William B. Umstead State Park

William B. Umstead State Park covers 5,599 acres between Raleigh and Cary, about ten miles northwest of downtown. It is a genuine retreat from the city, with more than 22 miles of hiking trail and a network of multiuse routes beyond that.

There are two entrances: Crabtree Creek off Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh, and Reedy Creek on North Harrison Avenue in Cary. Three manmade lakes and their tributaries sit inside the park, and they are good for fishing. The land is all in Wake County, and the trails are open to walkers, cyclists and riders.

What to know

• Company Mill Trail is the signature route, a moderate loop of 5.8 miles.
• Thirteen miles of trail are open to bikes and another thirteen to horses.
• Both entrances have picnic shelters, and the camping areas are at Crabtree Creek.
• Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge offer rustic overnight stays without modern camping amenities.
• Gate access changes with the season, so it is worth checking before you go.