Closures and policies for COVID-19
Posted on: Tuesday, January 4, 2022 - 11:37am |
Trails
Partial Closure of Sycamore Trail due to Storm Damage
The storm on Friday, October 8, 2021, caused the bridge crossing Pat's Branch on Sycamore trail to wash out. Because of this, that portion of Sycamore trail will be closed from the trailhead to Group Camp Road.
Last updated on: Saturday, October 9, 2021 Current Status of Park Facilities
Given the continued threat of COVID-19 and variants of the virus, face masks are required for indoor areas of the park, including the Visitor Center and bathhouses. All visitors must wear face masks while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
The Visitor Center is open, including the museum exhibits. Park maps are available outside to the right of the front doors.
You can make reservations for any of our facilities online or by calling 1-877-722-6762.
- All of our picnic shelters are open and can be reserved for the day.
- Youth Tent Camp is open and can be reserved by the night.
- Maple Hill Lodge can only be reserved with a two-night stay on Fridays and Saturdays.
- We are accepting reservations for Camp Crabtree and Camp Lapihio. Please call the park office for more information.
- Sycamore Cabins remain closed.
- NO BOAT RENTALS will be offered in 2021.
Most water fountains and spigots are operational; however, visitors should still bring their own water and stay hydrated in the heat.
Weekend Delays: The park can reach full parking capacity on weekends, and visitors must wait for one vehicle to leave before the next vehicle may enter. Please be prepared by arriving early morning or late afternoon, and have a backup plan if the park is full when you arrive. Weekdays are the best time to visit to avoid parking closures and crowds.
Please note that this alert is updated only when something changes. North Carolina Executive Order 225 is in effect as of August 20, 2021.
Last updated on: Monday, August 23, 2021 North Turkey Creek MUT Alert - ongoing trail maintenance
Be alert to ongoing trail maintenance on North Turkey Creek Multi-Use Trail (MUT), from Graylyn MUT down to the Ebenezer Church Road Gate. Park maintenance staff will be using heavy equipment on the trail. All hikers and riders should proceed slowly and with extreme caution. Pay attention to work signage and follow all instructions. We appreciate your cooperation as we work to keep the trails in good condition.
Last updated on: Monday, June 14, 2021
Contact the park
984-867-8240
william.umstead@ncparks.gov
Addresses
Crabtree Creek access
and visitor center
8801 Glenwood Ave.
Raleigh, NC 27617
GPS: 35.8905, -78.7502
Reedy Creek access
2100 N. Harrison Ave.
Cary, NC 27513
GPS: 35.8334, -78.7603
Hours
►
- November to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to April:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- May to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- November to February:
8:00am to 6:00pm
- March to April:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- May to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- Open daily:
8:00am to 5:00pm
- Exhibit Hall is open.
- Closed Christmas Day
►
- Tent and trailer family campground is open April 1 - October 31
- April:
8:00am to 8:00pm
- May to August:
8:00am to 9:00pm
- September to October:
8:00am to 8:00pm
List of trails
More than twenty miles of hiking trails provide access to most of William B. Umstead State Park. Visitors may choose between a short stroll along a nature trail or a more extensive hike into the woods. Either choice will be rewarding as the beauty and diversity of the park's natural resources are best seen from any one of its many trails. Some of the trails at the park interconnect; to avoid becoming lost, pay close attention to trail markers. No bikes or horses are allowed on hiking trails.
For people who prefer horseback or bicycling, approximately 13 miles of multiuse trails travel through some of the most scenic and secluded parts of the park. Horses and bikes are restricted to the multiuse trails and are not permitted in other areas of the park, including hiking trails. Multiuse parking is available on Sycamore Road past Maple Hill Lodge. All visitors with horses must be able to provide proof of a negative equine infectious anemia (Coggins) test while visiting North Carolina State Parks. All equestrians must check in at the Visitor Center, which is located off Highway 70/Glenwood Avenue, prior to riding on the multiuse trails.
Company Mill Trail
Location: Reedy Creek Entrance (2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary)
Description:
Company Mill Trail begins with the one mile spur to Crabtree Creek and the site of Company Mill. After crossing the bridge, the spur connects to the loop. Scenic areas along the trail include the banks of Crabtree and Sycamore Creek. Signs of an additional mill, Lynn Mill, can be found along Sycamore Creek.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
5.80 miles
loop
5.80 miles
loop
Difficulty:
moderate hike
moderate hike
Blaze:
Orange Squares
Orange Squares
Inspiration Trail
Location: Reedy Creek Entrance (2100 N Harrison Ave, Cary)
Description:
A short loop that connects to Company Mill Trail. A section of the trail follows a small stream to the south. To the north, the trail offers views into the slopes along Crabtree Creek with dense thickets of mountain laurel. Benches are available along the route and several species of trees are identified with interpretive signs.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
0.40 miles
loop
0.40 miles
loop
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
Loblolly Trail
Location: Back righthand corner of the Reedy Creek Entrance parking lot.
Description:
This out and back trail crosses Reedy Creek and continues to the park boundary. For those looking to venture farther, the trail connects to Schenck Forest. Options for loops are available at intersections with the park’s multi-use trail at Reedy Creek Trail and South Turkey Creek Trail.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
2.70 miles
one way
2.70 miles
one way
Difficulty:
moderate hike
moderate hike
Blaze:
Blue Squares
Blue Squares
Multiuse Trails
Location:
Description:
Trace along a route through local history. Much of the park’s multi-use trail was at one time roads that connected a small farming community. There are several options for accessing the trail with the main trailhead located at the end of Sycamore Road. Reedy Creek Trail connects to the Cary and Raleigh greenway systems.
Surface:
Length:
13.00 miles
13.00 miles
Difficulty:
moderate hike
moderate hike
Blaze:
red circle
red circle
Oak Rock Trail
Location: Small Parking lot at Crabtree Creek Picnic Area.
Description:
A short loop includes the feature for which the trail is named as a highlight. The trail crosses a small stream, Sal’s Branch, at two points along the route. Stonework including a check dam and culvert are signs of early projects to restore the land and build a park. This is also the park’s TRACK Trail.
Surface: natural surface
Length:
0.60 miles
loop
0.60 miles
loop
Difficulty:
easy hike
easy hike
Blaze:
White Squares
White Squares
Park Maps and Brochures:
