Events and Programs

An inviting trail at William B. Umstead State Park

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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.

Night Hike

Just because the sun has gone down does not mean that nature has gone away with it. Join a Park Ranger at the Crabtree/Hwy 70 entrance and discuss some of the nocturnal animals you can find in the park. We will also talk about the science of the eye as it relates to nighttime, and a short story on the rich pirate history of North Carolina. The program will last roughly one hour and includes a 1.3 mile hike, so please dress accordingly.

Program Length: Approximately 1 hour
Limited to 20 participants.
Reservations required. Please call the visitor center at 919-571-4170 to make reservations.

Date of Event:

Thu, 10/25/2018 - 7:30pm

Start Location:

Crabtree Large Parking Lot (Located off Highway 70/Glenwood Ave, Raleigh)

Senior Hike

We'll be exploring Reedy Creek for our October hike. Meet Holly towards the back of the parking lot. We're hiking to Reedy Creek Lake on the M.U.T. On return we can explore camp Whispering Pines. This hike will be about 3 miles. All the hike will be on M.U.T.

Reedy Creek Entrance address: 2100 N. Harrison Ave, Cary, NC.

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:

Fri, 10/26/2018 - 9:00am

Start Location:

Reedy Creek Parking Lot (Located off Interstate 40 Exit 287/Harrison Ave, Cary)

Loblolly Loop Hike

Join a park ranger on a 4 mile loop hike through one of the prettiest parts of our park. This trail will start on the Loblolly trail and will cut back to the starting point by joining up with some of our multi-use trails. We'll cross streams, hike through the forest, and walk past Reedy Creek Lake as well. On our hike, we'll learn about the park's history, about some of the flora and fauna we observe, and more.

Program Length: 1.5-2 hours
Limited to 10 participants.
Reservations required. Please call the visitor center at 919-571-4170 to make reservations.

Date of Event:

Mon, 10/29/2018 - 2:00pm

Start Location:

Loblolly Trailhead in Reedy Creek Parking Lot (Located off Interstate 40 Exit 287/Harrison Ave, Cary)

Umstead Ruins Hike

Come join Ranger Billy as we discover the ruins, stories and history behind the community of people that were here before we had a park here. This is an advanced/strenous hike of approximately 10 miles at a leisurely pace with plenty of off trailing on uneven terrain.

Address for Reedy Creek Parking lot: 2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary, NC

Program Length: 5.5 hours
Limited to 25 participants.
Reservations required. Please call the visitor center at 919-571-4170 to make reservations.

Date of Event:

Sun, 11/04/2018 - 9:00am

Start Location:

Reedy Creek Parking Lot (Located off Interstate 40 Exit 287/Harrison Ave, Cary)

Rock Painting

This is an activity for all ages. Paint one of several simple “pet rock” designs or create a design of your own. We’ll provide the rocks and supplies; you provide the creativity. Register in advance to reserve a spot on the Sociable Art website (link: http://www.sociableart.com/Events-and-Registration.html or simply drop in for first come, first served seating any time between 2 to 3:30pm. Space is limited. There is a small $5 supply fee per rock. Cash and credit/debit are accepted at the event.

Program Length: 2 hours
No limit. First come, first served.

Date of Event:

Sat, 11/10/2018 - 2:00pm

Start Location:

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

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