedestrian only area.

Program Length: 1/2 hour
Limited to 7 vehicles.
Reservations required. Please call the Visitor Center at #919-571-4170 to make reservations.

Date of Event:

Wed, 07/11/2018 - 9:00am

Start Location:

Meet at Graylyn Gate

Senior Hike

We'll start at the Art Tree, to explore Graylyn MUT. We'll be exploring some of the old home sites and ruins along Graylyn MUT. Within a mile or so there are 2-3 easily accessed from the trial. We may get off trail a bit, be prepared for that. We'll finish by the Roger's home site and return. The entire hike will be 2.5 miles or less.

Program Length: 1 hour
Limited to 10 participants.
Reservations required. Please call the Visitor Center at #919-571-4170 to make reservations.

Date of Event:

Wed, 07/11/2018 - 9:00am

Start Location:

Tree Art Carving on the Multi-Use Trail

Contact:

William B. Umstead State Park

8801 Glenwood Avenue

Raleigh, NC 27617

Phone919-571-4170

Our Email william.umstead@ncparks.gov

Latitude: 35.890500

Longitude: -78.750200

The gate at the Crabtree Creek entrance will open at 7am daily as part of a pilot program to allow early access to the trails system. From March 15th through December 1st, the family campground gate will remain open an additional hour after the park closes so those campers have access in and out the park during that time.

Crabtree Creek Entrance:
November-February: 7am - 6pm
March, April, September, October: 7am - 8pm
May - August: 7am - 9pm
Closed Christmas Day

Reedy Creek Entrance:
November - February: 8:00am - 6pm
March, April, September, October: 8:00am - 8pm
May - August: 8:00am - 9pm
Closed Christmas Day

William B. Umstead main park gates are closed and locked promptly at posted closing time. No entry or exit is permitted after this time except for law enforcement or medical emergencies.

Park Office/Visitor Center
8am - 5pm
Closed Christmas Day

Exhibit Hall
Located in the Visitor Center
January - December, 9am - 4:30pm
Closed Christmas Day

Tent and Trailer Family Campground
Season of Operation: March 15th - December 1st

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William B. Umstead State Park