HIKING SAL’S BRANCH TRAIL IN UMSTEAD STATE PARK (GOOD FOR ALL LEVELS)

Lined Circle

When you visit Raleigh (or live in Raleigh) and love nature trails through the forest, biking, trail running, picnicking, camping, canoeing, or even horseback riding, don’t miss William B. Umstead State Park. 

With more than 5,000 acres of forest, the park is easily accessible from Interstate 40 and US-70, and is located just 15-minutes drive from downtown Raleigh. 

This is North Carolina’s most visited state park and our favorite of the parks in Raleigh – it’s a natural oasis surrounding three man made lakes. 

The Sal’s Branch Trail is probably the most popular of the Umstead park trails. 

Sal’s Branch Trail is an easy to moderate 2.8 mile loop trail good for all fitness levels through the woods with lake views about half way. Dogs can use this trail too but must be kept on leash! 

We hiked this trail with our two kids (aged 13 and 9) which took about an hour at a leisurely pace with stops for photos and a brief rest at the lake. 

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